Dear Friends,

It’s April 3rd, and unfortunately, the NYS Budget is not yet complete. I’m disappointed about that, but realistic that there are major issues that require significant compromise, and we are moving forward on all of them.  They include the Governor’s proposed Housing Compact, about which I have grave reservations, proposed amendments to the criminal laws about the application of bail and other pre-trial procedures, the proposal to lift the Charter Cap, and other major issues. I am hopeful that we will resolve these continuous issues this week and be able to move ahead with the state’s important business. I anticipate we will be in Albany next week to adopt the State’s budget for FY 2023-2024. 

I am sad and angry that we mourn the deaths of more students and teachers in another horrific incident of gun violence. This time we lost three students and three teachers of Covenant School in Nashville, TN – the 130th mass shooting of 2023. Children and teachers deserve to feel and be safe while they learn and work. Yet, their time is marred by traumatic active shooter drills, fears of violence, and repeated acts of violence. My heart goes out to the students, families, and the community impacted, and I am committed to continuing to work to expand gun safety in New York and across the nation. 

On another sad note, the terribly frightening incidents of “swatting” in our schools here in Westchester, and throughout the state, requires our attention. We are fortunate that the Governor, the State Education Department, State Police, and local law enforcement are working effectively and cooperatively to ensure safety for our kids and school staff. 

In this Sexual Assault Awareness Month of April, please contribute to our Toiletry Drive for My Sisters' Place, an important Westchester organization that provides shelter, advocacy, and other services to women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Further information is below.

As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at [email protected] or call (914) 934-5250.

Warm regards,

Last week, I submitted testimony to the Public Service Commission at one of their Public Statement Hearings in strong opposition to Con Ed’s proposed rate increase. I have been publicly opposing these proposed rate hikes and the PSC’s allowance of exorbitant return on investment for Con Ed shareholders. See my statement below.

“I speak here today in total opposition to this proposed rate hike for Consolidated Edison ratepayers. Sadly, this ‘Joint Proposal,’ agreed upon between Con Ed and the PSC, includes three-year electric and gas rates that represent yet another set of multi-billion dollar rate increases by Con Ed – plans that will raise customer bills by $3.9 billion over three years.* Ironically, this proposal is presented as a compromise between Con Ed and the PSC, but it is not a compromise in the best interest of the millions of Con Ed ratepayers who will have to bear increased costs once again. What happened here has happened before: Con Ed requests excessive rate increases it knows it will not receive in order to justify the large rate increases it ends up receiving. In practical terms, over three years, the average electric residential customer will see an increase of $18 per month over current rates, representing a 27% increase, while the average heating gas residential customer will see an increase of over $40 per month over current rates, representing a 28% increase.

“This rate increase comes on the heels of Consolidated Edison’s most recent rate increase, which I strongly opposed, but took full effect only a year ago. For my constituents, these increases are unacceptable, unaffordable, and leave them incredibly frustrated that their own efforts to reduce their household energy usage have only limited effect on reducing their bills. As one of my constituents said, ‘I have lowered the heat in my home to between 60 and 65 degrees depending on the time of day. I believe by state law, tenants have a right to 68 degrees during the day. I’m not even making that.’ Because the delivery charge continuously increases, even ratepayers’ efforts to reduce their energy usage have limited effects on their energy bills.

“As I noted in my earlier opposition to Consolidated Edison’s proposed rate increase, I am particularly opposed to its increase in profits through a ‘return on equity’ enhancement. In their initial proposal, Con Ed requested a 10% return on equity investment which was more than any New York utility has received in 30 years, and significantly higher than the already too high 8.8% return on equity they received in the 2019 case. This Joint Proposal provides them a 9.25% “return on equity” at the expense of ratepayers who already pay some of the highest rates in the nation. This is simply unacceptable.  

“I urge the Public Service Commission to revisit the Joint Proposal, to reject any rate increase, and to proactively fulfill its legal mandate to protect New Yorkers and ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric and gas service.”

