Bio & Background
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
D · DemocratSenate Majority Leader
District 35
Term: Nov 8, 2022 – Nov 3, 2026
Andrea Stewart-Cousins has served as Majority Leader of the New York State Senate since 2019, becoming the first woman and first person of color to lead a chamber of the New York State Legislature. She represents the 35th Senate District in Westchester County and has served in the Senate since 2007.
Public Positions
Healthcare
“New York should lead the nation in guaranteeing healthcare as a human right. The New York Health Act would save lives and money by eliminating the inefficiencies of our fragmented insurance system.”
Source: press release · Mar 20, 2023
Criminal Justice
“The Clean Slate Act is about second chances and recognizing that people who have served their time deserve the opportunity to reintegrate fully into society without the permanent burden of a criminal record.”
Source: press release · May 30, 2023
Voting Record
Healthcare
Position on recordS 2030: New York Health Act
Establishes a universal single-payer health insurance program for New York State residents, replacing all private health insurance with a state-administered program covering all medically necessary services. Funding would come from income and payroll taxes on residents and businesses. The bill passed the Senate but was not brought to a vote in the Assembly.
May 10, 2023
Criminal Justice
Position on recordS 4511: Clean Slate Act
Provides for the automatic sealing of certain criminal conviction records after a waiting period: three years for misdemeanor convictions and eight years for eligible felony convictions. Sealed records are not accessible to most employers or landlords but remain accessible to law enforcement. The bill is estimated to benefit approximately 2.3 million New Yorkers.
Jun 7, 2023
Budget & Appropriations
No stated positionS 8009: State Budget Act, Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Enacts the New York State Budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, totaling approximately $237 billion in total spending. Key provisions include a $1.3 billion increase in Foundation Aid for public schools, $4 billion in new capital funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and an expansion of child care subsidies serving an additional 100,000 families.
Apr 20, 2024
Housing
No stated positionA 9559: New York Housing Compact Act
Establishes mandatory housing production targets for municipalities across New York State, requiring a 3% growth in housing units over three years for downstate communities and 1% for upstate communities. Localities that fail to meet targets lose certain zoning control authorities. The bill creates a new fast-track approval process for developments meeting affordability standards near transit hubs.
Jun 7, 2024
Education
No stated positionA 1234: Foundation Aid Full Funding Act
Completes the phase-in of full Foundation Aid funding to New York public schools after a 15-year delay stemming from the Campaign for Fiscal Equity litigation settlement. The bill directs an additional $1.1 billion to high-need school districts and establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment mechanism tied to regional inflation indices.
Mar 12, 2024
Campaign Finance
$650,000
Top Donor Type
pac
Number of Donors
3
Top Donors
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| New York State United Teachers PAC | $350,000 |
| CWA District 1 PAC | $175,000 |
| Empire State Development PAC | $125,000 |
Campaign finance data reflects reported contributions. Availability varies by state and reporting cycle. Data may not be complete.