Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Harvey Epstein for NY Assembly District 74

Candidate Name: Harvey Epstein

Office Seeking Election for: New York State Assembly, 74th District

Campaign Address: 172 east 4th street, 2F NY 10009

Campaign Website: harveyfornewyork.com

Campaign Telephone: 347 782-1956

Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter): @harveyforNY

Campaign Contact (name/phone/email):
Harvey Epstein
Harvepstein@gmail.com
347 782-1956

Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I have been active in my community for decades as a social justice warrior and believe those experiences advancing economic and racial justice positions me well to continue to represent my community. I have voted for hundreds of bills and organized around dozens of campaigns that advance those goals.

Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
Yes

If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)

What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I was involved in ACT UP and WHAM in the 80’s and early 90’s supported numerous pieces of legislation such as GENDA and walking while trans bill in addition to many others that advance the issues for the LGBTQIA+ community.

If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
No local funding

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
No.

Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes, I have marched and been a part of the parade many times over the last 25 years.

Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes to both questions.

If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes if I have literature.

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 numerous to count. In the last week alone i went to press conferences supporting walking while trans, supporting our law which ended cash bail, ending solitary confinement, RAPP, and anti trump rallies.

Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
No

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?
I co sponsor RAPP.

Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
I have in the last six months and plan to visit another facility this year.

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, it is an important consideration.

Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
Yes.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes

Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you sponsoring the bill introduced by Jessica Ramos?
Yes. I am not sure I agree with the approach proposed in th Gottfried bill, but believe sex work should be decriminalized.

Will you actively oppose legislation that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of decriminalization of prostitution?
Yes. We need to deal with the entire industry, not just sex workers. However, we need to deal the real problems of sex trafficking as well.

What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and the further New York as a Sanctuary City?
Yes

Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
Yes

Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes

Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
Challengers, yes. Ramos Biaggi

Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
I have a member on my staff.

Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
I commit to a diverse staff, race, gender LGBTQIA+ and economic background.

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
2013 democratic primary James and Quinn
State democratic Primary 2018 Nixon and James

Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
Yes. I have a bill that gives the right to vote back to incarcerated New Yorkers.

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 have a constitutional amendment to make CUNY and SUNY free.

Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes, co sponsor of New York health act.

Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I support a women’s right to choose.

Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry?
Yes

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

Are you against the opening of casinos in New York owned and controlled by Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson?
Yes

Do you support the surrogacy bill introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman allowing women to decide control of her body in regard to surrogacy?
Yes

Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (previously S2892A)?
Yes

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

Do you support, and did you vote for (if incumbent) legislation to mandate vaccinations to protect the lives of children?
No

What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
I hope I have earned your support.