Linda B. Rosenthal

Biography

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. She was first elected to the Assembly in February 2006, and was re-elected in November 2008. In her time in office Assemblymember Rosenthal has established herself as a leading advocate on affordable housing, domestic violence, consumer protection and animal rights.

In the 2006 legislative session, four of Assemblymember Rosenthal’s bills were signed into law. Her legislation that extends court orders of protection to companion animals, whose abuse often signals early warning signs for spousal and child abuse, is a landmark step in ending the cycle of violence prevalent in abusive households. This law is only the third of its kind in the nation, and in July 2006, a Queens judge issued the first order of protection for an animal. In recognition of her accomplishments, the New York City League of Humane Voters named Assemblymember Rosenthal as their 2006 Legislator of the Year. She also passed legislation that will assure confidentiality for domestic violence victims on group health insurance policies, restrict fraud and escape of spousal and child support payments through petitioning for a name change, and extend the SONYMA program, which allows homeowners to more easily secure loans for the rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing.

As a lifelong resident of the Upper West Side with more than 25 years experience as a grassroots political activist and public servant, Assemblymember Rosenthal is devoted to serving her constituency and improving the quality of life in her district. In addition to helping hundreds of constituents with individual problems, she has organized public discussions, forums and rallies addressing a number of issues, including the use of affordable housing as illegal tourist hotels, housing benefits for seniors, tenants’ rights, labor rights, senior pedestrian safety, environmental advocacy, education funding, and ensuring equal rights for same sex couples.

Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assemblymember Rosenthal served for 13 years as the Manhattan District Director and Director of Special Projects for U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler. During her tenure, she was instrumental in several of the Congressman’s initiatives to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Upper West Side and Clinton. Assemblymember Rosenthal was a relentless advocate to help secure the funding, resources and legislation to improve, and in some cases protect, projects such as Hudson River Park, 72nd Street subway renovation, senior and community centers, local parks, playgrounds and green spaces. She played a key role in defeating the West Side Stadium proposal, which saved critical resources for New York City’s schools and the public transit system. Assemblymember Rosenthal was particularly active in fighting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after 9/11 to provide better clean-up efforts and to improve the air quality for those who live and work in lower Manhattan. She also worked to compel the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to free up more federal grant money to aid in the economic recovery of small businesses in the area, and pushed for a greater community voice in rebuilding decisions.

Assemblymember Rosenthal is committed to furthering a progressive agenda in Albany, particularly in the areas of government transparency and accountability, campaign finance reform, education, energy, environmental conservation, and quality of life issues.

Assemblymember Rosenthal received a B.A. in History from the University of Rochester and lives on the Upper West Side.

Standing Committee Assignments 2009: Agriculture; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions; Energy; Housing; Tourism, Arts and Sports Development.