Community Update: Remembering 9/11; Back to School, Public Safety Legislation

Dear Friends,

This week marked twenty-three years since the tragic events of 9/11. May we remember and honor those who lost their lives and all those who selflessly answered the call to respond, especially the firefighters and other first responders who exhibited such enormous courage, those who lost their lives that day simply because they were present, and all those who have died from 9/11-related illness. We will never forget. We must ensure the next generation truly understands this tragic and consequential day in American history. I intend to push for greater attention to 9/11 in our schools, so that all our children understand the importance of that day and the lasting impact it has had.

As we begin the new school year, I wish all students, teachers, faculty, and staff a great year filled with excitement and opportunity. On the first day of school, I was fortunate to visit Midland School in the Rye City School District to welcome the students back to school. Thanks to Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne, Principal James Boylan, and Assistant Principal Bianaca McHale who greeted me. A new school year is always an exciting time and I look forward to the return of high school sports, theater performances, and more.

I was happy to partner with United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties this year for my second annual back-to-school supply drive. School supplies can be prohibitively expensive for many families, and I thank all the incredibly generous people in our community who donated. Together we donated 637 items to families in need!

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

Upcoming Events

Mobile Office Hours

My constituent services staff will hold mobile office hours at the North Castle Public Library, in the lower level lobby, on Wednesday, September 18 from noon to 3 p.m. All are welcome to stop by with questions in English or Spanish!

Legislative Update

Bill to Require School Boards to Appoint a Non-Voting Student Member Signed by Governor

I am proud my bill, S.9018A/A.9855A, to require school districts and BOCES to appoint at least one student non-voting school board member, has been signed into law by Governor Hochul. This legislation will ensure that students have a seat at the table where decisions that shape their educational opportunities and experience are made and that members of the Board hear and benefit from their insights as students. Currently the law allows a student non-voting member; this bill requires it.

Urging Governor Hochul to Sign Critical Gun Public Safety Legislation

I was proud to be joined by members of Moms Demand Action, County Executive George Latimer, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, and members of the White Plains City Council to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign two bills I sponsored that will enhance public safety. S.3340 would require courts to report extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs or “red flag laws”) to the statewide computerized registry of orders of protection and warrants of arrest. This will increase protections for the public at large, and particularly victims of domestic and sexual violence, by ensuring law enforcement throughout New York ha4s access to critical public safety information. The second bill, S.9760, will require additional information about safe storage laws to be issued alongside firearm licenses. By promoting safe stage practices, we can eliminate tragic, avoidable firearm deaths. I am optimistic the Governor will sign the bills soon.

In the Community

September 11 Memorials

This week I joined sad and impactful ceremonies throughout Westchester, in Eastchester, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Pound Ridge, Town of Mamaroneck, City of Rye, Port Chester, City of Yonkers, and the County Memorial, in memory of 9/11 and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and since.

9/11 Day of Service in New Rochelle

I was so pleased to join the City of New Rochelle, Volunteer New York, Monroe College, and Feeding Westchester to package food as part of the 9/11 Day of Service. Thank you to all the great students and volunteers for your help!

Youth Advisory Council Monthly Meeting

Thank you to all the members of my YAC who came together for our first meeting of the 2024-2025 academic year! My Youth Advisory Council — “YAC” is a student-led group that works with my team to organize food drives, community cleanups, college fairs, trips to Albany, and so much more. It provides a great opportunity to make your voice heard. If you are interested in participating, please contact my Director of Constituent Services & Community Affairs Christine Fils-Aime at faime@nysenate.gov or by calling 914-934-5250.

Recognizing Coalition for Access for their Accessibility Advocacy

I was immensely proud to honor the Coalition for Access for their advocacy for accessibility and mobility for everyone in our community and state, ensuring nobody is denied the right to full participation in public life.

In 2017, Westchester-based advocacy and service organization Westchester Disabled on the Move and Harriet Lowell filed a class action lawsuit against Lyft, a rideshare company, claiming their policy of blocking wheelchair-accessible vehicles from operating in Westchester County and 96% of the United States violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the New York State Human Rights Law. After receiving testimony from over 250 witnesses with disabilities, federal Judge Philip M. Halpern certified the case as a class action in 2023 and held a trial in July 2024. The matter is currently pending before the U.S. District Court in White Plains.

I thank Harriet Lowell and Westchester Disabled on the Move for bringing forth the lawsuit, Jeremiah Frei-Pearson for his stalwart representation, and all the fierce champions for inclusivity and equality for all.

Celebrating India’s Independence

I had a great time joining Assemblymember Nader Sayegh to welcome and honor Indian Consul Ms. Shruti Pandey during a celebration in honor of the anniversary of India's independence. Shri. Syriac M Kurian, Mr. Shaimi Jacob, and Shri. Harry Singh were also honored. Thank you to Assemblymember Sayegh for inviting me!

Grand Opening of Crawford Park in Rye

I was pleased to join Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, County Legislator Nancy Barr, and colleagues from the Rye Town Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Crawford Park Ball Field in Rye Brook! I was able to secure $200,000 to help reconstruct the field, for children and teens from Rye Brook, Port Chester, and Rye Neck to use for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and more. It was lovely to meet players and coaches from the Pitch Gladiators and Port Chester Youth Baseball League!

Armonk Chili Contest & North Castle South Fire District

This weekend I joined Armonk Chamber of Commerce at their Chili Contest and Concert and North Castle South Fire District for their annual inspection! Thank you to all the incredible people who volunteer to make their community better and safer!

Onam Celebration in Yonkers

I was pleased to join one of the largest Onam celebrations in the United States, with the Westchester Malayalee Association in Yonkers, for their 50th celebration. Thank you to the Office Bearers and Kerala Samajam for your incredible work on this event and for inviting me!

Speaking at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf

As the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I was honored to join the students and staff of Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf in Long Island as we celebrated the opening of their Learning Commons, expanding their opportunities for STEM learning. Two terrific high school students spoke and signed at the event - Nicole Cornejo and Heaven Hankins. I was greatly impressed by their confidence and poise. Thank you Principal Dr. Bradley Porche’ for the invitation!

Meeting with 1199 SEIU Members from Westmed

As a strong union supporter, I was glad to meet with the workers of Westmed, who have joined 1199 SEIU and are seeking to negotiate their first contract, and hear first hand of the challenges they face. I’ll continue to press for a fair resolution of their pay, benefits and working conditions.

Tuckahoe Road Race

I had a fantastic time participating in the Tuckahoe Road Race, alongside Tuckahoe Village Trustee Josh Gaccione and his family. Congratulations to all who raced!