Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye), announced passage of a bill package in the Assembly and Senate this week aimed at bringing greater transparency and accountability to the criminal justice system and creating new protections to reduce racial bias and unfair treatment. Four bills were signed by the Governor on Friday.

In signing the bills, the Governor also announced an executive order tasking all municipalities and police departments in the to state to “develop a plan that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs.”

In supporting the package on the Assembly floor Assemblyman Otis, stated:

“We are at a serious moment in our history. We have a long history of inequality in our country and while we’ve made some gains over the years, we’ve also lost some ground in recent years. We need to do something about it.

“I was at a rally yesterday in one of the communities I represent, the Village of Port Chester. I think we had 2000 people there. It was a rally and march of love. It was a rally and march of people who want to make this a more just, more caring society. There was unity. There was a heartfelt desire of the community to make life better, not just on criminal justice issues, but on broader issues of equality in our society.

“We have an opportunity today to address some criminal justice issues that are very important but it is bigger than that. We have an opportunity and the right moment to make this a more caring, gentle society.

I want to leave you with the words of Barbara Jordan, they mean a lot to me today, ‘What the people want is very simple. They want an America as good as its promise’. That is what we are doing here today. We have a lot of work to do to make America live up to its promise.”

Assemblyman Otis co-sponsored the package of bills in the Assembly. The measures that passed the Assembly include:

• The Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, which would criminalize the harmful use of a chokehold by a police officer (6144-B).
• Repeal of section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights Law to provide much-needed transparency on police misconduct and discipline (10611).
• The New York State Body-Worn Cameras Program to increase accountability and evidence for law enforcement and the residents of the state by providing body-worn cameras to all state police officers while on patrol (8674-A).
• The Police Statistic and Transparency (STAT) Act, to Bring Transparency to Policing Data by providing for collection of data concerning police and court activities, in order to promote transparency and help researchers and the public evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice policies (10609).
• Requiring law enforcement officers that discharge their weapon in circumstances where a person could be struck by a bullet to promptly report the incident (10608).
• Creating a civil penalty for the biased misuse of emergency services, such as 911, when there is no reason to believe a crime or offense, or imminent threat to person or property, is occurring (1531-B).
• The Right to Monitor Act, which confirms the public’s right to record public law enforcement activity (1360-A).
• Creating the Office of Special Investigation that would investigate and, when warranted, prosecute when a person dies in law enforcement custody or after an encounter with a police officer or certain peace officers (1601-C).
• Affirming that police and correctional agencies must provide attention to the medical and mental health needs of individuals in their custody (8226-B).
• Creating the law enforcement misconduct investigative office (10002).

Rye, N.Y. – The Sierra Club of New York has announced their “Early Endorsement” of Assemblyman Steve Otis (D–WFP–IND – Rye) in his 2020 re-election campaign in recognition of his many years of service as an environmental advocate statewide.

Ed Berry, Political Director for the Sierra Club said, “Steve Otis, back in 2015 exhibited the vision to propose the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. Its purpose was to help local governments pay for necessary clean water projects. He had the strength to get it passed into Law. Not an easy process in our contentious state legislature. Today it has grown to benefit all of the Westchester communities along Long Island Sound. This vision and strength is just one example of why the Sierra Club is proud to give an early endorsement to Steve Otis in his campaign for re-election to the State Assembly.”

Assemblyman Otis, in accepting the Sierra Club’s endorsement said, “I have worked with the Sierra Club for many years on environmental issues in Westchester and Albany. We will continue to work together on clean water, air quality, renewable energy and climate change. Their early endorsement is a significant statement of support for our shared commitment to a clean and healthy environment.”

Assemblyman Otis brings a long history of environmental leadership in Westchester and New York State. His most notable recent success centers on the passage New York’s clean water grant program, the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015. Started as a plan to award $200 million over three years, the WIIA program has grown dramatically and is the largest part of Governor Cuomo’s $5 billion comprehensive clean water program announced in 2017 and 2019. WIIA is administered by the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation in coordination with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health.

In the first five years of the WIIA program, almost $1.2 billion in state grants have been awarded statewide to local governments to help pay for almost 700 needed clean water infrastructure projects. The grants have saved local governments over $2.5 billion in reduced property taxes and created 67,000 new jobs. Westchester projects have been awarded $45.5 in grants including every Westchester coastal community on Long Island Sound.

