In response to the editorial, "Mr. Cuomo snubs his allies," April 28, we want to clear up a misperception.
The New York Women's Equality Coalition is working closely with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to build public and legislative support for the Women's Equality Agenda, proposed in his State of the State address.
As a result, support grows daily for correcting the inequalities New York women face and for the solutions contained within this agenda.
A recent Siena Research Institute poll shows two of the most talked about agenda items — strengthening laws to achieve pay equity and protecting reproductive freedom for women — are supported by more than 80 percent of New York voters.
When women have control over important areas of their lives — jobs, housing and their reproductive futures — they can more fully participate socially and economically.
This is why the leaders of the 800-plus women's, business, religious, labor and civil rights groups making up the coalition are working in partnership with one another, with Governor Cuomo and with lawmakers to make passage of the Women's Equality Agenda an immediate reality.
Our aim is to craft a legislative proposal that meets the concerns and demands of New York women and garners bipartisan support to pass both houses. Taking care in this process will help insulate women from being a political football.
We are proud of the coalition's cohesiveness and our success in working with Gov. Cuomo to raise awareness of and support for the agenda.
We look forward to new policies that will break down barriers for women, making history in New York and setting an example for the nation.
M. Tracey Brooks
Steering Committee member
New York Women's Equality Coalition