Community Update: Mayer Bills Passing Senate, Response to State of State, in the Community

Dear Friends,

On Monday, January 20, we honored the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We recognize that we have not yet fully achieved his vision of a just, equitable and peaceful world, but this acknowledgement should not determine our path forward. Instead, let us re-commit to working together to make real the promises of justice and democracy with which he inspired our nation. I was deeply moved by the many MLK Day events I was able to attend, from Bedford to New Rochelle, from Eastchester to White Plains, from Port Chester to Scarsdale and beyond. These events not only celebrated a true American hero, but reminded us of the power of his message and his example. Let us keep that alive all year.

This week also marked the inauguration of Donald Trump as President. Regardless of your views regarding the election, we now face the decisions and policies he seeks to enact. I intend to be a strong voice for all New Yorkers, including when I disagree with the President’s policies, but always with a commitment to civility and decorum in the work of governing. I will be speaking out in the coming days about some of the Executive Orders that the President signed that will impact New Yorkers.

I am proud to share that Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has reappointed me to Chair the Senate Committee on Education and has newly appointed me to Chair the Senate Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance. I have also been newly appointed to serve as a standing member on the Senate Committee on Finance and will continue to serve as a standing member on the Senate Committees on Elections, Judiciary, Labor, and Rules. I have also been appointed to serve as the Co-Chair of the Legislative Ethics Commission.

Last week, Governor Hochul delivered her fourth State of the State address in which she outlined her policy plans and priorities for 2025-2026. My thoughts on her address are below. Yesterday, the Governor also delivered her Executive Budget proposal – her plan for how the state should spend money. Once I carefully review the proposals, I will be sure to update you on my thoughts.

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

Albany Update: Legislative Update

My Response to Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address

Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State speech was an excellent starting point from which to address the issues we all face as New Yorkers. I greatly appreciated her focus on affordability and public safety and her commitment to ensuring young people have the support they need to learn and flourish, particularly free school meals. I was very pleased to see my bill to protect our reproductive health care providers who provide care to non-NYS residents was included in her State of the State book, which passed the Senate today, as well as the innovative ideas for free community college tuition to support post-graduate job readiness. The Governor’s continued attention to our EMS providers is also a solid step toward acknowledging that they are “essential providers.”

I look forward to reviewing the details of the plans she outlined — and those relating to school funding, which were included in her Executive Budget proposal next week. I will continue to work closely and constructively with all of my colleagues to find solutions to the challenges my constituents face; and, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, to ensure that students throughout New York State receive a high-quality education, regardless of zip code or need.

Mayer Bill to Strengthen New York’s Reproductive Shield Law Passes Senate

I am proud that my bill to strengthen New York’s telehealth shield law, which protects brave doctors who are taking on significant personal risk to help women in need of access reproductive care, has passed the Senate as part of a Reproductive Freedom, Women’s Health and Privacy package and is likely to pass the Assembly this week. This bill, S.36A, will allow pharmacies and providers filling prescriptions to use the provider’s practice name instead of the provider’s name on the prescription label for abortion medication. As our doctors face threats from hostile states, I am committed to working with my colleagues to fight for our sisters across state lines whose futures, health, and well-being are threatened, as well as the doctors who serve them.

Mayer Bill to Strengthen Election Integrity Passes Senate

I am proud to sponsor a piece of legislation that was passed recently in the Senate as part of an election integrity package, affirming New York State’s commitment to the democratic progress and ensuring free and fair elections at every level. My bill, S.1087, would require Commissioners of County Boards of Elections to be full time employees of the Board, reducing the possibility of conflicts of interest and ensuring that there is full attention to the operations of every election. I am proud to be part of a conference dedicated to strengthening voting rights and election integrity. You can watch my remarks on the floor regarding this bill below.

Visit to Mount Pleasant Cottage School District

I had an excellent visit to the Mount Pleasant Cottage School District, a Special Act School District, to tour the buildings and talk to students about the changes they want to see in their schools. I was so impressed by the students who are the leaders in student government in both high schools – they presented their issues cogently and with passion. Thank you to Superintendent Christina Torres for your leadership.

