David Carlucci
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David S. Carlucci ( ; born April 3, 1981) is an American politician in
Rockland County, New York Rockland County is the southernmost county on the west side of the Hudson River in the U.S. state of New York. It is part of the New York metropolitan area. It is about from the Bronx at their closest points. The county's population, as of ...
. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the state senator for the 38th district, which includes most of
Rockland County Rockland County is the southernmost county on the west side of the Hudson River in the U.S. state of New York. It is part of the New York metropolitan area. It is about from the Bronx at their closest points. The county's population, as of t ...
and parts of
Westchester County Westchester County is located in the U.S. state of New York. It is the seventh most populous county in the State of New York and the most populous north of New York City. According to the 2020 United States Census, the county had a population ...
until December 2020. Carlucci was one of the youngest senators elected to the
New York State Senate The New York State Senate is the upper house of the New York State Legislature; the New York State Assembly is its lower house. Its members are elected to two-year terms; there are no term limits. There are 63 seats in the Senate. Partisan comp ...
in 2010 at just 29 years old. /sup> Carlucci served as the chair of the Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. In October 2019, Carlucci announced his bid for the
United States House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives, often referred to as the House of Representatives, the U.S. House, or simply the House, is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, with the Senate being the upper chamber. Together they ...
for . to replace retiring Representative
Nita Lowey Nita Sue Lowey ( ) ( Melnikoff; born July 5, 1937) is an American politician who formerly served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1989 until 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Lowey also served as co-Dean of the New York C ...
. He lost to attorney
Mondaire Jones Mondaire L. Jones (born May 18, 1987) is an American lawyer and politician who was the U.S. representative for from 2021 to 2023. The district includes most of central and northwestern Westchester County and all of Rockland County. A member of t ...
of Rockland County in the Democratic Primary.


Early life and education

Carlucci was born in
Clarkstown, New York Clarkstown is a town in Rockland County, New York, United States. The town is on the eastern border of the county, located north of the town of Orangetown, east of the town of Ramapo, south of the town of Haverstraw, and west of the Hudson Ri ...
, and raised in Rockland County. He attended
Clarkstown High School North Clarkstown High School North is a high school located in New City, New York, United States, educating students in grades 9 through 12. It is one of two high schools in the Clarkstown Central School District (CCSD). Since 2006, North has offered ...
and ran track. He graduated from
Rockland Community College Rockland Community College (RCC) is a public community college in the town of Ramapo, New York in Rockland County. It is part of the State University of New York. The college, established in 1959, became the 18th community college to join the ...
in 2000. He went on to attend
Cornell University Cornell University is a private statutory land-grant research university based in Ithaca, New York. It is a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was founded with the intention to tea ...
and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial and labor relations in 2002.


Early career

Carlucci worked as a financial planner for
American Express American Express Company (Amex) is an American multinational corporation, multinational corporation specialized in payment card industry, payment card services headquartered at 200 Vesey Street in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Man ...
from 2002 to 2003 and worked in Congressman Eliot Engel's office as a staff assistant from 2004 to 2005. In 2003, Carlucci made his first political run for the office of
Town Clerk A clerk is a senior official of many municipal governments in the English-speaking world. In some communities, including most in the United States, the position is elected, but in many others, the clerk is appointed to their post. In the UK, a Tow ...
in the Town of Clarkstown. Carlucci lost to the 28-year incumbent, Republican Patricia Sheridan. In 2006, he defeated Sheridan by 294 votes at the age of 24.


New York Senate


Domestic Terrorism

Following the Monsey Hanukkah stabbing in December 2019 which came amid a state-wide and national increase in anti-Semitic crimes and incidents, Senator Carlucci collaborated with former Governor Andrew Cuomo to draft a bill to create a formal state statute against domestic terrorism. Together, they passed the "Josef Neumann Hate Crimes Domestic Terrorism Act of 2020" named after one of the victims of the stabbing. The bill was implemented into New York State law through the 2020 budget and exists as the first domestic terrorism law in the nation. The assailant of the 2022 Buffalo shooting, who shot and killed 10 Black people in a supermarket, was the first individual to be charged under the domestic terrorism statute.


