Jo Anne Simon
Environmental Advocacy - Public Power
In coverageJo Anne Simon supports shifting to public power for renewable energy, supported the Gowanus Canal Superfund designation, advocated for burying the Gowanus Expressway, opposed fossil fuel infrastructure like the Williams pipeline, and introduced the Stop Polluters Handouts bill to repeal tax incentives for fossil fuels. She has a 100% rating from NY League of Conservation Voters and Environmental Advocates of NY.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Supported Gowanus Canal Superfund; advocated for Gowanus Expressway tunnel; opposed Williams pipeline; introduced Stop Polluters Handouts bill; voted for plastic bag fee.
Education/Dyslexia/Reading Proficiency
In coverageJo Anne Simon, a former teacher of the deaf, pushed for equitable school funding (Campaign for Fiscal Equity), advocates for students with disabilities especially dyslexia, founded Dyslexia Awareness Day at the Capitol, and promotes evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the science of reading.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Founded Dyslexia Awareness Day; pushed for Campaign for Fiscal Equity funding.
Community-Driven Land Use Planning
In coverageJo Anne Simon advocates for community input, responsible city planning, and real affordable housing. She fought for affordability and accountability in the Atlantic Yards project and led community planning for Boerum Hill, including the Hoyt-Schermerhorn development with 37.5% low-to-moderate-income housing.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Fought for Atlantic Yards affordability; led Boerum Hill planning; Hoyt-Schermerhorn development with 37.5% low-to-moderate-income housing.
Election Reforms + Campaign Finance
In coverageJo Anne Simon passed a campaign finance reform bill closing the LLC loophole, does not take donations from real estate developers, special interests, or corporate PACs, and worked to ease voter registration deadlines and modernize voting systems.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Passed bill closing LLC loophole; does not take donations from real estate developers, special interests, or corporate PACs.
Labor and Workers' Rights
In coverageJo Anne Simon, a former plaintiff-side employment lawyer, introduced the EMPIRE Worker Protection Act to allow private enforcement of wage theft and safety violations. She supports good-paying jobs with benefits and has walked picket lines and attended rallies.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Introduced EMPIRE Worker Protection Act (A4278/S4278).
Gun Violence Prevention
In coverageJo Anne Simon sponsored a red flag law, supported New York's first firearms violence research institute, and pushed for comprehensive background checks, bump stock bans, gun buyback programs, and safe storage. She has an F rating from the NRA.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Sponsored red flag law; supported firearms violence research institute; pushed for background checks, bump stock ban, buyback programs, safe storage.
Equality & Women's Rights
In coverageJo Anne Simon helped codify Roe v. Wade into state law, passed gender-neutral legislation for police and firefighters, supported Paid Family Leave, equal pay, workplace discrimination protections, contraceptive coverage, and fought against fake health clinics.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Codified Roe v. Wade; passed gender-neutral legislation; supported Paid Family Leave, equal pay, contraceptive coverage.
Transit & Accessibility
In coverageJo Anne Simon advocates for equitable public transit, congestion pricing, accessible subway system, expanded bike lanes, car shares, improved bus service, and supported the Safe Streets Program and speed camera program.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Supported congestion pricing; voted to expand speed camera program; early supporter of Safe Streets Program.
No public position yet on Divestment from Israel / Palestinian Rights, Election Reform and Democracy, Universal Healthcare, Immigrant Protection, LGBTQIA+ Rights, Taxing the Rich
Others running for State Assembly Member - District 52