Press Releases

DeStefano Reacts to the Passage of Tenth Budget Extender

“As we pass yet another budget extender — now the tenth — I am deeply frustrated by the ongoing failure of the governor and legislative leaders to deliver an on-time, responsible state budget. These repeated delays not only erode public trust, but...

DeStefano: We Sounded the Alarm — Problems with Medicaid Transition Still Unfixed

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today called on the governor to take immediate action to address the ongoing chaos caused by the transition of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), stressing...

Assemblyman DeStefano Opposes Medical Aid in Dying Bill, Citing Deep Personal Convictions

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today announced he will vote no on the proposed Medical Aid in Dying legislation, a bill that would allow terminally ill patients in New York to request life-ending medication from their doctors under specific conditions....

Assemblyman DeStefano Joins Minority Leaders Calling for Stronger Involuntary Commitment Laws Following Tragic Attack on Young Girls

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today stood with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (SD-62), and members of the Minority Conferences to call for immediate action to strengthen New York’s involuntary...

Assemblyman DeStefano Highlights Importance of Tax Day, Joins Colleagues in Call for Fiscal Responsibility

As New Yorkers prepare to meet the April 15 tax filing deadline, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) is emphasizing the importance of Tax Day as a time to reflect on government accountability, fiscal responsibility and the real cost of living in New...

Assemblyman DeStefano Joins Local Leaders to Promote Organ Donation at Donate Life Press Conference

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) joined healthcare professionals, transplant recipients, donor families and his fellow elected officials today at a Donate Life press conference to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ and tissue...

Assemblyman DeStefano Attends Press Conference on Human Trafficking Report Release

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford), a member of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking, joined his colleagues on Tuesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor in the Capitol to release the task force’s findings and recommendations....

Assemblyman DeStefano Joins Colleagues in Call to Delay CDPAP Transition to Protect Vulnerable New Yorkers

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) commended his fellow lawmakers at a press conference to push for a delay in the overhaul of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), a lifeline for 280,000 elderly and disabled New Yorkers who...

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano Appointed to the Transportation Committee

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) is proud to announce his appointment as an alternate member of the New York State Assembly Budget Transportation Committee. This key appointment allows DeStefano to play a more active role in addressing the transportation...

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano Recognizes the Vital Role of Music Education in Schools

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) took to the Assembly floor today to deliver a heartfelt address on the importance of music education in schools. Speaking on his resolution recognizing the contributions of music lovers in education, DeStefano emphasized...

Assemblyman DeStefano Joins Bipartisan Leaders to Combat Drugged Driving Crisis

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today joined bipartisan lawmakers, law enforcement officials and advocates at a press conference to address the growing threat of drugged driving on New York’s roadways. As drug-impaired driving incidents continue...

Assemblyman DeStefano Applauds First Responders for Swift Action in Containing Westhampton Brush Fire

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today commended the heroic efforts of local fire departments and emergency personnel in their rapid response to the Westhampton Pines Fire, which has burned approximately 400 acres on Long Island. Thanks to the...

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano Stands in Strong Support of CHIPS Funding

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today alongside his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate Minorities as well as county and town highway superintendent from across the state stood at a press conference to voice strong support for increased funding...

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano Demands Forensic Audit of the MTA to Stop Financial Waste

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) is demanding a full forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) following alarming reports of financial waste, fraud and mismanagement. Standing with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski)...

A Resolution by Assemblyman DeStefano: Honoring Libraries as Pillars of Knowledge and Community

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) has introduced a resolution establishing the month of February as Library Lovers Month. The resolution highlights the essential role libraries play in providing free access to books, digital resources and learning...

Assemblyman DeStefano Backs Smullen’s Traffic Safety Memorial Bill to Honor Victims and Promote Safer Roads

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Today, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) proudly joined Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to advocate for the passage of Assembly Bill A.3938, the “Alexander John Smullen...

Assemblyman DeStefano Calls for Increased CHIPS Funding to Strengthen Long Island’s Infrastructure

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) announced his continued commitment to securing additional funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) as a critical step toward maintaining and improving the infrastructure...

DeStefano Introduces Resolution Proclaiming January as Thyroid Disease Awareness Month

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Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) stood on the floor of the Assembly today, January 28, 2025, to introduce a resolution memorializing the month of January as Thyroid Disease Awareness Month. More than 20 million Americans are affected by Thyroid...

DeStefano: There needs to be an Exception to the Electric School Bus Mandate

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) supported his colleagues at a press conference today led by Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) as they were joined by local school superintendents to highlight a proposal that would...

DeStefano Stands in Support of Fixing The Early Intervention Online Hub

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Today, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) joined fellow Assemblymembers at a press conference to address the need to improve the state’s Early Intervention (EI) Hub. This online service, launched on October 15, is imperative to managing services...