Now a full time legislator, Michelle has built a reputation for being one of the most effective and productive members of the New York State Assembly. She has been recognized in her community for her passion on the issues that affect New York, particularly the prevention of gun violence and protecting the environment.

A lifelong community activist, Michelle serves on the board of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), the largest citizens' group in New York State dedicated to reducing gun-related violence. In 1995, as Vice President and member of the Executive Board of NYAGV, Michelle and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy co-founded the Long Island Chapter.

To date, Michelle’s proudest accomplishment is her landmark microstamping legislation (A.1157), which she introduced to help law enforcement solve gun crimes. Michelle’s bill would make all semi-automatic handguns microstamp capable by 2013. When fired, all shell cartridges would have a microstamped engraved code for the make, model and serial number of the firearm. Microstamping technology allows police officers to trace firearms through cartridge casings found at crime scenes, even if the crime gun is never recovered. Over 100 law enforcement agencies and elected officials from across the state have endorsed Michelle's bill, which passed the Assembly with bipartisan support in 2008, 2009 and 2010, but has been blocked in the Senate due to strong-arming by the gun lobby.

For the past three years in a row, Michelle has been recognized as a leader on the environment by Environmental Advocates of New York for her strong environmental voting record. Her most recent work has focused on preserving open space, protecting Long Island’s water resources, most notably the Lloyd Aquifer, and promoting the recycling of electronic waste products.

To that end, Michelle co-sponsored the "Electronic Equipment and Reuse Act," which was recently signed into law. This act establishes a comprehensive statewide system for the collection, handling and recycling of discarded electronic equipment. As the Town Clerk of North Hempstead, Michelle spearheaded the Town's electronic waste recycling program, which has reduced some of the most environmentally hazardous forms of trash in her community.

Michelle has been a leader in protecting identity and national security interests through the protection of vital records. Recognized for her strong management and advocacy skills, she was appointed by the State Education Department and continues to serve on the Local Government Records Advisory Council that sets guidelines for the security and accessibility of local government records. In 2006, Michelle was selected to serve on the New York State "Cyber-Security Panel" in conjunction with Homeland Security to review Internet policies for local governments throughout the state.

Michelle Schimel was born in Brooklyn and has been a resident of Great Neck with her husband Mark since 1982. She has two sons, Alex and Spencer. Before being elected to public office, Michelle was a physical therapist and certified wound care specialist at North Shore University Hospital. From 1982-1994 Michelle was vice president of a fashion accessories firm in Manhattan. She is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania.