Issues
 
Diana Will Fight To:
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• Lower the cost of living for working families by holding utilities accountable, expanding childcare, and strengthening consumer protections.
   

• Protect affordable housing and stop displacement by expanding rental assistance, strengthening tenant protections, and building deeply affordable new homes.
   

• Expand mental health care and public health services so every New Yorker can access treatment and support in their community.
   

• Protect immigrant families and civil rights by passing the New York for All Act and expanding access to legal services.
   

• Stand up for workers and create good-paying jobs by strengthening worker protections, defending prevailing wage laws, and expanding workforce training.
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Policy Agenda

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Lowering the Cost of Living

Families across Harlem and East Harlem are being squeezed by rising rents, grocery prices, childcare costs, and utility bills. In the City Council, Diana helped expand the CityFHEPS housing voucher program so more families could receive rental assistance and avoid homelessness. In the State Assembly, she will push back against unfair utility rate hikes, expand childcare funding, and ensure state resources help working families stay in the communities they call home.

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Housing and Preventing Displacement

Harlem and East Harlem face intense development pressure that threatens to push longtime residents out of their neighborhoods. As Chair of the City Council’s General Welfare Committee, Diana helped expand CityFHEPS vouchers and fought to create and preserve affordable housing in the district. In Albany, she will strengthen tenant protections, expand rental assistance statewide, and ensure new housing development includes deeply affordable homes for working families.

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Mental Health and Public Health

Mental health care has been one of the defining issues of Diana’s public service. As Chair of the City Council’s Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions Committee, she worked to expand services and improve coordination between healthcare providers, housing programs, and social services. In the Assembly, she will push to expand community-based mental health care, strengthen crisis response systems, and increase funding for addiction treatment and harm reduction programs.

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Protecting Immigrant Communities

Immigrants are central to the culture and economy of Harlem and East Harlem. Throughout her time in the City Council, Diana supported programs that expanded access to legal services and city resources for immigrant families. In Albany, she will fight to pass the New York for All Act, expand legal representation for immigrants, and ensure families can live and work without fear.

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Workers’ Rights and Good Jobs

Working people deserve fair pay, safe workplaces, and the right to organize. In the City Council, Diana worked closely with labor unions and supported policies that protect workers and create good-paying jobs. In Albany, she will defend prevailing wage laws, strengthen worker protections, support the right to organize, and expand job training programs that connect local residents to stable careers.

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NYCHA and Public Housing

Harlem and East Harlem are home to some of the largest NYCHA communities in New York City. Diana has worked closely with public housing residents to push for repairs, stronger oversight, and increased investment. In Albany, she will fight for major state investments in NYCHA repairs and infrastructure so residents have safe and dignified homes.

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Healthcare Access

Access to quality healthcare remains a critical issue for families in the district. In the City Council, Diana helped secure major investments for Metropolitan Hospital in East Harlem to improve facilities and patient care. In the Assembly, she will work to strengthen public hospitals, expand community health clinics, and protect access to affordable healthcare.

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Education

Strong public schools are the foundation of opportunity. During her time in the City Council, Diana helped secure record funding for schools, youth programs, and community organizations that support students and families. In Albany, she will fight to fully fund public schools, reduce class sizes, and ensure schools have the resources students need.

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Higher Education

Public colleges create pathways to opportunity for working families. As a graduate of Bronx Community College and Lehman College, Diana understands firsthand the role public education plays in economic mobility. In Albany, she will strengthen CUNY and SUNY, expand financial aid, and connect students to career pathways.

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Supporting Seniors

Older New Yorkers deserve to age with dignity in the communities they helped build. Before entering elected office, Diana served as a senior center director in East Harlem, working closely with older adults and their families. In Albany, she will support expanded senior housing, stronger healthcare access, and programs that help seniors remain safely in their homes.

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Public Safety

Safe neighborhoods are essential for strong communities. Diana supports investments in violence prevention programs, youth initiatives, and community-based strategies that address the root causes of crime. In Albany, she will continue supporting policies that strengthen safety while ensuring fairness and accountability.

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Street Safety

Too many New Yorkers have been injured or killed in traffic crashes. Improving street design, strengthening enforcement against dangerous driving, and protecting pedestrians and cyclists are essential steps toward safer streets. In the Assembly, Diana will support Vision Zero policies and infrastructure investments that reduce traffic injuries and save lives.

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Mass Transit

Reliable public transit connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity. Millions of New Yorkers depend on the subway and bus system every day. In Albany, Diana will fight for strong and stable funding for the MTA to ensure reliable service and affordable fares.

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Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of Harlem and East Harlem’s economy. Supporting local entrepreneurs helps create jobs and strengthen communities. In Albany, the focus will be on expanding access to capital, supporting MWBE businesses, and cutting unnecessary red tape.

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Environment and Climate Justice

Communities like Harlem and East Harlem face serious environmental challenges, including air pollution and extreme heat. Addressing climate change while improving environmental health is essential for the future of these neighborhoods. In Albany, Diana will support renewable energy investments, green infrastructure, and environmental justice policies.

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Childcare and Working Families

Affordable childcare is essential for working families and economic opportunity. Too many parents struggle to find safe and reliable childcare while balancing work and family responsibilities. In Albany, Diana will fight to expand universal childcare and increase funding so families can access affordable, high-quality care.

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Youth Opportunities

Young people deserve opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Expanding after-school programs, mentorship opportunities, and job training initiatives can help build stronger communities. In Albany, Diana will support investments that help young people prepare for careers and economic opportunity.

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Reproductive Freedom

Protecting reproductive rights and access to healthcare remains a fundamental priority. New York must continue leading the nation in defending reproductive freedom. In Albany, Diana will work to strengthen protections for abortion access and reproductive healthcare.

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LGBTQ+ Equality

Every New Yorker deserves to live with dignity and equal protection under the law. Strong anti-discrimination protections and inclusive healthcare policies remain essential. In Albany, Diana will support legislation that protects LGBTQ+ rights and promotes equality.

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Animal Welfare

Protecting animals and promoting humane treatment are important public responsibilities. Strengthening animal welfare laws helps ensure animals are treated with care and respect. In Albany, Diana will support policies that improve protections for animals across New York.