Platform
Holding the Line
Since the beginning of this campaign, two issues have received increased attention in the wake of national events: reproductive justice and gun safety. Jeremy is committed to supporting the policies that New York already has in place to protect these.
Jeremy stands for reproductive justice, including every person’s right to choose.
Jeremy stands for strong gun safety laws, including the following policies.
A permanent ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines
Red Flag laws to protect families and others by removing guns from dangerous situations
Stronger background checks to ensure dangerous individuals can’t acquire firearms
Moving Us Forward
We cannot be content to simply hold the line. Status quo policies are part of the system that landed us here, and we can’t be satisfied with them. We must create a system where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Click the buttons below to learn about policies to help build that system that Jeremy supports.
What does support look like?
I commit to co-sponsoring each of these bills starting on day one. In Albany, supporting a major bill means putting your name on it and fighting to make sure it reaches the floor for a vote. I, along with many advocacy groups, have met with Senator Kaplan regarding much of the legislation below, and she consistently declines to voice support. I’m running because we deserve better.
Choose a Topic to Learn More
Healthcare
Healthcare is a human right. No one should be denied healthcare due to their employment, immigration, or socioeconomic status. I support the following legislation and programs that would address both inequities in access to healthcare as well as in compensation for healthcare workers.
New York Health Act
The New York Health Act would establish a public healthcare system for our state. No more co-pays, deductibles, networks, or being denied care due to the profit-driven private insurance industry. We are very close to having enough support to make this a reality.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Fair Pay for Home Care
Our nation is experiencing a home care workforce crisis. As a result, seniors, disabled people, and others are going without services or becoming institutionalized due to the lack of workers. Fair Pay for Home Care guarantees dignity for patients and workers by raising the minimum wage of home care, which is estimated to solve this worker shortage in less than five years.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan supports this bill
End Medical Debt and Predatory Practices
According to a recent study, almost 20% of New Yorkers have unpaid medical bills, many of whom have insurance! This bill would prohibit nonprofit hospitals from placing liens on patients’ homes or garnishing wages to collect on medical debt.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Indigent Care Pool Reform
New York's Indigent Care Pool is meant to direct funds to healthcare facilities in underfunded communities. This bill will ensure the ICP meets its mission by changing the funding distribution to target hospitals that provide services to uninsured, under-insured, or Medicaid-insured people.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan supports this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Climate
Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. We need to take bold action with an urgency that has sadly been absent in Albany. The last major climate bill, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, was passed in 2019, and it still lacks funding!
We need to quickly transition away from fossil fuels and invest in renewables. Drawing on my professional background, I will bring some much-needed science advocacy to the Senate and will stand against those who do not take this threat seriously.
Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA)
To paraphrase NY Renews, the CCIA imposes a penalty on corporations that pollute our environment to fund the measures called for in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Among other things, these essential funds will empower renewable energy investments, environmental justice efforts, and worker retraining programs.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA)
The BPRA would expand the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to be able to provide 100% renewable energy directly to all state and municipal properties by 2030. BPRA is funded through bonds and is thus revenue-neutral. BPRA would also enable NYPA to hire and retrain fossil fuel workers to work on the renewable energy grid.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Clean Futures Act (CFA)
The CFA would prohibit the development of any new major electric generating facilities that would be powered in whole or in part by any fossil fuel.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Teachers Fossil Fuel Divestment Act
The New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS), a pension fund with more than $140 billion in net assets, invests approximately 6.71% of its holdings in the fossil fuel industry. As was done with the state pension fund, this legislation would require NYSTRS to divest from fossil fuels and protect teachers’ pensions from investment in a destructive and dying fossil fuel industry.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Criminal Legal Reform
Our law enforcement and carceral systems have led to vulnerable populations being targeted, communities being overpoliced, and mass incarceration. This has resulted in generations of trauma for our Black and Brown neighbors, as well as those who suffer with mental health issues.
