My Voting Philosophy
I was elected to office on a promise to be a different kind of legislator and that means making sure that every vote I take is thoughtful and considered. This can mean different things based on each piece of legislation, and I want to share my general thought process to better help voters understand how I arrive at my conclusions when representing them in the New York State Senate.
Overall, I consider:
Whether the legislation is written clearly
What are the comments, input and feedback I receive from constituents, including
Emails and phone calls
Participation in public town hall meetings
What input can I obtain from legal and subject matter experts?
What input can I obtain from organizations we are endorsed by and co-governing with?
What opinions can we solicit from experts, community members and organizations?
Does the legislation as written align with my own lived experience and values?
Yes Votes:
Well-written bills aligned with my platform and personal values, for which there is a clear need, such as Good Cause or Build Public Renewables.
Bills that are broadly supported by my constituents and the coalition of organizations that support us in our work.
Bills that seek to make our state more just, protecting marginalized groups including Black and brown and LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
No Votes:
Bill language may be overly broad, inviting unintended consequences and impacts.
BIlls may take an approach that goes against my values, for example carceral bills that will have a disproportionate impact on Black and brown or other marginalized communities will rarely (if ever) have my support.
Bills that do not align with my values, particularly those which conflict with my value of ensuring all people are able to lead a life of dignity.
I have been one of the few senators to vote against the budget, a document that outlines our state’s moral values, and have voted no on other bills as appropriate. Being someone willing to say “no” is a result of being completely unbought by any special interest and being free to stand up for the things we believe in.
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