State Rep. Joseph DeStefano
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About State Rep. Joseph DeStefano
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DeStefano: Help Our Veterans Now!
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano expressed his dismay at the ongoing delay in distributing funds intended for veterans, criticizing the Department of Veteran Services and the governor for withholding these much-needed resources. DeStefano, along with other lawmakers, held a press conference at the state Capitol to address the issue."These funds have been at a standstill for six years now, yet to be disbursed. It’s truly disgraceful that those who have sacrificed so much for our nation are being denied the support they rightfully deserve," DeStefano stated. He emphasized the...
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DeStefano: Call for Release of 134 Hostages in Gaza
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) and other members of the Assembly Minority Conference have urged for the release of 134 hostages being held in Gaza, including two New Yorkers. DeStefano emphasized the significance of the strong relationship between Israel and New York, expressing hope for the safe return of the hostages.During a recent rally, DeStefano shared, "Considering the strong relationship between Israel and New York, we stand hopeful and united these hostages will be released." He further highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “What is...
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DeStefano Comments on Beginning of State Budget Process with Passage of Debt Service Bill
Today, the Assembly took up the first of its 10 budget bills, the debt service bill, which is necessary to make legally required payments related to the sale and servicing of debt by the state as well as contractual debt agreements with public authorities and agencies. The debt service bill, A.8802, passed today and authorizes a $3 billion payment towards the state’s outstanding debt, which is estimated to total $64.4 billion in FY25. The comptroller has projected debt service is going to consume an increasing share of state spending over the next five years, leaving fewer...
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DeStefano: ‘Finders Keepers’ Property Laws Must Change
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) addressed the pressing issue of property laws and squatting-related incidents in New York State during a recent press conference at the New York State Capitol. Standing alongside landlords and small property owners, DeStefano highlighted the need for legislative changes to protect homeowners from squatters.The catalyst for this call to action was a tragic incident involving Nadia Vitels, a woman from Spain who was brutally murdered by squatters in a Manhattan apartment owned by her late mother. DeStefano emphasized the urgency of...
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DeStefano, Assembly Minority Responds to Urgent Plea from New York Families: Child Care Access and Affordability Must be Improved
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) attended a press conference in Albany today, joining Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Assembly Minority colleagues, parents, and child care experts to address concerns regarding child care access and affordability challenges in New York.DeStefano expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "New York families need our help. I stand with my colleagues today to answer that call—the solutions proposed today will pave the way for a better future for our kids and grandkids." He highlighted the impact of...
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DeStefano Joins Bipartisan Effort for Immediate Passage of ‘Melanie’s Law’ to Strengthen Domestic Violence Protections
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, alongside his colleagues, has joined a bipartisan effort for the immediate passage of "Melanie’s Law" to strengthen domestic violence protections. The push for the passage of the law comes in response to the tragic loss of Melanie Chianese, who was a victim of domestic violence. Speaking at a press conference in the New York state Capitol, DeStefano emphasized the importance of enacting Melanie’s Law without further delay.DeStefano highlighted the urgency of passing the law, stating, "We continue to advocate for Melanie’s Law because it has not...
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Assemblyman DeStefano Condemns $60 Million Cut to Local Road Maintenance
Assemblyman DeStefano has strongly criticized the proposed $60 million cut to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), emphasizing the vital role that local roads play in our daily lives. According to Reason’s 27th Annual Highway Report, New York state ranks poorly in road maintenance, standing at 49th in the nation.DeStefano expressed his concerns, stating, "Local roads play a crucial role in our daily lives, serving as vital connections to work, school, health care, and our loved ones." He highlighted the impact of the proposed cut on the...
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DeStefano Calls for Fair Compensation for DSPs in New York
New York, Feb 12 2024 - DeStefano, a vocal advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and direct-support professionals (DSP), has called for fair compensation and support for these groups in New York.DeStefano highlighted the need for immediate attention to the plight of individuals with I/DD and the DSPs who support them, stating, "They need quality care, fair raises and they need it now."Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, DeStefano criticized the governor's 1.5% cost of living adjustment, labeling it as...
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DeStefano: This is all Preventable, We Must Pass Legislation to Protect Warehouse Worker Injury
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) attended a press conference in the New York State Capitol today to call for the passage of the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act (A.3309-/S.5081). Warehouse work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the state, with warehouse workers getting hurt at four times the rate of the average New York worker. DeStefano, who is a co-sponsor on the bill, joined coalition members and injured warehouse workers as they shared their personal experiences of being injured on the job. The bipartisan press conference was led by New York state...
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DeStefano Joins Colleagues, Union Members to Support PLA Legislation
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) recently participated in a rally on the Million Dollar Staircase, alongside members of various Building Trades unions, to advocate for bill A.5486 and promote good union jobs at SUNY. The event aimed to garner support for Project Labor Agreement (PLA) legislation for quality construction jobs at SUNY.DeStefano, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of supporting workers in the construction industry. He expressed his solidarity with union members, stating, "I proudly stand with all of the laborers, carpenters, painters,...
