Dear Friends, 

I write with a heavy heart and anxiety about the future as the war in the Middle East continues. I pray that the hostages, some of whose family members I was honored to meet, are released immediately, that Hamas is defeated, that the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives is halted, and that all the parties commit to finding a long-term solution to peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians. I also am deeply troubled by the terrible rise in Antisemitism and Islamophobia here in America. I have and will continue to be a strong voice that we cannot and must not accept the hatred and intolerance that is now so acceptable. Finally, let us commit that here in our own state, we will treat differences with respect, not disdain and threats. 

Open House in our New Office: On Wednesday, November 15, from 4 to 6 p.m., I will be hosting an open house at my new office at 235 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 400, in White Plains. I hope you can join me. For more information and to RSVP, see below.

As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.

Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer

State Senator

37th District

Banning the Sale of Diet Pills to Minors 

I am pleased New York State is leading the way to protect young people from falling victim to dangerous, under-regulated diet pills that can lead to adverse health outcomes and eating disorders. This week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law my legislation with Assemblymember Nily Rozic (S.5823c/A.5610D) to ban the sale of over the counter diet pills and supplements for weight loss and muscle building to minors. It is disheartening to see generations of young adults struggling to meet unrealistic societal expectations, leading them to try short term, dangerous solutions. I thank my friend Assemblymember Nily Rozic for championing this legislation in the Assembly and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law and the terrific advocates from Harvard STRIPED who helped make this happen!

Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot: See My Video Explaining It!  

See my explanation of the proposed amendment number 1 on the back of your ballot this year, which deals with the debt of  “small city school districts.” It’s a bit complicated, so I recorded this video to explain it.

Judiciary Hearing on New York’s Family Court System

It was sobering to hear from so many parents who have had negative and traumatic experiences in the New York Family Court system, as well as from adults who were caught up in this system as children. We also heard from advocates and legal experts who discussed challenges such as cases continuing for years without resolution and of clients being pushed to settle to avoid trial. We must ensure parents have proper legal counsel and resources, and that the Courts focus remains on safely uniting families and protecting children.

Funding Secured for Battle Hill Pollinator Habitat on Tarrytown Road

I am pleased I was able to secure state funding to help bring the Battle Hill Pollinator Habitat to life in White Plains.  Where there once was a parking lot, now there will be a beautiful public space filled with native biodiversity. I thank the City of White Plains and Mayor Tom Roach, as well as my colleagues Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick for securing funds to help provide this much-needed green space for our district.

Funding Secured to Support White Plains’

Educator Pathway Pilot Program

I am very pleased I was able to secure state funding for White Plains’ Educator Pathway Pilot Program, along with my Assembly colleagues Chris Burdick and Amy Paulin. Through this program, high school students can get early training for careers as educators and obtain college credits, with a goal of encouraging a new generation of young, diverse teachers. I applaud Kara McCormick-Lyons, Dr. Joseph Ricca, and the WPCSD for designing and  implementing this new program.

Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co. in Harrison

I was thrilled to present a New York State Empire Award to Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co., a truly terrific cafe and event space in Harrison. Laughing Horse and its owners Mike and Ali Nazzaro were nominated for their dedication to the community and for ensuring Harrison has a welcoming place for people of all ages to come together.

The Blue Heart Forever Project - Serving Families of Spanish Speaking Special Needs Children in Port Chester

I was proud to present Lynda Hernandez DeGomez and the Blue Heart Forever Project (BHFP) with a New York State Empire Award. Lynda is an incredible organizer who has brought together families with similar challenges to support and advocate for Latino families of children with autism and special education needs in Port Chester.

The Kitchen Table in Pound Ridge

I was happy to present The Kitchen Table with the New York State Empire Award. Owners Daphne and Robbie Everett have made their Pound Ridge restaurant a true “community clubhouse," with great food, great coffee, beautiful desserts and a warm and welcoming space for the whole community.

Prana Prenatal Yoga in Port Chester

I was so pleased to present Marissa Goulbourne and Prana Prenatal Yoga in Port Chester with a New York State Empire Award. Many women wrote in to nominate Prana Prenatal Yoga for the support, guidance and sense of community they offer to women experiencing pregnancy, childbirth and infant care. What a beautiful and special place — I was truly impressed with all they have achieved as a new small business in our community.

Second Meeting of  the Task Force on Combating

Antisemitism and Anti-Asian Hate

I’m honored to have been appointed to the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Asian Hate. The urgency to fight intolerance is greater than ever, and I am thankful to be appointed to this task force dedicated to finding approaches to fighting hate across the spectrum.  I look forward to our report later this year.

Speaking at Woodlands Temple Program on Reproductive Rights 

I was pleased to speak during Woodlands Community Temple’s one-day program “Women’s Reproductive Rights and Health Issues.” I explained the measures New York is taking to strengthen abortion rights, including a shield law I enacted into law, a bill I sponsored,  that enables providers licensed in New York State, acting within their scope of practice, to consult and then prescribe medication abortion to women in other states without fear of prosecution.

