Causes
Aravella uses her position to fight on behalf of those without power - and she gets results.
News
Keep up with the latest stories on Astoria and Aravella’s work in the Assembly.
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About Aravella
Aravella Simotas immigrated to Astoria as a young child, and she was raised to believe that the American Dream doesn’t just mean trying to get ahead, it means giving back to the community.
From pursuing environmental justice at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to providing legal representation to poor and vulnerable New Yorkers as a practicing lawyer, Aravella has always stood up for others.
As our Assemblywoman, Aravella has passed legislation to protect victims of sexual abuse, to stand up for LGBTQ community members, and to increase funding for hospitals and schools that serve her district.
About Aravella
Aravella Simotas immigrated to Astoria as a young child, and she was raised to believe that the American Dream doesn’t just mean trying to get ahead, it means giving back to the community.
From pursuing environmental justice at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to providing legal representation to poor and vulnerable New Yorkers as a practicing lawyer, Aravella has always stood up for others.
As our Assemblywoman, Aravella has passed legislation to protect victims of sexual abuse, to stand up for LGBTQ community members, and to increase funding for hospitals and schools that serve her district.
About Aravella
Aravella Simotas immigrated to Astoria as a young child, and she was raised to believe that the American Dream doesn’t just mean trying to get ahead, it means giving back to the community.
From pursuing environmental justice at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to providing legal representation to poor and vulnerable New Yorkers as a practicing lawyer, Aravella has always stood up for others.
As our Assemblywoman, Aravella has passed legislation to protect victims of sexual abuse, to stand up for LGBTQ community members, and to increase funding for hospitals and schools that serve her district.
Causes
Women’s Rights
Aravella led the push to pass a landmark “Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights” and a law to require timely testing of rape kits. She sponsored legislation to ensure all New Yorkers can access prenatal care and proudly voted to pass the Reproductive Health Act, establishing firm protections for women to make their own reproductive choices. Recently Aravella has introduced a package of bills to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
ENVIRONMENT
Aravella has worked to promote green policies in Queens and has earned high marks from the League of Conservation Voters. She has passed legislation to incentivize the use of clean energy and is currently working to reduce the carbon footprint of commuters into Manhattan through her support of congestion pricing.
Schools And Children
Aravella fights for local schools and has secured critical funds to improve our kids’ learning environments. She has held rallies to save local schools and provided grant money to schools in need. She is also working to improve child product safety and protect young children from toxic chemicals.
Immigration
Aravella has fought to limit the presence of ICE agents in New York courts and ensure immigrant crime victims are not intimidated into silence and prevented from pursuing justice with threats of deportation. She strongly opposed the proposed citizenship question on the 2020 Census and co-sponsored the NY DREAM Act to expand access to higher education for undocumented students.
HEALTHCARE
Aravella knows first-hand the difficulty of working with insurance companies once medical bills start staking up. That’s why supports the New York Health Act to establish a universal, single payer healthcare system, so that nobody is underinsured or forced to seek benefits from companies that put profit before people.
LGBTQ Rights
Aravella has been a champion for LGBTQ rights since her first day in office. Recently, she co- sponsored the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and the ban on conversion therapy that were signed into law in 2019. In the Assembly, she has introduced legislation to establish a Bill of Rights for LGBTQ residents in long-term care facilities and prohibit discrimination against transgender parents in custody cases.
About Aravella
Aravella immigrated to the United States with her parents and brother when she was an infant.
She was raised in Astoria and graduated from P.S. 17, Junior H.S. 126, and William C. Bryant
High School.
She went on to graduate summa cum laude from Fordham University in 1999 and
earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 2002. During law school, she
was the managing editor at the Fordham Environmental Law Journal.
Aravella was first elected
to the Assembly in 2010, winning the Democratic primary and becoming the first woman to ever
hold the seat.
About Aravella
Aravella immigrated to the United States with her parents and brother when she was an infant.
She was raised in Astoria and graduated from P.S. 17, Junior H.S. 126, and William C. Bryant
High School.
She went on to graduate summa cum laude from Fordham University in 1999 and
earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 2002. During law school, she
was the managing editor at the Fordham Environmental Law Journal.
Aravella was first elected
to the Assembly in 2010, winning the Democratic primary and becoming the first woman to ever
hold the seat.
News
September 10, 2019
New York Must Pass the 'Rape is Rape' Bill
At the end of August, NBC New York ran a story about a young woman who was raped after going out to a Manhattan bar. Despite ....
