Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Jessica González-Rojas for NY Assembly District 34
Candidate Name: Jessica González-Rojas
Office Seeking Election for: NY Assembly District 34
Website: https://www.votejgr.com/
1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I am a mamá, a queer Latina activist, advocate and current member of the New York State Assembly, representing one of the most culturally diverse districts in New York State. I ran in 2020 as an insurgent because I felt that the stakes were too high to continue to be represented by a 12-year machine-backed white male incumbent who did little to fight against austerity and injustice. As an activist, I witnessed racism, xenophobia, attacks on women and LGBTQ+ people becoming normalized. I saw how income inequality and lack of healthcare access are destroying the fabric of our society. Families are getting pushed out
of homes they can no longer afford and too many workers are not getting paid a living wage. I knew then that I would be a bold, outspoken advocate for people of color, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA community and working-class communities, and my record has proven so. I always lead with the core values of equity, dignity, and justice. My vision is to continue to fight against austerity and injustice to achieve a New York that serves everyone - where people could live, learn, work, and raise their families with dignity.
2. Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidates for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
Crystal Hudson, Elisa Crespo, and Tiffany Cabán.
3. If applicable what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored?
In my first 14 months in office, I have co-sponsored 315 pieces of legislation, introduced 36 pieces of legislation, and have successfully had 5 of them signed into law. While I view all issues through the lens of LGBTQ liberation, the bills that very specifically impact the LGBTQ community include the Repeal of the Walking while Trans ban, HALT solitary confinement act, the Gender Recognition Act, Stop the Violence in the Sex Trades Act (sex worker decrim), Marijuana reform, NY Health Act along with my own bills that I introduced, including the Gender Affirming Public Utilities Bill (signed into law), the Anti-Retaliation bill to protect those who report harassment or discrimination (signed into law), the Gender Inclusive Ballot Act, the Decriminalization of Unlicensed Massage Work, the probition of government travel to Arkansas and all states that have passed laws discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and numerous bills on mental health that will benefit LGBTQ young people and adults. I have also been a vocal advocate for a $15 million Trans Equity and Wellness Fund, modeled after a fund recently established in California.
4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer or professional basis?
I have been involved in numerous LGBTQ organizations both personally and professionally, including LoveWins Food Pantry, the Queens Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club, Immigration Equality, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Latinx Institute (at the National LGBTQ Task Force’s annual Creating Change conference), the NYU Center for LGBTQ Student Services, Lambda Legal, Trans Latinx Network, Arcus Fund, amongst others.
5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to?
Voces Latinas
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
Yes
7. Have you marched in any Pride parades? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes, I have marched in Queens Pride for decades, either joining elected officials or organizations. One year, in the mid-2000s, I served as a judge for the parade’s competition. I’ve also marched in numerous St. Pat’s for All parades, as well as the NYC Pride Parade for a few years and the Dyke March.
8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes and Yes.
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.
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?
Too many to note! Just in my 14 months as an elected official, I have attended countless rallies, protests and actions in support of trans lives, black lives, sex workers, midwives, racial justice, criminal justice reform, health justice, immigration reform, and housing justice. I have spoken and participated in the Women’s March since its inception and other reproductive justice
marches/rallies/demonstrations. Over the past two and half decades, I have marched and rallied for liberation of Puerto Rico, immigrant rights, abortion access (spoke outside the Supreme Court), marriage equality, economic justice (the Fight for 15), trans rights, criminal justice and so on. I protested the inauguration of George Bush back in 2001and attended many anti-Trump rallies.
11. Have you ever been arrested in pursuit of legislation or for protesting an injustice? Please elaborate.
Yes- three times for civil disobedience, one since becoming an elected official. A few months ago, I was arrested in front of the White House protesting Biden and Harris’ inaction on immigration reform. In 2013 I was arrested in an all-woman action against Obama’s failure to advance comprehensive immigration reform where 125 of us blocked the streets in front of Congress. In 2019, I was arrested with dozens of workers and advocates with Unite Here Local 100 at JFK on the busiest travel day of the year to protest the lack of healthcare and low wages for airport caterers.
12. If you are an incumbent, what have you accomplished in your most recent term?
I am proud of my record as an extremely active and engaged social justice champion in my first term in 2021 and working alongside grassroots community-based organizations to achieve key wins.. I have served as a consistent voice in the Democratic conference, at actions and in the media for progressive legislative priorities. I helped garner co-sponsorship for movement bills and used my social media platforms to elevate campaigns. Some examples of actions from 2021 include: being arrested alongside my immigrant neighbors in the fight for immigration reform in Washington DC, sleeping outside of former-Governor Cuomo's office to fight for an equitable budget, joining a hunger strike in solidarity with excluded workers, and attending countless protests and rallies on issues ranging from criminal justice, health justice, economic justice, racial justice and the fight for the Invest in Our New York agenda, the New Deal for CUNY and the Excluded Workers Fund. I was proud to be a fierce advocate in favor of repealing the Walking While Trans Ban, Marijuana Reform and HALT Solitary Confinement Act. In addition, I was able to pass four of my bills last year that were signed into law. These bills addressed issues related to trans-affirming services, maternal health, human trafficking and cycling safety. I will continue to take these actions and more in 2022.
