Diane Yatauro

Background

Diane grew up in the Soundview and Morris Park sections of the Bronx borough in New York City. Prior to starting a career in politics, Diane established herself as a businesswoman by serving as Second Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank. She is also known as a noteworthy activist in the Long Island community by serving as Vice President of the Oyster Bay- East Norwich Boys and Girls Club, as well as a former board member of Portledge School. Diane has also taught religion at St. Rocco's Church in Glen Cove. Today, she maintains her strong ties with community through active membership at the Glen Cove Sons of Italy, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, the Junior League, and the North Shore Historical Museum.

Diane currently resides in Glen Cove, New York with her husband, Bernie. Together, they have two children: son Michael and daughter Noelle.

Political career

Diane served 4 terms in the Nassau County Legislature, having been elected in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009. In 2008, Diane was sworn in as Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature and served in this role through 2009. When the Nassau County Democratic Party lost the majority in the 2009 election, Diane became the Minority Leader starting in 2010.

First term, 2004-2005

In her first term, Yatauro pioneered the Collette Coyne Cancer Prevention Bill, which is designed to protect teens from the dangers of tanning salons. Diane appeared on several media outlets in the New York metropolitan area, which led to adoption of this bill in areas nationwide. For this effort, she was honored by the Collette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign.

Legislator Yatauro also successfully co-sponsored the "Tobacco 19" law, which increased the smoking age to 19 in an effort to keep cigarettes out of Nassau County high schools. Yatauro was also responsible for helping to push a living wage law, increasing the minimum wage for all employees of County hired contractors.

Second term, 2006-2007

In her second term, Diane co-authored the environmental bond referendums, which guaranteed a $100 million environmental bond for the county in 2006(she was also a co-author in the referendum which secured a $50 environmental bond in 2004). After several decades of neglect, Yatauro was instrumental in addressing the environmental problems facing the residents of The Birches, a community within Locust Valley. By helping to pass legislation for a pump station in the area, sewage seepage is now prevented from seeping onto local streets.

Third term, 2008-2009

After winning her 2007 election, with the Nassau Democrats still holding the majority, Judy Jacobs stepped down as Presiding Officer and Yatauro was sworn in as the Presiding Officer of the Legislative body. In her third term, Diane created three new committees within the legislature: Education, Aging, and Veterans. During this time, she also was vital in creating a property tax exemption for Cold War Veterans as well as supporting a "Green Procurement" incentive, which requires Nassau County to purchase environmentally safe products and services.

Fourth term, 2010-2012

With the Nassau Democrats losing the majority, Diane was sworn in as the Minority Leader of the Legislative body. Legislator Yatauro continued her strong commitment to improving quality of life within her district, as well as maintaining a conservative stance on fiscal matters and remaining a community activist.

By the end of 2009, Yatauro secured Community Revitalization Funding for improvements to the 18th Legislative District’s parks, sidewalks, roadways and shopping areas. Because of her contribution to the Nassau Legislature, Diane was a proud recipient of the 2009 Long Island Business News Top Fifty Influential Women Award.

In April 2011, Yatauro announced that she would not seek re-election, to help on her daughter's acting aspirations. In January 2012, she officially vacated her post to Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, who was elected legislator of the 18th district.