Dear Friends: There are less than seven weeks remaining in the legislative session, and we have much work to do. In recent weeks, the Senate has passed a number of bills to improve the lives of New Yorkers. Last week I was pleased that two of my bills which enhance consumer protections passed the Senate. One bill, S.3467A, improves consumer protections surrounding gift cards, and the other, S.134, provides protections for consumers when they close their bank accounts. In addition, this week we passed a package of bills to enhance protections for the environment, to protect public health, and to mitigate climate change. Read more about the package of bills adopted in the sections below.  New York State is making great strides toward vaccinating all eligible New Yorkers. All those 16 years of age and over, who live or work in New York, are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. Only Pfizer is approved for those between 16 and 18 years of age. Additional information about our progress is included below.  In the last two weeks, I have hosted two forums on the New York State budget, one with Assemblymember Otis and one with Assemblymember Burdick. I also hosted an environmental forum on New York State and local efforts to mitigate climate change.  As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please don't hesitate to email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250. Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District 

Vaccine Distribution Information

As of today, Friday, April 30th, more than 45% of New Yorkers –– more than 9 million individuals –– have received at least one vaccine dose, and more than 33% of the population –– more than 6.5 million individuals –– have completed their vaccine series. Click here to track the status of the state's vaccine distribution.   On Friday, April 23rd, following a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC, FDA, and New York State's independent Clinical Advisory Task Force recommended resumption of the use of the vaccine for adults. As of Tuesday, April 6th, all New Yorkers 16 years old and over became eligible to receive vaccines. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for those 18 and older, and Pfizer is approved for those 16 and older.    To schedule an appointment at a state-run vaccine site, click here. A list of non-state-run vaccine providers is available here. The COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped dramatically, and as more and more people complete their vaccine series, I am optimistic that the number of cases will continue to drop.

Legislative Update

On Monday, April 26th and Tuesday, April 27th, I voted for bills that build on our prior nation-leading investments and successes in protecting water quality and addressing climate change. Among other things, these bills protect our drinking water, reduce plastic pollution, increase enforcement of the state’s environmental laws, protect state forests, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of electric vehicles and expand electric vehicle charging options, and bolster the state’s solar energy production.   The legislation passed by the Senate includes:  Reduces Plastic Pollution At Hotels: S.543, by Senator Kaminsky, reduces plastic pollution by converting hotels from using individual small bottles to refillable bulk dispensers for personal care products. Expands Environmental Enforcement: S.1237, by Senator Gianaris, amends the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to provide enforcement for ECL violations for which there is no specifically stated penalty in law. Prohibits Leasing of Certain State-Owned Lands For Gas Production: S.1421, by Senator Serrano, prohibits the lease of state forests, wildlife management areas and other unique areas for the purpose of gas production.  Decreases Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Transportation Sector: S.2758, by Senator Harckham, sets a goal of 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks being zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035, and for 100 percent of medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicle sales to be ZEVs by 2045. State Purchase of Zero Emission Vehicles: S.2838A, by Senator Parker, requires preparation of a state fleet procurement plan to ensure that state agencies are purchasing zero emission vehicles. Expands the Market for the State’s Solar Production: S.3521A, by Senator Parker, directs the Public Service Commission to create a system to allow solar energy credits to be transferred between utility territories, making it easier for consumers to access renewable energy.  Electric Vehicle Recharging: S.3929, by Senator Kennedy, requires utilities to file an electric vehicle charging tariff with the Public Service Commission that allows a customer to purchase more reasonably-priced electricity for electric vehicle charging. Water Testing for Lead In Public Parks: S.1256A, by Deputy Majority Leader Senator Gianaris, requires testing for lead contamination in drinking water in public parks at least once every three years to ensure proper continual monitoring and rapid remediation if lead contamination is found. Children’s Camp Pesticide Ban: S.4478A, by Senator Brouk, prohibits the use of pesticides at children’s overnight and summer day camps to help protect the water supply at these facilities and neighboring properties. Coal Tar Ban: S.4095B, by Senator Sanders, prohibits the sale and use of oil pavement products containing coal tar, a toxic material that threatens children’s health and can contaminate surface waters and groundwater. List of Emerging Contaminants: S.1759, by Senator Skoufis, adds additional chemicals that pose threats to public health to the list of emerging contaminants that must be tested for in drinking water.  Makes “30 by 30” Part of the State’s Land Acquisition Policy: S.6191, by Senator Kaminsky, establishes the goal of conserving at least 30% of all New York lands and waters by 2030, thus conferring a broad range of benefits such as saving natural spaces, protecting wildlife, and bolstering climate resiliency.

