Member of Assembly, Chair Ways and Means Committee

Member of the Assembly since 1981

BA, American University
JD, New England School of Law

Member of the Assembly since 1981

I consider myself first and foremost to be, a tireless advocate for the children and families in my Assembly District and across NY State. To that end, in my nearly 4 decades serving in the State Assembly, I’ve utilized my seniority to lead the charge and author countless laws, establishing protections for domestic violence victims, forcing lenders and banks to maintain vacant properties, preventing foreclosures, shielding consumers from unfair banking and business practices, mandating seatbelts on school buses, and closing loopholes which made it too easy for landlords to price families out of their homes. This year, I fought hard to pass the State Budget, as the first female Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee; making great strides in strengthening our economy, supporting working people and preserving essential services. I take pride in my active and productive community office and devote much of my time to attending local events and overseeing district office programs.