Elections

In May 2010, Carlucci announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for
New York State Senate The New York State Senate is the upper house of the New York State Legislature; the New York State Assembly is its lower house. Its members are elected to two-year terms; there are no term limits. There are 63 seats in the Senate. Partisan comp ...
in District 38. That same month incumbent, Republican Thomas Morahan announced he would not be seeking re-election. Morahan who was 78-years-old was seeking treatment for Leukemia. In June 2010, Rockland republicans nominated then Rockland County Executive C
Scott Vanderhoef
over Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, as the Republican nominee. Carlucci defeated Vanderhoef and won 53 percent of the vote, picking up a seat that had not been held by a Democrat since 1984. He was one of the youngest senators elected to the
New York State Senate The New York State Senate is the upper house of the New York State Legislature; the New York State Assembly is its lower house. Its members are elected to two-year terms; there are no term limits. There are 63 seats in the Senate. Partisan comp ...
at just 29-years-old. Carlucci went on to win four more general elections. He also defeated a primary challenger, Julie Goldberg, in 2018. All of his former IDC colleagues faced similar primary challenges and most were defeated.


Legislation

Carlucci has passed more than 130 bills that were signed into law since 2011. He supported the SAFE Act, raise the age of criminal responsibility, a $15/hr minimum wage plan, and paid family leave policy. In 2014, Carlucci's bill to create a relapse prevention program to combat heroin addiction in New York State would be signed into law by Governor Cuomo. David Carlucci secured funding for the Nyack Skate Park “Working with my colleagues in the Senate, we were able to secure a grant that will finally et Nyackcomplete this project,” said Carlucci. “It makes it easier when it comes from the ground up…when the community really comes together and sees that vision.” David Carlucci Co-sponsored legislation to redesign the handicap logo after 45 years. Carlucci explained “New York is again leading the way by being the first state in the Nation to update our outdated ‘handicap’ signs with a more active, engaging symbol. Working together we will continue to be a shining example for disability rights throughout the country,” In 2015, Carlucci proposed legislation to create the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund which would later be signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund will support critical programs to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues and received funding from a tax check-off box which appeared on state income tax forms. Carlucci declared “The signing of this bill into law is the first step to eliminating the stigma of mental illness from our society, New Yorkers can now directly help end the stigma by making a donation that will fund mental health public awareness campaigns across the state." David Carlucci sponsored legislation making the heroin - overdose antidote Naloxone available over the counter. Carlucci stated In a letter to state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, "As the number of overdoses increases, so should the amount of people who have access to naloxone, By issuing a standing order, you will make naloxone, which has not been shown to be a dangerous drug, more accessible, and in turn save more lives." David Carlucci proposed an arrangement where Marydell whose views overlooks the Hudson and is contiguous with 1,831 acres of state parkland would become public land. David stated "This is an excellent opportunity to expand Hook Mountain State Park," In 2016, Carlucci sponsored a bill to review the precautions at rail crossings after deadly accidents which would later be signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Carlucci illustrated in a statement "We need to seriously examine why the number of crossing accidents has increased in New York, and what we can do to fix them as soon as possible." David Carlucci called for renewed investment to restore the Vanderbilt-Budke House & adjacent Farmhouse on the Traphagen property in Clarkstown. In 2017, David Carlucci sponsored legislation banning tobacco discounts coupons in New York State. "Time and time again, we've seen that as prices go up for tobacco products, the usage declines," Carlucci said Monday. "(Coupons and discounts) are a way for big tobacco companies to get around the high prices of cigarettes." David secured funding for Grace VanderWaal's show choir in the East Ramapo district elementary school. Carlucci stated "East Ramapo students are lucky to have Grace VanderWaal as a role model for them and helping make this new choir a reality," In 2019, Carlucci sponsored legislation requiring the State Office of Mental Health to regularly review suicide prevention programs and recommend changes to be meet the needs of at risk individuals and address risk factors for minority and underrepresented populations. Carlucci also sponsored legislation to establish a Black Youth Suicide Task Force to address an increasing rate of suicide among black children ages 5-years to 18-years-old. The task force would be made up of mental health professionals with knowledge of the black community who can examine, evaluate and determine remedies to tailor youth suicide prevention efforts in the back community. David Carlucci championed the Heatstroke Elimination Awareness Technology (HEAT) Act, which would require cars in the state to have detection systems installed. The intent was to force automakers to make the change on a national level similar