Issues

Lester believes that education is the foundation for achieving the American Dream. As a product of New York's public education system, Lester understands the importance of maintaining high educational standards for all students. Families raised in this district know that education is the path to success and aspire for the best opportunities for their children. They deserve a representative who agrees with the best for their children.

• Making Education Affordable: Lester supports the Education Investment Tax Credit  to provide financial relief to families who choose private or parochial schools. By giving tax credits to parents already paying taxes for private school tuition, this policy will help alleviate the financial burden on families, making it easier for them to provide their children with a quality education. Lester believes that children, regardless of their financial situation, deserve the best educational opportunities, and he will prioritize making these choices accessible for all.

• Merit-based admission to Specialized High Schools: Lester is committed to preserving the merit-based admissions process for specialized high schools, such as Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech, ensuring that academically talented students have the opportunity to excel. Lester will fight to keep these schools' rigorous standards in place, believing that merit-based academic testing should not be altered. These schools prepare and send gifted and talented children to highly competitive and selective universities. Merit-based academic tests should NOT be changed.

• School Choice & Lifting The Cap On Charter Schools: Lester is a strong advocate for school choice and believes in lifting the cap on charter schools in New York City. He recognizes that charter schools offer unique educational opportunities and have demonstrated success in educating minority children who struggle in traditional public schools. As part of his commitment to improving education, Lester will push for the creation of 50 new charter schools in the coming years, empowering families with more choices for their children’s education.

Lester is focused on creating a vibrant and growing economy in New York City. He understands that the pandemic has hindered economic growth and business opportunities, and he is committed to supporting policies that will help small businesses recover. He advocates for expanding the sales-tax-free clothing limit to $250 and providing additional forgivable loans to small businesses in targeted communities to stimulate growth.

As a businessman, Lester believes that Albany must adopt a more fiscally responsible approach. New York is one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, and Lester is committed to reducing taxes to help businesses thrive. He will fight against the tax-and-spend mentality that has stifled economic growth and drive policies that promote job creation and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.

• Tackling Rising Crime and Reforming Bail Laws: Lester is alarmed by the rising crime rates in New York City and is committed to making public safety a top priority. He believes the recent changes to bail laws have created unintended consequences, allowing repeat offenders to be released back into society shortly after being arrested. Lester will work to modify these laws, ensuring that judges have discretion in setting bail amounts and implementing a three-strike rule for serial offenders. He believes these reforms will help protect law-abiding citizens and support the hard-working men and women of the police force.

• Opposing Community Jails: Lester does not support the construction of new community jails in New York City. Instead, he advocates for modernizing the existing Rikers Island facilities and building transitional support centers that provide job training, education, and rehabilitation services for former inmates. These facilities will help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society and reduce recidivism.

• Addressing Homelessness with Compassion and Practical Solutions: Lester is committed to addressing homelessness in New York City with practical solutions that prioritize support and rehabilitation. He proposes creating dormitory-like facilities at Rikers Island for homeless individuals, offering them housing, food, job training, treatment, and self-esteem-building programs. By providing these services, Lester believes the city can help individuals overcome homelessness and reintegrate into society with the tools they need to succeed. 

As an American-born Chinese immigrant, Lester understands the challenges faced by Asian Americans in New York City. He is committed to being a strong advocate for the Asian American community and ensuring that its concerns are addressed in state politics. From improving access to services to advocating for policies that benefit the community, Lester will work to elevate the voice of Asian Americans in the New York State Assembly.