Sarah Blas
Office Sought
NYS Senate, District 23
More Information
sarahblasforsenate.com
2022 LID Questionnaire Response
What makes you different (100 words max)?
If elected I will be the first sitting state elected living in NYCHA. In a district where we have the only St. Patrick's Day parade that excludes LGBTQ representation I believe it is significant to be the first openly LGBTQ representative in this seat. I'm the only candidate in my race who can call both sides of the Verrazano home. I'd be one of very few elected officials who have experienced homelessness, no one will fight harder against the privatization of NYCHA and equitable housing. As a disabled mother of 6 children (4 with IEPs) I know what the lack of accessibility and funding means for families.
Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in Albany (100 words max)?
I have dedicated my career and efforts to community stewardship. While reading about: homelessness, LGBTQ rights, New Yorkers with disabilities is important, what is missing from the legislative table is elected officials who have been homeless, elected officials who live in NYCHA, officials who live every day with disabilities. I want to represent my neighbors because I can be that representation.
What difference will you make for your community (100 words max)?
Representation matters; I believe my deep roots in community organizing give me a unique perspective on community engagement and community service. There is no place in 23rd district I'm unwilling to go and I plan to bring services and information directly to constituents. I have a proven track record of doing this kind of work even during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic (which is how I got the Women of Achievement award).
I feel that I will bring an equity lens to this seat and really focus in on digital equity, food justice, property taxes and services.
How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites (100 words max)?
Marginalization is a largely a result of austerity politics and "business as usual." I believe that my candidacy is an antithesis to business as usual. I identify with many of the marginalized Brooklynites that I would like to represent and I am committed to digging deep and bringing my office to other marginalized groups included those who are undocumented, those currently in custody, those returning for incarceration and those who have been systemically precluded from participation. I plan to bring my office to the community in new and innovative ways.
Legislation
For each answer regarding a bill, please provide a brief statement if you are in opposition/undecided to the legislation or policy. If in support, simply indicate yes.
Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (“SVSTA”) (A849/S3075)?
YES!
Full decriminalization (not the Nordic model) is sorely needed.
Do you support the Gender Recognition Act (A5465/S4402)?
Yes, I'm happy this bill was signed by the governor.
Do you support the New York Health Act (A 6058/S5474)?
Yes! All New Yorkers deserve access to healthcare.
Do you support the Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety Act (A7001A/S6677)?
Yes! Everyone regardless of whether they are incarcerated deserve human dignity.
Do you support legislation that will suspend unnecessary travel to states that permit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (A 07991/S 06897)?
Yes.
Do you support the Gender Inclusive Ballot Act (A07933A/S6901B)?
Yes!
Do you support the Hate Crimes Analysis and Review Act (A2230/S70)?
Yes, I'm very happy that this bill has been passed and signed by the governor.
Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A808/S1929)?
Yes, anything less is erasure.
Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students (A840/S369)?
Yes, we must plan to provide safe and inclusive schools regardless of where in New York State they live.
Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net?
Yes!
Do you support legislation requiring unarmed crisis personnel to respond to mental health crises?
Yes, this hits close to home for me, one of my children had police called during a mental health crisis in elementary school. This should not happen.
Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act (A5891/S2800)?
Yes!
Do you support the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (“HALT”) (A2277/S1757)?
Yes, solitary confinement is archaic and not a measure that promotes rehabilitation. I am in strong support of S1757.
Do you support the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”) (A1248/S854)?Yes, I'm glad this bill was signed into legislation and I hope the provisions included on social and economic justice begin to answer to the communities most impacted by the criminalization of marijuana.
Do you support legislation to promote comprehensive sex ed in public schools? (A6616/S2584)?
Yes!
Do you support legislation which would mandate insurance coverage for PrEP/PEP (A808/S699)?
Yes.
Do you support legislation which would make gender affirming care an essential health benefit?
Yes.
Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools (A817/S1729)?
Yes! Anything less than a curriculum that integrates LGBTQ history is erasure.
Do you support the Housing Voucher Access Program (A3701A/S2804B)?
Yes! Market rate vouchers are a key part of ensuring fewer families end up homeless or experience protracted homelessness.
Do you support Good Cause eviction (A5573/S3082)?
YES! We must prioritize New York families of private interests.
Do you support passing a bill of rights for LGBTQ persons in long-term care facilities (A7807/S85)?
Do you support the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (A849/S4075)?
Do you support legislation to ban the use of conversion therapy on persons over 18 and under legal guardianship?
YES!
(Bill numbers based on 2021-2022 legislative session)
Commitments
If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo (will be provided) and full name on all materials and other places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of specific organizations (unions, etc) or elected officials)?
Yes!
Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of the…”
Yes!