Biography

Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez (D - Brooklyn) was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from James Madison High School and Long Island University, Brooklyn, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He received his Master's Degree in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University in 1970. He served as a part-time Adjunct Professor of Human Services at LaGuardia College and was also an Instructor at Molloy College, Empire State College, and Yeshiva University.

Mr. Lopez represents a very divergent community, boasting one of the largest Latino/Puerto Rican districts in the state. Assemblyman Lopez has done an outstanding job of addressing the serious needs of this diverse population. Not only has he shown his dedication through his many achievements, he has also committed himself to educating his constituency on issues such as health care, housing, education, and public assistance support programs.

In particular, Assemblyman Lopez has emerged as a leader on the issue of aging. He is the founder of the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Center, which provides services to area seniors and represents one of the largest and most comprehensive programs in New York State. He is also the founder of City-Wide Advocates for Seniors, the North Brooklyn Senior Citizens Coalition, and the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council, Inc.

Assemblyman Lopez has also undertaken a number of other community-based initiatives. He established a community-based education program in Bushwick through Long Island University, giving district residents the opportunity to receive an affordable college education. He also helped establish Brooklyn Unidos, a coalition of over 400 Latino leaders, civic groups and community organizations. With the Assemblyman's assistance, Brooklyn Unidos has become one of the leading advocacy groups for Latinos in Brooklyn. The Assemblyman also created and continues to work with the local public housing tenants' coalition within his district. This coalition is responsible for greater access to the NYC Public Housing Authority as well as a forum for the resolutions of Public Housing tenants issues. Assemblyman Lopez's efforts have focused on the affordability and availability of adequate housing for all residents who need it.

Assemblyman Lopez is Chairman of the Housing Committee, and serves on the Rules, Commerce, Industry and Economic Development, and Social Services Committees. He is also the Co-Chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and a member of the Task Force for New Americans.

Assemblyman Lopez was elected to the state Legislature in the 1984 general election and began his ninth term as Assemblyman in January 2001.

Standing Committee Assignments 2001: Housing (Chair), Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, Rules, Social Services.

Vito J. Lopez, Dem. 15,650; Lib. 545
Jean DeVincentis, Con. 241

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