Aravella Simotas

Aravella Simotas (born October 9, 1978) is an American Democratic politician who represented parts of western Queens, including Astoria and parts of Long Island City, in the New York State Assembly. She is the only woman elected to office from her district to date.

Aravella Simotas
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 36th district
In office January 1, 2011 – January 1, 2021
Preceded by	Michael Gianaris
Succeeded by	Zohran Mamdani
Personal details
Born	October 9, 1978 Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	John Katsanos
Children	1
Education	Fordham University (BA, JD)
Website	Official website

Education and early life

Simotas was born in Rhodesia. She immigrated to the United States from Greece and settled in Astoria with her parents and brother when she was an infant.[1][2] She graduated from P.S. 17, Junior H.S. 126, and William C. Bryant High School.[1][2][3]

She received a B.A. degree (summa cum laude) from Fordham University in 1999, followed by a J.D. degree from the Fordham University School of Law in 2002.[1][2][3] During law school, she was the managing editor at the Fordham Environmental Law Journal.[1][3][4]

Early career

Simotas began her career in public service as a district representative for Speaker of the New York City Council, Peter Vallone Sr. and later for New York City Council member Peter Vallone Jr.[2] While at law school, she also worked at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where she developed a passion for environmental advocacy.[1][5]

After law school, Simotas served as a law clerk at the United States Court of International Trade and [2][3] later practiced law in New York City.

Simotas served as a member of the Queens Community Planning Board 1 and the United Community Civic Association.[1][5]

Electoral history

2010 election

Simotas was first elected to office in 2010. She received the Democratic Party nomination and ran unopposed in the November 2, 2010 general election.[6][7][8][9][10]

2012 election

Simotas was unopposed in the 2012 Democratic primary. In the general election, she ran on both the Democratic and Working Families Party lines, and was opposed by Republican Julia Haitch.[11]

According to preliminary results collected by the Daily News, Simotas won re-election to the State Assembly, for the new District 36, in the general election on November 6, 2012 with 84% of the vote.[12]

She was endorsed by Local 1199, a labor union representing health care workers.[13] She was endorsed by the Empire State Pride Agenda, an LGBT advocacy group, in both her 2010 and 2012 races.[14][15]

2020 election

She narrowly lost her 2020 Democratic primary to Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani.[16][17]

Committee assignments

Simotas's Committee Assignments as of 2018 included:

• Chair, Committee on Ethics and Guidance
• Co-Chair, Legislative Ethics Commission
• Insurance
• Judiciary
• Ways and Means
• Energy [18]

Simotas was appointed Chair of the Assembly's Ethics and Guidance Committee in 2017.[19] Under her leadership, the Committee updated the Assembly's policy prohibiting harassment and discrimination to require expedited investigations and expand the types of conduct violating the policy.[20]

From 2014-2017, Simotas served as Chair of the Assembly's Task Force on Women's Issues.[21]

Policy positions

Upon passage of Assemblymember Simotas's Rape-is-Rape bill, survivor and advocate Lydia Cuomo was on hand in Albany to celebrate the legislation's protections for rape survivors across New York. June 11, 2013

Sexual violence

In 2012, Simotas introduced the "Rape is Rape" bill to expand the definition of rape in New York State law to include forced anal and oral sexual contact.[22][23] The bill has passed in the Assembly every year since 2013.[24]

Simotas sponsored legislation in 2016 to combat the rape kit backlog by mandating timely processing and testing of rape kits.[25][26] In 2017, she introduced legislation to establish a Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights and prevent premature destruction of evidence.[27] The bill was signed into law in 2018. [28]

In 2019, the legislature passed Simotas' bill to extend New York's five-year statute of limitations for second and third degree rape to 20 years and 10 years respectively.[29][30]

Simotas authored a package of bills aimed at strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace and pushed the legislature to hold the first public hearings on the subject in 27 years.[31] In June 2019, the legislature passed Simotas' bill to eliminate the severe or pervasive standard for harassment claims, extend the time period for employees to file complaints, hold employers accountable for harassment committed by supervisors, and establish protections for workers who sign non-disclosure agreements.[32]

Simotas has sponsored a series of bills to combat sexual abuse in medical settings.[33] The bills would require health care providers to undergo background checks as a condition of licensure, expand the information about patients' rights and reporting options available online, and require doctors who are disciplined for misconduct to notify their patients.[33]

