Giardino runs again for State Assembly

NEW YORK STATE — Democrat Laurette Giardino ran against State Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor (R-105) in 2018, but this time she is hoping that with so many changes in the world, the region and government in general, she will win the race for the two-year term.

She is also on the ballot lines for the Working Families and Women’s Equity parties. Since the 1970s, Giardino has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights, minorities and the LGBTQ community. 

Now, with COVID-19 a major issue, and its effects on health care, finances and so much more, Giardino said has added some issues to her platform.

“COVID-19 has had a major impact on our community with job loss, the loss of employer health insurance and now the cutting back on unemployment assistance,” she said. “Many of our neighbors are unable to pay their rent or mortgage and are food insecure. I will work to extend or support new programs to help our friends keep their homes, pay for utilities and buy food to feed their families.”

Recently Giardino stated, “I am running to work for the people of my district. If elected I will fight to bring jobs, job training programs and grants to the 105th.  I will increase trade programs in our high schools and colleges that prepare students to have a good paying job and a secure future. Investing in these programs will expand opportunities for young people and give local businesses the highly trained talent they need for their businesses to thrive.” 

Giardino knows that one priority has to be in the financial area and she plans to work to bring jobs and job training programs to local neighborhoods. Millions of New Yorkers have permanently lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have also lost their health insurance and are now going without vital medications or medical care and are burdened with medical debt. This, she said, “is a big reason why I support the New York Health Act, because it provides health insurance coverage for all New Yorkers regardless of employment status.”

Other plans on the Democrat’s platform include the development of affordable housing for seniors, veterans and working families. She also wants to expand the use of alternative energy in local communities, increase construction of solar and wind farms and she hopes to expand the usage and availability of energy efficient public transportation — all of which she said will help create green jobs in the 105th District.

A graduate of Mercy College, Giardino is retired; she owned two local businesses and volunteered with several nonprofits. She founded a local group that organizes monthly dinners for the LGBTQ community. A self-described progressive Democrat, humanist, and activist for social justice for more than 50 years, she is  on a journey to fight the Republican Party’s “stranglehold” on Dutchess County. 

If elected, Giardino wants to pass gun violence prevention legislation, ranked choice voting and free college and technical education.