Fix the MTA
The MTA is failing. Subways are overcrowded; delays are frequent, while repairs are slow and overly expensive. The State has failed in its duties to properly fund and oversee the MTA. This is how we can fix it:
- $9 Billion Investment in Repairs and Upgrades
In 2015 Governor Cuomo removed $2.2 billion from the MTA’s long term repair plan, depleting the Agency of resources to maintain and repair the increasingly dysfunctional Subway system. Although the Governor pledged $8.3 billion in State funds for the MTA, a pledge is not a promise. I will fight for legislation securing the $9 billion in support and changing the pledge to a guarantee.
- Local Control
Why does a Senator from Buffalo, New York have as much say over the New York City Subway as a Senator from Queens? Why does an Assemblyman from Syracuse, New York get as much input on bus routes in Central Queens as the Assemblymen who represent the area? We need to pass legislation which gives greater control of the transit system to the people who live in the area the system services.
- Expansion
When the Subway system’s transit lines in Queens were planned the borough’s population was about half a million people. Today, Queens is home to over 2.3 million people. We need a transit system which reflects the population realities of 2017 and not 1927.
- LIRR Price Parity
On average Queens commuters pay $0.70 to $1.00 per mile of travel on the LIRR compared to Nassau County commuters, $0.40 to $0.65, and Suffolk commuters, $0.20 to $.40. This LIRR pricing scheme amounts to nothing more than urban discrimination where Queens residents are punished for living in New York City and not in the city’s suburbs. We need to force the LIRR to pass an equitable pricing plan which creates fare parity for all consumers regardless of residence.
Ethics Reform
New York State government is one of the most corrupt governments in the country. In the last five years 13 New York State Assemblymen and Senators have been arrested and convicted for crimes including but not limited to fraud, bribery and embezzlement. This is how we can reform:
- One Seat One Job
Elected Representatives should have one job, to represent the constituents who elected them. I will work to ban outside employment for state legislators.
- Ballot Access
Ever go to the ballot box to find an incumbent running unopposed? Competitive elections are the backbone of our democracy. I will work to lower the obstacles candidates face to get on the ballot.
- Reform Special Elections
Too often politicians relinquish their seat early, triggering a special election, and allowing political party insiders to choose a district’s next elected official. I will introduce legislation protecting constituents from this un-democratic practice.
- Ending Political Gerrymandering
When a legislative district is drawn for an incumbent and not its constituents, the people lose. I will fight to end political gerrymandering.
Protecting Senior Citizens
Seniors deserve the respect and support of our community, but New York State’s laws have failed this demographic in providing access to affordable legal services and government programs. What the State should do:
- Expand Access to Pro-Bono Legal Services
Many Seniors who are on fixed incomes are forced to navigate overly burdensome and bureaucratic government agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Human Resource Administration with little to no legal assistance. New York State needs to invest in
- Increase Basic Needs for Nursing Home Residents
Seniors residing in nursing homes under long term care are required to contribute their entire income to the State. In exchange, they get to live in a nursing home and receive $50 to pay for all of their basic needs. This isn’t right. Our Seniors deserve more autonomy and more disposable financial resources. I will fight to increase the amount they receive in basic needs.
- Establish Statewide Dental Coverage for Seniors
Without an expensive supplement plan, Medicare doesn’t provide dental coverage and Medicaid makes dental coverage feel like pulling teeth. I will move to establish a statewide program where Seniors can receive affordable dental coverage.
Protecting Small Businesses
Small businesses are essential components within the social fabric of our neighborhoods. But small businesses are fighting an uphill battle against skyrocketing rent, unscrupulous landlords, and a burdensome tax code. This results in empty storefronts along our streets and lost commercial services in our communities. We can do better:
- Access to Legal Assistance for Small Businesses
Many small businesses are vulnerable to unscrupulous landlords who subject them to various conditions of harassment. Most businesses are forced to either close up shop or retain expensive legal assistance, whose costs are then passed on to the consumer. To combat this practice I will work to establish programs which will furnish our small businesses with affordable legal services.
- Affordable Commercial Rent Programs
Rents, both residential and commercial, are out of control throughout our city. While many politicians have focused on affordable housing they have so far neglected affordable storefronts for our small businesses, leaving many streets with vacant lots and local business owners out of work.
Combating anti-Semitism and Religious Hate
After the events in Charlottesville it’s clear that anti-Semitism, as well as Nazism, is alive and well in the United States. New York is not immune. According to the Anti-Defamation League, since 2016, New York State has seen a 50% increase in anti-Semitic attacks. This is what we can do:
- Create a Statewide Task Force to Combat anti-Semitism and All Forms of Religious Hatred.
- Legislatively Codify Executive Order No. 157
Public Assistance Reform
Our Public Assistance system is in shambles. According to state law an individual can survive in New York City on a monthly income of $398. This unrealistic expectation has directly led to the city’s current homeless crisis and has left thousands of New Yorkers vulnerable to homelessness. This is what we should do:
- Increase the Standard of Need
- Give Local Agencies Greater Flexibility to Address the Homeless Crisis
- Extinguish the Gross Income Test for Public Assistance Eligibility