Biography

Andrew Raia of East Northport was elected to his fifth term as an Assemblyman for the 9th Assembly District on Long Island, which consists of parts of the towns of Huntington, Babylon and Islip. Mr. Raia, born and raised in the Town of Huntington, received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1991. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Mr. Raia served for twelve years as a leading staff member in legislative offices of the State Assembly and Senate, as well as the Suffolk County Legislature.

Assemblyman Raia has proactively supported and established key initiatives and programs within his district and throughout New York State. As the former Ranking Minority Member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Aging, Mr. Raia has met with thousands of senior citizens during numerous visits to retirement and nursing homes, veterans’ hospitals, and through his community outreach initiatives to learn firsthand of timely and crucial matters affecting senior citizens. He has introduced significant initiatives in response to their often-expressed concerns regarding health care, prescription drug coverage, and financial security.

In 2006, Mr. Raia was appointed to a new position as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Banks, centering his attention on consumer protection measures that combat and identify theft and mortgage fraud. As a co-sponsor of the Home Equity Theft Prevention Act, Mr. Raia fought hard to pass legislation that protects homeowners from becoming victims of home-equity theft while at the same time providing homeowners with legal recourse if violations are committed. He feels that it is his responsibility as a legislator to pass laws that help prevent white-collar criminals from taking advantage of hardworking homeowners. Raia is proactive on the issue of mortgage foreclosure, helping residents on Long Island remain in their homes and helping prevent a future mortgage crisis by educating consumers through Foreclosure Prevention Seminars.

Mr. Raia is very active in the community that he represents, as he has engaged in extensive and innovative community outreach programs including Mock Press Conferences that provide students, who are interested in a possible career in government, media, journalism or photography, with a hands-on experience. Assemblyman Raia also takes part in career days for high school students; “Ought to be a Law” Poster Contest to teach students how an idea becomes a law; Summer Healthy Points Challenge for elementary school students to promote healthy living; and frequent visits to primary and secondary schools to educate students on the basic knowledge of New York State government.

He is a member of the Medicaid Waste, Fraud and Abuse Minority Task Force, as well as the Small Business in New York State Minority Task Force. Assemblyman Raia continues working to keep the community safe as a founding member of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Sex Crimes Against Children and Women, and also prides himself on his work with veterans. Mr. Raia has put together ceremonies to honor veterans with honorary high school diplomas, New York State medals, and is a fervent supporter of the V.A. Hospital in Northport located in the 9th Assembly District.

Standing Committee Assignments 2011: Banks (Ranking Minority Member); Aging, Health, Housing and a representative for Legislative Council on Health Care Financing

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