My Commitment to Fight for Our District
My name is Danielle Brecker and I’m running to fight for progressive policies to help address core issues we face and to legislate needed change for the people of Assembly District 37. Policies for fair taxation, economic development, housing, healthcare, and education.
Policies that have become even more urgent as we face unprecedented challenges in 2020. Policies that Assemblymember Nolan doesn’t (and won’t) fight for.
We need policy to change taxation and economic development in our state.
The wealthiest New Yorkers must pay their fair share to shift the tax burden away from everyday, working New Yorkers. I am part of a working group that put forth 14 proposals to raise revenue by taxing ultra wealth. Assemblymember Nolan has yet to sign on to co-sponsor the Ultra Millionaire Tax Bill in the assembly. https://www.nybudgetjustice.com/mission
Stop incentivizing big corporations and luxury real estate and, instead, focus on providing an economic foundation for everyday New Yorkers as we strive to close the glaring wealth gap in New York State. Assemblymember Nolan supported giving away $3 billion worth of taxpayer money for Amazon HQ2 to come to Long Island City which would have led to higher rents, displaced our neighbors, and shut down small businesses.
We need immediate policy change for fair and deeply affordable housing for all and an end to over-development and displacement. We can ensure that no New Yorker is without a home regardless of their income or status.
Luxury real estate development must be curtailed in our district. Assemblymember Nolan once proposed a moratorium on development but she didn’t back it up, she didn’t fight for it. When Amazon came she rolled over and embraced their genetirication plan. She could have led the charge to fight over development in district 37, but she chose instead to sit back and accept the status quo — and donations from real estate organizations including REBNY.
We must commit to the Homes Guarantee Pledge to provide truly and deeply affordable housing for all, to eradicate homelessness, and enact fair housing, rent, and tenant protections in district 37 and beyond. Over development of luxury apartments and housing is a dominant issue in district 37, but neither of my opponents have taken the Homes Guarantee Pledge with me.
https://homesguarantee.com/pledge/
https://homesguarantee.com/wp-content/uploads/HG-candidate-toolkit-v3-eng.pdf
We need policy for all New Yorkers to have access to healthcare, more community hospitals, no medicaid cuts, and the New York Health Act.
Building more community hospitals and committing to keeping Medicaid funding intact must be a priority. In April, Assemblymember Nolan voted yes to a budget that included cuts to the tune of millions in Medicaid funding all while her constituents were battling a pandemic. This should not be a surprise — for years Assemblymember Nolan allowed the closure of community hospitals in the area leading directly to Elmhurst Hospital becoming overwhelmed and Queens becoming the epicenter of the pandemic.
Passing the NY Health Act is a great step forward in creating a healthy and vibrant community. Assemblymember Nolan voted for it, but she has expressed concerns about it and not fought for it despite the COVID 19 pandemic and overwhelming support for the act from her own district.
We need policy to fully fund our public schools and support our students.
Our district needs to build more schools and create smaller class sizes. Assemblymember Nolan points to what she delivered when she was Education Chair, but parents in the district rightly point out that our classrooms are overcrowded and we simply need more schools.
Our schools and students are owed $19.5 million in education foundation aid. $19.5 million that went unpaid during Assemblymember Nolan’s time in office and while serving as Chair of the Education Committee.
Reallocate at minimum $1 billion of the NYPD budget to summer programs and education for students. Assemblymember Nolan has kept donations from law enforcement and police unions and has remained quiet about defunding the police — even though it is what her constituency has been protesting for and is a smart way to help our students. This is a city issue to resolve, but Assemblymember Nolan could use her voice for change.
I believe it’s time for a new way forward. We need someone who will put our neighbors first.
Our district deserves a fighter.
Make your plan to vote for Danielle Brecker.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, is the last day to apply for your absentee ballot at NYCAbsentee.com. Once you have your absentee ballot you have until June 23 to send it back to be counted. Early voting has already started and will continue through Sunday, June 21. You can also vote at your polling place on primary election day, Tuesday, June 23.
