Syracuse, NY – Today, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare (NCPSSM) endorsed Dana Balter, Democratic nominee for Congress in New York’s 24th district. NCPSSM was founded in 1982 to serve as an advocate for the landmark federal programs of Social Security and Medicare and for all Americans who seek a healthy, productive and secure retirement.
“There are many good reasons why New York voters in the 24th district need to elect Dana Balter to Congress,” said Max Richtman, Chairman of the NCPSSM. “Social Security and Medicare — these vital programs, your programs you’ve paid into and deserve, are at risk right now, and Dana knows how important it is to protect them. Vote Dana Balter for Congress on November 3rd. You deserve a better future, and Dana Balter will always work hard to make that happen.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare,” said Dana Balter. “Social Security and Medicare are absolutely vital for people in our district and around the country, but John Katko has put these programs at risk by prioritizing massive tax cuts for his corporate mega-donors. When I’m in Congress, I’ll fight to make sure we protect — not cut — these critical programs.”
Balter’s vocal support for Social Security and Medicare stands in stark contrast to Representative John Katko’s repeated votes to undermine the programs. In 2017, Representative Katko voted for Trump’s tax law, which Republicans plan to pay for by cutting Social Security and Medicare. Rep. Katko also supported the so-called ‘Balanced Budget Amendment,’ which threatened Social Security and Medicare, and last year, he voted with Trump to block Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices.
In addition to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, Balter has received endorsements from the following groups: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), EMILY’s List, End Citizens United, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Let America Vote, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Giffords PAC, Moms Demand Action, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, the Working Families Party, Communications Workers of America (CWA), New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), National Organization for Women PAC (NOW PAC), Democracy for America, Indivisible, MoveOn, and PeaceAction.
A list of Balter’s endorsements from elected officials can be found here.
Dana Balter maintains a strong position in the race. The latest polling in the race shows Balter leading Katko 48% to 46%, and last week, Politico moved NY-24 from ‘Lean Republican’ to ‘Toss-Up.’ The Washington Post and Roll Call both rank NY-24 as one of the top 3 most vulnerable Republican House seats. In August, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden each announced their support of Dana Balter, including her among their first endorsements of the cycle.
Dana is a lifelong educator, receiving her first paycheck at the age of twelve for teaching at Sunday school. Early in her career, she was a teacher and director of education at a disability services nonprofit and recently taught at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. Dana Balter was the 2018 Democratic nominee for Congress in NY-24, where her campaign smashed fundraising records and came closer than any Democrat ever has to defeating John Katko.
