Celebrating its 30th anniversary conference from Feb. 16-19, the New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus was virtually flooded with candidates for political office from across the state, a testament to the political powerhouse it has become.

“No one could have anticipated 30 years ago how important this institution would be,” said DC 37 Political Action Chair Donald Afflick. Mr. Afflick headed a delegation of about 100 DC 37 members, who attended workshops on topics including environmental justice, predatory lending practices and educational funding.

Lois Percy, a School Aide in Local 372, said that especially after the recent court decision on equity in education funding, it is important for legislators to hear from union members and community activists. Lee Fernandez of Board of Education Clerical Employees Local 1251 said she was especially interested in how the legislators have an impact on school budgets.

Custodial Employees Local 1597 member James Brown said the conference “is very important for our young people. To see so many union members so involved in these areas is good for them.”

A workshop on immigration issues featured experts on recent legislation, including Chief Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix of DC 37’s Immigration Program.

Members of DC 37 at the conference received State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, a candidate in next year’s race for governor, like a hero. “When I am with you, I feel like I am at home,” he said.

U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, aspiring City Council candidates and all four candidates for mayor made it a point to join the 6,000 participants from all over the state.

The caucus got its inspiration in 1966 with the now legendary Midnight Walk by a handful of Black and Puerto Rican legislators to the Assembly offices to negotiate political inclusion and fair distribution of the budget.

Today’s 35 Black and Puerto Rican legislators do not have to walk at midnight to bring attention to their issues; they challenge unfair budgets every year. This year, caucus members will be working closely with DC 37 and other unions to win real job programs and protect the safety net for the poor and disabled.

“Over the years, we have built an alliance that has benefited both union members and the communities that caucus members represent through such actions as the passage of last year’s COLA bill,” said DC 37 Deputy Administrator Eliot Seide.