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Aravella Simotas

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Aravella Simotas
Member of theNew York State Assembly
from the36thdistrict
In office
January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2020
Preceded byMichael Gianaris
Succeeded byZohran Mamdani
Personal details
Born(1978-10-09)October 9, 1978(age 45)
Rhodesia(nowZimbabwe)
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseJohn Katsanos
Children1
EducationFordham University(BA,JD)
Signature
WebsiteOfficial website

Aravella Simotas(born October 9, 1978) is an American politician who representedDistrict 36,covering parts of WesternQueens,which includesAstoriaand parts ofLong Island City,in theNew York State Assemblyas a member of theDemocratic Party.

Education and early life[edit]

Simotas was born inRhodesia.She emigrated to the United States fromGreeceand settled in Astoria with her parents and brother when she was an infant.[1][2]She graduated from P.S. 17, Junior H.S. 126, andWilliam C. Bryant High School.[1][2][3]

She received aB.A.degree (summa cum laude) fromFordham Universityin 1999, followed by aJ.D.degree from theFordham University School of Lawin 2002.[1][2][3]During law school, she was the managing editor at theFordham Environmental Law Journal.[1][3][4]

Early career[edit]

Simotas began her career in public service as a district representative forSpeaker of the New York City Council,Peter Vallone Sr.and later forNew York City CouncilmemberPeter Vallone Jr.[2]While at law school, she also worked at theNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation.[1][5]

After law school, Simotas served as alaw clerkat theUnited States Court of International Tradeand later practiced law in New York City.[2][3]

Simotas served as a member of theQueens Community Planning Boardand the United Community Civic Association.[1][5]

Electoral history[edit]

Politics of New York
Constitution and law
Executive
  • State Cabinet

See also:

Legislature
Judiciary
Elections
Inferior jurisdictions
Congressional delegation

2010 election[edit]

Simotas was first elected to office in 2010. She received the Democratic Party nomination and ran unopposed in the November 2, 2010, general election.[6][7][8][9][10]

2012 election[edit]

Simotas was unopposed in the 2012 Democratic primary. In the general election, sheran on boththe Democratic andWorking Families Partylines and was opposed byRepublicanJulia Haitch.[11]

According to preliminary results collected by theDaily News,Simotas won re-election to the State Assembly, for the new District 36, in the general election on November 6, 2012, with 84% of the vote.[12]

2020 election[edit]

She lost her 2020 Democratic primary toDemocratic SocialistZohran Mamdani.[13][14]

Committee assignments[edit]

Simotas'sCommittee Assignmentsas of 2018 included:

Simotas was appointed Chair of the Assembly's Ethics and Guidance Committee in 2017.[16]Under her leadership, the Committee updated the Assembly's policy prohibiting harassment and discrimination to require expedited investigations and expand the types of conduct violating the policy.[17]

From 2014 to 2017, Simotas served as Chair of the Assembly's Task Force on Women's Issues and Administrative and Regulatory Review Commission.[18]

Policy positions[edit]

Sexual violence[edit]

In 2012, Simotas introduced the "Rape is Rape" bill to expand the definition of rape in New York State law to include forced anal and oral sexual contact.[19][20]The bill has passed in the Assembly every year since 2013.[21]

Simotas sponsored legislation in 2016 to combat the rape kit backlog by mandating timely processing and testing of rape kits.[22][23]In 2017, she introduced legislation to establish a Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights and prevent premature destruction of evidence.[24]The bill was signed into law in 2018.[25]

In 2019, the legislature passed Simotas' bill to extend New York's five-year statute of limitations for second- and third-degree rape to 20 years and 10 years, respectively.[26][27]

Simotas authored a package of bills aimed at strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace and pushed the legislature to hold the first public hearings on the subject in 27 years.[28]In June 2019, the legislature passed Simotas' bill to eliminate the severe or pervasive standard for harassment claims, extend the time period for employees to file complaints, hold employers accountable for harassment committed by supervisors, and establish protections for workers who sign non-disclosure agreements.[29]

Simotas has sponsored a series of bills to combat sexual abuse in medical settings.[30]The bills would require health care providers to undergo background checks as a condition of licensure, expand the information about patients' rights and reporting options available online, and require doctors who are disciplined for misconduct to notify their patients.[30]