Health care

In 2015, legislation introduced by Simotas made New York the first state in the country to designate pregnancy as a qualifying event to enroll in health insurance through the state health exchange.[34]

In 2016, Simotas introduced the Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act to require insurers to cover in vitro fertilization, as well as fertility preservation services for cancer patients.[35] Provisions of Simotas' proposal were enacted as part of the 2019-2020 state budget.[36][37]

Simotas introduced legislation to establish a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Pilot Program to combat infant mortality by distributing "baby boxes", essential care items and educational materials to new parents in high risk areas.[38] The bill was signed into law in October 2017.[39]

LGBTQ rights

Simotas voted in favor of same-sex marriage in New York, which she termed "my proudest moment as a legislator and, frankly, as a person."[40][41] Simotas had been a lead sponsor ("co-sponsor") of Assembly Bill A08354, which passed the Assembly by an 80–63 vote,[42] later passed the Senate, and was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.[43] Since she first took office, Simotas supported the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), for which she was a "multi-sponsor".[44][45]

Criminal justice

In 2019, Simotas introduced legislation to close a loophole in New York's Raise the Age law to expand eligibility for record sealing.[46]

Simotas voted against rollbacks to bail reform in the FY 2020-2021 state budget.[47]

Energy and environment

Simotas served as chairperson of Smart Power NY, a coalition to develop new energy sources for Western Queens.[48][49] One of its goals was to support the replacement of "decades-old, dirty" power plants in Astoria with newer generators.[49][50][51] [50][52] [49][52][48]

Other issues

Simotas has pushed for the allocation of additional polling sites and the expansion of early voting.[53][54]

Simotas joined several other public officials in protesting against the anti-immigrant Greek organization, Golden Dawn, which held a recruitment meeting in Queens.[55][56][57] Simotas said that the anti-immigrant message was not welcome in her community; she expressed anger because she is an immigrant herself.[55][56][57][58][59]

Simotas kicks off QSAC's annual 5K race for Autism. September 2013

Simotas has supported the expansion of Mount Sinai Queens hospital, which is undergoing a massive $125 million building project, noting the expanding population of western Queens and the necessity of increased healthcare opportunities to meet the needs of a growing community.[60]

In October 2013, Simotas hosted a seminar for Astoria seniors about Medicare, health insurance, and local resources.[61]

Simotas reads to students during a "Proud to Read Aloud" event at P.S. 70 in Astoria, Queens. May 2013

In 2013, Simotas supported the retention and expansion of Gifted and Talented programs in her district.[62]

Simotas has been active in keeping local public schools open and functioning in her district, including Long Island City High School, which has been threatened with closing or "co-location" (consolidation) since the early 2010s.[63]

Simotas speaks out in support of her Community Full Disclosure Act during floor debate in the Assembly chamber.

Simotas has pushed for cleaner streets in Astoria, calling upon Mayor Bill de Blasio to take action and reduce street waste and litter.[64]

Personal life

Simotas is married to John Katsanos, and they have one daughter, born in 2012.[65]

