New Haven, Connecticut: Is It A Liberal City?
New Haven, Connecticut has been known as a liberal city since the early 20th century. It is the home of Yale University and is known for its progressive social policies and vibrant arts and culture scene. But what exactly makes New Haven a liberal city?
Politics
New Haven is a Democratic stronghold. In the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama won the city by an overwhelming margin of 77.4% to John McCain’s 21.7%. In the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton won the city with 79.5% of the vote to Donald Trump’s 18.7%. New Haven also has a history of electing progressive politicians to its city council and mayor. For example, Mayor Toni Harp has been in office since 2014 and has championed a number of liberal policies, such as expanding access to early childhood education and making the city a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.
Social Issues
New Haven is a leader in progressive social policies. The city was one of the first to pass a living wage ordinance, requiring employers to pay their workers a minimum of $10.10 an hour. The city also provides health care benefits to all of its full-time employees, regardless of their immigration status. In addition, New Haven has passed legislation to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and to make sure that all citizens have access to affordable housing.
Culture and Arts
New Haven is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to the renowned Yale University Art Gallery, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, and numerous theater companies. The city is also home to a number of world-class museums, such as the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Knights of Columbus Museum. The city is also home to a number of festivals, such as the New Haven Jazz Festival and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
Conclusion
New Haven, Connecticut is a liberal city. It has a history of electing progressive politicians, is a leader in progressive social policies, and has a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene. Whether you’re looking for progressive politics or a thriving arts and culture scene, New Haven has it all.