Health care[edit]

In 2015, legislation introduced by Simotas made New York the first state in the country to designate pregnancy as a qualifying event to enroll in health insurance through the state health exchange.[31]

In 2016, Simotas introduced the Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act to require insurers to coverin vitro fertilization,as well as fertility preservation services for cancer patients.[32]Provisions of Simotas' proposal were enacted as part of the 2019-2020 state budget.[33][34]

Simotas introduced legislation to establish a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Pilot Program to combat infant mortality by distributing "baby boxes", essential care items and educational materials to new parents in high-risk areas.[35]The bill was signed into law in October 2017.[36]

LGBTQ rights[edit]

Simotas voted in favor ofsame-sex marriage in New York.[37][38]Simotas had been a lead sponsor ( "co-sponsor" ) of Assembly Bill A08354, which passed the Assembly by an 80–63 vote,[39][failed verification] later passed the Senate, and was signed into law by GovernorAndrew Cuomo.[40]Since she first took office, Simotas supported the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), for which she was a "multi-sponsor".[41][42]

Criminal justice[edit]

In 2019, Simotas introduced legislation to close a loophole in New York's Raise the Age law to expand eligibility for record sealing.[43]

Simotas voted against rollbacks to bail reform in the FY 2020-2021 state budget.[44]

Energy and environment[edit]

Simotas served as chairperson of Smart Power NY, a coalition to develop new energy sources for Western Queens.[45][46]One of its goals was to support the replacement of "decades-old, dirty" power plants in Astoria with newer generators.[46][47][48][49][45]

Other issues[edit]

Simotas at the QSAC's annual 5K race for Autism in September 2013

Simotas has pushed for the allocation of additional polling sites and the expansion of early voting.[50][51]

Simotas joined several other public officials in protesting against the anti-immigrant Greek organization,Golden Dawn,which held a recruitment meeting in Queens.[52][53][54]Simotas said that the anti-immigrant message was not welcome in her community; she expressed anger because she is an immigrant herself.[52][53][54][55][56]

Simotas has supported the expansion ofMount Sinai Queenshospital, which is undergoing a $125 million building project, noting the expanding population of western Queens and the necessity of increased healthcare opportunities to meet the needs of a growing community.[57]

In 2013, Simotas supported the retention and expansion of Gifted and Talented programs in her district.[58]Simotas has assisted in keeping local public schools open and functioning in her district, includingLong Island City High School,which has been threatened with closing or "co-location" (consolidation) since the early 2010s.[59]

Simotas has pushed for cleaner streets in Astoria, calling upon MayorBill de Blasioto take action and reduce street waste and litter.[60]

Personal life[edit]

Simotas is married to John Katsanos, and they have one daughter, born in 2012.[61]

References[edit]

