Assemblyman Joe DeStefano stays in constant contact with the residents of the 3rd Assembly District, listening to their concerns and fighting for practical solutions that improve everyday life.
Joe is a loud voice in the fight to improve public safety by repealing New York’s failed cashless bail law and strengthening the dangerous criminal justice policies put in place by the Democrats that put criminals ahead of victims and law-abiding families.
He strongly supports law enforcement, tougher penalties for repeat offenders, and giving prosecutors and judges the tools they need to hold criminals accountable while protecting neighborhoods across Long Island.
As utility bills continue to climb, Joe is fighting to lower the cost of living by opposing Albany’s costly energy mandates that threaten grid reliability and drive up electricity prices. He agrees with his constituents that banning gas barbecue grills and forcing school districts and fire departments to replace their fleets with all-electric buses and trucks shows just how far out of touch the Democrats are with Long Island.
Joe supports an energy policy that prioritizes affordability, reliability and common sense while protecting Long Island families and small businesses from ever-increasing utility costs.
The Assemblyman has also been a strong advocate for local control, standing up against one-size-fits-all mandates from Gov. Hochul and the Democrats. Whether opposing state efforts to override local zoning decisions to build multi-family housing, fighting against statewide moratoriums that strip communities of their decision-making authority on data centers, or supporting the ability of towns and villages to shape their own future, Joe believes local residents—not Albany bureaucrats—know what is best for their communities.
Protecting taxpayers remains one of Joe’s top priorities. He works to secure state funding for schools, roads, public safety and local infrastructure, while fighting against wasteful spending, mismanagement, higher taxes and unfunded mandates that place additional burdens on local governments and taxpayers.
He’s made a big deal out of requiring stronger oversight of New York’s rapidly growing Medicaid program and greater accountability for taxpayer dollars. He is pushing Gov. Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James to conduct forensic audits that could possibly save billions of dollars from fraud and direct more money to New Yorkers who really need it.
Joe maintains close working relationships with federal, county, town and village officials to ensure that government works together to deliver results for the communities he represents. He regularly works with the New York State Department of Transportation to improve local roads, enhance traffic safety and address infrastructure concerns throughout the district.
He’s front and center with the MTA to bring about the long-awaited electrification of the Long Island Rail Road lines in Suffolk and directing money for new grade crossings, especially in the Mastic-Shirley area.
With a lifelong career in public safety and organized labor, Joe has never forgotten the hardworking men and women who keep our communities running. He is a steadfast supporter of police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, veterans, public employees, teachers, and union workers, and remains committed to protecting their interests while ensuring they receive the respect they have earned.
Joe believes good government starts with listening. He regularly attends civic meetings, community events and neighborhood gatherings throughout the district, encouraging residents to become involved in the issues that affect their communities.
Whether it’s lowering the cost of living, improving public safety, preserving local control or improving quality of life, Joe stands alongside the people he represents and works every day to make sure their voices are heard.
Keep up with our campaign.
