Albany, NY – NYS Governor Cuomo has launched a huge effort to bring together a wide range of labor,
civic, business and industry partners to provide needed services, and funds to help the people of Puerto Rico. This initiative will greatly assist with the recovery and rebuilding of Puerto Rico.Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York said, “New Yorkers were heartbroken by the tragic weather events that destroyed the island of Puerto Rico, and today we are doing our part to help our brothers and sisters in need. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New Yorkers swung into action to deliver assistance and personnel to the people of Puerto Rico, and now the Empire State Relief and Recovery effort will directly help our brothers and sisters rebuild.
Hector Figueroa, President, 32BJ SEIU, said, “As the president of a union that represents thousands of Puerto Ricans in New York and along the East Coast, I want to thank Governor Cuomo and our New York elected officials who have not hesitated to mobilize resources to help our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters. Puerto Rico will need a great deal of our help in the days to come and we know we can count on our fellow New Yorkers to show their solidarity and generosity through the Empire State Relief Fund and the multiple initiatives that have been launched in the last few days. The road back to normality will be long and rocky for the millions of Boricuas who are suffering. Now is the time for our fellow Americans to stand in solidarity with Puerto Rico and demand lasting relief from the crisis we face today and the ones we faced long before this hurricane. We can use this opportunity to make the changes Puerto Rico needs to rebuild the island’s economy on a new foundation for growth and prosperity for all.”
George Miranda, President, Teamsters Joint Council 16 & President of Teamsters National Hispanic Caucus, said, “As our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico face the long road of recovery ahead, it is critical we make it clear that New York will stand by them every step of the way. With this new Empire State Relief and Recovery effort, Governor Cuomo offers Puerto Rico real and tangible relief for the weeks and months ahead. I am proud to join the governor to offer aid and assistance to our friends in need.”