to how California lawmakers have set nationwide emissions standards. Carlucci explained “Unless they're required to make these safety features, they don't do them, This is not some scientific theory, This is being done in other places.” Carlucci co-sponsored the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA); the law aims to have New York's electricity entirely from emission-free sources by 2040 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. Carlucci also sponsored the Green Amendment, a constitutional amendment to the New York State Constitution which guarantees “each person shall have the right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” Carlucci sponsored legislation allowing 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote. David Stated “When young people are engaged from any early age they stay engaged, By eliminating barriers to register and increasing education, we are strengthening our democracy." David Carlucci sponsored several pieces of key legislation which requires an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the MTA. An audit would show how, and where, the MTA gets and spends its money, ensure that drivers facing cashless-tolling fines would not have their credit scores adversely affected by late payment of bills. Drivers who live in Westchester and Rockland counties could see their toll reduced by 60% when crossing the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. However drivers who intentionally skip out on paying a toll can be charged with a Class “A” misdemeanor, which can carry a maximum of one year in jail or three years of probation. Additionally, a judge may impose a fine up to $1,000 additionally drivers who previously incurred fees and fines on any MTA crossing could have the penalties waived, under a six-month amnesty program, similar to the one used by the Thruway Authority. Carlucci sponsored legislation in 2019 banning employers from asking job applicants their salary history as a requirement for a job interview, job application, job offer, or promotion. Carlucci sponsored legislation signed into law, allowing survivors of domestic violence to report the incident of abuse to any law enforcement agency in New York State, regardless of where it happened. In 2020, Carlucci's amended version of Dream's Law was signed by Governor Cuomo. The bill requires hospitals to have a discharge plan in place before a person can leave. Carlucci sponsored Lauren's Law, which requires individuals who apply for a driver's license to complete the organ donor registry section of the application by selecting either “yes” or “skip this question.” Carlucci helped expand the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC), which provides discount drugs for senior citizens. Carlucci sponsored the Pension Poaching Prevention Act. The will crackdown on scammers trying to profit off a veteran's service by selling them financial products they don't need or charging them to apply for benefits they do not quality for. In 2013, Carlucci sponsored a bill that was signed into law called Jobs for Heroes, which gives a tax credit to businesses for hiring returning veterans. Carlucci sponsored Legislation Banning Crib Bumper Pads. “As a parent, it's our job to protect our children, and I simply cannot imagine how the families are coping who have lost a newborn due to crib bumper pads,” said Former Senator David Carlucci. “We know these accessories are not safe due to the risk of suffocation or strangulation of a baby and yet they are still marketed to parents as a matching nursery accessory. It's time we ban their sale in New York State and prevent further tragedies.” In 2019 Senate Bill S3788A was signed into law by the NYS governor. In 2020, Carlucci proposed legislation which would later be signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Before Carlucci's legislation New York State law required all front seat passengers to wear seat belts, while people under the age of 16 wear seat belts whether they're seated in the front or back seats. Carlucci's legislation requires everyone to wear seat belts in the backseat of a vehicle, no matter the age of the passenger. Carlucci stated while on the chamber floor “The simple fact is that you're not any safer in the back seat, So we have to make that message loud and clear by passing this legislation.” David Carlucci sponsored legislation to rename a portion of Route 45 "The Sandra L. Wilson Memorial Highway "“Sandra Wilson was attacked for no reason. She was at the library simply doing her job," Carlucci said Wednesday. "She was known to patrons for her warm smile and friendly demeanor. This roadway will serve as a reminder of her kindness and ensure her legacy is remembered in Spring Valley and the entire State of New York.” Carlucci sponsored legislation which made it illegal for employers to ask about applicants salary history. David stated “Now, New Yorkers can talk about their qualifications and not their past wages in an interview, For too long, the salary history question was used by some employers to justify low pay and low raises for women and women of color. We are now working to close the gender wage gap and ensure equal pay for equal work.” David Carlucci championed legislation which shortened New York States suicide hotline to 988 During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Carlucci sponsored legislation which would be signed into law by Governor Cuomo which guarantees schools will not lose state funding due to COVID-19 closures. Carlucci explained "Our School districts need every penny as potential cuts could be devastating, Schools should not be penalized for making necessary decisions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic."