American Irish Association Celebration

I had a great time at the American Irish Association of Westchester’s 49th Anniversary Celebration. Congratulations to all the honorees: Meagan Hartnett, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Christine McCarvill, Rev. Gerald T. Walsh, and Celtic Mikes.

Photo Courtesy of Ms. Davis

Speaking at the Guidance Expo Supporting Guidance Workers in our Schools

I was happy to speak at the Guidance Expo for school guidance counselors. It is important that we hear from guidance counselors about issues affecting students and families in order to better help students on their educational paths as well as the challenges these valued counselors face. 

YWCA “Turn Up the Heat” Fundraiser 

I had a great time at the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester’s  "Turn Up the Heat" fundraiser, and a treat to sample the wares of local women chefs! This was a fun way to support the YWCA's mission of empowering women and ending racism. I thank every supporter of the YWCA and CEO Tiffany S.W. Hamilton for her continued commitment to empowering women.

Honored by the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle,

61st Annual Golf Outing

I was honored to be recognized by the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle at their 61st Annual Golf Outing and Cocktail Reception. The Boys and Girls Club provides children in our communities with after-school programs, academic support, sports programs and so much more. I am proud to be a longtime supporter and I thank Becky Mazzanobile, CEO, and Cynthia Davis, Director of School Based Programs, for this honor. Congratulations to my fellow honorees: Steven Bush, President and CEO of Apple Bank, and PepsiCo; and thank you for your dedication to the Boys and Girls Club.

Keynote Speaker at the NYLCV Annual Cocktail Party 

I had a wonderful time at the New York State League of Conservation Voters’ annual Westchester Cocktail Party last week.  I was proud to be the keynote speaker, and I congratulate the honorees, Environmental Leaders of Color and Trinity Financial, for their dedication to a sustainable future and for educating the young people who will take up the challenge. Thank you Julie Tighe, Executive Director. (With Assemblymember Chris Burdick).

Hosted a Coffee and Conversation in Scarsdale 

Thank you to the more than 35 constituents who joined me for Coffee and Conversation, and to Scarsdale Public Library for hosting! It was a pleasure to meet with so many members of our community and to answer their questions on affordable housing, education issues, public safety and more.

Coffee and Conversation in White Plains *Change of Date*

Please join me, Mayor Tom Roach, County Executive George Latimer, and County Legislator Ben Boykin on Sunday, Nov. 5  from 8:30 - 10 a.m. for Coffee and Conversation at The Pamplemousse Project! Space is limited, so please be sure to register. Click here to RSVP and submit a question: If you have already RSVPed, you do not need to RSVP again.

Senator Mayer’s Food Drive to Benefit Feeding Westchester

NYS Senator Shelley Mayer and the Youth Advisory Council are hosting a Food Drive from November 6 – 20 at five locations: Mamaroneck Town Center, Pound Ridge Town House, Will Library in Yonkers, Trotta’s West St. Health Mart Pharmacy in Harrison, and Senator Mayer's office in White Plains. Your non-perishable and shelf-stable donations will be given to Feeding Westchester. Thank you to my friend Anthony Ciarletta for his assistance in this effort!

Join Me & My Staff for an Open House

Please join me and the staff of my District Office for an Open House on Wednesday, November 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.! Chat with us, see our new office, enjoy light refreshments and — if you are able — bring a non-perishable food item for our Winter Food Drive. RSVP preferred but not required: RSVP Here

Requested Items for our Food Drive: 

Brown Rice, Whole Grain Pasta, Shelf-Stable Milk, Canned Meat/Fish, Peanut Butter, Gravy (Canned/Dry Mix), Instant Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, Canned Mixed Vegetables, Canned Corn, Canned Sweet Potatoes, Canned Meals, Canned Green Beans, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Corn Muffin Mix, Cereal (Whole Grain), Cake Mix, Pie Filling, Canned or Dried Fruit, Juice, Macaroni & Cheese.

NY bans sale of diet pills, weight-loss supplements to kids. Why law was passed

Combating Hate and Antisemitism in the Classroom

New law requiring notice of unemployment benefits

Legislators call on NYS Education Dep't to suspend license of teacher accused of sex abuse

L-M Lions Celebrate A Century Of Service Among Friends

White Plains HS Rolls Out New Educator Pathway Program for Students

State Senator Mayer Hosts Conversation at Scarsdale Library

Massive crowd packs Westchester synagogue to support Israel and condemn Hamas attack

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. The 2023-24 Regular HEAP benefit is now open. To find out if you qualify, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap or call 914-955-3333.

No-Cost COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Adults

The Westchester County Health Department is now taking appointments  for eligible children and uninsured adults to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. The vaccines will be administered at various clinics across the County. To find out if you or your children are eligible and to schedule a visit, call 914-995-5800 weekdays before 4:30 p.m.

You can also find out if your child is eligible here, and more information on adult eligibility is available here.

Veterans Peer Mentor Program

Office of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer

235 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10605

Phone: (914) 934-5250

Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov