Kristen Browde Wins Backing of Progressive State Senator

CHAPPAQUA - State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D. Westchester/Bronx) today announced her endorsement of Kristen Browde as she launched her candidacy for New York State Assembly in Westchester's 93rd Assembly District.

“I’ve worked with Kristen as we passed vital legislation protecting the rights of all New Yorkers," said Sen. Biaggi, who dedicated her vote to Kristen during a floor speech last January as the State Senate passed long delayed amendments to the Human Rights and Criminal Laws.

Biaggi is the second major endorsement Browde has received in the past few days; the first was by the New Castle Democratic Committee.

“I’m delighted that a true progressive champion like Sen. Biaggi has endorsed me,” said Browde. “Alessandra has already brought important change to Albany, and I’m looking forward to joining her as we work together to protect New Yorkers, when we know Washington won’t.”

Among the issues Kristen will deliver for Westchester’s needs include:

· Fight for stronger common-sense gun laws, keeping assault weapons out of our communities, banning ghost guns and removing loopholes from background check regulations.

· Reduce our escalating tax burden by simplifying and expanding STAR credits, while fighting to regain full deductibility on Federal income taxes for State income taxes and Local property taxes

· Safeguard our environment by increasing ridership capacity on Metro North, curbing greenhouse gas emissions by adding state incentives for solar, wind and geothermal power and promoting the use of electric vehicles with widespread installation of additional charging stations.

· Ensure that our schools have the resources they need by promoting a fair distribution of state aid, while keeping our kids healthy and safe by improving the Safe School Drinking Water Act.

· Champion our shared progressive values by passing the proposed amendment that would mean New York state has the first-in-the-nation inclusive Equal Rights Amendment, safeguarding a woman's right to choose, and adding protections for LGBTQ individuals, the elderly, and New Yorkers living with a disability.

Browde, in addition to practicing as a lawyer, is the leader of two Bar Associations and has been a long-time union member and activist. She is a trustee of SAG-AFTRA’s $2.5 billion pension plan and a director of Equality NY. Both of those positions have led to her spending years working with the legislature and Governor to enact major legislation, including major amendments to New York State’s Human Rights and Criminal laws, as well as a ban on the use of non-compete clauses in employee contracts for broadcasters.

She is the lone woman in the primary race and possesses a unique skill set that will help her to work collaboratively in Albany with both Democrats and Republicans. Before she began her law practice, Kristen was an Emmy-award winning television news reporter and anchor. As a reporter, she developed a keen sense of justice as well as the ability to communicate the heart of any subject to a wide and diverse audience. As a Family Law attorney, she has worked to bridge the gap between people who once loved each other but who now can’t find common ground. Kristen often jokes that makes her perfect for her role in the Democratic Party – and her future role in the legislature.