Michaelle C. Solages, Assembly, 22nd District

Michaelle C. Solages

Democratic

BACKGROUND: Solages, 33, of Elmont, was elected to the assembly in 2012 when she was 26. She is also on the Working Families, Independent, Reform and Women's Equality party lines. Solages was the first person of Haitian descent to be elected to the assembly. She was reelected in 2014 and 2016 and is seeking a fourth term. She earned a bachelor of science degree in athletic training from Hofstra University. Solages previously worked for a decade at Hofstra’s Axinn Library, her last five years there as supervisor of access services. In the state assembly, Solages chairs the task force on new Americans, which deals with immigration policy. She also sits on the library and education technology, health, social services, and racing and waging committees. She is the first vice chairwoman of the Black, Hispanic, Puerto Rican and Asian caucus. Solages is married and has two children.

ISSUES: Solages said she is focusing on “the redevelopment of Belmont Park in Elmont. I would like to ensure that we create jobs and build something that benefits the neighboring community without sacrificing the quality of life.” Solages said she seeks to “streamline state government to make it more transparent.” She said that “the industrial development agencies [IDAs] throughout the state, which provide tax breaks and incentives for business to come into local communities, are still giving out sweetheart deals on the backs of homeowners and property taxpayers.” Solages says New York State should engage in “more extensive vetting of government contracts to private business.” Solages said she wants to “improve public education and reduce our reliance on high-stakes testing.” Solages said she continues “to fund legislative grants to support enrichment of school programs and local community-based organization programs,” and “to host programs to ensure entrepreneurs, including women and minority business owners, can obtain contracts with state and local governments.”