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 ensures 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.
I am proud co-sponsor and champion
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 am proud co-sponsor and champion
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?
Yes
14. If you will not co-sponsor any of the above legislation, why not?
15. Do you oppose the efforts to weaken bail reform as written
I oppose any further rollback of bail reform
16. Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails? If incumbent, when did you do so last?
I have already conducted 6 prison, jail and youth detention visits, including 3 visits to Rikers Island, 2 visits to Bedford Hills, and a visit to Horizon juvenile detention facility in the Bronx. I plan to do additional surprise visits this year.
17. Do you support legislation outlawing solitary confinement in all prisons statewide including city jails?
Yes, and I was a vocal and active co-sponsor of HALT
18. When was the last time you were inside a correctional facility?
3 months ago
19. Do you believe sincere remorse and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
Yes
20. What do you believe should be done to ensure more clemencies are granted every year?
Some of the steps that should be taken include: work alongside advocates and impacted families to put pressure on the Governor; write op-eds in major news outlets, along with outlets from the local Buffalo media to appeal to the Governor; work with powerful messengers of stories of redemption to influence the Governor; partner with champions in local, state and federal government to write letters in support for clemency cases, amongst other tactics. It’s about organizing, advocating and shifting hearts and minds.
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 personally have written letters to Governors Cuomo and Hochul to use their power of clemency and I have joined organizations like RAPP, New Hour and VOCAL outside the Governor’s office to demand clemencies in the bitter cold as we approached the end of the year.
22. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests concerning clemency and parole?
Yes; too many to count. In addition to participation in rallies, actions and protests on parole justice, I have also published an article to call for New York State to see parole justice as gender justice issues and for the passage of these two bills.
23. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
I have hired formerly incarcerated people and would do so again.
24. Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing and employment?
Yes.
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?
Yes, I am a co-sponsor and champion.
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.
Yes, I oppose the Nordic Model as it criminalizes buyers of sex, often making it more dangerous and drives the work further into the shadows. It doesn’t allow for sex workers to adequately screen their clients and could often put them at risk of clients who act out violently. The Nordic Model also criminalizes their means of income and does not create the safety necessary to be able to report sex trafficking or violence perpretrated by the client. Criminalization of the clients do nothing to promote public safety or protect sex workers.
27. Do you support ending qualified immunity for police and other law enforcement individuals?
Yes, I am proud co-sponsor of ending qualified immunity legislation
28. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a “Sanctuary State”?
I am a proud co-sponsor of the New York For All Act, which would prohibit New York’s state and local government agencies, including police and sheriffs, from colluding with ICE, disclosing sensitive information, and diverting personnel or other resources to further federal immigration enforcement. This bill will get us further towards New York truly becoming a sanctuary state.
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 am a co-sponsor and a champion.
29. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes. Safe injection sites or overdose prevention centers save lives and we have seen this occur in New York City. That is why I’m a proud co-sponsor of legislation to implement them state-wide.
30. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
I supported Jessica Ramos, my State Senator, when she ran against IDC member, Jose Peralta in 2018
31. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBTQ representation among your staff?
Yes, and I already have.
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) For Mayor in 2021, I supported Dianne Morales
B) In 2016, I supported Bernie Sanders in the Primary; Hillary Clinton in the General; In 2020, I supported both Julian Castro and Bernie Sanders, ultimately voting for Biden in the General Election
C) Governor and Attorney General 2018, I supported Cynthia Nixon and Jumaane Williams
33. Have you made an endorsement in the current bid for Governor? If so, who?
No, I have not made endorsements for the 2022 Governor race.
34. Do you support term limits for statewide office holders? For State Legislators?
Yes for both statewide office holders and for state legislators; I believe term limits are good for democracy, fresh leadership and new ideas.
35. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I feel that all issues are intersectional and my priorities around education, criminal justice, worker justice, healthcare, immigration, public transit and public financing of elections (banning corporate money) are addressing systemic inequalities that are rooted in slavery, racism, colonialism, discrimination and neo-liberalism. I am pushing for policies that would stop the school-to-prison pipeline, the ICE deportation force, over-policing in the MTA and a healthcare system that is dependent on the whims of insurance companies. I have been working towards racial justice, LGBTQ liberation, immigrant justice, disability rights, gender justice and criminal justice through advocacy, organizing and public policy. I am a co-sponsor on the Reparations bill that passed the Assembly last session and the bill regarding the Amistad Commission to ensure that our schools provide curricula on African-American history, slavery and race.
