Aravella Simotas

Aravella Simotas
Αραβέλλα Σιμωτά
Simotas in 2012
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 36th district
In office
January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2020
Preceded byMichael Gianaris
Succeeded byZohran Mamdani
Personal details
Born (1978-10-09) October 9, 1978
Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)
PartyDemocratic
SpouseJohn Katsanos
Children1
EducationFordham University (BA, JD)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • lawyer
Signature
WebsiteOfficial website

Aravella Simotas (Greek: Αραβέλλα Σιμωτά,[1] born October 9, 1978) is an American attorney and politician who served as a member of New York State Assembly from the 36th district from 2011 to 2020. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Her district covered parts of Western Queens, including Astoria and portions of Long Island City. She was defeated in 2020, losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.

Early life and education

Simotas was born in Rhodesia. She emigrated to the United States from Greece and settled in Astoria with her parents and brother when she was an infant.[2][3] She graduated from P.S. 17, Junior H.S. 126, and William C. Bryant High School.[2][3][4]

She received a B.A. degree (summa cum laude) from Fordham University in 1999, followed by a J.D. degree from the Fordham University School of Law in 2002.[2][3][4] During law school, she was the managing editor at the Fordham Environmental Law Journal.[2][4][5]

Early career

Simotas began her career in public service as a district representative for Speaker of the New York City Council, Peter Vallone Sr. and later for New York City Council member Peter Vallone Jr.[3] While at law school, she also worked at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.[2][6]

After law school, Simotas served as a law clerk at the United States Court of International Trade and later practiced law in New York City.[3][4]

Simotas served as a member of the Queens Community Planning Board and the United Community Civic Association.[2][6]

Electoral history

Politics of New York
Constitution and law
Executive
  • State Cabinet

See also:

Legislature
Judiciary
Elections
Inferior jurisdictions
Congressional delegation

2010 election

Simotas was first elected to office in 2010. She received the Democratic Party nomination and ran unopposed in the November 2, 2010, general election.[7][8][9][10][11]

2012 election

Simotas was unopposed in the 2012 Democratic primary. In the general election, she ran on both the Democratic and Working Families Party lines and was opposed by Republican Julia Haitch.[12]

According to preliminary results collected by the Daily News, Simotas won re-election to the State Assembly, for the new District 36, in the general election on November 6, 2012, with 84% of the vote.[13]

2020 election

She lost her 2020 Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.[14][15]

Committee assignments

Simotas's Committee Assignments as of 2018 included:

Simotas was appointed Chair of the Assembly's Ethics and Guidance Committee in 2017.[17] Under her leadership, the Committee updated the Assembly's policy prohibiting harassment and discrimination to require expedited investigations and expand the types of conduct violating the policy.[18]

From 2014 to 2017, Simotas served as Chair of the Assembly's Task Force on Women's Issues and Administrative and Regulatory Review Commission.[19]

Policy positions

Sexual violence

In 2012, Simotas introduced the "Rape is Rape" bill to expand the definition of rape in New York State law to include forced anal and oral sexual contact.[20][21] The bill was passed in the Assembly repeatedly beginning in 2013, and was eventually signed into law in 2024.[22][23]

Simotas sponsored legislation in 2016 to combat the rape kit backlog by mandating timely processing and testing of rape kits.[24][25] In 2017, she introduced legislation to establish a Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights and prevent premature destruction of evidence.[26] The bill was signed into law in 2018.[27]

In 2019, the legislature passed Simotas' bill to extend New York's five-year statute of limitations for second- and third-degree rape to 20 years and 10 years, respectively.[28][29]

Simotas introduced legislation to strengthen workplace sexual harassment protections and advocated for public hearings on the issue after 27 years.[30] In June 2019, a bill she sponsored was passed, removing the severe or pervasive standard for harassment claims, extending the complaint filing period, increasing employer accountability for supervisor misconduct, and setting restrictions on non-disclosure agreements.[31]

Simotas proposed bills to address sexual abuse in medical settings, including background checks for health care providers, expanded online patient rights information, and patient notification of disciplined doctors.[32]