References

1. Biography at Simotas' New York State Assembly website. Accessed Feb 13, 2014.
2. Jeremy Walsh for The New York Post, February 17, 2010. Astoria resident sets sights on Gianaris seat: CB 1 member Aravella Simotas to run for longtime friend's position in the state Assembly
3. FindLaw listing: Aravella Simotas. FindLaw.com. Accessed March 13, 2011.
4. Aravella Simotas, "Discussion: Panel III: Electric Generators in New York City: Balancing the Energy and Environmental Needs of the Community," 8 Fordham Envtl. Law J. 531 (2002). Abstract found at LexisNexis website. Accessed January 20, 2011.
5. "Profile for Aravella Simotas: Candidate for State Representative District 36, New York: November 6, 2012 New York General Election". 2010.
6. Chris Bragg, "Conservative Democrat Enters Race For Gianaris Seat," City Hall News, May 28, 2010. Found at City Hall News Archived 2011-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed January 19, 2011.
7. Diana Huynh, "In Astoria, the Field Narrows," Gotham Gazette, August 05, 2010. Found at Gotham Gazette website. Accessed January 20, 2011.
8. John Toscano, "Simotas Unchallenged For 36th A.D. Seat As Ciafone Quits," Queens Gazette, August 18, 2010. Found at Queens Gazette website Archived 2011-10-19 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed January 20, 2011.
9. "Assembly Election Returns: November 2, 2010" (PDF). New York State Board of Elections. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 18, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
10. "Election Results 2010: New York State Legislature". The New York Times. 2010.
11. "THE CONTEST LIST: General Election - 11/06/2012: Queens All Parties and Independent Bodies" (PDF). New York City Board of Elections. October 5, 2012. p. 34. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
12. Staff reports (November 7, 2012). "Election 2012: New York Election Results: Live election results for all Assembly, State Senate and other local elections". Daily News. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
13. Celeste Katz (August 1, 2012). "32BJ/SEIU Endorses For State Senate, Assembly". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
14. Spector, Joseph (August 7, 2012). "Pride Agenda Makes Endorsements, But Doesn't Yet Back Saland and McDonald". Politics on the Hudson. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
15. "Empire State Pride Agenda Endorses Pro-Equality Candidates for State Office (Press release)". August 7, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
16. https://patch.com/new-york/astoria-long-island-city/zohran-mamdani-unseats-aravella-simotas-astoria-assembly-race==Legislative tenure==
17. "WOODSIDE 3 18 11for press" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-06-10.
18. "New York State Assembly | Aravella Simotas". nyassembly.gov.
19. Hamilton, Matthew (2017-09-28). "Assembly committee leadership shuffles ahead of 2018 session - Capitol Confidential". Blog.timesunion.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
20. Brendan J. Lyons (2018-12-19). "Legislation proposed to strengthen sexual harassment laws". Timesunion.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
21. "New York State Assembly | Aravella Simotas". assembly.state.ny.us.
22. "Assemblywoman Takes Aim At New York's Rape Laws In Light of Pena Conviction". The Village Voice. 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
23. Bullock, Darcy. "New York 'Rape is Rape' Bill Leads the Way in Ending Sexual Violence". Mic.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
24. Slattery, Denis. "Former Bronx teacher raped by city cop returns to Albany to fight for 'rape is rape' bill". nydailynews.com.
25. "Simotas' rape kit bill signed into law - QNS.com". Timesledger.com. 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
26. "New law requires timely rape-kit testing in New York". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
27. "New York State Assembly | Bill Search and Legislative Information". Nyassembly.gov. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
28. "New law creates 'Bill of Rights' for sexual assault victims – The Legislative Gazette". Legislativegazette.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
29. "Simotas Bill Extending Statute of Limitations for Rape Passes Senate, Assembly". Astoria Post. June 20, 2019.
30. [email protected] (2019-09-19). "Cuomo signs Simotas' bill allowing rape victims more time to bring their attackers to justice". QNS.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
31. Vielkind, Jimmy (December 20, 2018). "New York Democratic Lawmakers Call for Tougher Sexual Harassment Laws" – via www.wsj.com.
32. By ohtadmin (July 3, 2019). "I On Politics | Queens Gazette". Qgazette.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
33. Kates, Graham (2019-05-29). "New York legislation inspired by sex assault survivor would combat abuse by doctors". CBS News. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
34. "NY becomes first state to allow pregnant women to sign up for health care any time". PBS NewsHour. December 23, 2015.
35. Simotas, Aravella (2018-12-13). "A family-friendly fertility law New Yorkers deserve | Queenswide". qchron.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
36. "Access to Care Fertility Insurance Win in New York". Resolve.org. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
