Donna Janele Hyer-Spencer (born October 24, 1964) is an American attorney and former politician. Hyer-Spencer represented New York's 60th Assembly District, which covers parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, from 2007 to 2010. She is a Democrat. Early life and education Hyer-Spencer attended high school in Lake Zurich, Illinois, where she ran track and cross country and played golf. Hyer-Spencer earned a bachelor's degree from Columbia College Chicago. She played basketball in college. She graduated from CUNY School of Law with a J.D. and also graduated from Queens College with a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy. Career Hyer-Spencer became a litigation attorney for the New York City Administration for Children's Services, specializing in child abuse and neglect. Hyer-Spencer practiced in all five boroughs of the City of New York and the Integrated Domestic Violence Courts. She later joined the ACS legal Counsel unit, where she was responsible for negotiating and resolving class actions and civil lawsuits. Hyer-Spencer served as the Legal Director of My Sister's Place, a New York City-based non-profit organization which helps victims of domestic violence. New York State Assembly Hyer-Spencer was first elected to the New York State Assembly in November 2006, narrowly defeating her Republican opponent to win a seat vacated by Republican Matthew Mirones. In 2010, Hyer-Spencer was defeated by Republican Nicole Malliotakis with 55% of the vote. Following her 2010 defeat, Hyer-Spencer packed up her district office and failed to pass constituent files on to Malliotakis. Domestic violence Upon taking office, Hyer-Spencer vowed to be a voice for victims of violence and abuse. Speaking on the floor of the New York State Assembly in her first term, she advocated for stronger penalties for child sex abusers. During her tenure, several domestic violence-related bills sponsored by Hyer-Spencer became law. Hyer-Spencer sponsored a bill to eliminate fees on Orders of Protection to remove financial roadblocks from victims seeking protections; the bill became law. Education and health care In 2008, Hyer-Spencer told voters that she would advocate for education and health care that is "a right not a privilege". In 2010, she voted against a budget extender bill that included education spending cuts. She also developed the Hyer Hopes Awards honoring students from selected elementary, intermediate, and high schools throughout Staten Island and Bay Ridge who demonstrated significant improvement in academic achievement, or succeeded by overcoming adverse conditions. Environment Hyer-Spencer used her role on the