In the Community

Coalition of Hope – Leaving No One Behind at Calvary Baptist Church

I was pleased to join the convening by Reverend Dr. Erwin Trollinger, Jr., at the Calvary Baptist Church for their “Coalition of Hope – Leaving No One Behind” community breakfast in White Plains. This important meeting continued our conversation about recreating a true “community” that can be proactive as well as respond to issues that may divide us. Thank you Reverend Trollinger for your leadership.

“Shared Legacy” Film Viewing

I was truly moved watching the film, Shared Legacy, sponsored by the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle and the JCC of Mid-Westchester. The film highlighted the remarkable coalition of support for the civil rights movement by the Jewish and Black and African American communities. The diverse and large audience showed such interest in and commitment to recreating these coalitions today.

Youth Advisory Council Monthly Meeting

I had a terrific meeting with my Youth Advisory Council (YAC) where they presented their legislative proposals, ideas on programs for the community, and ways to help New Yorkers. I was impressed by their thoughtfulness and am encouraged by their drive to improve our community. I look forward to working with them in the months ahead to bring these ideas to fruition. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the YAC, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or reach out to Christine Fils-Aimé, my Director of Constituent Services and Community Affairs at faime@nysenate.gov.

Visit to New Rochelle Public Library

It was great to meet with Eugenia Schatoff, the new Director of the New Rochelle Public Library, and Rhiannon Carr Navin, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. I am excited for the future of the New Rochelle Public Library and to see all the wonderful things they will do for our community.

Honoring First Port Chester Girl Eagle Scout

It was especially wonderful to honor the first female Eagle Scout from Port Chester, Ariana Isabel Ayala, at a packed ceremony in Rye Brook. Ariana helped build the first all- girls Scouting Troup in Port Chester, and is the first to be awarded the Eagle from the Troup. Her Eagle project, refurbishing a garden bench in Crawford Park in Rye Brook, and her leadership was so worthy of recognition.

New City of Savannah Ferry constructed by Derecktor Shipyard

I was happy to join the celebration at Mamaroneck Harbor for the christening of two hybrid-electric passenger ferries constructed by Derecktor Shipyard that will take passengers across the Savannah River to Hutchinson Island in the City of Savannah, Georgia. Derecktor Shipyard has a long history in Mamaroneck, where they have built beautiful, high quality ships. We are incredibly fortunate to have them.

Broadening Perspectives from New York Conference on Education Assessment, Accountability, and Equity

I was honored to speak at the The National Urban League and UnidosUS’ “Broadening Perspectives From New York - Conference on Education Assessment, Accountability & Equity,” joined by distinguished colleagues Regent Adrian Hale, New York City Council Education Chair Rita Joseph, The Century Foundation Fellow Alejandra Vázquez Bau, and moderator Jenny Muniz. We had a spirited discussion about fighting for educational equity and the challenges ahead.

Nonprofit Westchester Annual Budget Forum

I was happy to attend Nonprofit Westchester’s Annual Budget Forum. Our community partners are indispensable to the work of serving our residents. I will continue to fight for the support needed for the essential work these organizations do and for the timely execution of contracts.

Upcoming Events

Good Cause Eviction Information Session

Please join me Thursday, February 6 at 6 p.m. for an information session on the state's Good Cause Eviction Law, alongside Make the Road New York, Sustainable Port Chester Alliance, Mamaroneck Affordable Housing Coalition, and Hudson Valley Justice Center. Attend and learn about how municipalities can adopt these protections to slow ever-increasing rents and retaliatory evictions in a fair and economically sustainable way. RSVP: HJ4A.org /WP-Jan9

Por favor acompañenme el Jueves 6 de Febrero a las 6 p.m. para una sesión informativa sobre la Ley de Desalojo por Buena Causa del estado, junto con Make the Road New York, Sustainable Port Chester Alliance, Mamaroneck Affordable Housing Coalition y Hudson Valley Justice Center. Atienda y aprenda cómo la adopción de estas protecciones pueden ayudar a atrasar el constante aumento de la renta y los desalojos vengativos. Confirme su asistencia: HJ4A.org/WP-Jan9