Meet Brooklyn
A Mother. A Social Worker. A Voice for NY 105 Families.
I’m Brooklyn Talarico - a mom, a licensed social worker, and the daughter of a Navy combat veteran. I grew up in a military family, where service was never just something we talked about; it was how we lived.
For the past decade, I have lived, worked, and raised my family in the Hudson Valley. I’ve spent approximately 20 years working directly with individuals and families, and I’ve seen firsthand how rising costs and limited access to care affect their everyday lives.
Those experiences are why I’m running for New York State Assembly in District 105.
Leadership starts with listening - understanding what neighbors are actually experiencing and bringing those realities to Albany so that policy reflects real life.
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Care should not be determined by your zip code or insurance
I am a social worker. I am someone who has spent nearly 20 years sitting with people in some of the hardest moments of their lives. I have worked in schools, foster care, mental health, addiction services, healthcare coordination, and now in private practice. Mental health and physical health are intertwined, and the families of NY105 need to be able to access and afford both.
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No family should go broke on childcare
The affordability crisis is not just fueled by rising costs, but also by systemic barriers people face to maintaining a stable income. Many families are not able to go back to the workforce after having children, if they do not have safe and reliable childcare. And many more families may not be able to justify going back to work if the childcare costs are equivalent to their paychecks.
Children who require additional medical or behavioral services may continue to face challenges, depending on their school, district, and support team. This impacts the entire family, often causing a parent or guardian having to dedicate their time and resources to being a full-time advocate for their child. Our current systems are letting down these children and making it impossible for families to thrive.
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Rural communities need public transportation
It can feel like a full-time job trying to navigate multiple systems and resources. And across the district people are unable to attend their healthcare appointments, pick up food from a food pantry, or make it to a job interview, simply because they do not have reliable transportation.
When our neighbors are experiencing hardship, they do not deserve additional barriers, they deserve compassion and autonomy. There needs to be reliable public transit and maintenance so that getting to where we need to be is not our biggest concern.
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A Place to Call Home, Within Reach
Development is not just about big projects. It is about whether our communities are prepared for the future while still honoring what makes them special.
I believe that we can preserve the beauty, history, and rural character of this district while also investing in the people who live here. We can support thoughtful development without sacrificing our environment, our health, or the voice of the people who call these towns home.
Development needs to be thoughtful, sustainable and responsible. It needs to have the best interests of the entire community, which means that there needs to be a seat at the table for every stakeholder when these decisions are made.
People are not failing - systems are failing people.
I’m running because I believe those closest to the problems often understand the solutions best. Families know what they need. Communities know where the barriers are. I believe Albany needs more people who are willing to listen before they lead.