NY State Assembly · District 45

• NoProvides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits · S10113 · Passed Assembly 88–53 · 2026-06-05 official record ↗Provides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits.
• NoRelates to granting employees access to personnel records · S3460 · Passed Assembly 92–49 · 2026-05-19 official record ↗Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

Votes on landmark laws since 2019, plus 2026 roll calls where at least five members voted on the losing side — read from the legislature’s official records.

• bill2025-02-12 · Prime sponsor of a bill (A5201) to repeal New York City's congestion pricing law and create an MTA committee to survey infrastructure and ADA-compliance needs; introduced February 2025, referred to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.[6]
• bill2025-02-12 · Sponsor of the 'Not on our dollar!: Ending New York funding of Hamas violence act' (A5214), which would bar not-for-profit corporations from unauthorized support of Hamas and other groups that fund Middle East terrorism, with civil penalties and a private right of action; held in the Ways and Means Committee as of the 2025-2026 session.[7]
• actionSponsor of a resolution (K.58) commemorating the Holocaust.[5]
• billSponsor of legislation (A3694-A) mandating measures at colleges and universities to deter and combat hate crimes on campus.[5]
• actionServes on the Assembly Aging, Children and Families, Cities, Governmental Operations, Housing, and Small Business Committees for the 2025-2026 session.[8]

• ✕OpposesKeep congestion pricing in Manhattan

  Sponsor of a bill (A5201) to repeal New York City's congestion-pricing law and establish an MTA committee to survey transit-infrastructure and ADA-compliance needs instead.[6]

• ✓SupportsPublic funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)

  Says he is committed to expanding school-choice options, including charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling.[5]

  “I am committed to expanding school choice options, including charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling, to provide families with the flexibility they need to navigate the educational journey of their children.”

• ✓SupportsExpand public health coverage

  Platform calls for expanding the reach of the state's Health and Hospital system, expanding Medicaid coverage of long-term residential care, and expanding pharmaceutical insurance coverage.[5]

• ✓SupportsContinue U.S. military aid to Israel

  Says he will continue advocating for policies that strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship; opposed a state bill ('Not on Our Dime') that would have restricted nonprofit dealings with Israel, and sponsored a bill (A5214) barring nonprofits from supporting groups like Hamas.[5][7]

  “I will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel, uphold our shared values, and combat anti-Semitism in all its forms.”

• "Michael has proudly served his community as Assemblymember for the 45th District since 2023... [and has] put forward and co-sponsored over 200 pieces of legislation that will significantly improve our quality of life."[4]
• Public safety: says he is combatting rising crime, particularly hate crimes targeting the AAPI and Jewish communities, and opposes New York's bail-reform laws.[3][5]
• Affordability: says he wants to make health care and housing more affordable for constituents.[3]

• Emigrated from the former USSR with his family.[3]
• Worked for about 20 years in radio broadcasting; in 2019 he co-founded Freedom FM, which he describes as the most-listened-to Russian-language radio station in the country.[3]
• Lives in Manhattan Beach.[3]

• ✓SupportsContinue U.S. military aid to Israel

  Says he will be a strong, unwavering voice in Albany for the U.S.-Israel relationship and push back against efforts to undermine it.[10]

  “The bond between the United States and Israel is a cornerstone of security and shared democratic values. Joey will be a strong, unwavering voice in Albany for the US-Israel relationship — pushing back against efforts to undermine this critical alliance.”

• ✓SupportsPublic funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)

  Platform emphasizes securing state funding for yeshivas and other nonpublic schools alongside public schools.[10]

• Fighting antisemitism: "Antisemitic attacks in New York have surged to record levels. Joey Cohen-Saban will champion proactive legislation in Albany to protect all New Yorkers from rising antisemitism and hate crimes."[10]
• Education and yeshiva funding: will push to increase per-pupil funding, secure capital-improvement grants for aging school buildings, and ensure nonpublic schools including yeshivas get their fair share of state education dollars.[10]
• Neighborhood safety: supports strengthening ties between the community and local police precincts, more foot patrols, and community-policing initiatives.[10]
• Immigration and shelters: says migrant-shelter expansion has been handled irresponsibly and placed unfair burdens on residential neighborhoods, and that Albany should address current residents' housing, healthcare, and education needs before taking on new commitments.[10]

• A first-generation American who grew up in South Brooklyn and lives on the same block where he was raised.[9]
• Serves as a Brooklyn Democratic Party district leader and as chief of staff to State Senator Sam Sutton.[9]
• Says he led pro-Israel advocacy while a student at George Washington University.[10]