Health care

In 2015, legislation introduced by Simotas made New York the first state in the country to designate pregnancy as a qualifying event to enroll in health insurance through the state health exchange.[33]

In 2016, Simotas introduced the Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act to require insurers to cover in vitro fertilization, as well as fertility preservation services for cancer patients.[34] Provisions of Simotas' proposal were enacted as part of the 2019–2020 state budget.[35][36]

Simotas introduced legislation to establish a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Pilot Program to combat infant mortality by distributing "baby boxes", essential care items and educational materials to new parents in high-risk areas.[37] The bill was signed into law in October 2017.[38]

LGBTQ rights

Simotas voted in favor of same-sex marriage in New York.[39][40] Simotas had been a lead sponsor ("co-sponsor") of Assembly Bill A08354, which passed the Assembly by an 80–63 vote,[41] later passed the Senate, and was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.[42] Since she first took office, Simotas supported the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), for which she was a "multi-sponsor".[43][44]

Criminal justice

In 2019, Simotas introduced legislation to close a loophole in New York's Raise the Age law to expand eligibility for record sealing.[45]

Simotas voted against rollbacks to bail reform in the FY 2020–2021 state budget.[46]

Energy and environment

Simotas served as chairperson of Smart Power NY, a coalition to develop new energy sources for Western Queens.[47][48] One of its goals was to support the replacement of "decades-old, dirty" power plants in Astoria with newer generators.[48][49][50][51][47]

Other issues

Simotas advocated for more polling sites and expanded early voting.[52][53]

Simotas joined public officials in protesting a Golden Dawn recruitment meeting in Queens, opposing its anti-immigrant message.[54][55][56][57][58]

Simotas supported the expansion of Mount Sinai Queens hospital, citing the need for more healthcare services in western Queens.[59]

In 2013, Simotas supported maintaining and expanding Gifted and Talented programs in her district. She also worked to keep local public schools open, including Long Island City High School.[60][61]

Simotas urged Mayor Bill de Blasio to address street waste and litter in Astoria.[62]

Personal life

Simotas is married to John Katsanos, and they have one daughter, born in 2012.[63]

