Michelle Schimel is now serving her second term in the New York State Assembly representing the 16th District, having first been elected in March 2007. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Michelle was the Town Clerk of North Hempstead for eight years, where she worked tirelessly to make government more efficient and transparent for the residents of the community.

Now a full time legislator, Michelle has become one of the most recognized and respected advocates in her community for her passion on the issues that affect New York families, particularly the prevention of gun violence and protecting the environment.

A lifelong community activist, Michelle serves on the board of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), the largest citizens' group in New York State dedicated to reducing gun-related violence. In 1995, as Vice President and member of the Executive Board of NYAGV, Michelle and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy co-founded the Long Island Chapter.

Michelle has become a leader on anti-crime initiatives in the New York State Legislature. To date, her proudest accomplishment is her landmark microstamping legislation (A.6468c/S.6005a), which she introduced to help law enforcement solve gun crimes. Microstamping technology allows police officers to trace firearms through cartridge casings found at crime scenes, even if the crime gun is never recovered. Over 100 law enforcement agencies and elected officials from across the state have endorsed Michelle's bill, which passed the Assembly with bipartisan support in 2008, 2009 and 2010, but has been blocked in the Senate due to strong-arming by the gun lobby.

For the past three years in a row, Michelle has been recognized as a leader on the environment by Environmental Advocates of New York and the New York League of Conservation Voters. Her recent work has focused on preserving open space, protecting Long Island's water resources, most notably the Lloyd Aquifer, and promoting the recycling of electronic waste products. To that end, Michelle co-sponsored the "Electronic Equipment and Reuse Act" (A.9049/S.6047), which was recently signed into law. This act establishes a comprehensive statewide system for the collection, handling and recycling of discarded electronic equipment.

As the Town Clerk of North Hempstead, Michelle spearheaded the Town's electronic waste recycling program, which has reduced some of the most environmentally hazardous forms of trash in her community. A hybrid electric car owner, Michelle authored a resolution for the Town to transition their municipal fleet to hybrid electric and other alternative energy vehicles.

Michelle has been a leader in protecting identity and national security interests through the protection of vital records. Recognized for her strong management and advocacy skills, she was appointed by the State Education Department and continues to serve on the Local Government Records Advisory Council that sets guidelines for the security and accessibility of local government records. In 2006, Michelle was selected to serve on the New York State "Cyber-Security Panel" in conjunction with Homeland Security to review internet policies for local governments throughout the state.

Michelle Schimel was born in Brooklyn and has been a resident of Great Neck with her husband Mark since 1982. She has two sons, Alex and Spencer. Before being elected to public office, Michelle was a physical therapist and certified wound care specialist at North Shore University Hospital. From 1982-1994 Michelle was a small business owner, running a fashion accessories firm in Manhattan. She is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania.

Michelle Sits on the Following Assembly Committees

  • Energy
  • Environmental Conservation
  • Local Governments
  • Transportation
  • Veterans
  • Majority Steering Committee

Michelle's Current Membership Affiliations

  • Board Member of the Great Neck Historical Society
  • Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
  • Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee
  • Emily's List
  • Interfaith Alliance
  • League of Women Voters
  • Manhasset Kiwanis
  • NARAL
  • NOW
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Reach Out America
  • Residents of a More Beautiful Port Washington
  • Sierra Club
  • Temple Beth-El (Former Trustee and Membership Chair)
  • Vice President of the North Hempstead Historical Society
  • Zonta International