Dear Friends,
In Albany, negotiations between the Senate, Assembly and Governor's office are under way on the New York State budget, which is due on March 31. We continue to discuss a number of pressing topics, including fair pay for home care, expanding child care and important criminal justice issues. I look forward to providing you with a full update on the budget in the coming weeks.
I’ve recently hosted a few virtual and in-person events – an information session on energy bills, a celebration of the NYS 250th Commemoration Act, a press conference on legislation I am sponsoring to support emergency medical services, and a panel discussion in recognition of Women’s History Month. Recordings of all of the events available below in case you missed any!
My office is distributing “We Support Ukraine” lawn signs in partnership with SUMA Federal Credit Union. If you would like one, please stop by my district office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located at 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester.
As always, if there is anything my office can do to assist you, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.
Warm regards,
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Shelley B. Mayer
State Senator
37th District
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Addressing State-Wide EMS Issues |
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On Wednesday, March 16, Assemblyman Steve Otis and I visited Port Chester - Rye - Rye Brook EMS to advocate for legislation we recently introduced (S.8432/A.9509) to classify “Emergency Medical Services” as “Essential Services” under the law, and to combat the epidemic of personnel shortages and retention issues faced by EMS providers.
This ever-growing, state-wide issue was brought to my attention last summer by Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie and Village of Rye Brook Administrator Chris Bradbury. If passed, the legislation would require municipalities to provide emergency medical services in a reliable manner to residents based on regional standards. It would also encourage people to serve as EMS personnel by securing access to the New York State Pension System and State Health Insurance Program where possible.
I am proud to fight to deliver our emergency medical service providers with the benefits they deserve, and to provide every New Yorker with quality emergency medical care.
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Discussing Energy Bill Spike &
Rejecting Con Edison's Proposed Rate Hike
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On the heels of the outrageous spike in energy bills, I provided testimony to the Public Service Commission and called on them to reject Con Edison’s proposed $1.2 billion electric rate increase and $500 million gas rate increase, just as I have done in the past when Con Ed has requested rate increases. For thousands of my constituents, these increases are simply unacceptable and unaffordable, particularly for older residents living on Social Security and the thousands of our neighbors working for minimum wage or barely above it. I encourage you to voice your concern about Con Edison’s proposed electric and gas rate increases as well. For more information, visit the Department of Public Service’s website.
In case you missed it, the information session I held with the Public Utility Law Project of New York and Sustainable Westchester on the recent spike in energy bills and how you can reduce your costs at home is available above.
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Touring Ida-related damage in Harrison. |
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The losses incurred by my constituents as a result of Hurricane Ida must trigger a new, more strategic approach to flood mitigation, storm recovery and new building code requirements. I am proud to sponsor legislation that aims to enhance flood prevention and mitigation, and provide new resources to municipalities and homeowners to address the enormous financial challenges caused by flooding. |
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I am glad to share that one of my initiatives – the “Hurricane Ida Relief Fund” – was included in the Senate one-house budget proposal released last week, and I am advocating for its inclusion in the final adopted budget. In an effort to further advance initiatives on storm recovery and flooding resiliency, my office has created a survey regarding storm damage, losses, reimbursement, and out-of-pocket expenditures related to Hurricane Ida. Please take a few moments to fill out the form before May 15.
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Celebrating the NYS 250th Commemoration Act |
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Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent signing of the NYS 250th Commemoration Act, which I sponsored with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, I was pleased to celebrate in Verplanck with Senator Pete Harckham, Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky, Westchester County Office of Tourism & Film Deputy Director Barry Surman, Town of Cortlandt Councilmembers James Creighton and Robert Mayes, Revolutionary Westchester 250 President Connie Kehoe, Dr. Iris De Roed, Living History Education Foundation Founder & President Joe Ryan and local living history reenactors.
The narrow section of the Hudson River at Verplanck’s Point served as a strategic location during the Revolutionary War. It is where General George Washington and the Continental Army escaped from the British after the Battle of White Plains in November of 1776, and where General Rochambeau later crossed on his march to victory in Yorktown, Virginia.
The 250th Commemoration Act enables New York State to begin planning for the semiquincentennial commemoration of the American Revolution in 2026. The commemoration is expected to be an economic driver sparking local and international tourism while also highlighting the lesser known stories of women, African Americans and Native Americans who did not fully benefit from the ideals of liberty and freedom that exemplify the revolution.
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Women's History Month
Lessons for Hope, Progress & Solidarity
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On Friday, March 25, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and I discussed the struggles women faced as a result of the pandemic and how they overcame them with Westchester Community College President Belinda Miles, Formé Medical Center and Urgent Care CEO Maria Trusa, Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. Executive Director Kathy Halas and WEDC-Women's Enterprise Development Center CEO Nikki A. Hahn.
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On Wednesday, March 23, I met with my friend Geri Mariano, 1199SEIU and home care advocates in my Albany office to discuss fair pay for home care. I believe that it is critical we include it in this year’s New York State budget.
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USPL Inauguration Ceremony |
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BJ Mistry & Senator Shelley Mayer |
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Pleased to join Cricket Clubs of Westchester and Offbeet Media Group for the launch of the US Premier League, great celebration! Thrilled to have a true Cricket League here in Westchester! |
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Happy Saint Patrick's Day |
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Senator Shelley Mayer and Kerry Association of New York President
Patrice Buckley at the organization's St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance.
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At the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade
with Assemblyman Nader Sayegh and
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
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Outside Rory Dolan’s with Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow & Yonkers City Councilman John Rubbo. |
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Delighted to see the return of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations throughout my district, especially in my home city of Yonkers along McLean Avenue! |
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Congratulations Patrick Mehler |
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Patrick was a fantastic intern – he’s a born leader. Congratulations to him on his big win! |
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222 Grace Church Street, Suite 300
Port Chester, NY 10573
Phone: (914) 934-5250
Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov
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