September 10, 2019
New York Must Pass the 'Rape is Rape' Bill
At the end of August, NBC New York ran a story about a young woman who was raped after going out to a Manhattan bar. Despite ....
August 12, 2019
Sex harass law aims to curb pervy Albany lawmakers
The days of handsy Albany lawmakers preying on young legislative aides then hiding their lecherous behavior behind ....
August 12, 2019
Sex harass law aims to curb pervy Albany lawmakers
The days of handsy Albany lawmakers preying on young legislative aides then hiding their lecherous behavior behind ....
August 12, 2019
New workplace sexual harassment protections become law
ALBANY — A set of sweeping new efforts to crack down on workplace sexual harassment problems while also giving new legal ....
August 12, 2019
New workplace sexual harassment protections become law
ALBANY — A set of sweeping new efforts to crack down on workplace sexual harassment problems while also giving new legal ....
August 12, 2019
Sweeping Reform of NY Sexual Harassment Law Is Signed by Gov. Cuomo
Legislation to bolster protections for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace in New York and lower hurdles for those ....
August 12, 2019
Sweeping Reform of NY Sexual Harassment Law Is Signed by Gov. Cuomo
Legislation to bolster protections for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace in New York and lower hurdles for those ....
July 3, 2019
I On Politics
SAFE ACT STRENGTHENS ELECTION SECURITY: On June 27, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) voted to pass H.R.2722, the ....
July 3, 2019
I On Politics
SAFE ACT STRENGTHENS ELECTION SECURITY: On June 27, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) voted to pass H.R.2722, the ....
June 22, 2019
Molestie alle donne, varata la legge più severa d'America: si allargano le responsabilità dei datori di lavoro
Lo Stato di New York è diventato da giovedì sera il più severo degli Usa per quanto riguarda la lotta contro le molestie ....
June 22, 2019
Molestie alle donne, varata la legge più severa d'America: si allargano le responsabilità dei datori di lavoro
Lo Stato di New York è diventato da giovedì sera il più severo degli Usa per quanto riguarda la lotta contro le molestie ....
June 20, 2019
Simotas Bill Extending Statute of Limitations for Rape Passes Senate, Assembly
The Assembly passed a bill Wednesday introduced by Aravella Simotas that would increase the statute of limitations for both ....
June 20, 2019
Simotas Bill Extending Statute of Limitations for Rape Passes Senate, Assembly
The Assembly passed a bill Wednesday introduced by Aravella Simotas that would increase the statute of limitations for both ....
June 20, 2019
Saved! Astoria Houses Senior Center will remain open as de Blasio administration scraps closure plan
The de Blasio administration backed off an ill-conceived, cost-cutting proposal to close down the Astoria Houses Senior ....
June 20, 2019
Saved! Astoria Houses Senior Center will remain open as de Blasio administration scraps closure plan
The de Blasio administration backed off an ill-conceived, cost-cutting proposal to close down the Astoria Houses Senior ....
June 19, 2019
State Legislature honors 50th anniversary of the 1969 ‘Miracle Mets’
Queens lawmakers took a break from the frantic last days of the legislative session in Albany Tuesday to honor the “Miracle ....
June 19, 2019
State Legislature honors 50th anniversary of the 1969 ‘Miracle Mets’
Queens lawmakers took a break from the frantic last days of the legislative session in Albany Tuesday to honor the “Miracle ....
June 19, 2019
New York takes progressive steps to combat workplace harassment, bolster LGBT rights and extend statute of limitations for rape
ALBANY — New York is expanding protections for members of the LGBT community, toughening laws to combat sexual harassment ....
June 19, 2019
New York takes progressive steps to combat workplace harassment, bolster LGBT rights and extend statute of limitations for rape
ALBANY — New York is expanding protections for members of the LGBT community, toughening laws to combat sexual harassment ....
June 17, 2019
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, joined by Sen. Kemp Hannon and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, urges passage of her legislation early this year.
State lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have come to an agreement on extending the statute of limitations for rape charges....
June 17, 2019
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, joined by Sen. Kemp Hannon and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, urges passage of her legislation early this year.
State lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have come to an agreement on extending the statute of limitations for rape charges....
June 14, 2019
Hellenic Professional Women Host #MeToo Movement Panel
NEW YORK – On June 10 Hellenic Professional Women (HPW) presented a panel on the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment ....
