Dear Friends, 

I have been deeply saddened by the many losses our community has faced in just the past few weeks: Mark Anthony Giordano, the 13-year-old Harrison boy who passed on June 12 in a tragic accident; Maria Coto, a caseworker for the Department of Social Services who was dedicated to helping others, who passed this week following a brutal attack; Joshua Martinez Arana, an 18-year-old who would have graduated from Fox Lane High School just a few days after he lost his life in a car accident; and Michael Donovan Volpe and Molly Murphy Donovan, the six-year-0ld boy and his mother who passed on Thursday after being struck by a school bus in Mamaroneck. My prayers are with all of their families during this very difficult time. 

I hope everyone stayed cool and safe during last week’s heatwave. When we are experiencing such high temperatures, it is important to keep safe by avoiding strenuous activities, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and by taking necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illness. 

Last week we also commemorated Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation and that they were finally free. Juneteenth is a powerful day of recognition and acknowledgement of how far we have come as a nation, and a reminder that we must reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equality. 

I am pleased to share the announcement that the SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government will hold five public hearings throughout New York State to hear testimony regarding the State’s Foundation Aid Formula – which determines how public schools are funded by the state. These hearings provide an opportunity for all concerned New Yorkers to make their voices heard.  I encourage all interested parties to use their voice and participate in these hearings. More details and how to register are below. 

Lastly, tomorrow is primary day. If you are enrolled in a party, it is so important that you get out, use your voice, and vote. Click here to for more information and to find your polling place. 

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

SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government’s Hearings on Foundation Aid Formula

SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government will hold five public hearings throughout New York State to hear testimony regarding the State’s Foundation Aid Formula. These hearings come as part of the requirement in this year’s budget that there be a review of the Foundation Aid Formula. This formula, enacted in 2007, determines how much each school district in the state receives in State Funding. Each hearing will feature invited speakers from the education community, such as education advocacy groups, academic experts, leaders in education research, and representatives of unions; followed by a public commenting period. The public is encouraged to sign up and speak - this is critical for everyone who cares about our public schools. Each speaker will be given two minutes for their remarks and must register in order to speak.  

Locations and Dates for the Public Hearings:

July 16, 2024 | New York City

High School of Fashion Industries

225 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011

July 25, 2024 | Buffalo

North Park Community School

780 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216

July 30, 2024 | Long Island

Weldon E. Howitt Middle School

70 Vancott Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735

August 8, 2024 | Central New York

Laurens Central School

55 Main St, Laurens, NY 13796



August 14, 2024 | Capital Region

Guilderland High School

8 School Road, Guilderland, NY 12085

Testimony for invited speakers will begin at 2 p.m. and public comment for registered speakers will begin at 5:30 p.m. To register, visit the Institute’s Foundation Aid Study page. Comments can also be provided through written testimony submitted on the online form, found here.   

Statement from Senator Shelley B. Mayer on the SCOTUS Mifepristone Preservation Decision after the Supreme Court Dismissed the Case

“ Mifepristone has been used as part of a safe medication abortion procedure for years. Countless women across the United States have used medication abortion, with mifepristone, as their method to receive safe healthcare and have control over their bodies and futures. This was a frivolous lawsuit with no basis in fact and should not have come before the Supreme Court. While I am relieved by today’s decision, the fight to protect medication abortion and self determination for women is not over. I’ll continue to fight to ensure New York State remains a safe haven for those seeking abortions, and for providing the support for women in other states who will continue to be able to access reproductive healthcare by our strong and supportive policies.”

Uniting on the High Road Conference

I was fortunate to be a panelist at the Uniting on the High Road Conference in Buffalo sponsored by Cornell University ILR School Buffalo Co-Lab and Partnership for the Public Good. We discussed economic justice at the local level and how to fight for change. It was an excellent conference and I was honored to be included and to discuss several of my legislative proposals to address wage inequity, the importance of civic engagement and the need for advocacy by all of our communities.

