Melissa Mark-Viverito

Civil Rights

I support full equality for LGBTQ people. That means access to all the rights and protections that non LGBTQ people have. That means that trans rights are at the forefront of my commitment with full equality. I have been and forever will be a vocal and visible ally. I will champion and support legislation and policies to enhace LGBTQ rights. I will work with the LGBTQ community to stop any policy that dehumanizes them or strip them from equal protection under the law. I will work nonstop to ensure the dignity and equality of all LGBTQ people. Learn more

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

I will fight to end the institutionalized racism in our justice system that disproportionately affects people of color. I will fight to close Rikers and other inhumane facilities throughout the country and end cash bail so we can finally put an end to the criminal justice system that criminalizes poverty. I will work to decriminalize low-level offenses and create the possibility of housing pre-trial detainees in community-based facilities. Learn more

Education

I will prioritize increasing spending for public education. I will fight for a system of education that works for all so no student graduates with debt and student loan lenders are held accountable for predatory loans. I will stand alongside teachers as they demand a living wage, better benefits, and more resources for their students and schools. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I will advocate for the Green New Deal and lead the United States to be a zero-emissions country by 2050 all while transforming our economy policy and legislation that advocates for zero emissions, no fossil fuels, and green jobs all while taking into account the disproportionate effect climate change has on marginalized communities. Learn more

Guns

I will support common sense gun laws including handgun microstamping, a ban on assault weapons and bump stocks, a drastic increase on regulations for handgun, and the investment in community-based violence intervention programs. I will fight to make it a requirement for all gun owners to apply for a gun license that requires a comprehensive background check, a gun safety course, and safety training. I will close the loopholes that allow guns to be purchased without a background check and stand up to the corporate gun lobby and the NRA. Learn more

Healthcare

I will fight to ensure that every person has quality healthcare regardless of their job status, income, geography, or preexisting medical conditions. Eliminate the pharmaceutical company’s chokehold on Washington and ensure no one accumulates debt because of premiums, deductibles, or copays. Learn more

Housing

I will fight for universal rent control and put an end to the real estate lobby’s control and power. Continue the fight to preserve, add, and invest in more affordable housing units and secure tens of millions of dollars for New City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents. Learn more

I will fight to end the housing crisis and secure housing as a universal human right. Decrease rent burdens, upgrade public housing, and fight to put an end to homelessness. Secure the rights of tenants against housing discrimination and increase tenant rights. I will work to expand the use of community land trust so non-profit community organizations retain ownership of the land beneath the development of projects to ensure their permanent affordability. Learn more

Immigration

I will support the creation of a legal fund for unaccompanied minors and for those facing deportation proceedings using NYC's effective legal funds as a model. I will work to prevent and stop unjust deportations at the local, state, and national levels. I will provide support for asylum seekers and combat ongoing collaboration between federal agents and law enforcement. I support the repeal of Section 1325 so migrants aren’t criminalized for crossing the US border without documentation. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I will fight for equal pay for equal work and push for policy that works to close the gender wage gap. I support paid family leave legislation and fight for policies that protect women from sexual harassment and discrimination in the workforce. Learn more