Stacey Pheffer Amato

Stacey Pheffer Amato is a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 23rd district, which encompasses parts of Queens. She has been serving in this capacity since her election in 2016. Pheffer Amato has a background in education and public service, and she has been actively involved in her community prior to her legislative career. Her tenure in the Assembly has been marked by her leadership roles and legislative accomplishments, particularly in areas related to child safety and governmental employee issues.

Early life and career

Stacey Pheffer Amato was born on March 19, 1966, in Rockaway, Queens. Growing up in this vibrant community, she developed a strong connection to the area that would later influence her political career. Pheffer Amato pursued higher education at the State University of New York at Oneonta, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business economics. This academic background provided her with a foundation in economic principles and public policy, which would be beneficial in her future roles in government.

Before entering the political arena, Pheffer Amato worked in various capacities that contributed to her understanding of public service and community needs. She served as an education paraprofessional within the New York City Department of Education, where she was involved in supporting students and educators in the classroom. Additionally, she worked as a procurement analyst for both the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the New York City Department of Sanitation, gaining valuable experience in government operations and resource management.

Pheffer Amato has also been an active member of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association, engaging with local residents and addressing community concerns. Her commitment to public service extended to her role as a committee member of the NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program, which was established to oversee recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Through these experiences, Pheffer Amato developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing her community, which would inform her legislative priorities.

Legislative service

Stacey Pheffer Amato entered the New York State Assembly in 2016, following the announcement of Assemblymember Phillip Goldfeder's retirement. She quickly declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination and received strong backing from the Queens County Democratic Party, leading to her unopposed status in the primary election. In the general election, she successfully defeated her Republican opponent, Alan N. Zwirn, securing approximately 68% of the vote. This decisive victory marked the beginning of her legislative career.

Pheffer Amato was re-elected in 2018 with a significant margin, further solidifying her position in the Assembly. However, her 2022 election proved to be more contentious, as she won by a narrow margin of just 15 votes against her Republican challengers. The results were not finalized until January 2023, two months after the election, highlighting the competitive nature of her district. In 2024, she faced Republican opponent Tom Sullivan and won by a margin of 1,568 votes, receiving endorsements from every New York City police union, which underscored her support within law enforcement circles.

Throughout her time in the Assembly, Pheffer Amato has taken on significant leadership roles. She serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Child Product Safety, where she focuses on legislation aimed at protecting children and ensuring the safety of consumer products. Additionally, in 2023, she was appointed as the chair of the New York State Assembly Governmental Employees Committee, reflecting her commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of public sector employees.

Pheffer Amato's legislative accomplishments are notable; she has sponsored a substantial number of bills, with 69 pieces of legislation signed into law during her tenure. This achievement positions her as one of the most active members of the New York City delegation in the Assembly, indicating her dedication to addressing a wide range of issues affecting her constituents.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the 23rd district in Queens, Stacey Pheffer Amato's policy focus encompasses a variety of issues relevant to her constituents. Her background in education and public service informs her approach to legislation, particularly in areas related to child safety and community welfare. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Child Product Safety, she has prioritized measures that aim to protect children from hazardous products and enhance consumer safety standards.

In addition to child safety, Pheffer Amato's legislative agenda includes advocating for the needs of governmental employees, reflecting her role as chair of the Governmental Employees Committee. This position allows her to address concerns related to public sector employment, benefits, and workplace conditions, which are critical for the well-being of those who serve in various capacities within the state.

Pheffer Amato's district, which includes portions of Rockaway, is characterized by its diverse population and unique challenges. The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has had a lasting impact on the community, and her involvement in the NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program demonstrates her commitment to recovery and resilience. By engaging with local organizations and residents, she seeks to ensure that the voices of her constituents are heard in the legislative process.

Overall, Stacey Pheffer Amato's career in the New York State Assembly reflects her dedication to public service, community engagement, and legislative leadership. Through her work, she continues to address the needs of her district while advocating for policies that promote safety, equity, and support for public employees.