37. "Page Not Found | ASRM". www.asrm.org. Cite uses generic title (help)
38. Hannon, Aravella Simotas & Kemp. "Establishing a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Program in New York". Gotham Gazette.
39. On 3 Nov 2017, 11:11 am (2017-11-03). "Simotas' baby boxes become NY State law". The Greek Observer. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
40. "Queens Celebrates At Pride Parade". Queens Gazette. June 6, 2012. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
41. Mishev, Simeon (June 6, 2012). "Recapping Queens Pride". Center Blog). Archived from the original on 2013-03-30. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
42. Badash, David (June 15, 2012). "Same-Sex Marriage: New York Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill – Details". The New Civil Rights Movement. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
43. Green, Jonah (June 24, 2011). "Gay Marriage Bill Passes In New York; Governor Cuomo Signs Same Sex Marriage Bill Into Law". Huffington Post. Associated Press. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
44. "New York State Assembly | Bill Search and Legislative Information". nyassembly.gov.
45. "AIDS Issues Update Blog: Dispatches from the fight against homelessness and AIDS: With All Eyes on NY Gay Marriage, GENDA Passes in Assembly". June 15, 2011.
46. "Assembly Bill Applies 'Raise the Age' Reform to Conviction-Sealing Law". Queens Daily Eagle.
47. Khurshid, Samar. "'Not a Budget Anybody Should Be Celebrating': Democratic Legislators Displeased with Albany Compromise". Gotham Gazette.
48. Pafundi, Jason (April 26, 2012). "Simotas Named Chair Of Smart Power NY". Queens Tribune. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
49. Bartlett, Josey (April 26 – May 3, 2012). "Astoria works on cleaner emissions: Power plant takes a step closer to greener equipment, gains support". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
50. Trapasso, Clare (May 8, 2012). "NRG hopes to replace 31 generators in Astoria". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
51. Kern-Jedrychowska, Ewa (May 24, 2012). "Astoria Coalition Supports Power Company's Bid to Install Clean Generators". dnainfo.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
52. Henely, Rebecca (April 30, 2012). "Officials support Astoria repowering to grow jobs". Times Ledger. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
53. Staff. "Simotas, Gianaris Fight For Voters' Rights". Queens Gazette. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
54. DeBenedetto, Paul (October 11, 2012). "Queens Voters Forced to Trek a Mile After Polling-Place Swap". DNAinfo.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
55. Trapasso, Claire (October 22, 2012). "Astoria elected officials and liberals mobilize against neo-Nazi group: Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and others denounce Golden Dawn for trying to gain a toe-hold in Queens". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
56. Flint, Miranda (October 11, 2012). "Locals Protest Golden Dawn's New York Presence". Jewocity.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
57. Henely, Rebecca (October 11, 2012). "Officials want neo-Nazi set out of Astoria". Jewocity.com. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
58. Queens Crapper (blogger) (October 7, 2012). "Greek neo-Nazis moving into Queens". Queens Crap (blog). Retrieved October 22, 2012.
59. Golden Dawn is a neo-Nazi party in Greece, and is involved in Holocaust denialism. A sample of work on Golden Dawn reports:
    • Altsech, Moses (August 2004), "Anti-Semitism in Greece: Embedded in Society", Post-Holocaust and Anti-Semitism (23): 12, On 12 March 2004, Chrysi Avghi (Golden Dawn), the new weekly newspaper of the Neo-Nazi organization of that name, cited another survey indicating that the percentage of Greeks who view immigrants unfavorably is 89 percent.
    • "Migration woes take centre stage ahead of Greek election", The Sun Daily, 4 April 2012
    • Xenakis, Sappho (2012), "A New Dawn? Change and Continuity in Political Violence in Greece", Terrorism and Political Violence, 24 (3): 437–464, doi:10.1080/09546553.2011.633133, S2CID 145624655, ...Nikolaos Michaloliakos, who in the early 1980s established the fascistic far-right party Chrysi Avgi ("Golden Dawn").
    • Smith, Helena (16 December 2011), "Rise of the Greek far right raises fears of further turmoil", The Guardian, London
60. Parry, Bill (2013-10-25). "Mount Sinai Hospital expansion to feature new operating suites". Queens Times-Ledger.
61. "Simotas Hosts Healthcare Seminar For Seniors". Queens Gazette. 2013-10-16. Archived from the original on 2014-04-26.
62. "Simotas Announces New Gifted And Talented Program". Queens Gazette. 2013-02-20. Archived from the original on 2014-04-26.
63. "Fighting For LIC H.S." Western Queens Gazette. October 30, 2013. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
64. "Electeds' Push For Cleaner Astoria Streets Continues". Queens Gazette. 2014-01-29. Archived from the original on 2014-04-26.
65. Celeste Katz (August 8, 2012). "Aravella Simotas: Assemblywoman. Mom". Daily News. New York. Retrieved August 14, 2012.

External links

• Official biography at the New York State Assembly website
• Campaign website
• Interview on YNN regarding improvements to power plants (video link)