References

  1. ^ Politis, Yiannis (November 20, 2018). "Ισχυρή εκπροσώπηση της ομογένειας στην Πολιτειακή Γερουσία της Ν. Υόρκης" [Strong Showing in the House of the New York State Assembly]. Ethnos.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Zohran K. Mamdani - Assembly District 36 | New York State Assembly". www.assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Astoria resident sets sights on Gianaris seat". February 17, 2010. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d FindLaw listing: Aravella Simotas Archived 2016-12-21 at the Wayback Machine. FindLaw.com. Accessed March 13, 2011.
  5. ^ Aravella Simotas, "Discussion: Panel III: Electric Generators in New York City: Balancing the Energy and Environmental Needs of the Community," 8 Fordham Envtl. Law J. 531 (2002). Abstract found at LexisNexis website Archived 2016-12-20 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed January 20, 2011.
  6. ^ a b "Profile for Aravella Simotas: Candidate for State Representative District 36, New York: November 6, 2012 New York General Election". 2010.
  7. ^ Chris Bragg, "Conservative Democrat Enters Race For Gianaris Seat," City Hall News, May 28, 2010. Found at City Hall News Archived 2011-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed January 19, 2011.
  8. ^ Huynh, Diana. "In Astoria, the Field Narrows". Gotham Gazette. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
  9. ^ John Toscano, "Simotas Unchallenged For 36th A.D. Seat As Ciafone Quits," Queens Gazette, August 18, 2010. Found at Queens Gazette website Archived 2011-10-19 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed January 20, 2011.
  10. ^ "Assembly Election Returns: November 2, 2010" (PDF). New York State Board of Elections. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 18, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
  11. ^ "Election Results 2010: New York State Legislature". The New York Times. 2010.
  12. ^ "THE CONTEST LIST: General Election - 11/06/2012: Queens All Parties and Independent Bodies" (PDF). New York City Board of Elections. October 5, 2012. p. 34. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  13. ^ Staff reports (November 7, 2012). "Election 2012: New York Election Results: Live election results for all Assembly, State Senate and other local elections". Daily News. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  14. ^ Kaufman, Maya (July 22, 2020). "Zohran Mamdani Unseats Aravella Simotas In Astoria Assembly Race". Patch. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
    Main article: New York State Assembly
  15. ^ "WOODSIDE 3 18 11for press" (PDF). Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  16. ^ "New York State Assembly | Aravella Simotas". nyassembly.gov.
  17. ^ Hamilton, Matthew (September 28, 2017). "Assembly committee leadership shuffles ahead of 2018 session - Capitol Confidential". Capitol Confidential. Blog.timesunion.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  18. ^ Brendan J. Lyons (December 19, 2018). "Legislation proposed to strengthen sexual harassment laws". Times Union. Timesunion.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  19. ^ "New York State Assembly | Aravella Simotas". assembly.state.ny.us.
  20. ^ Zuckerman, Esther (March 31, 2012). "Assemblywoman Takes Aim At New York's Rape Laws In Light of Pena Conviction". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on November 4, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  21. ^ Bullock, Darcy (February 21, 2013). "New York 'Rape is Rape' Bill Leads the Way in Ending Sexual Violence". Mic.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  22. ^ Slattery, Denis (May 31, 2019). "Former Bronx teacher raped by city cop returns to Albany to fight for 'rape is rape' bill". nydailynews.com.
  23. ^ "Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Protect Survivors, Hold Perpetrators Accountable for Rape | Governor Kathy Hochul". www.governor.ny.gov. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  24. ^ "Simotas' rape kit bill signed into law - QNS.com". Timesledger.com. December 1, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  25. ^ Campbell, Jon (November 30, 2016). "New law requires timely rape-kit testing in New York". Usatoday.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  26. ^ "New York State Assembly | Bill Search and Legislative Information". Nyassembly.gov. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  27. ^ Bressi, Nicole (January 10, 2019). "New law creates 'Bill of Rights' for sexual assault victims – The Legislative Gazette". Legislativegazette.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  28. ^ Hanrahan, Laura (June 20, 2019). "Simotas Bill Extending Statute of Limitations for Rape Passes Senate, Assembly". Astoria Post.
  29. ^ Parry, Bill (September 19, 2019). "Cuomo signs Simotas' bill allowing rape victims more time to bring their attackers to justice". QNS.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  30. ^ Vielkind, Jimmy (December 20, 2018). "New York Democratic Lawmakers Call for Tougher Sexual Harassment Laws". Wall Street Journal – via www.wsj.com.
  31. ^ ohtadmin (July 3, 2019). "I On Politics | Queens Gazette". Qgazette.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  32. ^ Kates, Graham (May 29, 2019). "New York legislation inspired by sex assault survivor would combat abuse by doctors". CBS News. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  33. ^ "NY becomes first state to allow pregnant women to sign up for health care any time". PBS NewsHour. December 23, 2015.