These are systemic problems that require serious solutions. I support legislation that will begin the process of addressing our broken criminal legal system as laid out in the Justice Roadmap.
Clean Slate Act
Countless individuals returning home from incarceration find their opportunities for employment, housing, and other necessities blocked by the stamp of their criminal record. The Clean Slate Act would end this unjust "prison penalty" by requiring the expungement of certain records, including convictions for various traffic infractions.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Fair and Timely Parole
New York has the second highest rate of parole-eligible individuals in the country. Despite this, our current system leaves a disproportionately-Black-and-Brown population languishing behind bars. This bill would require parole to be offered to incarcerated people who are eligible and have demonstrated good behavior, unless they pose a risk that cannot be handled by parole supervision.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Elder Parole
For older people who have been serving a long prison sentence, New York's unjust parole system means they may never get a chance to see the freedom they have earned. Elder parole would allow individuals aged 55 and older, who have served 15 or more consecutive years, the opportunity to be considered for parole and return to their communities.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
End Qualified Immunity
Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that shields government officials and law enforcement from liability in civil cases. No one should be above the law and victims of civil rights violations deserve justice.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Treatment Not Jail
Individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues are often victims of a legal system that criminalizes them rather than provides the help they need. Treatment Not Jail will dramatically expand access to diversion courts; give individuals accused of crimes the right to be evaluated by a certified mental health professional for eligibility for drug court or mental treatment court; and improve the services offered and the dignity provided by the diversion court system.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Daniel's Law
When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, armed police officers are often called to a scene they are not equipped to handle, and often dangerous escalation occurs. Daniel’s Law would create response units of mental health professionals for non-violent crises and substance abuse emergencies.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Democracy
Our democracy, while deeply flawed, is in need of stronger protections from those who try to weaken it. I stand against any obstacles to voting and support more transparency in government.
John R. Lewis New York Voting Rights Act
The NYVRA would add robust protections for voting rights in New York and guarantee that no matter what happens to voting rights at the federal level, New York’s will remain extremely strong.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan supports this bill
Voting Rights for Incarcerated People
Having a felony conviction or being incarcerated should not mean you are denied the right to vote. Disenfranchisement policies like these disproportionately impact Black Americans and have a history that is inextricably tied with the Jim Crow era. We should immediately amend the NY Constitution to allow for full enfranchisement.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Restore Balance in the NY Budget Process
Every year, we hear about our elected representatives being overruled by the outsized power of the Governor during the budget process. This bill would prevent the Executive Branch from imposing their will on the legislature by introducing more transparency and limitations on the Governor's office.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Economic Justice
The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The wealth gap in the US is larger than in any other developed nation, and without bold action, it's only going to get worse.
Due to New York’s outdated tax code, the top 1% pay the smallest share of their income in taxes. This has put an unacceptable burden on working families, whether through underfunded public services or outrageous property taxes. I have long supported the solutions from the Invest In Our New York coalition, and will continue to do so in Albany.
Public Banking
This bill makes it possible to establish public banks in New York State. Public banks are sponsored by a municipality to provide a “public benefit” to that community. They can provide low-cost services to underbanked and unbanked people, make low-interest loans to existing community banks and credit unions, and provide access to needed funds without waiting for the federal government. Any profits made by a public bank go straight into the community’s general fund, which raises revenue and can lower property taxes. This bill is the first step on the road to making all that possible.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Corporate Tax
In 2017, Trump’s tax cuts reduced the federal corporate profit tax rate from 35% to 21%, and taxes on real estate businesses were cut by 20%. We need to end these Trump tax breaks in our state so that businesses pay the same tax as they did just a few years ago. Doing this would raise a much-needed $9 billion every year.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Heir's Tax
Working people pay taxes on the entirety of the income they make each year—the income they make from work—but the super rich can make $5 million in a year through inheritance and pay no tax on that money. We can address this inequity by taxing the inherited wealth of heirs. Only the top 1% of inheritances would be affected–with exemptions for pensions, retirement funds, and homes–and only amounts in excess of $250,000.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Immigrants' Rights
No one should have to live under the constant fear of having their immigration status exposed and their life ruined. Imposing this state of fear is inhumane and makes everyone less safe.
