At Unity for Equality, we proudly recognize the impactful leadership of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga. His career in public service stands as a powerful example of compassion in action, rooted in community engagement and guided by an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and representation.

“It is with great pride and admiration that I recognize NYS Assemblyman Steven Raga for his unwavering friendship, impactful partnership, and exemplary leadership. He has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting our communities, particularly through his tireless advocacy for affordable housing, education, and civil rights. His success in securing $750 million for the preservation of Mitchell-Lama housing—including the Big Six in Woodside—is a testament to his dedication to protecting working-class families and ensuring housing stability for thousands of New Yorkers. As the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Assembly and the first person of color to represent District 30, Assemblyman Raga continues to break barriers and inspire future generations of leaders. Unity for Equality is proud to stand alongside him in our shared mission to build a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered society. His leadership is not only visionary—it’s profoundly rooted in service and solidarity.” — Neil Trivedi, Founder & Chairman, Unity for Equality

Steven Raga represents New York State Assembly District 30, which encompasses the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Woodside, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights. With over two decades of experience in advocacy and public service, he has held key leadership roles including:

• Executive Director of Woodside on the Move
• Northeast Regional Manager for Policy & Advocacy at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
• Senior Strategist for Multicultural Leadership at AARP
• Chief of Staff to former NYS Assemblymember Brian Barnwell

Steven Raga’s service extends beyond the legislature. He has served on numerous community and advisory boards, including the Western Queens Community Land Trust, Queens LGBT Pride, and the Federation of Filipino American Associations. Nationally, his commitment to equity and human rights has been recognized through appointments to the U.S. Federal Commission on Civil Rights and prestigious fellowships at institutions such as Cornell Law School and the CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance.

What specific experience prompted you to turn community service into a legislative career? 

AM Raga: I’ve always believed in the power of community-led change, and that belief only deepened after seeing what happened to Noel Quintana, a Filipino man who was violently attacked on the subway in 2021. We need leaders who not only understand our communities but who live in and reflect them. That moment, along with years of advocacy and nonprofit work, pushed me to bring our community’s voice directly to the State Legislature.

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After your time in nonprofits and as a Chief of Staff in the Assembly, which lessons guide the way you run your own legislative office today? 

AM Raga: My experience has taught me that good policy starts with good listening. My nonprofit work taught me how to collaborate across differences, and my time as Chief of Staff showed me how critical it is to run an office that’s accessible, responsive, and grounded in the needs of our constituents.

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Woodside, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights are some of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the state. How do you ensure their varied voices shape your agenda? 

AM Raga: Assembly District 30 is unique in its diversity and with that diversity comes a wide range of needs, but what unites us is our shared investment in equity and opportunity. I make it a point to attend local events, hold multilingual office hours, and partner with community groups so that our constituents inform our agenda.

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What are the most urgent issues facing the 30th District, and what concrete strategies are you using to address them? 

AM Raga: Affordable housing remains a top concern across the district. We’ve been strong advocates for expanding access to Mitchell-Lama housing and successfully helped secure $30 million in funding specifically for Mitchell-Lamas in New York City. In addition, we’ve introduced and supported multiple bills aimed at preventing housing discrimination and protecting tenants’ rights. Ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to stable, affordable housing is key.

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For the current session, which three legislative proposals top your list, and why? 

AM Raga: One of my top priorities is A3425, which reforms the Freedom of Information Law. Government transparency is crucial, but when agencies delay responses, it undermines public trust. This bill creates a deadline for FOIL responses to ensure accountability. Another is A3464, which requires colleges to clearly state the net price of attendance in financial aid letters. Students deserve transparency before taking out loans and this bill gives families the tools to make informed decisions. Lastly, A5409 ensures that social service agencies provide shelter info specific to LGBTQ+ residents. Equity in access to services is non-negotiable, and this bill ensures marginalized communities are not left out.

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You serve on committees such as Aging, Agriculture, Banks, and Labor. Which flagship projects are you advancing there, and how will they benefit your district? 

AM Raga: Our office has introduced bills to pilot a 32-hour workweek (A7874) and to provide paid sick leave for gig workers (A8058), reflecting today’s evolving workforce. We have also pushed legislation to close loan sharking loopholes and require transparency in financing agreements (A4918), as our constituents deserve financial protection. Finally, we’ve introduced A3471, which would modernize the access-a-ride program’s application process, creating an online application to replace the current inconvenient and inefficient process.

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Your office offers free tax prep in partnership with local nonprofits. What have you learned from these services, and how do they shape your legislative agenda? 

AM Raga: These programs have shown our office how many working families are struggling to access basic services because the eligibility requirements for many government programs are outdated. This shapes our agenda by reminding our office constituents’ lived experience should be the foundation of our work.

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Can you share an example where community input modified or strengthened a bill you championed? 

AM Raga: One example is our work on our automated curb enforcement bill (A5440). The idea came from conversations with community members who were frustrated about the inadequate enforcement of curb violations. Since then, we have engaged with a broad range of stakeholders to refine the bill. We’ve made several revisions to ensure it meets the community’s needs while remaining practical and effective, highlighting how constituent feedback shapes our legislative work.

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As an executive member of the BPHA Caucus, what qualities do you believe every elected leader needs to represent diverse communities effectively? 

AM Raga: First and foremost, the foundation of effective leadership is integrity. Leaders must also be strong collaborators as our communities are interconnected and no one issue exists in isolation. And above all, accountability to our constituents is non-negotiable. If you’re not listening and staying grounded in community needs, your policies will fall short of making a real impact.

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Five years from now, what tangible changes would you like to see for your district and for New York State? 

AM Raga: I want to see more affordable housing, better access to mental health care, expanded support for immigrant communities and real pathways to higher education without crushing debt. Most of all, I want our state to be a place where working-class families not just survive, but thrive.