Public Advocate Mayors Have Priorities

Organize the grassroots and stage press conferences first, staff city agencies later:

Newly-minted Mayor Bill de Blasio this morning began the next phase of his push to raise taxes to fund universal pre-K, unleashing a “grassroots and online campaign” dubbed “UPKNYC” to build momentum for and pressure lawmakers in Albany to pass his signature campaign proposal.

“Hundreds of UPKNYC activists are at subway stops in all five boroughs this morning, handing out literature and signing up supporters, while dozens of organizations emailed hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, urging them to join the campaign,” according to a press release sent out this morning. In addition, activists will be “talking to New Yorkers at their doors, at house parties and at town halls throughout the City.” Later they plan to lobby lawmakers directly.