Freelancers Union Announces 2009 NYC Candidate Endorsements

Country’s Largest Independent Worker Organization Throws Support Behind Yassky, de Blasio & Others

NEW YORK--Freelancers Union, a registered 501(c)(4) non-profit organization and the leading advocate for America’s independent workforce, announced its endorsements for the 2009 New York City elections. Among the candidates receiving the Freelancers Union endorsement are David Yassky for Comptroller, Bill de Blasio for Public Advocate, Christine Quinn for City Council and numerous other Council candidates.

As the independent workforce -- comprising freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, contingent employees and the self-employed -- continues to grow, their social safety net continues to fray. Freelancers are the backbone of the modern economy, but employment laws have not kept pace: as a group, they are over-taxed, uninsured and have few workplace protections. This endorsement process is one component of Freelancers Union’s commitment to change that.

Freelancers Union, which has 75,000 members in New York, will be making individual campaign contributions via its newly launched Political Action Committee, which raised more than $30,000 in combined member and corporate donations for its first fundraising drive. The organization will also mobilize its members in support of targeted candidates, using both traditional on-the-ground strategies, as well as viral and guerrilla marketing tactics, leveraging the members online social networks and internet savvy to make an impact in key races.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in the campaign process for the first time,” said Sara Horowitz, founder and executive director of Freelancers Union. “This is a crucial time for NYC politics and through recent victories, such as reform of the Unincorporated Business Tax and the success of our PAC launch, it is evident that the voices of the City’s freelancers want and need to be heard.”

Ms. Horowitz continued: “For the last eight years, David Yassky has been a powerful advocate for independent workers. As Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Small Business, he championed legislation providing real tax relief to New York City’s self-employed. He stood with us every step of the way – including on the steps of City Hall - so we’re standing with him now. Freelancers Union endorses David Yassky for Comptroller, so he can continue to deliver results for freelancers across the city.

“Bill de Blasio is a progressive reformer who knows that everyone should have access to the social safety net- regardless of how they work. As Public Advocate, he’ll lead the fight for affordable health insurance, retirement security and unemployment protection for New York City’s independent workers. Freelancers need an innovative leader, that’s why we’re endorsing Bill de Blasio for Public Advocate.”
Freelancers Union also endorsed the following candidates for City Council in Manhattan: Rosie Mendez (D-2); City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-3); Daniel Garodnick (D-4); Jessica Lappin (D-5); Gale Brewer (D-6); Robert Jackson (D-7) and Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-8). In the Bronx: Oliver Koppell (D-11) and Andy King (D-12). In Queens: Mark Weprin (D-23); Helen Sears (D-25); Jimmy Van Bramer (D-26) and Lynn Schulman (D-29). In Brooklyn: Evan Thies (D-33); Martiza Davilla (D-34); Letitia James (D-35); Brad Lander (D-39) and Jumaane Williams (D-45). For Staten Island: Debi Rose (D-49).

About Freelancers Union: Freelancers Union is a 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for the independent workforce. Freelancers Union also offers health, dental, life, disability insurance and retirement plans to many of its more than 120,000 members nationwide. In addition to insurance and benefits packages, its members enjoy professional discounts, networking opportunities and educational workshops and participate in advocacy initiatives to improve the political and economic climate for this growing sector of the workforce. Freelancers Union is affiliated with Working Today, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does research and policy work. Visit Freelancers Union online at www.freelancersunion.org.