Election Day is less than two weeks away and voters may have heard about the various candidates running for office, but in New York there are also voting questions on the back.
The proposal asks voters whether they will approve the Green Bond Act to borrow money to do clean water, clean air and green jobs. But what is in that act and what does it mean to you?
“Turn that ballot over and check yes. Vote yes,” said Aaron Mare of the Adirondack Council.
A wide coalition of advocacy groups has rallied in support of the law.
“Investing now will help address future costs,” said NYPIRG Rep. Blair Horner.
The proposal would ask voters to approve up to $4.2 billion to fund environmental protection, nature restoration, resilience and clean energy projects.
“According to the Albany Water Department, 40% of homes in our city are connected to lead service lines,” said Erika Sitka of the New York State League of Women Voters.
Proponents say if approved, it would help communities replace lead pipes, improve sewers and maintain water treatment plants.
“This investment will create 100,000 jobs, which are great jobs for local unions,” said Vincent Albanese of the New York State Fund for Workers’ Organization.
Legislators and environmentalists say many people may not be familiar with how the state’s environmental assurance laws work because they rarely get the chance to do so.
“The costs of issuing and repaying the debt are now budgeted,” said Patrick Orecki of the Citizens Budget Commission. He said that it is necessary to be strategic about what is used.
“It is critically important for states to assess what their most pressing needs are, identify the most cost-effective projects and programs to invest in, and work with existing state and new federal funding sources. will be,” said Orecki.
Some have questioned whether this is a wise approach given the volatile economy, but supporters of the bill say now is the perfect time.
“Clean air, water, jobs. Our community, country and planet depend on you.”
