Inside Government is a Q&A series that gives New Yorkers a glimpse inside the role of the elected officials who represent them. This edition of Inside Government with PoliticsNY features New York State Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. Assembly Member Simon represents the 52 Assembly District in Brooklyn which includes portions of Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Boerum Hill and DUMBO.
Q: What piece of legislation are you most proud to have passed this legislative session?
A: I’m proud to have passed a major climate change bill this year, a repeal of the 100-foot rule, which will save New Yorkers $200 million each year. The 100-foot rule is an antiquated provision that forces ratepayers to subsidize other people’s new gas hookups and line the pockets of corporate utilities. This bill will provide households with savings on their energy bills and ensure New York isn’t reliant on polluting fossil fuels.
Q: How does your office work to support your constituents in their day-to-day lives?
A: A critical role of elected officials is being accessible to the public and providing quality constituent services. My office helps people navigate public benefits, housing, health care, and unemployment help. We serve as a bridge to state agencies, nonprofits and legal services. We also connect the public with civic groups, educational and cultural institutions. I host community events like Java with Jo Anne, flu shot drives, mammograms, older adult resource fairs, and town halls.
Q: What is the most prevalent issue facing your constituents and how are you working to resolve it?
A: Affordability remains one of the most prevalent issues facing my constituents. I am the lead sponsor of the NY HEAT Act, which would cap utility bills at 6% of household income. I also sponsor the EmPIRE Worker Protection Act, which would prevent wage theft by unscrupulous corporations. I also hold a bill to establish a look-back period for New Yorkers who have been the victims of deed theft to seek justice in the courts.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2025?
A: I hope to see my 100-foot rule bill signed into law by Governor Hochul. This bill would deliver meaningful relief to working families while advancing our state’s climate goals. My Local Input in Community Healthcare Act also must be signed by the Governor. This bill requires public notice and engagement when a hospital seeks to close, strengthening the state’s review of proposed closings. This is especially critical with the federal administration’s cuts to healthcare.
Q: What is the proudest moment of your political career?
A: My proudest moment was passing legislation establishing an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) – aka “red flag” – law to help family members, law enforcement, and school officials prevent gun violence tragedies. “Red Flag” laws prevent people who demonstrate a significant risk to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing firearms. Several thousand ERPOs have been granted, saving countless lives.
