1. Aravella Simotas was born on October 9,1978 and is an American politician who represented District 36, covering parts of Western Queens, which includes Astoria and parts of Long Island City, in the New York State Assembly as a member of the Democratic Party.
Aravella Simotas emigrated to the United States from Greece and settled in Astoria with her parents and brother when she was an infant.
Aravella Simotas served as a member of the Queens Community Planning Board and the United Community Civic Association.
Aravella Simotas received the Democratic Party nomination and ran unopposed in the November 2,2010, general election.
Aravella Simotas lost her 2020 Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.
Aravella Simotas was appointed Chair of the Assembly's Ethics and Guidance Committee in 2017.
From 2014 to 2017, Aravella Simotas served as Chair of the Assembly's Task Force on Women's Issues and Administrative and Regulatory Review Commission.
In 2015, legislation introduced by Aravella Simotas made New York the first state in the country to designate pregnancy as a qualifying event to enroll in health insurance through the state health exchange.
In 2016, Aravella Simotas introduced the Fair Access to Fertility Treatment Act to require insurers to cover in vitro fertilization, as well as fertility preservation services for cancer patients.
Aravella Simotas introduced legislation to establish a Newborn Health and Safe Sleep Pilot Program to combat infant mortality by distributing "baby boxes", essential care items and educational materials to new parents in high-risk areas.
Aravella Simotas voted in favor of same-sex marriage in New York.
Since she first took office, Aravella Simotas supported the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, for which she was a "multi-sponsor".
In 2019, Aravella Simotas introduced legislation to close a loophole in New York's Raise the Age law to expand eligibility for record sealing.
Aravella Simotas served as chairperson of Smart Power NY, a coalition to develop new energy sources for Western Queens.
Aravella Simotas advocated for more polling sites and expanded early voting.
Aravella Simotas joined public officials in protesting a Golden Dawn recruitment meeting in Queens, opposing its anti-immigrant message.
Aravella Simotas supported the expansion of Mount Sinai Queens hospital, citing the need for more healthcare services in western Queens.
In 2013, Aravella Simotas supported maintaining and expanding Gifted and Talented programs in her district.
Aravella Simotas worked to keep local public schools open, including Long Island City High School.
Aravella Simotas is married to John Katsanos, and they have one daughter, born in 2012.