Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Jeremy Joseph for NY Senate District 07

Candidate Name: Jeremy Joseph

Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate District 07

Website: https://jeremyjosephforny.com

1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district. 

I’ve lived on Long Island for the past ten years, and I’ve seen firsthand the racial and economic segregation that unfortunately defines where we live. As an activist and member of several coalitions both on Long Island and statewide, I have become acutely aware of how our representatives in the New York Senate simply don’t understand nor care about the conditions of the working and middle class, Black and Brown communities, LGBTQ peoples, immigrants, and more. I’ve spoken out on issues of climate change, racial justice, and economic inequality both in public and in private with many of our lawmakers, and the indifference has been completely unacceptable. It’s these experiences that have pushed me to run for office so activists can start leading legislative work here instead of hoping to be heard.

2. Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidates for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?

I have not endorsed anyone for public office.

3. If applicable what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored?

Although I have never introduced or co-sponsored legislation, two relevant pieces of policy for which I have advocated are the New York Health Act (through the Campaign for New York Health) and The People’s Plan (through LI United to Transform Policing & Community Safety).

The former is a law that would, among other things, universalize access to trans affirming healthcare for all young people. The latter is a set of policy recommendations from a coalition of activist groups on Long Island to create new systems of community safety, and it includes provisions for transforming the enforcement of hate crimes (Section 4) and the treatment & safety of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people (Section 5).

4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer or professional basis?

I have not been a part of any explicitly LGBTQ orgs.

5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to?

I have not allocated funds to any organizations.

6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?

No. I work hard to make sure I am showing up as an ally every day.

7. Have you marched in any Pride parades? Which marches and for approximately how many years?

This year, I marched in the Port Washington Pride Walk. Prior to that, I did not march in any parades.

8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently? 

This campaign is the first time I’ve ever hired someone. That person is queer and trans and wrote the answer to this question.

9. If you receive the Jim Owles endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?

Yes, it would be my pleasure to identify the club everywhere my endorsements are found.

10. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBTQ issues, pro choice legislation, criminal justice reform issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended and/or participated in?

Every time Long Island criminal justice activists put out the call to protest, to demonstrate, or to speak at county legislatures, I have answered that call. I have participated as a speaker, as a marcher, and as an organizer.

Beyond criminal justice, the following is a non-exhaustive list of events I have attended in support of the above issues: The March for Science in Manhattan. A rapid response rally at JFK in response to Trump’s Muslim ban. Two rapid response “I Dissent” rallies in response to the draft and official Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

11. Have you ever been arrested in pursuit of legislation or for protesting an injustice? Please elaborate. 

No.

12. If you are an incumbent, what have you accomplished in your most recent term?

n/a.

13. For the following pieces of legislation, please answer if you are currently a sponsor or co-sponsor (if you are an incumbent), or if you will co-sponsor (if you are not an incumbent):

A. Fair and Timely Parole (S.1415A / A.4231A): A bill pending in Albany that would ensure access to the parole release process for incarcerated people in New York State. This bill insures that decisions on parole are not solely based on the nature of the original crimes but includes incarcerated peoples’ record of rehabilitation and assessment of current risk to public safety.

Yes. See B) for full answer.

B. Elder Parole (S.15A / A.3475A): A bill pending in Albany that would allow elderly incarcerated people who have served at least 15 years in prison an opportunity to appear before the Parole Board for a chance at release. 

I will co-sponsor these bills on day one. I have been an activist for this cause, following the lead of Release Aging People from Prisons (RAPP), over the past several years. I’ve lobbied my opponent on and called out her non-support of these bills publicly.

C. Will you commit to oppose NY State bill S1922/A659, which makes trafficking 20 or more firearms within 1 year a Class A-1 felony punishable with a minimum of 15-25 years imprisonment or maximum of life imprisonment, and which would expand mass incarceration without promoting public safety?

I will oppose this legislation. While I’m still familiarizing myself with this bill, it seems to me that it would disproportionately target people of color while failing to meaningfully address the root causes of gun violence.

14. If you will not co-sponsor any of the above legislation, why not?

n/a.

15. Do you oppose the efforts to weaken bail reform as written 

I oppose any efforts to weaken bail reform. Bail reform should be strengthened, if anything.

16. Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails? If incumbent, when did you do so last? 

Yes.

17. Do you support legislation outlawing solitary confinement in all prisons statewide including city jails?

I would support legislation immediately outlawing all solitary confinement that meets the UN’s definition of torture. I would also support any legislation that overhauls the carceral system, and this legislation would remove the use of solitary confinement as a technique for discipline.