June 14, 2019
Hellenic Professional Women Host #MeToo Movement Panel
NEW YORK – On June 10 Hellenic Professional Women (HPW) presented a panel on the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment ....
June 12, 2019
Actress Mira Sorvino reveals she was a victim of date rape as she pushes for stronger New York laws
ALBANY - Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino said Wednesday she was once the victim of date rape, revealing it publicly ....
June 12, 2019
Actress Mira Sorvino reveals she was a victim of date rape as she pushes for stronger New York laws
ALBANY - Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino said Wednesday she was once the victim of date rape, revealing it publicly ....
June 5, 2019
Allow Trucks on Grand Central to Ease 'Paralyzing' Astoria Traffic: Pols
ASTORIA — Elected officials are calling on the Department of Transportation to allow large trucks to drive on a portion ....
June 5, 2019
Allow Trucks on Grand Central to Ease 'Paralyzing' Astoria Traffic: Pols
ASTORIA — Elected officials are calling on the Department of Transportation to allow large trucks to drive on a portion ....
June 3, 2019
Highlights From The Queens Pride Parade In Jackson Heights
JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — Tens of thousands of people flocked to Jackson Heights this Sunday to kick off Pride month with ....
June 3, 2019
Highlights From The Queens Pride Parade In Jackson Heights
JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — Tens of thousands of people flocked to Jackson Heights this Sunday to kick off Pride month with ....
June 2, 2019
Queens assemblywoman urges legislation to prevent repeat of notorious case involving disgraced Columbia gynecologist
A Queens assemblywoman is pushing a series of bills to increase transparency of doctors facing allegations of misconduct ....
June 2, 2019
Queens assemblywoman urges legislation to prevent repeat of notorious case involving disgraced Columbia gynecologist
A Queens assemblywoman is pushing a series of bills to increase transparency of doctors facing allegations of misconduct ....
May 31, 2019
Officials: Tougher sex harassment law could be passed next week
ALBANY — The State Legislature and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo have reached an agreement to significantly strengthen the state’s sex....
May 31, 2019
Officials: Tougher sex harassment law could be passed next week
ALBANY — The State Legislature and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo have reached an agreement to significantly strengthen the state’s sex....
May 31, 2019
Former Bronx teacher raped by city cop returns to Albany to fight for ‘rape is rape’ bill
ALBANY — A former Bronx schoolteacher sexually assaulted at gunpoint by an off-duty NYPD cop nearly a decade ago returned ....
May 31, 2019
Former Bronx teacher raped by city cop returns to Albany to fight for ‘rape is rape’ bill
ALBANY — A former Bronx schoolteacher sexually assaulted at gunpoint by an off-duty NYPD cop nearly a decade ago returned ....
May 31, 2019
Three bills would protect patients 'uniquely vulnerable to sexual violence'
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, a New York City Democrat who represents the 36th District, which includes Astoria, has ....
May 31, 2019
Three bills would protect patients 'uniquely vulnerable to sexual violence'
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, a New York City Democrat who represents the 36th District, which includes Astoria, has ....
May 30, 2019
Report: NYPD Has Systematically Undercounted Rapes In NYC For Years
A new analysis of city crime stats has found that the NYPD systematically undercounted rape statistics for the last seven ....
May 30, 2019
Report: NYPD Has Systematically Undercounted Rapes In NYC For Years
A new analysis of city crime stats has found that the NYPD systematically undercounted rape statistics for the last seven ....
May 30, 2019
Anti-harassment bills intro’d
Inspired by advocate Marissa Hoechstetter’s testimony in Albany about sexual assault by her gynecologist, Assemblywoman ....
May 30, 2019
Anti-harassment bills intro’d
Inspired by advocate Marissa Hoechstetter’s testimony in Albany about sexual assault by her gynecologist, Assemblywoman ....
May 29, 2019
New York legislation inspired by sex assault survivor would combat abuse by doctors
A New York State legislator is proposing a trio of bills inspired by a woman whose story shed light on a Columbia ....
May 29, 2019
New York legislation inspired by sex assault survivor would combat abuse by doctors
A New York State legislator is proposing a trio of bills inspired by a woman whose story shed light on a Columbia ....
May 29, 2019
“We need better protections” “Necesitamos mejores protecciones”
When the state legislature held a hearing in February in Albany on workplace sexual harassment — New York’s first in 27 ....