  1. ^abcdefBiography at Simotas' New York State Assembly website.Accessed Feb 13, 2014.
  2. ^abcdeJeremy Walsh for The New York Post, February 17, 2010.Astoria resident sets sights on Gianaris seat: CB 1 member Aravella Simotas to run for longtime friend's position in the state Assembly
  3. ^abcdFindLaw listing: Aravella SimotasArchived2016-12-21 at theWayback Machine.FindLaw. Accessed March 13, 2011.
  4. ^Aravella Simotas, "Discussion: Panel III: Electric Generators in New York City: Balancing the Energy and Environmental Needs of the Community," 8 Fordham Envtl. Law J. 531 (2002). Abstract found atLexisNexis websiteArchived2016-12-20 at theWayback Machine.Accessed January 20, 2011.
  5. ^ab"Profile for Aravella Simotas: Candidate for State Representative District 36, New York: November 6, 2012 New York General Election". 2010.
  6. ^Chris Bragg, "Conservative Democrat Enters Race For Gianaris Seat,"City Hall News,May 28, 2010. Found atCity Hall NewsArchived2011-02-05 at theWayback Machine.Accessed January 19, 2011.
  7. ^Diana Huynh, "In Astoria, the Field Narrows,"Gotham Gazette,August 05, 2010. Found atGotham Gazettewebsite.Accessed January 20, 2011.
  8. ^John Toscano, "Simotas Unchallenged For 36th A.D. Seat As Ciafone Quits,"Queens Gazette,August 18, 2010. Found atQueens GazettewebsiteArchived2011-10-19 at theWayback Machine.Accessed January 20, 2011.
  9. ^"Assembly Election Returns: November 2, 2010"(PDF).New York State Board of Elections.2010. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on December 18, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 19,2011.
  10. ^"Election Results 2010: New York State Legislature".The New York Times.2010.
  11. ^"THE CONTEST LIST: General Election - 11/06/2012: Queens All Parties and Independent Bodies"(PDF).New York City Board of Elections.October 5, 2012. p. 34.RetrievedOctober 15,2012.
  12. ^Staff reports (November 7, 2012)."Election 2012: New York Election Results: Live election results for all Assembly, State Senate and other local elections".Daily News.RetrievedNovember 7,2012.
  13. ^https://patch /new-york/astoria-long-island-city/zohran-mamdani-unseats-aravella-simotas-astoria-assembly-race
    Main article:New York State Assembly
  14. ^"WOODSIDE 3 18 11for press"(PDF).Retrieved2020-06-10.
  15. ^"New York State Assembly | Aravella Simotas".nyassembly.gov.
  16. ^Hamilton, Matthew (2017-09-28)."Assembly committee leadership shuffles ahead of 2018 session - Capitol Confidential".Blog.timesunion.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  17. ^Brendan J. Lyons (2018-12-19)."Legislation proposed to strengthen sexual harassment laws".Timesunion.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  18. ^"New York State Assembly | Aravella Simotas".assembly.state.ny.us.
  19. ^"Assemblywoman Takes Aim At New York's Rape Laws In Light of Pena Conviction".The Village Voice. 2012-03-31.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  20. ^Bullock, Darcy."New York 'Rape is Rape' Bill Leads the Way in Ending Sexual Violence".Mic.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  21. ^Slattery, Denis."Former Bronx teacher raped by city cop returns to Albany to fight for 'rape is rape' bill".nydailynews.
  22. ^"Simotas' rape kit bill signed into law - QNS".Timesledger. 2016-12-01.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  23. ^"New law requires timely rape-kit testing in New York".Usatoday.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  24. ^"New York State Assembly | Bill Search and Legislative Information".Nyassembly.gov.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  25. ^"New law creates 'Bill of Rights' for sexual assault victims – The Legislative Gazette".Legislativegazette. 10 January 2019.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  26. ^"Simotas Bill Extending Statute of Limitations for Rape Passes Senate, Assembly".Astoria Post.June 20, 2019.
  27. ^"Cuomo signs Simotas' bill allowing rape victims more time to bring their attackers to justice".QNS. 2019-09-19.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  28. ^Vielkind, Jimmy (December 20, 2018)."New York Democratic Lawmakers Call for Tougher Sexual Harassment Laws"– via wsj.
  29. ^ohtadmin (July 3, 2019)."I On Politics | Queens Gazette".Qgazette.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  30. ^abKates, Graham (2019-05-29)."New York legislation inspired by sex assault survivor would combat abuse by doctors".CBS News.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  31. ^"NY becomes first state to allow pregnant women to sign up for health care any time".PBS NewsHour.December 23, 2015.