Independent Democratic Caucus (IDC)

On January 5, 2011, David Carlucci entered into the Senate and formed the
Independent Democratic Conference The Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) was a group of members of the New York State Senate from the Democratic Party who were elected as Democrats but formed a coalition to give the Republicans the majority in the chamber, and attempted to ...
(IDC), with three other Democratic senators,
Jeffrey D. Klein Jeffrey David Klein (born July 10, 1960) is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He represented the New York State Senate's 34th District, serving parts of Bronx and Westchester Counties from 2005 to 2018. Klein also se ...
,
Diane Savino Diane J. Savino (born September 28, 1963) is an American Democratic politician who represented the 23rd Senate District in the New York State Senate, in northern Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, including Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, ...
, and David J. Valesky. The formation of the IDC created a third legislative conference in the State Senate. The senators said the IDC would "push for commonsense solutions to the problems facing New York State, break the hyper-partisan gridlock that has gripped the Senate and work to restore the public's trust in its public officials." In 2013, the IDC and the Senate Republicans announced a majority coalition agreement. Their Democratic colleagues called the move a power grab and liberal Democrats blamed the group for enabling a Republican agenda. In April 2018, the IDC was dissolved and Carlucci joined the Senate Democratic Conference. In the 2018 Democratic Primary, Carlucci defeated challenger Julie Goldberg by a 54% to 46% margin, becoming one of only two former IDC members, along with
Diane Savino Diane J. Savino (born September 28, 1963) is an American Democratic politician who represented the 23rd Senate District in the New York State Senate, in northern Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, including Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, ...
, to defeat primary challengers.


U.S. House of Representatives bid

In October 2019, Carlucci announced his bid for . Previously, Congresswoman
Nita Lowey Nita Sue Lowey ( ) ( Melnikoff; born July 5, 1937) is an American politician who formerly served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1989 until 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Lowey also served as co-Dean of the New York C ...
, who represents the district, had announced she would not be seeking another term and would be retiring after 30+ years in office. After Carlucci announced his run, he told the Journal News that he has "the experience, work ethic, energy to get the job done. For me, public service isn't just a job or career: it's my life." The focuses of his campaign include education, climate change, gun reforms, women's rights, and comprehensive immigration reform. He lost the primary to
Mondaire Jones Mondaire L. Jones (born May 18, 1987) is an American lawyer and politician who was the U.S. representative for from 2021 to 2023. The district includes most of central and northwestern Westchester County and all of Rockland County. A member of t ...
. His campaign was endorsed by various organizations including Laborers local 754, IOUE local 825.


Controversies

In June 2017, several members of the IDC, including Carlucci, sent a pro-choice mailer to their constituents that, according to
Planned Parenthood The Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA), or simply Planned Parenthood, is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care in the United States and globally. It is a tax-exempt corporation under Internal Reve ...
, “misleads constituents by implying electoral support from Planned Parenthood.” The mailer used the Planned Parenthood logo and read "Supported by Planned Parenthood" on the front. In a letter to the IDC, Planned Parenthood stated that they had not made any endorsements and misuse of their logo "undermines confidence and integrity in this endorsement process." The mailer also touted Carlucci's support of two major pieces of pro-choice legislation, the
Reproductive Health Act The Reproductive Health Act is a New York statute enacted on January 22, 2019, that expanded abortion rights, decriminalized abortion, and eliminated several restrictions on abortion in the state. The RHA repealed §4164 of the state Public Healt ...
and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act, while referring to both bills by the wrong names. A spokesperson for the IDC said in a statement: "Constituents have a right to know where their senators stand on women's health issues and this is what the IDC communicated to voters. Every member of the IDC supports women's health rights and universally stand at the ready to pass these vital issues."


Post-senate

In 2021, Carlucci was recognized on The City & State New York Mental Health Power 50 list. "Serving in the state Senate between 2011 and 2020, David Carlucci focused on mental health care and substance abuse policy, including as chair of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee beginning in 2013 and as co-chair of a joint task force on opioid addiction and overdose prevention. Since he left office at the start of the year, he has continued to use his expertise as a consultant for organizations navigating local and state mental health care bureaucracy."


Personal life

On January 15, 2011, Carlucci married his high school sweetheart and longtime girlfriend, Lauren Grossberg. Grossberg is a Rockland County native and an elementary school teacher. The pair met in high school on the track team. They have two children. They live in the town of
Clarkstown, New York Clarkstown is a town in Rockland County, New York, United States. The town is on the eastern border of the county, located north of the town of Orangetown, east of the town of Ramapo, south of the town of Haverstraw, and west of the Hudson Ri ...
.


Election history


References


External links


Campaign WebsiteNew York State Senate: David Carlucci
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Carlucci, David 1981 births Living people Democratic Party New York (state) state senators Politicians from Rockland County, New York Rockland Community College alumni Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations alumni People from Clarkstown, New York 21st-century American politicians Independent Democratic Conference