May 29, 2019
“We need better protections” “Necesitamos mejores protecciones”
When the state legislature held a hearing in February in Albany on workplace sexual harassment — New York’s first in 27 ....
May 29, 2019
Newsy Finds NYPD Undercounting Rape By 38% Compared To FBI Statistics
On May 31st, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city will update its CompStat system by the end of the ....
May 29, 2019
Newsy Finds NYPD Undercounting Rape By 38% Compared To FBI Statistics
On May 31st, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city will update its CompStat system by the end of the ....
May 29, 2019
Simotas and Advocates Demand Better Protections vs. Harassment & Discrimination
ALBANY, NY – New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and advocates from across the state gathered at the capitol ....
May 29, 2019
Simotas and Advocates Demand Better Protections vs. Harassment & Discrimination
ALBANY, NY – New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and advocates from across the state gathered at the capitol ....
May 28, 2019
Astoria assemblywoman unveils measures to crackdown on sexual abuse by medical professionals
In an effort to combat sexual abuse by medical professionals, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas is introducing three pieces ....
May 28, 2019
Astoria assemblywoman unveils measures to crackdown on sexual abuse by medical professionals
In an effort to combat sexual abuse by medical professionals, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas is introducing three pieces ....
May 27, 2019
Proposed New York Bill Widens Definition of Workplace Harassment
New York lawmakers are considering a stricter standard for workplace-harassment claims that they say would better protect ....
May 27, 2019
Proposed New York Bill Widens Definition of Workplace Harassment
New York lawmakers are considering a stricter standard for workplace-harassment claims that they say would better protect ....
May 24, 2019
Queens lawmakers push legislation protecting workers from hostile work environment
With less than a month remaining in the legislative session in Albany, the push is on to pass a handful of bills that ....
May 24, 2019
Queens lawmakers push legislation protecting workers from hostile work environment
With less than a month remaining in the legislative session in Albany, the push is on to pass a handful of bills that ....
May 24, 2019
Survivors, lawmakers speak out before second hearing on sexual harassment
The second hearing on sexual harassment in New York state government will be held Friday in New York City. Ahead of the ....
May 24, 2019
Survivors, lawmakers speak out before second hearing on sexual harassment
The second hearing on sexual harassment in New York state government will be held Friday in New York City. Ahead of the ....
May 24, 2019
NY Lawmakers Seek Changes to Strengthen Sexual Harassment Laws
State lawmakers in New York held their second hearing in nearly three decades on the topic of workplace sexual harassment ....
May 24, 2019
NY Lawmakers Seek Changes to Strengthen Sexual Harassment Laws
State lawmakers in New York held their second hearing in nearly three decades on the topic of workplace sexual harassment ....
May 12, 2019
Simotas for Inclusion of In-Vitro in Ind. & Small Group Market Health Insurance Plans
NEW YORK – In a letter to the Department of Financial Services’ Superintendent Linda Lacewell and Governor Andrew Cuomo, ....
May 12, 2019
Simotas for Inclusion of In-Vitro in Ind. & Small Group Market Health Insurance Plans
NEW YORK – In a letter to the Department of Financial Services’ Superintendent Linda Lacewell and Governor Andrew Cuomo, ....
May 9, 2019
Albany must pass sex harassment bills
After the #MeToo movement exploded into the national consciousness in 2017 and 2018, New York state lawmakers recently ....
May 9, 2019
Albany must pass sex harassment bills
After the #MeToo movement exploded into the national consciousness in 2017 and 2018, New York state lawmakers recently ....
May 9, 2019
Simotas floats doctor abuse bill in Albany after City Council struggled to pass it
A new bill in Albany this week would allow some survivors of doctor abuse across the state — not just in....
May 9, 2019
Simotas floats doctor abuse bill in Albany after City Council struggled to pass it
A new bill in Albany this week would allow some survivors of doctor abuse across the state — not just in....
May 6, 2019
Outrage over city’s plan to close senior center at Astoria Houses NYCHA complex
Astoria’s elected officials were astonished to learn that the city plans on closing the only senior center at the Astoria ....
May 6, 2019
Outrage over city’s plan to close senior center at Astoria Houses NYCHA complex
Astoria’s elected officials were astonished to learn that the city plans on closing the only senior center at the Astoria ....
May 2, 2019
Learning annex in, trailers out at PS 85
Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) announced last Thursday that a state-of-the-art learning annex will replace ....
