On day one, Dean Dafis will advance ten bills focused on protecting working families and strengthening NJ-11. This is a clear commitment to real, immediate action.
As a first-generation American, I watched my parents struggle to climb the economic ladder. Transitioning from a legal aid attorney to Wall Street litigator solidified my belief that the economy is built for the one percent.
Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies have cut funding for food, housing, healthcare, and other essential services, threatening the lives of millions of Americans. I am dedicated to finding a solution that protects these programs and services, and fills the gap between those at the top and working class Americans.
Enough talk about restoring the SALT deduction–-we need to make it happen. That starts by reversing the tax cuts for billionaires and reinvesting in the working class that holds up public education in the Garden State through some of the highest property taxes in the nation. We can start righting this ship by restoring the deduction for thousands of families in NJ-11, and then focus on a tax code that favors the working class.
As an advocate for our public schools, I believe in the importance of access and equity within our local districts. First, we must make sure that the very foundation of our democracy–a well-educated public–is protected by standing against any voucher system that siphons much-needed money from our schools. We must also address the widening gap between school districts in New Jersey by evaluating and redistributing aid based on where it has the largest impact.
Beyond funding, I am eager to advocate for cultural competency training for all staff to ensure students are met with empathy and understanding. Since his first day in office, Donald Trump has targeted the U.S. Department of Education and the young, vulnerable residents it serves. Trump has eliminated federal support for DEI and gender identity school materials, and threatens to withhold federal funds from any state or district that continues to operate these programs.
I am committed to fighting budget cuts and censorship so we can continue providing all students with a well-rounded public education where they feel safe and supported. In NJ-11, our highest-in-the-nation property values are directly tied to the success of our public schools, and we cannot let MAGA extremists interfere.
I am passionate about environmental sustainability, its correlation to public health, and advocating for best practices that hold the responsible parties accountable. As a member of the Center for Climate Integrity’s Leaders Network, I support holding oil and gas corporations accountable for their climate deception and the damage it has caused. New Jersey has the highest number of Superfund sites in the nation, and we must make corporate polluters pick up the tab for cleaning up in our overburdened communities.
I am proud to have helped Maplewood become a leader in reducing carbon footprints, promoting sustainable practices, and legislating climate change mitigation into development and other township related policy making. Maplewood achieved silver-level certification and a gold star in health from Sustainable Jersey in 2023, creating opportunity for large-scale efforts to fight climate change.
Plus, we all love our Jersey coastline and Trump’s latest budget steals money away from beach replenishment that protects the shore we cherish. I will stand up to MAGA on day one, demanding this critical funding that protects homes, livelihoods, and family memories for so many New Jerseyans.
I understand how the government plays a critical role in promoting and sustaining public health, and I am committed to developing policies that promote health and equity needs throughout NJ-11.
I grew up watching and experiencing the many challenges faced by immigrants and working families, including access to housing. This inspired my statewide work in housing justice.
MAGA extremists threaten the safety and stability of millions of Americans, with budget cuts and policy shifts that change eligibility requirements. The latest federal budget leaves the State of New Jersey with a $400 million gap in funding for housing and social services, directly impacting the most vulnerable members of our community.
Of those currently receiving services, over 60% are single, women of color with children. Furthermore, for every dollar invested in social services, there is a return of more than 150% in our local economy. This isn’t just about helping those who need it most. These programs help our entire society. I am committed to advocating for continued funding of housing assistance programs, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by housing instability.
When I came out in the early 1980s, my religious, immigrant parents sought a solution they believed was best: conversion therapy. This did not cure me, but subjected me to mental and physical abuse.
I testified before state legislatures in favor of conversion therapy bans and continue to raise concerns about their potential resurgence under the alt-Right Supreme Court who is targeting the LGBTQ+ community and women.
As a conversion therapy survivor, I understand the feelings of depression, self-loathing, and suicidal ideations that often occur when not given proper support. I have advocated for LGBTQ+ rights at the local, state, and federal level, with experience in overturning California’s Proposition 8 and participating in the #LoveWins Campaign. I’ve served on many LGBTQ+ committees and boards to ensure our community’s seat at decision tables. I am committed to advocating for policies that address issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community and continue the fight for our safety and freedom.