The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest environmental organization in the United States with 3.8 million members. It has been fighting to protect the planet since John Muir (Sierra Club founder in 1892) took Teddy Roosevelt to camp in the California mountains at Yosemite National Park. The Sierra Club works with other partner organizations, nonprofits and campaigns to build a diverse and inclusive movement that represents today’s American public. Understanding that environmental issues can’t be separated from social justice- because we all breathe the same air and share the same land, its motto is to ‘explore, enjoy and protect’.

In addition to this endorsement from the Sierra Club Assemblyman Otis has also received the endorsement of the NY League of Conservation Voters and has a 100% scorecard rating form the Environmental Advocates of NY.

Early Voting Starts June 13th

Click here for early voting locations and times. 

The Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats have announced their endorsement of Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-WFP-IND- Rye) for re-election for the 91st Assembly District.

Assemblyman Otis said, “I am honored to have the endorsement of the Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats in this election. I have been a long-time supporter of the human rights agenda that protects the dignity, civil, workplace and legal rights of LGBTQ New Yorkers. In a time when hate crimes and hate-based violence are on the rise, it is especially important that we defend the right of individuals to be who they are without fear of harm or discrimination.”

Anthony Nicodemo, President of the Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats, said, “Steve has always been a champion of LGBTQ rights. His voting record speaks volumes and the Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats are proud to endorse him!”

Assemblyman Otis was a co-sponsor of the key human rights legislation signed into law in 2019 including the GENDA legislation, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, the ban on conversion therapy, the ban on the “gay panic” defense, and New York’s new comprehensive workplace harassment bill. The Assemblyman has supported these issues for
years and including long-time support for the marriage equality legislation, which was finally enacted in 2011.

Steve Otis is running for re-election as Assemblyman for the 91st District in the June 23rd Democratic primary, which includes Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye and Rye Brook.

The Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats mission is to work to elect pro-LGBTQ Democrats in Federal, State and Local elections throughout Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Dutchess counties while addressing LGBT governmental issues and increasing the number of LGBTQ voters at the polls.

It has been six years since Eric Garner’s last words, “I can’t breathe.” traveled the world in what should have been a message to everyone about police procedures, race and the unnecessary use of force. Why was that lesson not learned by everyone, everywhere?

The pain our nation faces is compounded by the double standard carried out in this country today. Peaceful protesters were assaulted and tear-gassed this week. A few weeks ago openly armed protesters in Michigan were treated with respect.

It has been 29 years since Rodney King was beaten in Los Angeles.  I do believe many in law enforcement did learn from that lesson, but the difference between many and all is the difference between appropriate law enforcement and tragedy after tragedy across this country.

This moment in time cannot pass without action, not only to correct practices in law enforcement but also to respond to the unequal treatment based upon race that exists in education, health care, housing and our economy. In New York, state government will respond.

What we lack today is presidential leadership to calm and heal a nation in need of such a voice. Practically any president in any of our lifetimes would have risen to the occasion. At this time in history, it is up to each of us.

Chairs Ximena Francella and Robin Bikkal Share Their Experience Working With Otis

The Hispanic Democrats of Westchester have announced their endorsement of Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-WFP-IND- Rye) for re-election for the 91st Assembly District. The Executive Committee was unanimous in their endorsement of Assemblyman Otis for re-election.

Ximena Francella and Robin Bikkal, Chairs the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester stated, “We’ve had the opportunity to work with Steve on various occasions and discussed issues that are vital to our community. We have always found him to be accessible and responsive to our community’s needs and at this difficult time, we believe he is the best candidate for the Assembly’s 91st District. Steve’s extensive experience in Albany will continue to benefit all the residents of Westchester.”

Assemblyman Otis, upon news of the HDW endorsement commented, “I am thrilled to have the support of the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester because our bonds are not new. We have worked  together on the Dream Act, the Green Light bill and in opposing unjust Trump policies for years. The HDW are playing a key role in advocating for better services during the Covid-19 crisis.”

Assemblyman Otis has been active on a variety of issues including his support for funding for ELL programs in schools, legal services, the Dream Act, the Green Light bill and policies that support the rights and opportunities of all New Yorkers. Otis is a member of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and works closely with area not-for-profits serving immigrant communities.

In addition to the support from the HDW Assemblyman Otis has already been endorsed by the New York Immigration Coalition Action (NYIC) for his support of these issues.

Steve Otis is running for re-election as Assemblyman for the 91st District in the June 23rd Democratic primary, which includes Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye and Rye Brook.

The Hispanic Democrats of Westchester was organized to empower the Hispanic community of Westchester County, New York, by educating the electorate, developing leadership skills, conducting voter registration, cultivating and supporting qualified Hispanic candidates, and electing Hispanic and other candidates who are supportive of the issues confronting the Hispanic community.