May 2, 2019
Learning annex in, trailers out at PS 85
Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) announced last Thursday that a state-of-the-art learning annex will replace ....
May 1, 2019
New Annex For PS 85 In Astoria
Councilman Costa Constantinides, the Department of Education, and the School Construction Authority joined with community ....
May 1, 2019
New Annex For PS 85 In Astoria
Councilman Costa Constantinides, the Department of Education, and the School Construction Authority joined with community ....
April 26, 2019
New Building Will Replace Astoria School's Classroom Trailers
A new 476-seat annex building will replace the classroom trailers at an Astoria public school....
April 26, 2019
New Building Will Replace Astoria School's Classroom Trailers
A new 476-seat annex building will replace the classroom trailers at an Astoria public school....
February 19, 2019
The Tragic Side of Tide Pods
The colorful laundry packets have become one of P&G’s biggest blockbusters. There’s only one problem—too many kids are....
February 19, 2019
The Tragic Side of Tide Pods
The colorful laundry packets have become one of P&G’s biggest blockbusters. There’s only one problem—too many kids are....
January 31, 2019
Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Expand Protections in NY's 'Raise the Age' Law
As New York phases in a new law to raise the age at which someone is....
January 31, 2019
Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Expand Protections in NY's 'Raise the Age' Law
As New York phases in a new law to raise the age at which someone is....
January 10, 2019
New law creates ‘Bill of Rights’ for sexual assault victims
A new law signed by the governor in late December is aimed at keeping sexual assault victims informed....
January 10, 2019
New law creates ‘Bill of Rights’ for sexual assault victims
A new law signed by the governor in late December is aimed at keeping sexual assault victims informed....
December 20, 2018
New York Democratic Lawmakers Call for Tougher Sexual Harassment Laws
New York state should do more to prevent sexual harassment, including making bystander intervention....
December 20, 2018
New York Democratic Lawmakers Call for Tougher Sexual Harassment Laws
New York state should do more to prevent sexual harassment, including making bystander intervention....
December 19, 2018
Legislation proposed to strengthen sexual harassment laws
ALBANY — A Queens assemblywoman who has led efforts to overhaul the Assembly’s....
December 19, 2018
Legislation proposed to strengthen sexual harassment laws
ALBANY — A Queens assemblywoman who has led efforts to overhaul the Assembly’s....
May. 09, 2019
Simotas floats doctor abuse bill in Albany after City Council struggled to pass it
A new bill in Albany this week would allow some survivors of doctor abuse across the state — not just in ....
Feb. 19, 2019
The Tragic Side of Tide Pods
The colorful laundry packets have become one of P&G’s biggest blockbusters. There’s only one problem—too many kids are ....
Jan. 31, 2019
Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Expand Protections in NY's 'Raise the Age' Law
As New York phases in a new law to raise the age at which someone is ....
Jan. 10, 2019
New law creates ‘Bill of Rights’ for sexual assault victims
A new law signed by the governor in late December is aimed at keeping sexual assault victims informed ....
Dec. 20, 2018
New York Democratic Lawmakers Call for Tougher Sexual Harassment Laws
New York state should do more to prevent sexual harassment, including making bystander intervention ....
Dec. 19, 2018
Legislation proposed to strengthen sexual harassment laws
ALBANY — A Queens assemblywoman who has led efforts to overhaul the Assembly’s ...
About Aravella
Aravella has been a leader on a host of issues and has focused on increasing protections and
funding for programs that benefit women and children.
Recently, Aravella led a successful push
to establish a Bill of Rights for survivors of sexual assault, sponsoring the bill that was signed
into law by the Governor.
She has hosted seminars on Paid Family Leave and workplace rights
for pregnant women, and she has secured critical funding for improvements to local schools.
As
Chair of the Ethics Committee, Aravella is focused on eliminating workplace harassment and
discrimination.
About Aravella
Aravella has been a leader on a host of issues and has focused on increasing protections and
funding for programs that benefit women and children.
Recently, Aravella led a successful push
to establish a Bill of Rights for survivors of sexual assault, sponsoring the bill that was signed
into law by the Governor.
She has hosted seminars on Paid Family Leave and workplace rights
for pregnant women, and she has secured critical funding for improvements to local schools.
As
Chair of the Ethics Committee, Aravella is focused on eliminating workplace harassment and
discrimination.