18. When was the last time you were inside a correctional facility.

I haven’t yet visited a correctional facility.

19. Do you believe sincere remorse and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?

I believe in reorienting our criminal legal system around reform and rehabilitation. At this stage, I believe actions both before and after incarceration should be considered when determining parole, but I would defer to advocates on this issue before having a more firm stance.

20. What do you believe should be done to ensure more clemencies are granted every year?

Activists and lawmakers can and should put pressure on the governor to grant clemency. That being said, I am more focused on promoting systemic solutions that remove the need for clemencies than I am on advocating for reparative measures that don’t address root causes.

21. Will you publicly call on the governor to use her clemency power for the many incarcerated New Yorkers who can safely return home? Will you tweet out your support for this or issue a public statement? Would you be willing to be critical of a governor who does not exercise their power to grant clemencies and commutations to those worthy of release? Have you ever spoken out in such a way?

Yes, I will publicly call out any governor who is not using clemencies to promote justice. Yes, I will use any platform I have to make those statements. Yes, I have no problem being critical of a governor. No, I have not spoken out on this issue before.

22. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests concerning clemency and parole?

I have not demonstrated for any individual, but I have demonstrated on a number of occasions for policies related to these issues (see 13B).

23. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals? 

I will not discriminate against people for past incarceration in my hiring practices. If there is an opportunity to hire someone to specifically address issues related to incarceration, I will ensure I hire someone who has experienced incarceration.

24. Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing and employment?

Yes, strongly. Related, I am supporting Clean Slate legislation and it is part of my platform.

25. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you or will you co-sponsor the bill introduced by Julia Salazar (S.6419 / A. 8230), which fully decriminalizes sex work? 

Our current laws create an environment where sex workers are under threat of incarceration from the state and exposed to violence and abuse from clients. Sex workers should not have to live in the shadows and should be protected by the law, not victimized by it. I believe decriminalization is the best evidence-based approach to reducing harm in the trade, and I would co-sponsor S.6419 as a means of accomplishing this goal. I would work to ensure that its protections include all sex workers across New York State.

26. Will you actively oppose legislation (S.6040 / A.7069) that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of the decriminalization of prostitution? Explain in detail your views on full decriminalization, the Nordic model, legalization, and the existing criminalization approach.

Criminalizing one side of a transaction keeps law enforcement as involved as it has ever been in sex work. I support a data driven approach to reducing harm, and thus far, the data is compelling that full decriminalization is the only way to move us toward justice.

27. Do you support ending qualified immunity for police and other law enforcement individuals?

I strongly support this. Ending Qualified Immunity has been a part of my platform from the very beginning. I have spoken alongside End QI advocates on several occasions and count them among my personal allies in Long Island activism.

28. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a “Sanctuary State”?

I will vocally support Coverage For All, New York For All, and Dignity Not Detention, all of which make our state safer for undocumented immigrants. Beyond those policies, I will follow the lead of advocacy groups and impacted peoples to determine which proposals will best protect the immigrant community.

29. Are you a sponsor of New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act (A.4321a/S.6471)? If not will you add your name and sponsor?

Yes, I will co-sponsor.

29. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?

Yes. This is another harm reduction strategy that is borne out by data again and again.

30. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates

No IDC all the way. I’ve personally supported anyone who was part of the No IDC coalition.

31. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBTQ representation among your staff?

Yes.

32. Who did you support for office in the following primaries or special elections: A) Mayor in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Attorney General in 2018?

(A) Maya Wiley; (B) Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020; (C) Cynthia Nixon & Zephyr Teachout

33. Have you made an endorsement in the current bid for Governor? If so, who?

My campaign proudly carried literature for Jumaane Williams & Ana Maria Archila. Now that the primary is over, I support Kathy Hochul.

34. Do you support term limits for statewide office holders? For State Legislators?

I don’t support term limits. Instead, I would work hard to ensure robust and fair elections to ensure the root cause of poor representation is ameliorated.

35. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination. 

I am a steering committee member of LI United to Transform Policing & Public Safety, and their flagship proposal remains The People’s Plan. In addition, we are putting together a set of policy recommendations for allocating cannabis tax revenue that centers Black communities; when those policies are complete, I will be a vocal supporter of them.

36. What legislation or other policy changes do you support in order to make college and graduate school affordable for poor, working-class, and middle-class Americans and to alleviate the crushing loan debt that many students and alumni are facing?