Instead, lawmakers must support policies that ensure the dignity and thriving of all people regardless of immigration status, as they did when they created the Excluded Workers Fund. I was an advocate for this essential aid, which provided relief to our undocumented neighbors during the pandemic. As a Senator, I will make sure this district's representation finally fights for the rights of all immigrants.
New York For All
New York agencies and officials should not obtain or disclose information relating to a person’s immigration status. It is not the job of New York’s police, courts, jails, prisons, or other state or local agencies to assist the federal government in immigration enforcement. New York for All would ensure our neighbors' safety by prohibiting local or state officials from coordinating with ICE.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Coverage For All
No one should be denied healthcare due to their immigration status. Federal programs like Medicaid exclude undocumented immigrants, and as a result, an estimated 150,000 New Yorkers are without insurance. Coverage for All would create a state-funded Essential Plan for all New Yorkers making up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, irrespective of immigration status.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Dignity Not Detention
Immigration detention is inhumane and dangerous. It undermines public safety and is a threat to New Yorkers all over the state. We’ve seen the effects of private profiteering from mass incarceration and have made it illegal statewide; it’s time to do the same for immigration detention centers. Dignity Not Detention would end the practice of jailing New York immigrants as they face deportation, reuniting families and communities and enabling them to more capably fight deportation.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Housing
Long Island has a housing crisis ... but you already know that! We need to build more affordable housing and expand protections for renters. I don't want to see our area stagnate, which is why I strongly support policies that will make housing more accessible for more people, especially young people and working families.
Good Cause Eviction
If you are a good tenant who pays your rent on time, you should not have to live in fear of being evicted. Good Cause Eviction would end no-fault evictions and would require landlords to justify rent increases of greater than 3% with "good cause."
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP)
With over 90,000 homeless people in the state, it is urgent that we invest in rental assistance that will allow homeless people to have stable housing. HAVP is a statewide rental subsidy for low-income families that covers people on fixed incomes. It covers everyone on fixed incomes (public assistance, social security disability, retirement, etc.) and people who work low wage jobs and cannot afford rent. HAVP will be evenly divided between homeless families and those at imminent risk of eviction.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act
Tenants should have the first right and opportunity to purchase their homes if their buildings come up for sale. TOPA would allow tenants to form a tenant association to bid on a building and democratically run it as a co-operative, limiting displacement and speculation.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
Education
Our public schools are the foundation of our communities–we need to work to make sure education is fully funded and our schools fully resourced. I will continue to fight for increased state revenue to fulfill Foundation Aid commitments to our school districts and to make sure we reach universal pre-k access.
Universal Childcare Act
Families can't afford the childcare services they need; the average cost for center-based childcare in NY is almost $20,000 annually. Worse, childcare workers can't even live off the income these unaffordable services provide; 65% are eligible for govt assistance like food stamps or Medicaid. We should direct the necessary funding to increase access to affordable child care and pay workers like the educators they are.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Provide Internet for Temporary Housing
During this pandemic, over 100K children in shelters were unable to participate fully in remote learning due to lack of internet access. Additionally, New Yorkers staying in shelters need the internet to access housing and employment opportunities. The internet is an essential service and we should treat it as such.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Mental Health Professionals in Schools
This bill would ensure that all schools throughout the state have a full-time licensed social worker and a full-time licensed psychologist on staff to meet the needs of their students.
Where does Senator Kaplan stand?
Senator Kaplan does not support this bill
Did I miss something? Email me at info@jeremyjosephforny.com and let me know.
All listed information regarding Senator Kaplan's support is accurate as of 8/21/22.