MIGUELINA CAMILO

1. Miguelina Camilo (Democrat), the president of the Bronx Women’s Bar Association is running for state Senate! On February 25, 2022, Camilo announced her candidacy for New York State Senate District 36. Camilo is a pragmatic Democrat who was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to Washington Heights when she was 2 years old. She wants to address many issues at the state level including women’s rights, income equality, and other issues that are faced by everyday Americans in her district. She has an impressive academic background after graduating from NY Law School in 2011 and becoming the first member of her family to graduate from college. She worked as a family attorney for six years and from 2016-2021 had her own law firm. She then became the commissioner of the city Board of Elections and its associate counsel. She became the president of the Bronx Women’s Bar Association as well as the 100 Hispanic Women – Bronx Chapter. Camilo believes she is the best candidate for the job and based on her years of experience, she would be a great fit for the NY State Senate District 36 seat. Read more about Miguelina Camilo’s accomplishments in the Bronx Times article, “From bodega to the Bar, Miguelina Camilo eyes Biaggi’s state Senate seat” at https://www.bxtimes.com/miguelina-camilo- announces-senate-run/ You will be happy that you did! Now that you know more about Miguelina Camilo, let’s talk about the New York State Senate District. Biaggi The New York State Senate is the upper house of the state legislature and comprises 63 members. Senators represent districts throughout the state and belong to either a single political party or conference. They are elected to serve two-year terms, but can serve an unlimited number of terms. The Senate considers proposed laws and approves all state funds. They have taken up issues such as raising the minimum wage and improving public education. Senators are assigned to one of 34 standing committees. The New York State Senate's most recent legislative session has produced a plethora of legislation that has passed, been sent to the House, or has been signed into law. The legislature's role is to act as a check and balance on the power of the executive branch. It ensures that citizens are represented well and that laws are in the best interests of the people. The New York State Senate works in conjunction with the Assembly and the Governor to draft, debate, and approve resolutions. The process shows how laws go from "Idea" to "Law." Citizens can participate in this process by writing letters, calling their senators, and signing petitions. The Constitution can be amended through constitutional conventions or legislatively referred constitutional amendments. Constitutional conventions are held every 20 years, and the question of a constitutional convention is included on the statewide ballot every 20 years. If the New York State Senate cannot pass a constitutional amendment proposal, a statewide vote is necessary to amend the constitution. The process is outlined in the state constitution. It also outlines the procedures that must be followed if a delegate dies during the convention. Now that you know more about the New York State Senate, it is time to go support the best candidate for District 36, Miguelina Camilo.