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DeStefano Critiques Governor's State of The State Address for Lack of Real Solutions
In a recent statement, DeStefano criticized the State of The State address delivered by the governor, highlighting what he perceives as a weak package of proposals for the year 2024. DeStefano expressed disappointment in the governor's address, stating, "The governor’s State of the State today was full of promise, but again fails to acknowledge the cliff our state hangs over—New Yorkers are fleeing due to an exorbitant cost of living and stifling overregulation, particularly burdening our small businesses."DeStefano further pointed out the contradiction in the governor's...
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DeStefano Joins Forces to Combat Fentanyl Epidemic, Urges Swift Action
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) attended a press conference on the Million Dollar Staircase in the Capitol this morning to support the unveiling of a legislative package aimed at stemming the rising tide of overdose deaths in New York state. The press conference was led by the Suffolk County DA and advocates from across the state, who came together in support of the newly proposed legislation."Every life lost to the devastating grip of fentanyl is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive action. There is no time to wait when it comes to the lives of...
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DeStefano Comments on The Start of 2024 Legislative Session
DeStefano, a dedicated representative of the state, shared his thoughts on the commencement of the 2024 legislative session on January 3, 2024. In his statement, DeStefano expressed his commitment to advocating for the needs of the community and addressing crucial issues facing New Yorkers."I’m honored to return to Albany, ready to advocate for the needs of not only my assembly district but those of each New Yorker," DeStefano emphasized. He highlighted the importance of tackling pressing matters such as public safety, fair elections, and responsible governance, stating...
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DeStefano Celebrates Grand Opening of Local Salvadoran Restaurant, Pupusas City
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) and Councilman Michael A. Loguercio Jr. marked the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Pupusas City in Middle Island on Saturday, August 26. During the event, certificates were presented to the proud owner, Iris Viera Argueta. The celebration was also graced by the presence of representatives from the Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce, Salvadoran Consulate General Federico Guerrero, Hector Gavilla, Luis Guillen Pineda, and El Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce representative Elvin Fuentes.Speaking at the event, Assemblyman DeStefano...
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DeStefano: No More Wasted Time, Gabby’s Law Will Help Find Missing Adults
Albany, NY - A press conference held on the Million Dollar Staircase on June 7, 2023, shed light on "Gabby’s Law," a bill proposed by Assemblyman Ed Flood and Sen. Anthony Palumbo. This legislation aims to address the gap in current alert systems by introducing a Teal Alert specifically for missing adults aged 18-64, including victims of domestic violence who are believed to be in danger.The motivation behind Gabby's Law stems from the tragic case of Long Island native Gabby Petito, whose disappearance and subsequent homicide highlighted the need for improved measures to...
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DeStefano Supports Legislation to End Domestic Violence Loophole
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) attended a press conference in Albany yesterday to support his colleagues’ introduction of Melanie’s Law, allowing courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of victims of domestic violence, regardless of age. The press conference was led by Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham, Sen. Michelle Hinchey, Sen. Rob Rolison, Assemblyman Anil Beephan, and Cheryl Chianese, Melanie’s mother, who joined together to call for the law’s immediate passage.Melanie Chianese’s life was tragically taken by her...
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DeStefano Advocates for Increased Penalties for Sexual Offenses against Correction Officers
DeStefano, a vocal advocate for the protection of correctional officers, has joined the call to increase penalties for sexual offenses committed against these frontline workers. Expressing concern over the impact of certain legislative measures, DeStefano highlighted the challenges faced by correctional officers in the current system."Hearing the stories from women who have experienced worsening working conditions following the implementation of the HALT Solitary Confinement Act is yet another example of why pro-crime legislation is bad for New York. Our correctional...
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DeStefano Questions Budget Process Following Third Extension Passed Today
In a recent development regarding the state budget, concerns have been raised by DeStefano over the prolonged process. DeStefano expressed disappointment over the lack of progress, particularly noting the passing of a third extension. The Assembly Majority Conference's approach to closed-door negotiations and intransigence has also come under scrutiny.DeStefano highlighted the policy-related nature of issues such as bail reform and housing, questioning the need to delay finalizing the state budget for discussions that could potentially take place outside of the budget...
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DeStefano Criticizes Albany Majority for Budget Extension Delays
State Assemblyman DeStefano recently expressed his frustration with the ongoing delays in the state budget proceedings. According to DeStefano, the majority conferences in Albany continue to abuse budget extensions for their own political gains.In a statement released on Apr 10, 2023, DeStefano criticized the Albany Majority lawmakers, saying, "Today, another budget extension was passed to give Albany Majority lawmakers more time to settle their party infighting, which is still holding up the state budget proceedings."DeStefano highlighted the negative consequences of...
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DeStefano: State Budget is Unsurprisingly Delayed Again
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) expressed dissatisfaction with the state budget proceedings as legislators gathered in Albany to pass an emergency extender bill, pushing the budget deadline 10 days past the official April 1 deadline. DeStefano highlighted the concerning trend of budget extensions, stating, "This is the third year that an extension was necessary before the final state budget, a worrying trend that sends a poor message to our constituents about the ability New York’s leaders have to run the state."DeStefano further emphasized the importance of...