Assemblyman Joel M. Miller
102nd Assembly District – Hyde Park, Clinton, LaGrange, Poughkeepsie, Wappinger, Fishkill
Dr. Joel Miller is a long-time resident, health care provider and civic leader in the Hudson Valley.
Born in New York City on April 5, 1943, Joel was educated in New York City public schools while his father served as a fire fighter. He attended the City College of New York, graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor of Science degree while elected Phi Beta Kappa. After completing his undergraduate studies, Joel attended Columbia University's School of Dental and Oral Surgery, earning a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1967.
In 1963 Joel enlisted in the military and after completing his academic studies and went on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1969. Joel remained in the Air Force reserve until 1977. In 2001 he enlisted in the New York State Guard where he served as a Major.
Returning home in 1969 as a Vietnam-era veteran, Joel established a dental practice in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Joel practiced dentistry for 33 years in Poughkeepsie and served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Dutchess County Dental Society for 26 years. He was the Treasurer of the Dental Society for five years and was its President for two years.
A former President of the Harding Club, a philanthropic and social organization, Joel still maintains his membership. He is also a member of the American Legion, and several local Chambers of Commerce. Joel was elected to the New York State Legislature in 1994 and currently serves as the ranking member of the Assembly committees on Higher Education and Election Law. He also sits on several key Assembly committees and task forces including Education, Health, Real Property Tax Reform, Sex Offender Watch, Medicaid Fraud, Waste and Abuse, and the joint bipartisan Legislative Committee on Homeland Security.
Joel has earned a reputation as a "maverick and reformer" in Albany, often outspoken and passionate when it comes to fighting for the people of New York and those who call Dutchess County home. No one has fought harder for comprehensive property tax reform then Joel Miller. He advocated a system that will allow education to flourish while giving families relief from archaic property tax law that has burdened them for too long. Joel remains committed to reining in state spending, making health care more accessible and affordable, and fighting to ensure we have a responsible, accountable and transparent state government.
Joel resides in the Town of Poughkeepsie with his wife, Sheryl. The couple has been married for over 40 years and has two sons, Jonathan and Daniel, as well as two grandchildren.