*See Consumer and Environmental Intervenors Join with Local Elected Official to Reject Deal To Raise Con Edison Bills, Invest in Fossil Fuel Infrastructure, Press Release, Feb. 17, 2023, https://earthjustice.org/press/2023/consumer-and-environmental-intervenors-join-with-local-elected-official-to-reject-deal-to-raise-con-edison-bills-invest-in-fossil-fuel-infrastructure

Celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day in Albany

I was honored to be joined in Albany on Wednesday by Vietnam veterans from Westchester and Putnam, on the 50th Anniversary of U.S. troops returning home from the Vietnam War. I was proud to speak on behalf of the Senate Resolution proclaiming March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State. 

One of the Veterans who joined us was Colonel Chester (Chet) Edwards, from my district. Chet served in the U.S. Navy from ‘66 to ‘72. After the tragic events of 9/11, he re-enlisted in the New York State Guard in 2003, where he served until his retirement in 2018. Chet currently serves as a Veterans Advocate working in the Westchester County Veterans Alliance, Inc. and is a major organizer of the truly wonderful Honor Flight program here in our county. Chet is also an active participant in my Veterans Advisory Committee. If you are interested in joining, please email me at [email protected].

Pushing for State Funding for Our Roads

I was pleased to stand with Senator Pete Harckham, Westchester elected officials, and business and union leaders to highlight the inclusion of $2 billion in the Senate One House Resolution to invest in the New York State Department of Transportation. Everyday I hear from constituents expressing frustration about the condition of our roads and bridges. I have fought, and will continue to fight, for this funding to be included in the final budget. 

Recognizing the Importance of Athletic Trainers and CPR Training with Buffalo Bills’ Athletic Trainers

I was proud to stand with Buffalo Bills trainers Denny Kellington and Nate Breske to address the vital and heroic role athletic trainers played in saving the life of Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin in January and to call for additional state attention to CPR training and AEDs in our schools. 

Like most Americans, I watched that Bills game with utter fear and heartache. Kellington and Breske’s quick action and outstanding training saved Hamlin’s life. Their remarkable success underscores the need for excellent athletic trainers in our schools, for the protection of our students who take part in sports. We will use their example to extend CPR training and AEDs statewide.

Women's History Month Luncheon

I had a great time last week at the Women's History Luncheon, hosted by the New York State Women's Legislative Caucus. As women's history month ends, I am proud to work alongside a number of remarkable women who have paved the way for the future of New York, as we also recognize and honor the women who came before us.

Supporting Firefighters

I was pleased to meet with FDNY members (some of whom live in my district) in Albany, who are fighting to ensure their pensions are protected in the state budget. These firefighters who previously served as EMTs, need special language to ensure all their time is credited to their pensions. I support their effort.

Protection for Rental Tenants

Ever-increasing rent makes it difficult for tenants to stay in their homes and communities. I was pleased to see Port Chester residents advocating for eviction protection policies to slow rent increases and to ensure the “right to counsel” provisions are included in the state budget. While the language of these bills requires additional work, I remain deeply concerned that tenants who pay their rent and are responsible should not be subject to unreasonable rent increases, and eviction proceedings without representation. 

Toiletry Drive for My Sister’s Place

I am proud to partner with My Sisters’ Place to host a Toiletry drive to support those served by My Sisters’ Place, which provides shelter, advocacy, legal services, and supportive services for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and more. From now until April 25, please consider donating - you can drop an item at one of three locations: 

My Office: 222 Grace Church Street,  Port Chester 

North Castle Town Hall: 15 Bedford Road, Armonk

Will Library: 1500 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers

2023 Fair and Affordable Housing Expo

Westchester Residential Opportunities will be hosting  an expo for Fair and Affordable Housing on Saturday, April 29 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Yonkers Riverfront Library.

Empire State Summer Arts Scholarship Program

The Office of Cultural Education announced this week the availability of $168,000 in scholarship opportunities for middle and high school students to attend regional arts programs this summer. Students may apply to receive a scholarship by completing the online application beginning April 1 through May 1.

Ways We Can Make Every Day Earth Day

Every day should be Earth Day! The NY State Senate invites K-12 students to help increase awareness of recycling and waste reduction by creating a poster, writing an essay, or a poem. For more information or to submit your work, visit mayer.nysenate.gov. Submissions are due by April 14, 2023

New York State Legislative Fellowship

The New York State Senate is accepting applications for the Fall 2023 Legislative Fellowship! As a fellow, you will be placed with a Senator, and will have hands-on experience in the legislative process. Click here to learn more and apply.