Dia Carabajal’s Top Priorities
Dia Carabajal attends the 2020 Democratic Convention as a Biden delegate virtually. Photo by Kevin Rivoli for The Citizen
Responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic
The pandemic has brought emotional, mental and economic hardship to families and businesses across Central New York, our state, and our country. New Yorkers deserve public servants who are dedicated to their communities, and a government that is responsive to the needs of the community. The pandemic is revealing the flaws in our current healthcare system. We need leaders who we can trust to stand up for our families, for our workers, for our small businesses, and for our entire region. Working together, Dia knows we will make it through these challenging times. She will remain focused on helping families and businesses recover safely.
Economic Development through Arts and Culture
The nonprofit arts and cultural industry has a significant impact on local and regional economies. I will support arts initiatives and opportunities to grow this business sector. There are already several successful arts businesses and initiatives in our assembly district: The Rev Theatre (Merry-Go-Round), Auburn Public Theatre, Dickens Christmas and the Skaneateles Festival, as well as, The Homer Center for the Arts.
Nationally this sector generates $135 Billion and 4.1 million jobs and generates $22.3 in local, state, and federal revenue for this region.
Americans for the Arts Arts and Prosperity 5 “nonprofit arts and culture industry is an economic driver in communities—a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism.”
I served on the team that brought the DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) grant to Auburn. This grant will leverage another $25 million in private investment. Arts and Culture Projects included Cafe 108 at the Auburn Public Theatre; West End Arts Campus; Public Arts Initiative; Seward House Restorations and Restorations to Willard Chapel.
Equal Rights Heritage Center - The Largest Central New York URI (Upstate Revitalization Initiative) construction project awarded in Cayuga County of $10 million. The project also used funds $500,000 of State DOT grants and $50,000 in NYSERDA funding. This project helped to connect downtown Auburn to the Historic District which includes the Seward House Museum and the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.
The renovation of Holland Stadium ($2.8 Million Capital Project) and Falcon Park ($6 Million improvements) . Sports venues draw tourism and host cultural events. The improvements to both of these facilities include plans to expand events and programming at both sports facilities.
I support the balanced model of supporting arts and culture similar to that of Canada. This approach funds the arts through public, private, and earned income equally and recognizes the value of arts and culture on the economy.
I would also like to explore investment in public art when NYS capital funds are used for public and private construction and renovation similar to that of New Mexico.
Public Arts Funding and Initiatives through Capital projects; Advocacy for the Arts and Arts Facilities. I will support New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) and New York's film incentive program. Through the Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV) tax credits can be granted to film productions.
Education & School Funding
As a thirty-year educator Dia knows that great schools and access to quality, affordable higher education are the keys to our children’s future. As a NYSUT member Dia has been in the fight for the Foundation Aid funding our schools are owed. Dia will address school overcrowding, fight for safe schools free of lead and other toxins, oppose any new developments that don’t include plans for the increased demand on our schools, continue to work to get schools the funding they are owed, and end the over-reliance on standardized testing.
As a Professor at Cayuga Community College she understands the struggles of higher ed to maintain funding levels from the state and the challenges that higher ed in NYS faces. Base Aid has remained flat forcing tuition increases and faculty and staff reductions. Fighting for Community Colleges and Higher will continue to be a priority.
She is committed to addressing inequality in our school system, fighting to end the school-to-prison pipeline, and breaking down the barriers and inequalities that have led to deeply segregated schools. She will continue to be a tireless champion for better public schools, and work with parents, teachers, and administrators to give all kids the opportunities they deserve.
Environmental Protection
From the Harmful Algal Blooms in our Finger Lakes and the Kettle Lakes of Onondaga and Cortland Counties, to the invasive species that threaten our hemlock trees, we are living through examples of existential climate disruption. To protect our Finger Lakes region, we need to transition to clean, renewable energy.
We also must improve the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses, and upgrade our infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. With every passing month, the federal government rolls back environmental regulations that would protect New York’s clean water, clean air, and clean soil. We need to strengthen climate protections in our state to keep our families safe and healthy.
Social Justice
Unequivocally, Black Lives Matter. As a nation, and as public servants, it is our responsibility to confront systems of racial injustice and work to reform them wherever they are. I support these common sense policies that have been shown to make our communities safer.
Meaningful reform includes an end to mass incarceration, eliminating cash bail, and reform sentencing to eliminate prison for non-violent drug offenders. All of these practices have historically been used to target People of Color. Our leaders in government must truly meet the moment and enact real change.
Affordable Healthcare
I support the New York Health Act. Healthcare is a necessity and should be recognized as a fundamental right for all. All New Yorkers should have the right to equitable affordable, and accessible care in their communities.
