David Weprin

David Weprin is a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, currently representing District 24 in Queens. He has held this position since 2010, succeeding his brother Mark Weprin. Throughout his legislative career, Weprin has championed various progressive initiatives, including tax measures aimed at high-income earners and reforms in the criminal justice system. Prior to his tenure in the Assembly, he served on the New York City Council and held a significant role in the banking sector as a Deputy Superintendent. Weprin's political lineage is notable, as he comes from a family with a strong history in public service.

Early life and career

David Weprin was born on May 2, 1956, in Queens, New York. He is of Jewish heritage and hails from a politically active family. His father, Saul Weprin, served as the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and his mother, Sylvia Matz, was an immigrant from Havana, Cuba. Weprin's younger brother, Mark Weprin, also pursued a career in politics, having served as a member of the New York State Assembly and the New York City Council.

Weprin spent his formative years in the Hollis-Jamaica area of Queens and graduated from Jamaica High School in 1972. He continued his education at the State University of New York at Albany, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1976. Following this, he attended Hofstra Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor degree in 1980. He was admitted to the New York bar in 1981.

Weprin's professional career began shortly after he became a licensed attorney. In 1983, he was appointed by then-Governor Mario Cuomo, a family friend, to serve as the Deputy Superintendent of Banks and Secretary of the Banking Board for New York State. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the regulation of financial institutions within the state. He held this position until 1987, after which he transitioned into the private sector.

In the years that followed, Weprin worked in various capacities at several investment banking firms, including Stern Brothers, Advest, and Kidder Peabody, among others. He served as a vice president at Stern Brothers and was elected Chairman of the Securities Industry Association New York District from 1997 to 2000. His experience in finance and banking provided him with a solid foundation for his later political endeavors.

In 2001, Weprin entered public office by winning a seat on the New York City Council, where he represented a northeast Queens district. He served on the Council from 2002 until 2009 and held the position of Chairman of the Council's Finance Committee. During his time in office, he was known for his opposition to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan, which he argued would disproportionately affect residents who relied on their vehicles for transportation outside of Manhattan.

Legislative service

Weprin's legislative career took a significant turn in 2010 when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He won a special election on February 9, 2010, to fill the vacancy left by his brother Mark Weprin, who had previously held the same seat. In the subsequent general election that November, he secured his position with a substantial majority of the vote, running on both the Democratic and Working Families party lines.

Since taking office, Weprin has been an advocate for progressive policies. He has supported initiatives such as a surcharge on millionaires, aimed at increasing revenue for public services, and has worked on reforms related to the state's criminal justice system. As chairman of the Assembly's Correction Committee, he has focused on issues surrounding incarceration, advocating for changes to the Rockefeller drug laws and efforts to reduce the prison population in New York State. Among his proposals is a plan to grant immediate parole to prisoners who are 55 years old and have served at least 15 years in prison, regardless of their original sentence. He has also sought to limit the use of solitary confinement to a maximum of 15 days.

Weprin has participated in multiple election cycles since his initial victory in the Assembly. In June 2020, he faced a Democratic primary challenge, which he won with a narrow margin. He subsequently secured re-election in the general election, continuing his legislative work and commitment to the constituents of District 24.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Weprin represents District 24, which encompasses parts of Queens, including neighborhoods such as Fresh Meadows and Jamaica Estates. His policy focus reflects the diverse needs of his constituents, many of whom are concerned with issues related to public safety, education, and economic development.

Weprin's legislative agenda has included a strong emphasis on social justice and reform. His support for a millionaire's tax and criminal justice reforms indicates a commitment to addressing income inequality and promoting fairness within the legal system. His proposals for parole reform aim to provide a second chance for individuals who have served long sentences, reflecting a belief in rehabilitation over punishment.

In addition to his work in the Assembly, Weprin has been involved in various community initiatives and organizations, further demonstrating his dedication to public service. His long-standing ties to Queens and his family's political legacy have positioned him as a prominent figure in local governance.

Throughout his career, Weprin has navigated both successes and challenges, including electoral defeats in higher-profile races, such as his bids for New York City Comptroller in 2009 and a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011. Despite these setbacks, he has maintained a focus on his legislative responsibilities and continues to serve in the New York State Assembly, where he is recognized for his advocacy on behalf of his constituents and progressive causes.