Progressive Capital of the Nation (New York State nickname)
New York State has been called the “progressive capital of the nation” by Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who was elected governor in 2010 and reelected in 2014. Cuomo referred to the progressive tradition in New York of support for issues such as women’s rights, gay rights, environmental rights and workers’ rights.
“We must turn this crisis into an opportunity to fundamentally remake our state into the progressive capital of the nation” was said by Andrew Cuomo at his January 2011 inauguration as governor. On the night of his reelection in 2014, Cuomo stated that New York had been restored as the “progressive capital of the nation” once again.
Wikipedia: Progressivism in the United States
Progressivism in the United States is a broadly based reform movement that reached its height early in the 20th century and is generally considered to be middle class and reformist in nature. It arose as a response to the vast changes brought by modernization, such as the growth of large corporations and railroads, and fears of corruption in American politics. In the 21st century, progressives continue to embrace concepts such as environmentalism and social justice. Social progressivism, the view that governmental practices ought to be adjusted as society evolves, forms the ideological basis for many American progressives.
CBS New York
Gov. Cuomo Delivers State Of The State Address
Says He’s Out To Change Realities, Eliminate Corruption
By Marcia Kramer
January 5, 2011 5:32 PM
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Governor Andrew Cuomo put New York lawmakers on notice Wednesday in his first state of the state address.
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“We must turn this crisis into an opportunity to fundamentally remake our state into the progressive capital of the nation,” Cuomo said.
NewYork magazine—Daily Intelligencer
June 26, 2011 10:10 p.m.
Andrew Cuomo Gets a Hero’s Welcome at New York Gay Pride Parade
By Mike Vilensky
Governor Andrew Cuomo was the the most popular man at Saturday’s 42nd annual gay pride parade, among a sea of men
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For his part, the governor said humbly, “New York is the progressive capital of the nation. It’s that once again, and it’s a pleasure to be part of it today.”
Google Books
We Do!:
American Leaders Who Believe in Marriage Equality
Edited by Madeleine Kunin and Jennifer Baumgardner
New York, NY: Akashic Books
2013
Pg. 156:
A New Level of Social Justice
Governor Andrew Cuomo
June 24, 2011
Pg. 157:
New York as a state, when it is at its finest, is a beacon for social justice. The legacy of this state was that we were the progressive capital of the nation. And when you look back at so many of the great progressive movements that were birthed here in New York—the women’s rights movement was birthed here in New York, the environmental rights movement was birthed here in New York, Storm King on the Hudson, the workers’ rights movement was birthed here in New York after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—all these great progressive movements—the gay rights movement was birthed at Stonewall. And what this state said today brings discussion of marriage equality to a new plane.
New York (NY) Times
Cuomo Works to Mend Fences With Liberals
By THOMAS KAPLAN and SUSANNE CRAIG MAY 11, 2014
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The frustration with Mr. Cuomo among left-leaning Democrats has been building for years. Although he proudly calls New York “the progressive capital of the nation,” the governor has been selective in choosing what progressive issues to champion, an approach that liberal activists and some Democratic lawmakers have found maddening.
Newsday (Long Island, NY)
New York a progressive capital? Take a closer look
Updated November 6, 2014 8:18 PM
By ANNE MICHAUD .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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In his victory speech Tuesday night, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said his win came in part because he restored New York “as the progressive capital of the nation.” Yes, New York was one of the first states to pass tougher gun restrictions. But we were closer to the middle of the pack in permitting same-sex marriage and medical marijuana.
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The end of this election season finds New York less the progressive capital of the nation and more entrenched in the middle.