A Legislative Advocate and Reformer

Michelle is a long time community advocate and reformer. Working across party lines, she has built a reputation as an effective agent for change. Only in her second term, Michelle has an outstanding record of legislative achievement, already having nine bills that she introduced signed into law. As an advocate of a more open and transparent government, Michelle has championed campaign finance and ethics reform in the New York State Legislature.

A Leader on the Environment

For the third year in a row, Environmental Advocates of New York has honored Michelle due to her strong environmental voting record. As a member of the Assembly's Environmental Conservation and Energy Committees, Michelle has been fighting to protect our water resources, preserve our parks and open space, encourage the use of alternative energy and promote the recycling of reusable products. Read more about the environment

Fighting for Anti-Crime Initiatives

Michelle has helped push through some of the most sensible gun legislation in State history. On August 9th, 2000, Michelle and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy stood with members of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence as Governor Pataki signed into law New York's most effective gun control legislation to date. As an Assemblywoman, Michelle continues to advocate for sensible anti-crime initiatives, such as her microstamping bill A.6468c/S.6005a), and legislation that will help reduce gun violence and impose stricter penalties for drunk drivers. Read more about anti-crime initiatives

Advocating for Local Government Efficiency & Transparency

Her years as North Hempstead Town Clerk has made Michelle uniquely qualified to understand how local governments work. Always mindful of governmental efficiency and eliminating wasteful spending, Michelle has sponsored a number of legislative initiatives that encourage cost-saving measures, the practice of shared municipal services, and increased governmental transparency. Read more about advocating for local government

Reforming Healthcare

Prior to her tenure as Town Clerk, Michelle was a Physical Therapist and Wound Care Specialist at North Shore University Hospital. While there, she implemented sweeping reforms in the treatment of wound care, which simultaneously reduced costs and increased quality of care. Michelle understands the economy of scale in healthcare and knows that increased efficiency and savings doesn't have to come at the expense of quality. Read more about healthcare

Ensuring Quality Education

Michelle has brought in $7.6 million dollars in additional state aid to public schools in her district. She knows that the 16th Assembly District expects top quality education without additional hikes in local taxes. She has fought cuts in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for college students, as well as expanded eligibility for part-time students. She helped secure new funding for Nassau Community College.

Advocating for Veterans

Michelle serves on the Assembly's Veterans' Affairs Committee, and the Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island, which promotes the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. Both in her community and in the halls of the State Capital, Michelle has become an outspoken advocate on veterans' issues. Read more about veterans