Assembly To Introduce Resolution Calling For State Ports To Be Open To Cuba

While Gov. Andrew Cuomo's top aides continue to work on his April 20 New York State Cuba Trade Initiative trip, state Assemblymembers are chiming in to strengthen his effort.

At least 19 Assemblymembers are co-sponsoring a resolution calling on the governor to open the ports of the state so New York businesses can be more competitive in obtaining contracts to trade with the Republic of Cuba.

The resolution is expected to be introduced next Wednesday by Bronx Assemblyman José Rivera. "I want the governor to know that as we convene the SOMOS conference on March 20 we will be talking and analyzing his initiative to trade with Cuba," Rivera said. 

The resolution specifically asks Cuomo to "open up the shipping ports controlled by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to authorize exports of United States products to the Republic of Cuba and conduct public hearings on its economic benefits to the State of New York and the Northeast region."

Among the Assembly members listed as co sponsors of the resolution are David Weprin, Margaret Markey, Robert Rodriguez, Alec Brook-Krasny, Carmen Arroyo, Deborah Glick, Charles Barron, Latoya Joyner, Michael DenDekker, Walter Mosley, Marcos Crespo, Jeffrion Aubry, William Scarborough, Luis Sepulveda, Richard Gottfried, Philip Steck, Frank Skartados and Latrice Walker.

City & State asked Rivera if the governor is aware of the resolution. Rivera indicated that he reached out to a key Cuomo aide to brief the administration. "I was told that Bill Mulrow (Secretary to the Governor) would be contacting me about the resolution. That was about three weeks ago. But, I have not yet heard from him." 

Here is a copy of a draft of the resolution.  

Cuba Resolution Draft