Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Jose M Serrano for NY Senate District 29
Candidate Name: Jose M Serrano
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate, 29th District (Bronx, Manhattan, Randalls Island, Roosevelt Island)
Campaign Address: Serrano for State Senate, ℅ John Bartos, Treasurer, 384 E 91st Street, #408, NY NY 10128
Campaign Website: N/A
Campaign Telephone: You can call me at 917-597-5223
Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter): N/A (the social media I have I use for regular work postings, not campaign postings)
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): You can reach me (the candidate) directly at 917-597-5223, or email SenatorSerrano@gmail.com
1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I care very deeply about defending and supporting the underserved communities I represent. Fighting for social justice has been at the cornerstone of my work first as a City Councilmember, and now as a State Senator. In an age filled with hate and intolerance, I feel that I can help bring about a more progressive and cohesive community through consensus building and social justice.
2. Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
Yes
3. If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
Throughout my career, I’ve supported any and all progressive legislation that brings justice to the LGBT community. I’ve been at the forefront of these issues, and made them a strong priority of my work in districts like the South Bronx where these issues weren’t often discussed.
4. What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I’ve been proud to work with GMHC and many of the other LGBT organizations throughout Manhattan and the Bronx.
5. If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
I would need to check my past funding over the years but I would support funding in a very aggressive way these organizations that fight for LGBT social justice, protect LGBT youth, and take a stand against violence towards Trans / LGBTQ community.
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
I consider myself the strongest of allies with my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community.
7. Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Over the years I’ve enjoyed participating in many Pride events in the Bronx and Manhattan, and I thoroughly enjoyed marching in the Pride parade in 2014 (I believe was the year).
8. Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
I have been proud to create an office environment that safe and inclusive where we celebrate one another. I have employed openly LGBT individuals in my office.
9. If you receive the 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 LGBT issues, pro choice legislation, criminal justice issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended?
Too many to mention, but as I said earlier I’ve made social justice and equality issues for the LGBT community a hallmark of the work I do, and I feel in many ways I’ve been ahead of the curve, especially in the Latino community, in supporting and fighting for these issues.
11. Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
No
12. Will you advocate and sponsor legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release?
Yes
13. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
Yes
14. Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
Yes
15. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
Yes. Letter writing campaign.
16. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Sure
17. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you sponsoring the bill introduced by Jessica Ramos?
Yes. I am a cosponsor of bill S4981a.
18. Will you actively oppose legislation that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of decriminalization of prostitution?
I am unsure what this is, but I would like to discuss further with the group.
19. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and the further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I am the main sponsor of the Liberty Act, the state bill that would protect immigrants and their families throughout the state of NY.
20. Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
I am unsure exactly what is meant by this but I’d like to discuss further with there group.
21. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes
22. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
I have never endorsed any members of the IDC.
23. Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
Yes
24. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Yes
25. Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018
I have always supported the Democratic nominee in all these races and I would be happy to discuss the primaries if you’d like.
26. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
My legislative record has focused on social justice and equality across the spectrum. Too many bills to mention but I would be happy to discuss with the group.
27. 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 was a main supporter of the DREAM Act to make college attainable to children of immigrant families. I have been against tuition increases at SUNY and CUNY.
28. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes
29. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I have always been a major supporter of a woman’s right to choose, which includes ensuring access to the healthcare they need.
30. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry?
Yes
31. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes
32. Are you against the opening of casinos in New York owned and controlled by Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson?
I am unaware of these casinos but I would like to discuss with the group.
33. Do you support the surrogacy bill introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman allowing women to decide control of her body in regard to surrogacy?
Yes
34. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (previously S2892A)?
Yes. I have supported the entire housing package.
35. 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?
Yes
36. What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
Just that I’ve been a very consistent ally on these and many progressive issues throughout the years. I have been unwavering in my support for the underserved, and stood strong to maintain my independence when it wasn’t always easy. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received, but I take nothing for granted. I must continue to earn your support and I hope to do so once again. Thank you!