Tribute to Anne Frank

I was fortunate to attend a beautiful dedication ceremony for the planting of a sapling from Anne Frank’s chestnut tree at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains. Her diary reminds us of the promise of joy and life, even in the face of death and destruction. Thank you to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center for this wonderful tribute. Photos are courtesy of Raya Cottrell Photography.

Observing Juneteenth 

I had a wonderful time attending  ceremonies across Westchester on the historic federal holiday of Juneteenth, including celebrations at Lincoln Park Community Garden and Conservancy in New Rochelle; at the Port Chester Historical Society alongside my friend, Trustee Joan Grangenois Thomas; and in the Town of Pound Ridge. I also joined Westchester Women’s Agenda for a powerful discussion at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in Yonkers, alongside Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Later in the week I visited the African American Cemetery in the Town of Rye where the importance  of Juneteenth was shared with the crowd and community members completed service work to honor those interred at the cemetery.

BRIDGE School Graduation 

Congratulations to the BRIDGE School at Rye Brook Class of 2024! I was honored to be chosen as the guest speaker for this year’s commencement and to be part of this significant milestone for the six incredible graduates. Thank you to Cerebral Palsy of Westchester and Principal Barry Wasser for inviting me to join the celebration.

White Plains Puerto Rican Festival 

I had a lovely time attending the annual White Plains Puerto Rican Flag Raising, and the first-ever White Plains Puerto Rican Cultural Committee Street Fair! The hot weather didn't keep the crowds from enjoying fantastic music and dance performances, great food, arts and crafts and vendors of every kind. Thanks to my staff and the members of my Youth Advisory Committee for setting up our table and mingling with the community, and to Evelyn Santiago, Chair of the White Plains Puerto Rican Cultural Committee, for spearheading this terrific event.

Recognizing Students for their Leadership 

I was proud to honor 43 remarkable students from across my district with the 2024 New York State Senate Citizenship and Youth Leadership Awards. It was fantastic to hear about their academic achievements and the incredible work they are doing for our communities. We are lucky that so many of our students are dedicated to leading and helping others.

Annual Ukrainian Festival 

I had a fantastic time at the kickoff to the annual Ukrainian Heritage Festival in Yonkers. It was a beautiful day to celebrate freedom and independence. I remain deeply committed to our friends in the Ukrainian-American community as the war against Russia continues. I was honored to join!

Securing Funding for El Centro Hispano Inc.

I was proud to help secure a total of $225,000 for El Centro Hispano Inc, with the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the support of Assemblymembers Amy R. Paulin and Chris Burdick. This funding will help El Centro Hispano Inc. continue to do amazing and life changing work in our community.

White Plains High School’s Educator Pathway

I was honored to join Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, the White Plains Teachers’ Association Presidents, the Board of Education and Assemblymembers Amy Paulin and Chris Burdick to celebrate the students of White Plains High School’s Educator Pathway. This program is a great model to encourage a new generation of teachers and I am so pleased to support it!

Picnic with CSEA

I had a terrific time joining President Hattie Adams and the members of CSEA at their annual picnic at Ridge Road Park.

Legislative Recap in New Rochelle

Please join me, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblymember Amy Paulin and Assemblyman Steve Otis for a Town Hall on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. to recap the 2024 Legislative Session. Registration is requested, but not required. https://tinyurl.com/NewRoLegislativeRecap

I will be hosting additional recap sessions, so please keep an eye out for them!

‘Historic’ Part Of Anne Frank’s Secret Home Now In Hudson Valley, New York

Five Scarsdale Students Honored by State Senator Shelley Mayer

How new AED law for camps, youth sports programs works on Long Island, across New York

Tax Penalty Refund Bill Passes NYS Assembly and Senate and Awaits the Governor’s Signature

Office of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer

235 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10605

Phone: (914) 934-5250

Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov