NEW YORK – Greek-American New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris sent out a message on June 22 to voters ahead of the Democratic Primary, reminding everyone to vote and thanking them for their support in his re-election campaign.

The text of the message follows:

Dear Friend, 

First and foremost, I hope you and your loved ones are well. The coronavirus pandemic has profoundly impacted all New Yorkers, and as your Senator I've been focused on doing my part to keep our communities safe and healthy. Yet even as the crisis continues to upend our daily lives, we still have an election coming up. I want to thank you for applying for an absentee ballot to vote in the June 23 Democratic Primary so you can make your voice heard during this critical time. 

Before you cast your ballot, I'd like to personally ask for your support and let you know what I have been doing over the last several months to help our community get back on its feet. 

Starting in March, I helped pass a $40 million emergency relief package to better equip our state and local health departments to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. With the economy shut down by government order, I drafted legislation to provide rent and mortgage relief to tenants, homeowners, and small businesses across the state – the first legislation of its kind in the nation. I demanded the Department of Labor make the unemployment application process less cumbersome for out-of-work New Yorkers. And I've spent every day supporting local relief efforts by volunteering with community organizations and securing 1,000 face masks for mutual aid groups and food pantries.

Amid all of this, we continue working to tackle the issues our community will face going forward: truly affordable housing, our economic recovery, and meaningful justice reforms. I was proud to secure more than $15 billion in new funding for mass transit and deliver the strongest protections for tenants in New York State history – but there is so much more to do.

I hope to have your support in the Democratic Primary on June 23 so we can continue our work to make New York a stronger, fairer state for everyone. 

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Gianaris

Deputy Majority Leader