Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton began serving in the New York State Senate in 2023, where she represents New York’s 23rd District, which includes the North and East Shores of Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn. She serves as Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs.

 

Since taking office, Senator Scarcella-Spanton has remained deeply committed to serving her constituents. As Chair, she has championed legislation to support veterans by requiring state agencies to appoint veterans’ liaisons, expanding tuition assistance programs, and improving maternal healthcare for expecting and postpartum veterans.

 

A longtime advocate for healthcare access, Senator Scarcella-Spanton played a key role in the passage of the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Act on the Senate floor after a decade-long effort. She has also led legislation to lower the colorectal cancer screening age to 35, helping to save lives through earlier detection.

 

Senator Scarcella-Spanton has also prioritized public safety through her legislative work. In the 2024 State Budget, she secured measures that elevate the offense of assaulting a retail worker to a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.

She also fought for and won the inclusion of anti-squatting legislation that ensures squatters are not classified as tenants and empowers law enforcement to arrest and charge them with burglary. She also championed the restoration of the 20-year service retirement benefit for New York City police officers, a long-overdue correction that puts the needs of our law enforcement community at the forefront.

 

Senator Scarcella-Spanton remains a strong advocate for affordability in her district—working to preserve the Staten Island resident discount on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, prevent tuition hikes for SUNY and CUNY schools in the state budget, and introduce legislation to establish a State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate to protect the interests and wallets of local residents.

 

In addition to her leadership role, Senator Scarcella-Spanton serves on the Senate Committees on Civil Service and Pensions; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Disabilities; Labor; and Women’s Issues.