  34. ^ Simotas, Aravella (December 13, 2018). "A family-friendly fertility law New Yorkers deserve | Queenswide". qchron.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  35. ^ "Access to Care Fertility Insurance Win in New York". RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Resolve.org. April 9, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  36. ^ "Page Not Found | ASRM". www.asrm.org. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  37. ^ Hannon, Aravella Simotas & Kemp. "Establishing a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Program in New York". Gotham Gazette.
  38. ^ On 3 Nov 2017, 11:11 am (November 3, 2017). "Simotas' baby boxes become NY State law". The Greek Observer. Retrieved June 10, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ "Queens Celebrates At Pride Parade". Queens Gazette. June 6, 2012. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  40. ^ Mishev, Simeon (June 6, 2012). "Recapping Queens Pride". Center Blog). Archived from the original on March 30, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  41. ^ Badash, David (June 15, 2012). "Same-Sex Marriage: New York Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill – Details". The New Civil Rights Movement. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  42. ^ Green, Jonah (June 24, 2011). "Gay Marriage Bill Passes In New York; Governor Cuomo Signs Same Sex Marriage Bill Into Law". Huffington Post. Associated Press. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  43. ^ "New York State Assembly | Bill Search and Legislative Information". nyassembly.gov.
  44. ^ "AIDS Issues Update Blog: Dispatches from the fight against homelessness and AIDS: With All Eyes on NY Gay Marriage, GENDA Passes in Assembly". June 15, 2011.
  45. ^ "Assembly Bill Applies 'Raise the Age' Reform to Conviction-Sealing Law". Queens Daily Eagle. January 31, 2019.
  46. ^ Khurshid, Samar. "'Not a Budget Anybody Should Be Celebrating': Democratic Legislators Displeased with Albany Compromise". Gotham Gazette.
  47. ^ a b Pafundi, Jason (April 26, 2012). "Simotas Named Chair Of Smart Power NY". Queens Tribune. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  48. ^ a b Bartlett, Josey (April 26 – May 3, 2012). "Astoria works on cleaner emissions: Power plant takes a step closer to greener equipment, gains support". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  49. ^ Trapasso, Clare (May 8, 2012). "NRG hopes to replace 31 generators in Astoria". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  50. ^ Kern-Jedrychowska, Ewa (May 24, 2012). "Astoria Coalition Supports Power Company's Bid to Install Clean Generators". dnainfo.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  51. ^ Henely, Rebecca (April 30, 2012). "Officials support Astoria repowering to grow jobs". Times Ledger. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  52. ^ Staff. "Simotas, Gianaris Fight For Voters' Rights". Queens Gazette. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
  53. ^ DeBenedetto, Paul (October 11, 2012). "Queens Voters Forced to Trek a Mile After Polling-Place Swap". DNAinfo.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  54. ^ Trapasso, Claire (October 22, 2012). "Astoria elected officials and liberals mobilize against neo-Nazi group: Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and others denounce Golden Dawn for trying to gain a toe-hold in Queens". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  55. ^ Flint, Miranda (October 11, 2012). "Locals Protest Golden Dawn's New York Presence". Jewocity.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  56. ^ Henely, Rebecca (October 11, 2012). "Officials want neo-Nazi set out of Astoria". Jewocity.com. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  57. ^ Queens Crapper (blogger) (October 7, 2012). "Greek neo-Nazis moving into Queens". Queens Crap (blog). Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  58. ^ Golden Dawn is a neo-Nazi party in Greece, and is involved in Holocaust denialism. A sample of work on Golden Dawn reports:
    • Altsech, Moses (August 2004), "Anti-Semitism in Greece: Embedded in Society", Post-Holocaust and Anti-Semitism (23): 12, On 12 March 2004, Chrysi Avghi (Golden Dawn), the new weekly newspaper of the Neo-Nazi organization of that name, cited another survey indicating that the percentage of Greeks who view immigrants unfavorably is 89 percent.
    • "Migration woes take centre stage ahead of Greek election", The Sun Daily, April 4, 2012
    • Xenakis, Sappho (2012), "A New Dawn? Change and Continuity in Political Violence in Greece", Terrorism and Political Violence, 24 (3): 437–464, doi:10.1080/09546553.2011.633133, S2CID 145624655, ...Nikolaos Michaloliakos, who in the early 1980s established the fascistic far-right party Chrysi Avgi ("Golden Dawn").
    • Smith, Helena (December 16, 2011), "Rise of the Greek far right raises fears of further turmoil", The Guardian, London
  59. ^ Parry, Bill (October 25, 2013). "Mount Sinai Hospital expansion to feature new operating suites". Queens Times-Ledger.
  60. ^ "Simotas Announces New Gifted And Talented Program". Queens Gazette. February 20, 2013. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014.
  61. ^ "Fighting For LIC H.S." Western Queens Gazette. October 30, 2013. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  62. ^ "Electeds' Push For Cleaner Astoria Streets Continues". Queens Gazette. January 29, 2014. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014.
  63. ^ Celeste Katz (August 8, 2012). "Aravella Simotas: Assemblywoman. Mom". Daily News. New York. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.