Working Families of Rochester

In 1998 party was launched and set it's first priority as raising the state's $5.15 minimum wage. Helped get special interest money out of New York city politics with a strong campaign finance law. in 2001, worked on campaigns to pass living wage bills in Suffolk and New York City
In 2002, worked with Transit workers to stop lay offs. Westchester County living wage bill. In 2003, reinstated stock transfer tax to stop NYC budget cuts. fought for progressive revenue increases to stop service cuts in schools and health care. In 2004, defeat of Albany D.A. led to reforms of Rockefeller Drug Laws. Won an increase in the Minimum wage to $7.15
In 2005, won living wage in Nassau County for contracted workers. Also worked to defend Social Security. In 2006, created thousands of jobs in Central and Western NY building infrastructure for a sustainable energy system. In 2007, passed Fair Share for Health Care in NYC and Suffolk County, requiring large retailers to provide benefits. In 2008, Property Tax Relief was passed in the assembly. Our "Circuit Breaker" plan has yet to pass the State Senate. In 2009, drafted and helped pass Green Jobs-Green NY to lower utility costs for homeowners, protect the environment, and creat much-needed jobs. In 2010, pass Fair Share Tax Reform to avoid terrible cuts in education and health care. In 2018, we got rid of the Independent Democratic Caucus, a group of Democratic Senators who stopped progressive legislation by caucusing with Republicans and replaced them with WFP champions. In 2020, we doubled ballot turnout on our line and became one of four remaining parties in NYS. We also flipped the entire Monroe County legislature with our WFP slate of candidates. In 2021, we have already beat back Republican challenges to our line and we are prepared for many wins ahead!