For immediate release: October 25, 2018

Hawkins Supports Universal Coverage with Single-Payer New York Health Act

Only Candidate for Governor Committed to Signing NY Health Act

Slams Insurance Industry and Business Council for Spreading Misinformation

Syracuse NY – Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins, standing outside of health insurance giant Blue Cross Blue Shield, announced that when elected Governor, he will sign into law the New York Health Act, making New York the first state in the nation to implement universal single payer healthcare.

“There’s only one way to cover everyone and save money, and that’s with the New York Health Act and Medicare for All. I am the only candidate running for governor who is committed signing the bill,” said Hawkins, a long time advocate for universal single-payer healthcare.

Hawkins slammed the Business Council, Blue Cross, and the health insurance industry for spreading misinformation about the New York Health Act: “They are scaring people with lies, on the radio and in mailers attacking candidates, claiming single payer healthcare and Medicare for all will end Medicare. In fact, NY Health Act will expand benefits to Medicare beneficiaries like myself because it will cover our vision, dental, hearing, and long-term care.”

“In addition, the NY Health Act will lower costs for Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating copays, deductibles, cost-sharing, and out-of-pocket fees for uncovered services. Those of us on Medicare will have better benefits at less cost to and still be able to have our choice of doctor and hospital. The New York Health Act will actually strengthen the Medicare program, and guarantee healthcare for everyone in our communities,” Hawkins said.

Shawagunk Journal (Mid-Hudson Valley): October 26, 2018

Also published in Wallkill Valley Times, New Paltz Times, and Times Herald-Record of Middletown.

...we have life-long peace, justice, and planet advocate, Howie Hawkins, on the Green party gubernatorial line, running for green renewable energy in the state by 2030, no new frack fuel plants or pipelines in the meantime, raising the minimum wage to a living wage, and supporting real education rather than corporations that push invalid standardized tests.

For immediate release: October 25, 2018

Notice of News Conference
Date: Thursday, October 25
Time: 11 AM
Location: outside Blue Cross Blue Shield, 221 South Warren St., Syracuse NY
Who: Howie Hawkins, Green Party for Governor; local health care advocates
What: Single Payer Health Care

Hawkins to call for NYS to Enact Single Payer Health Care
Will Outline Problems with Present Health Insurance System

Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, will hold a news conference in Syracuse on Thursday, October 25th to call for New York State to adopt a single payer universal health care system.

Hawkins will be  joined by Syracuse advocates who will discuss why they support the effort to pass and implement the New York Health Act.

WBNG TV Binghamton: October 24, 2018

Video

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — Green Party nominee, Howie Hawkins, made a stop in Binghamton today to speak about criminal justice reform.

During his stop he spoke about Tuesday night’s debate between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Marc Molinaro.

“They excluded those of us who are trying to bring real issues to the forefront and instead they had a debate where again, they did not talk about upstate issues. How are we going to redevelop the economy upstate?” said Hawkins.

Hawkins’ and other third party candidates are hoping for another debate, including everyone, ahead of the November 6th election.

At this time, there are no other gubernatorial debates scheduled.

WENY TV, Horseheads (ABC, CBS, CW): October 24, 2018

Video

CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- With election day nearing one of the New York Gubernatorial candidates took his travels to Corning today. The Green Party representative stopped by Hakes Landfill and then to Market Street to present his agenda to local residents.

Howie Hawkins continues on the path of his campaign trail here in the Southern Tier. After his stop at the landfill, the Syracuse native made his way up and down Market Street hitting up as many businesses and restaurants he could. After politely greeting all who would hear what he had to say, Howie went into the key points of what he stands for including a big increase in solar and wind power, adding clean energy jobs, and working to stop fracking in the Empire State.

Fox 40 WICZ TV, Binghamton: October 24, 2018

Video

WETM TV 18, Elmira: October 24, 2018

Howie Hawkins

Howie Hawkins of the Green Party is a self-described socialist "who believes in self-organization, independent political action, and international solidarity by the working class and oppressed people for full political and economic democracy."

A member of "The Movement" in the 1960s in San Francisco, Hawkins enlisted in the Marines when his draft number was called in 1972. He remains a member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War as well as a member of the American Legion Dunbar Post 1642 in Syracuse.

Hawkins is currently the Secretary for the Eat To Live Food Cooperative and Treasurer for the Southside Community Coalition,

As the Green Party's candidate for Governor of New York in 2010 and 2014, he campaigned for a ban on fracking, 100% clean energy by 2030, single-payer healthcare, an end to Governor Cuomo's test-punish-privatize-and-segregate education agenda, and for progressive taxes and revenue sharing.

For more information visit his official campaign website.

Capitol Pressroom: October 24, 2018

Audio

In 2014, Howie Hawkins received nearly five percent in that year’s gubernatorial election and achieved automatic ballot access for the Green Party. With an upcoming five way gubernatorial contest, will he be able to build on that success?

In the second of our interviews with the candidates seeking to be the next Governor of New York, the Green Party’s gubernatorial nominee Howie Hawkins stops by to discuss his stances on key issues including taxation, economic development, and the environment.

WBNF, Binghamton: October 24, 2018

Audio

Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for New York governor, says debates should feature all of those who are seeking the office.

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo faced one challenger, Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in a New York City debate on Tuesday.

Hawkins, during an interview on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday, said New York residents deserve more than a single debate featuring the two major party candidates.

Hawkins renewed his proposal for four debates in four cities on four topics: the economy, government reform, climate and the environment, and social policies.

Hawkins, who lives in Syracuse, said he believes it is wrong to exclude candidates who will be on the ballot on November 6 just because they aren't affiliated with one of the major parties.

Hawkins said "Marc Molinaro's chances of winning this race are about as good as mine - so why is he included and not me?"

Libertarian Party candidate Larry Sharpe will be on the general election ballot as a candidate for governor, as will former Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner, who will represent the Serve America Movement.

For immediate release: October 24, 2018

Hawkins Calls for Criminal Justice Reforms to Stop Discrimination Against the Poor and People of Color

Binghamton – Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, called today for an overhaul of the state’s criminal justice system to ensure that all people are treated fairly regardless of race, age or economic status.

Hawkins stated his support to abolish cash bail for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies; enforcement of the right for a speedy trial; full funding for a statewide public defenders’ office; banning solitary confinement; ban the box; and passage of the Child Victims Act.

Hawkins has long called for an end to the war on drugs starting with the legalization of marijuana. He also repeated his call for the establishment of a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission to address the impact of mass incarceration on people of color.