Job Creation

As an Assemblymember, Hakeem successfully pushed for the creation of a $50 million jobs program for at-risk, inner-city youth. In Congress, Hakeem will fight to pass President Barack Obama’s American Jobs Act and will work hard to make sure that NYCHA provides employment opportunities for public housing and community residents as required by Section 3 of the 1968 HUD Act.

Housing

Protecting residents from being pushed out of their homes and neighborhoods has been a top priority for Hakeem in the Assembly. He successfully sponsored legislation designed to transform vacant luxury apartments into affordable homes for people in the community and co-sponsored the law that extended and strengthened rent regulations for the first time in 20 years. In Congress, Hakeem will fight to protect housing for working families and preserve New York City’s Section 8 Housing Program. He will also push for an aggressive federal program to prevent foreclosures and keep people in their homes.

Criminal Justice

In the Assembly, Hakeem has fought hard to reform our criminal justice system. He successfully passed legislation that eliminated the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk electronic database. He has also helped lead the effort to close upstate prisons and repeal the draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws. On the federal level, Hakeem will push the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the systematic civil rights abuses that result from the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk program.

Education

Hakeem has consistently spoken out on the issue of education reform. He successfully fought City Hall on the appointment of Cathie Black as schools chancellor and served as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit that challenged her eligibility given her lack of education credentials. As your Congressmember, Hakeem will fight for federal intervention to bridge the digital divide so that all children are prepared for college and our technology-driven economy.

Seniors

Hakeem has stood up for the well-being of senior citizens throughout the community during his time in the Assembly. He recently fought for a state budget that restored $25 million to New York City senior centers. As a member of Congress, Hakeem will continue to fight for additional senior housing under the 202 Program and stand up to protect Social Security and Medicare against efforts by radical right-wing Republicans to destroy these critical programs.