Attorney General gives keynote address at SSDC reception

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — New York State Attorney General Letitia James was recently in the Spa City and issued a strong call for local Democratic candidates and supporters to campaign this year in defense of justice, reproductive rights, an end to gun violence, and democracy both in New York State and in other states around the country.

James was the featured speaker at a reception hosted by the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee at the Saratoga Casino and Hotel. All proceeds benefited the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee which educates, trains and finances local candidates.

“The Saratoga Springs Democrats were honored to meet and hear Tish James, and to be inspired by her message,” said Pat Tuz, Chair of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee.

James spoke to the enthusiastic audience about her office’s advocacy on behalf of working families and individuals in the realms of housing, corporate accountability, and public safety. She also encouraged Democrats to donate and assist Democratic Attorneys General who are fighting for justice in Nevada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where the outcomes of this year’s campaigns hang in the balance.

Former Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen introduced James and thanked her careful and persistent work as the people’s lawyer and serving as our guardian of the rights of the citizens of New York, its organizations, and natural resources.

“Tish James is a voice for the voiceless and we cannot thank her enough for striving to end food insecurity throughout our state and nation, fighting for SNAP benefits, and for reminding all that need reminding that abortion and reproductive rights are healthcare,” Yepsen said. “Tish James in all of her myriad actions is preserving and protecting our democracy, and going after violence provoked on social media.

“The commitment to and compassion she has shown for the 10 innocent lives we lost to white supremacy in Buffalo is remarkable.”

James also took the time that afternoon to meet with several leaders of the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness local nonprofit groups that develop and manage affordable and supportive housing for people with special needs, disabilities, and victims of domestic violence and of addiction.