Melanie D'Arrigo

Melanie D'Arrigo was born in Lindenhurst, New York. She earned her B.A. from Barnard College in 2003 and her M.S. from Long Island University in 2012.[1][2]

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased May 25, 2022

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Melanie D’Arrigo is a healthcare advocate, community organizer, LGBTQ+ non-profit co-founder and mother of three who believes we need new leaders in Washington who will fight to uplift Long Island and Queens families—not become part of the same broken system.

Melanie was born into an impoverished family on the South Shore of Long Island, and raised in a union household by her grandmother. With grit and determination, Melanie beat the odds and was the first in her family to attend college—working numerous jobs while attending Barnard, and graduating with thousands in student loans.

Melanie earned her Masters of Science degree from the School of Health Professions at Long Island University, and has worked as a healthcare advocate and strategist ever since, teaching children, families and organizations how to live healthier lives, prevent serious medical conditions, and save money.

Melanie has organized marches, rallies, teach-ins and protests in her community—on everything from protecting Planned Parenthood and our environment to immigrant rights and ensuring her community got the funding it needed after being ravaged by the pandemic. A tireless grassroots volunteer, Melanie helped found Sunrise Movement Nassau County, Be The Rainbow (LGBTQ+ visibility group) and is a Nassau County Delegate for the National Organization for Women, Moms Demand Action volunteer and serves as a CD 3 district representative for National Nurses United in the fight for Medicare for All.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Protect our rights.End the corruption.Fight for our families.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

What's best for our families and communities has always come second to the needs of billionaires and corporations. This is the product of the pay-to-play corruption that has broken Congress, delegitimized our courts and undermined our democracy. Ending the corruption is a priority of mine, which is why I'm proud to be the only candidate in my race not taking money from lobbyists and corporations – not now, not ever.

We will never end our healthcare crisis and pass universal healthcare with Medicare for All, take action on climate, end gun violence, unrig the Supreme Court or protect Social Security as long as lobbyists are allowed to buy the votes and messaging of members of Congress.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important principles for an elected official to have are a true moral center and a relentlessness to always do the most good for the most amount of people while never leaving anyone behind.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives was originally created as the "People's House," where our communities can have a say in the policies that shape their lives.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not believe that it is beneficial for representatives to have experience in government or politics. What is most important is a moral center and a relentlessness to do the most good, always.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The greatest challenge the United States faces over the next decade is the protection of our democracy from fascism, corruption and extremism while at the same time bringing people back together and healing the divide.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. Compromise is necessary for policymaking but can never come at the expense of someone's rights.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

As a progressive, most of my policies like Medicare for All, a fair and equitable economy, gun safety laws and climate action would reduce government spending in the short and long term.

Note: D'Arrigo submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on May 21, 2020.

Note: D'Arrigo submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on December 16, 2019.

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0"); });