New York State Senator Diane J. Savino (Democrat, Independent, Staten Island-Brooklyn) was born and raised in Astoria, Queens and was educated at Most Precious Blood Elementary School and Dominican Commercial High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from St. John’s University and has a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Diane Savino has dedicated her entire professional career towards improving the lives of working families. She began her career in public service as a caseworker for New York City’s Child Welfare Administration, providing direct assistance to abused and neglected children. 

An active member of her local labor union, the Social Service Employees Union, Local 371, DC 37 of AFSCME, she quickly rose through the ranks to become the Vice President for Political Action & Legislative Affairs, where she became one of the most respected labor leaders in New York State. 

In their endorsement of Senator Savino, the New York Times described her as “scrappy and effective”. Her dedication to her constituents earned her the Staten Island Advance’s “strongest endorsement for a third term”, saying, “no lawmaker works harder and no lawmaker commits herself to the fight for her constituents more than Ms. Savino”. 

City and State Newspaper has rated her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in New York State (2013 and 2014) and one of the 100 Most Influential People in NewYork City (2014).

Senator Savino’s hard work and influence was evidenced as she championed the Compassionate Care

Act through the legislative process despite opposition and a campaign of misinformation. The ACT will

allow New Yorkers with serious medical conditions limited access to medical marijuana under the

supervision of health care professionals and under strict state regulations.

Senator Savino has authored numerous laws protecting hard-working New Yorkers. Among the laws she has had enacted is the first in the nation Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, expanding basic worker protection rights to domestic workers; the Prompt Pay Bill, which ensures prompt payment to construction contractors and their employees; Wage Theft Prevention Act, assessing preventative and punitive measures on employers who steal income from their employees; and another national first, The New York State Commercial Goods Transportation Industry Fair Play Act, establishing new standards for determining whether a commercial truck driver is an employee or an independent contractor, helping to further protect workers' rights statewide.