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 am a co-sponsor and champion of the New Deal for CUNY legislation. CUNY is an institution vital to the education of working-class communities of color in New York City and State. I was an adjunct professor at CUNY City College and knew personally the barriers and conditions that my students faced. CUNY was free until there was greater racial integration and high enrollment of people of color in the late 70’s. It can, and should, be free again.
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 am a proud co-sponsor and champion for the New York Health Act. As the former Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, I have spent my career fighting for universal, single-payer health care and am on record advocating for it at a national level since 2007. I’ve written op-eds, lobbied Congress, and organized alongside Latina communities around this issue.
38. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
As mentioned above, health justice and reproductive justice has been my life’s work. For the last 13 years, I led the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, a women of color reproductive justice organization and been an extremely outspoken leader on this. I am most proud of advocating for requiring public insurance programs (Medicaid, federal employees, Indian health services, etc) to cover abortion care. As a legislator, I have introduced a number of bills related to abortion access, reproductive health and maternal mental health, including the Reproductive Equity Act. In addition, I led the budget fight to include undocumented people who give birth access to the Governor’s proposed Medicaid expansion of post-partum care to a full year.
39. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry or law enforcement unions/associations?
Yes.
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 am a proud co-sponsor and champion of Good Cause Eviction.
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.
43. What should happen to 421-a? Would you end it, mend it, continue it?
421-a is a failed program that should be ended. It has not delivered on affordable housing and we must ensure that we are creating and investing in meaningful solutions for the affordable housing crisis we are facing.
44. Do you support legalizing accessory dwelling units?
Yes, I am a proud co-sponsor of the bill and have been a champion on this issue.
45. Do you support more state funding for NYCHA? If so, how much?
Yes, I have been a vocal champion for NYCHA funding, even though I do not currently have a NYCHA development in my district. According to a Physical Needs Assessment conducted in 2017, the total capital need is $45.2 billion over 20 years. This needs grows with every year that work is delayed because of lack of funding or operational capacity.
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 am a proud co-sponsor of the bill and serve as a champion. I sit on the Environmental Conservation Committee and I am the Chair of the Subcommittee on Climate Action and Environmental Justice for the Black, Puerto Rican/Hispanic and Asian Caucus. I have been on the frontlines of the fight for climate justice.
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 am a proud co-sponsor of the bill.
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, I am a proud co-sponsor of the bill and a champion.
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 yes.
50. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?‘
I would absolutely support the removal of the statue of the colonizer, Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle. I would love for it to be replaced by a statue of a black or Latinx woman, like Audre Lorde or Selena. :)
51. Do you support reducing the budget of law enforcement throughout the state, and if so, by how much?
Yes, I support the reduction of the budget of law enforcement and MTA police through the state, although most importantly, I stand in solidarity with City Councilmembers who are fighting to defund the NYPD and invest in community-based solutions that truly promote public safety, such as violence interrupter programs, mental health service, universal health care and affordable housing.
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.
I am in support of all of the above.
53. Should law enforcements "Vice Squads" be eliminated?
Vice Squads should be eliminated and I have been vocal about this issue, participating in a video series denouncing the Vice Squad. They have a documented history of abuse of power and have raped and harmed sex workers and massage workers with impunity.
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?
They should definitely be held accountable for refusing to follow city and state rules on mask-wearing and for creating a public health hazard.
55. What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
Unfortunately, the Policy Commissioner has too much authority over the CCRB and there has been little accountability and action taken regarding disciplinary procedures. Over the past two decades, the NYPD has reduced or rejected the CCRB’s s recommendations for serious discipline in about 71 percent of 6,900 serious misconduct charges that have been brought against officers. The solution is to eliminate the Police Commissioner review process altogether.
56. What will you do to support nightlife in New York State?
As someone whose district has a vibrant restaurant, bar, lounge and nightlife scene, I have been a champion for programs that provide investment, technical assistance and support to these institutions. I have advocated to pass the alcohol-to-go program that has been a lifeline for many restaurants, bars and lounges since the pandemic. In addition, I have a bill regarding transparency of the State Liquor Authority that has unfairly targeted many bars, restaurants and lounges in communities of color. I also led the fight on funding for the Restaurant Resiliency program and have advocated for our restaurants, bars and lounges when they’ve faced exorbitant fines and penalties from the SLA. I will continue to support policies that ease the burdens and barriers for our restaurants, bars and lounges.
57. Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
Yes
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?
Yes
59. What are the top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively?
I have many more than 3 top issues, but my immediate priorities include: mental health services in schools, Coverage for All and Elder Parole. Overall, I fight for policies and programs that advance my key values: equity, dignity and justice.
60. How much money do you presently have in your campaign account?
$52,000
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 have been grateful for your early support of my 2020 campaign for State Assembly and have enjoyed, in turn, supporting the Jim Owles Club and its members at various functions, actions, demonstrations and rallies.