  32. ^Simotas, Aravella (2018-12-13)."A family-friendly fertility law New Yorkers deserve | Queenswide".qchron.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  33. ^"Access to Care Fertility Insurance Win in New York".Resolve.org.Retrieved2020-06-10.
  34. ^"Page Not Found | ASRM".asrm.org.{{cite web}}:Cite uses generic title (help)
  35. ^Hannon, Aravella Simotas & Kemp."Establishing a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Program in New York".Gotham Gazette.
  36. ^On 3 Nov 2017, 11:11 am (2017-11-03)."Simotas' baby boxes become NY State law".The Greek Observer.Retrieved2020-06-10.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^"Queens Celebrates At Pride Parade".Queens Gazette.June 6, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon December 14, 2013.RetrievedOctober 13,2012.
  38. ^Mishev, Simeon (June 6, 2012)."Recapping Queens Pride".Center Blog).Archived fromthe originalon 2013-03-30.RetrievedOctober 26,2012.
  39. ^Badash, David (June 15, 2012)."Same-Sex Marriage: New York Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill – Details".The New Civil Rights Movement.RetrievedOctober 13,2012.
  40. ^Green, Jonah (June 24, 2011)."Gay Marriage Bill Passes In New York; Governor Cuomo Signs Same Sex Marriage Bill Into Law".Huffington Post. Associated Press.RetrievedOctober 13,2012.
  41. ^"New York State Assembly | Bill Search and Legislative Information".nyassembly.gov.
  42. ^"AIDS Issues Update Blog: Dispatches from the fight against homelessness and AIDS: With All Eyes on NY Gay Marriage, GENDA Passes in Assembly". June 15, 2011.
  43. ^"Assembly Bill Applies 'Raise the Age' Reform to Conviction-Sealing Law".Queens Daily Eagle.
  44. ^Khurshid, Samar."'Not a Budget Anybody Should Be Celebrating': Democratic Legislators Displeased with Albany Compromise ".Gotham Gazette.
  45. ^abPafundi, Jason (April 26, 2012)."Simotas Named Chair Of Smart Power NY".Queens Tribune.Archived fromthe originalon July 30, 2012.RetrievedOctober 11,2012.
  46. ^abBartlett, Josey (April 26 – May 3, 2012)."Astoria works on cleaner emissions: Power plant takes a step closer to greener equipment, gains support".Queens Chronicle.RetrievedOctober 11,2012.
  47. ^Trapasso, Clare (May 8, 2012)."NRG hopes to replace 31 generators in Astoria".New York Daily News.RetrievedOctober 11,2012.
  48. ^Kern-Jedrychowska, Ewa (May 24, 2012)."Astoria Coalition Supports Power Company's Bid to Install Clean Generators".dnainfo.Archived fromthe originalon May 18, 2013.RetrievedOctober 26,2012.
  49. ^Henely, Rebecca (April 30, 2012)."Officials support Astoria repowering to grow jobs".Times Ledger.RetrievedOctober 11,2012.
  50. ^Staff."Simotas, Gianaris Fight For Voters' Rights".Queens Gazette.Archived fromthe originalon April 26, 2014.RetrievedAugust 15,2012.
  51. ^DeBenedetto, Paul (October 11, 2012)."Queens Voters Forced to Trek a Mile After Polling-Place Swap".DNAinfo.Archived fromthe originalon November 11, 2012.RetrievedOctober 22,2012.
  52. ^abTrapasso, Claire (October 22, 2012)."Astoria elected officials and liberals mobilize against neo-Nazi group: Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and others denounce Golden Dawn for trying to gain a toe-hold in Queens".New York Daily News.RetrievedOctober 22,2012.
  53. ^abFlint, Miranda (October 11, 2012)."Locals Protest Golden Dawn's New York Presence".Jewocity.Archived fromthe originalon October 13, 2012.RetrievedOctober 22,2012.
  54. ^abHenely, Rebecca (October 11, 2012)."Officials want neo-Nazi set out of Astoria".Jewocity.RetrievedOctober 22,2012.
  55. ^Queens Crapper (blogger) (October 7, 2012)."Greek neo-Nazis moving into Queens".Queens Crap (blog).RetrievedOctober 22,2012.
  56. ^Golden Dawnis aneo-Naziparty in Greece, and is involved inHolocaust denialism.A sample of work onGolden Dawnreports:
  57. ^Parry, Bill (2013-10-25)."Mount Sinai Hospital expansion to feature new operating suites".Queens Times-Ledger.
  58. ^"Simotas Announces New Gifted And Talented Program".Queens Gazette.2013-02-20. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-04-26.
  59. ^"Fighting For LIC H.S."Western Queens Gazette.October 30, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon November 2, 2013.RetrievedOctober 31,2013.
  60. ^"Electeds' Push For Cleaner Astoria Streets Continues".Queens Gazette.2014-01-29. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-04-26.
  61. ^Celeste Katz (August 8, 2012)."Aravella Simotas: Assemblywoman. Mom".Daily News.New York.RetrievedAugust 14,2012.

External links[edit]

New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly, 36th District
January 1, 2011 – present 		Incumbent
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