Who are you? What are you running for? Do you accept AIPAC money? 

My name is Zahava Durchin. I am a candidate for New York State Assembly, District 41. I do NOT accept AIPAC money. Team Zahava is 100% By The People, For The People, and Funded by The People.

What is the New York Health Act?

We must pass the New York Health Act, so that healthcare finally becomes a right for every New Yorker

https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/article/attachment/5024_jackson_nyha_brochure.pdf

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3425

https://www.nyhcampaign.org/

What is Zahava's Housing Policy?

The first step: eliminate non-refundable application fees for renters and homebuyers. For working-class New Yorkers who are already struggling to make ends meet, paying several hundred dollars in non-refundable fees—especially when there’s no guarantee of being accepted for the housing—is simply unjust.

The next step: eliminate all late fees and interest fees related to paying the rent late

The next step: I will support legislation requiring Landlords and property management companies to share all costs involved in the application process at the start, so renters and homebuyers are not blindsided by additional fees after they have already committed time and effort to the process. This will include credit check fees and background check fees.

The next step: Timely Responses for Housing Applications. Property owners will be required to respond to rental applications within 15 days. What will be done if a Property owner fails to respond within 15 days? How are they held accountable? If you wait 15 days with no response to your application, your application is automatically accepted at 5 PM on the 15th day, and the first month is rent-free. I'm not concerned about property owners "feeling pressure" to respond to applications within 15 days. I'm concerned about the working-class New Yorkers in my city, who are left wondering if they will have a roof over their head at the end of the month.

Capping Rent for Affordable Housing Units: This would mean that rent does not exceed the following thresholds:

Studios: No more than $600 per month

1-Bedroom: No more than $800 per month

2-Bedroom: No more than $1,000 per month

3-Bedroom: No more than $1,600 per month

4-Bedroom: No more than $1,800 per month

Why is this good for the economy? 

New Yorkers will have more money at the end of the month to support local NYC Businesses, which will lead to a stronger economy. 

You save money on rent prices = more money going back into NYC Economy

What is Zahava's Public Safety Policy?

Public safety requires a focus on reducing crime by addressing the root causes, such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. Investing in mental health services and community programs that provide youth with constructive outlets is one approach to prevent crime that you can see working in Baltimore. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has announced significant reductions in violent crime - a result of the city's Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan with a community-based approach and increased collaboration among law enforcement and community organizations.

https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/files/baltimore-city-comprehensive-violence-prevention-planpdf

https://nul.org/news/baltimore-success-story-mayor-scotts-community-based-approach-achieves-historic-drop-violent

NYC schools should offer after-school tutoring, career development, and mentorship programs. My plan includes working with community organizations and local businesses to provide these resources to students. Local businesses can work with teachers to organize class trips where students can see what happens “behind-the-scenes” like a baking class at the local bakery or a dance class at the local theater. This is a hands-on experience outside of the classroom that is a fun and educational way to get students involved with the local community.

After-school Sports, Arts, and STEM programs provide students with new skills and expanding access to these programs will give all students the chance to thrive beyond the classroom.

In addition, I will support employing full-time LCSW’s in every NYC Public School, to address the mental health needs of students, and teachers, and to assist with parent-teacher conversations about addressing student behaviors in the classroom.

What is the best way to support Team Zahava?

That is a great question!! You can donate and volunteer and join Team Zahava with the links on the Home page and the Team page!!!