Recently I was pleased that the Senate passed two of my bills that enhance consumer protections.  Limiting Gift Card Fees and Expiration Dates: On April 19th, the Senate passed my bill, S.3467A, which adds additional protections on gift cards. This bill bans all fees on store-specific and service-specific gift cards, and bans all fees other than initial activation fees, on all gift cards that are not store- or service-specific, such as typical Visa, American Express, and Mastercard gift cards. Similarly, it eliminates dormancy charges or other non-use penalties. It also increases the minimum expiration date to at least 9 years after issuance, and allows consumers to redeem store-specific gift cards for cash when the value dips below $5.00. Gift cards, which are used in celebration of holidays and birthdays, are among the most popular financial products in use, and this bill helps consumers receive the full value of their purchase. Protecting Banking Customers: On April 20th, the Senate passed my bill, S.134 to ensure that when banking customers inform their bank that they would like to close their bank account, the bank must honor this request and is prohibited from keeping it open or reopening the account. This addresses the problem of “zombie accounts,” where banks sometimes keep accounts open and charge various and exorbitant fees on those accounts if there is an attempted transaction by a third party (such as an automated withdrawal), after the customer attempts to close the account. As banks seek more ways to charge customers fees, these transparency and accountability measures are particularly important and are part of the larger battle to even the playing field between financial institutions and their customers.

Visiting Aisling Irish Community Center

Last week I had a terrific visit to see the progress in construction of the new Aisling Irish Community Center on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. It is coming along beautifully! I look forward to seeing it in action serving the Irish-American community throughout the NY-Metro area. I thank Executive Director Sandra Feeney Charles and Board Members Catherine Flood, Noel McGovern, and Sean James for providing the excellent tour.

Highlighting Budget Achievements

I am proud of the many achievements in the recently enacted budget, and I joined my colleagues in recognizing the concrete ways it will improve the lives of New Yorkers.

I was so pleased to join Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymembers Nader Sayegh and J. Gary Pretlow, as we recognized the tremendous benefits this budget provides for our children. We have finally succeeded in ensuring that New York State meets its constitutional obligation to fund its public schools based on need, not politics. I know that for the children across my district and all of New York, this day has been a long time coming. Much credit is due to the persistence of the advocates who know all children are entitled to a quality education, irrespective of their zip code.

I was very pleased that our enacted NYS budget provides much needed funding to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV). Too often low-income residents are in court fighting to maintain housing or secure benefits, and they must do so without representation and the knowledge and protection of their rights that representation provides. As we rebuild from the pandemic, LSHV's services will be more important than ever. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for recognizing its importance. The legislation passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes funding for the following services provided by LSHV:  Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) – $558,493 Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) – $642,000/year for three years Legal Services Assistance Fund (LSAF) – $151,667 AIDS Institute – $288,305 OCFS Kinship Legal Project – $92,400 Westchester Eviction Prevention and Kinship Project – $400,000 Rockland Domestic Violence Project – $90,000 Veterans and Military Families Project – $380,000 ($50,000 increase for Westchester/Putnam)

Honoring Lawrence Chiulli, Director of Code Enforcement for the Village of Port Chester

I was proud to honor Lawrence Chiulli, Director of Code Enforcement for the Village of Port Chester, with the NYS Senate Commendation for his extraordinary efforts to help five displaced Port Chester families get back into their homes mid-winter during Covid. He went above and beyond to address this situation. I also gratefully acknowledged the work of Jason Mays, Director of Litigation for the Hudson Valley Justice Center, for his legal advice and advocacy during this period. When people pull together, we can truly help!

Anti-Asian Violence Rally

I was proud to join the Anti-Asian Violence Rally in Pleasantville with many local residents and my colleagues including Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins & Senator Pete Harckham. We must continue to stand up for an inclusive America that celebrates diversity and rejects hate.

Honoring the Memory of Marla Offenbach Hurban

I was saddened and honored to speak in memory of Marla Offenbach Hurban, my friend and a fierce advocate for education for all children, and especially Yonkers school children, as we passed a resolution to honor her contributions.

AARP and City & State Hudson Valley State Legislative Forum

I was pleased to participate in a forum with AARP and City & State where we discussed issues surrounding high prescription drug costs, retirement security, long term care reform, the importance of labor unions, ways to make housing more affordable for an aging population, and other pressing topics.

COMING UP...

Community Budget Forum with Assemblymember Nader Sayegh

Thursday, May 6 2021 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Register to submit a question: Register Here The event will also be streamed live on Assemblymember Sayegh and Senator Mayer’s Facebook pages: Facebook.com/ShelleyMayerSD37 (A Facebook account is not required to watch.)

Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The SBA will begin registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund today, Friday, April 30, 2021 and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 12PM. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by: Registering for an account in advance at sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT. Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample. Preparing the required documentation. Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.] View a recorded virtual training webinar For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other Small Business Assistance

New York State’s economic development agency, Empire State Development, will be rolling out state specific programs. For information on those and other federal and state programs and resources to assist small businesses, visit ESD here.   Westchester County’s economic development arm, Catalyst, also has information and resources to assist local businesses. See more here.

Fair & Affordable Housing Virtual Expo 2021

Saturday, May 1 11AM- 2:45PM For Details and Registration Click HERE

Office of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer 222 Grace Church Street, Suite 300 Port Chester, NY 10573 Phone: (914) 934-5250 --- Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov

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