Party: Democrat
District consists of portions of the town of Hempstead, and the villages of Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Elmont, South Valley Stream, South Floral Park, Floral Park, Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, North Woodmere, Stewart Manor and sections of Franklin Square.
Bio:
State Assembly Member Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd state Assembly District. She is deputy majority leader and chair of the Black, Puerto Rico, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. Solages has sponsored legislation focusing on healthcare reform, maternal health and property tax relief.
Top Three Campaign Issues:
1. Healthcare Access and Maternal Health:
Solages has been a steadfast advocate for healthcare access, with a special focus on improving maternal health outcomes across New York. Her legislative efforts have targeted reducing maternal mortality, particularly among women of color and low-income families. She introduced legislation requiring maternal care providers to screen for maternal depression during pre- and postnatal care, a crucial step in addressing postpartum depression and improving mental health for new mothers.
Solages has expanded Medicaid coverage for doula services, recognizing the vital role doulas play in improving birth outcomes, and spearheaded the launch of the Community Doula Expansion Pilot Program to support pregnant women in underserved areas.
Solages has made significant strides in healthcare reform. She has worked to make life-saving medication more affordable and secured funding for local safety net hospitals to ensure essential services remain accessible to vulnerable communities. She also championed protections for pregnant employees, securing 20 hours of prenatal leave and 30-minute paid breaks for breastfeeding mothers.
2. Prioritizing Seniors:
New York’s affordability crisis is putting seniors at risk. Solages is making tax relief and cost savings a top priority. From property tax rebate checks to enhanced senior tax exemptions and the Earned Income Tax Credit, she has been instrumental in providing relief for older homeowners on fixed incomes. Understanding the challenges seniors face in maintaining their homes, Solages focuses on policies that help them age in place with dignity.
Solages has also pushed for reforms to expand access to New York’s drug affordability programs, end pay-for-delay deals that block lower-cost generic drugs and establish a prescription drug importation program. Additionally, her legislation would require health insurance providers to cover high-quality hearing aids prescribed by doctors, ensuring better outcomes for seniors.
Solages remains a dedicated advocate for older New Yorkers, working to improve their quality of life.
3. Environmental Justice and Economic Opportunity:
Solages is a strong advocate for environmental justice, tying economic growth to sustainable practices. She became even more focused on integrating environmental and labor initiatives. Under her leadership, the Timbuctoo Pipeline was created, offering high school students opportunities to learn about environmental jobs.
Solages’ campaign emphasizes the need for a just transition during the modern industrial revolution, ensuring that no community is left behind as industries shift to green technologies.
By connecting environmental policy with job creation, Solages is determined to foster a future that balances economic opportunity with sustainability for all New Yorkers.
