Jeremy M. Joseph

JEREMY JOSEPH

DEMOCRATIC

BACKGROUND: Joseph, 37, of Hicksville, is a first-time candidate seeking the Democratic nomination to run for State Senate representing the 7th District. He has worked as a computational scientist most recently focusing on artificial intelligence for a large technology firm. A Houston, Texas native, he has lived in Hicksville for 10 years. He was a field organizer for Invest in Our New York, a statewide coalition advocating for a package of six bills in the state legislature to raise revenue by ending tax breaks for the wealthiest New Yorkers. He also was a member of the steering committee of Long Island United to Transform Policing and Community Safety, one of the groups to author The People's Plan, submitted to the state in response to former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's call for municipalities to aid in reforming police practices. He earned a master's degree in acoustics from Pennsylvania State University in 2009 and two bachelor's degrees — mathematics and physics — from the University of Houston in 2006.

ISSUES: If elected, Joseph said he would focus on economic inequality, renewable energy and universal health care and child care. He believes billionaires and the top 1% of residents "should pay their fair share" to support the state's budget. "The middle class in NY pays a higher share of their income in taxes than the top 1% and we on Long Island end up bearing that burden via property taxes," Joseph said. He said he would support a state-backed, single-payer health plan for all New Yorkers regardless of employment and immigration status. On child care, he believes the state needs to create legislation to help lower the cost for families. He said universal pre-K is an extension of educational access. In addition to advocating for 100% renewable energy to address climate change, Joseph said he would work to ensure the coastline is protected.