I support free CUNY & SUNY for all, and would work towards complete student debt forgiveness.

37. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Do you or will you co-sponsor the New York Health Act? Please elaborate.

I’ve been a vocal & staunch supporter of the New York Health Act long before I was a candidate for office. It is in large part why I’m running for office today. I will co-sponsor the legislation on day one and do whatever it takes to see it passed.

38. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.

My position has always been this: Reproductive justice has not been achieved until there is universal access to abortions & reproductive healthcare. This requires more than legalization. It requires Coverage for All & the New York Health Act, to ensure these vital services are not gatekept by immigration or socioeconomic status.

39. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry or law enforcement unions/associations?

Yes, publicly.

40. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?

Yes.

41. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (S.3082 / A.5573)?

Yes. I support Good Cause legislation and it is part of my platform.

42. Will you push for the passage of Home Stability Support (HSS) to bridge the difference between the public assistance shelter allowance and fair market rents for NY's 95,000 homeless? Will you co-sponsor S.856 / A.6032, which amends the Social Services Law to create a statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits and who face eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions?

Yes, and I would cosponsor S.856.

43. What should happen to 421-a? Would you end it, mend it, continue it?

End it. Developers & landlords must be subject to the same property taxes as the rest of us.

44. Do you support legalizing accessory dwelling units?

Yes.

45. Do you support more state funding for NYCHA? If so, how much?

Yes. As to how much, I support a data driven approach to funding decisions. Ultimately, all efforts should be made to avoid the risk of privatization.

46. Do you, or will you, co-sponsor the Climate and Community Investment Act? (S.4264A / A.6967) If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?

Yes, I have lobbied on behalf of CCIA and would cosponsor it.

47. Do you support the New York Public Banking Act (S.1762A / A. 8290? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?

Yes, I have supported Public Banking in my platform from the beginning.

48. Do you support the New Deal for CUNY (S.4461 / A.5843)? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?

Yes.

49. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people with AIDS, and was blatantly racist, would you support a city bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge? Do you authorize the use of your name for such a purpose?

Yes, and I would do so publicly.

50. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?‘

Christopher Columbus should be removed from any place of honor that he currently resides. As for a replacement, I believe an appropriate solution would be to commission an Indigenous artist to create something to put in its place, and respect whatever they decide to place there.

51. Do you support reducing the budget of law enforcement throughout the state, and if so, by how much?

Yes, the reach and scope of law enforcement must be reduced. Whatever it would take to fully fund the provisions of The People’s Plan, that’s at least how much I would reduce spending on law enforcement.

52. Are you in favor of removing police from any of the following? a) Schools; b) Mental health response calls; c) Homeless outreach and social services; or d) Traffic enforcement.

Remove police from all of the above.

53. Should law enforcements "Vice Squads" be eliminated?

Vice squads create separation in communities by targeting low income and minority peoples. This drives the continued criminalization of our most vulnerable neighbors. I support eliminating vice squads.

54. How would you recommend law enforcement officers be penalized for refusing to wear masks in public while on duty, in defiance of city and state rules?

I support any efforts to hold police officers equally accountable to all the laws and regulations they are supposed to enforce–especially those regarding public health.

55. What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?

I’ve been fighting to establish a CCRB in Nassau & Suffolk County. I would support state legislation to make CCRB determinations binding.

56. What will you do to support nightlife in New York State?

I will follow the lead of more experienced policymakers on this issue.

57. Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?

Yes, I will always meet with all stakeholders involved in decisions I am asked to make. That includes industry representatives as well as labor representatives.

58. Do you commit to speak personally with liquor license applicants and license holders before opposing any bid for a liquor license? Likewise for an applicant seeking your support?

I will ensure that anyone who will be affected by my actions has an opportunity to speak with me.

59. What are the top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively?

Economic inequality. Healthcare for all. Bold climate action.

60. How much money do you presently have in your campaign account?

As of 7/28, $19k including pending donations from ActBlue.

61. What additional information would you like members The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision concerning your candidacy?

I hope you will take a clear-eyed view of my opponent's voting record in the Senate. She has voted with Republicans on issues of housing justice (HSTPA), racial justice (MRTA), and immigrant justice (Green Light NY). She explicitly refuses to support the New York Health Act, often citing spurious economic claims in defense of her indefensible position. Finally, I want you to know that I am running this primary because she has refused to co-sponsor or support many of the bills in this questionnaire despite strong and continued efforts from activists like myself.