New York - Rocky Chin, candidate for the 1st District Council race, is calling on City Council Members and other elected officials to listen up today as The New York Immigration Coalition ("NYIC") holds its "Immigrants Speak Out at City Hall" day. NYIC has organized a day full of activities at City Hall to call attention to key immigrant issues that require government action.
"Elected officials, take the time to stop and listen today!" said Rocky. "It is essential that all elected officials, and in particular City Council members who are in the midst of crucial budget negotiations, listen to the immigrants who will speak out at City Hall today about the dire need for improved education services for immigrant students, increased funding for English classes for adults, funding for immigrant legal services, and much more."
Currently, at least 50% of the City's school age children are from immigrant families. "Translation and interpretation services to aid parent involvement, as well as immigrant parent orientation and training must be provided to ensure that parents are able to fully participate in the education of their children," says Rocky. "I urge the City Council to support funding these services now! If elected to the City Council I'll fight for initiatives that ensure parents are not shut out from participating in the education of their children."
For over 20 years Rocky has been fighting on behalf of immigrants. Just last week, Rocky joined members of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO at the Grand Street subway station to distribute leaflets to educate the public about Immigration Law 245(i). If elected to the City Council, Rocky will continue his years of work on behalf of immigrants by highlighting the issues that matter most to immigrants.
Rocky has been a civil rights attorney at the New York City Human Rights Commission for 15-years, he is a past member of Community Board Three, and a long-time member of NYIC. For many years Rocky has been a staunch advocate for immigrant workers' rights, vigorous civil rights enforcement, police accountability, tough hate crimes legislation, and affordable housing for low income and working people. Rocky will draw upon his years of experience as a community leader and activist to bring about change for District 1.
For more information, contact Susan Stetzer at (212) 334-6558.
