Dear Friends,

I am deeply distressed by the draft Supreme Court opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade. I fully support and advocate for a woman’s right to control her own reproductive decisions and more specifically, the right to terminate a pregnancy under the Constitutional limits set forth in Roe. The decision to become a parent - a lifetime responsibility - is not one which should be imposed by the government, which is effectively what will happen should the Supreme Court adopt the recently leaked decision.

Additionally, I have tremendous concerns about the overturning of constitutional precedent that this decision presages. What constitutional rights might be attacked next? We must protect these rights with all the passion and energy they deserve.

I continue to push forward on legislation in the remaining days of the legislative session. More about that follows in this newsletter. One of my bills, S.8828, is the subject of a discussion today at the Jay Heritage Center. I am also hosting a Coffee & Conversation event at Andersons Larchmont this Saturday and a blood drive at the New Rochelle Public Library on May 12. I hope you can join me for one or more of these events. 

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to take a moment to thank all the incredible teachers in our community and our state – thank you for going above and beyond for our students!

If there is anything my office can do to assist you, please email me at [email protected] or call (914) 934-5250.

Warm regards,

Legislative Update: Flooding

We have learned our lessons the hard way when it comes to hurricanes and flooding. Our district was devastated by Hurricane Ida last September and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

It is critical that we address outdated building and development standards that do not reflect the impact of climate change on our communities – which is why I introduced S.7582A to amend the State’s building code to address the increased likelihood of flooding and other coastal hazards, and add the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Director of the Office of Emergency Management, and a technical expert in flood mitigation to the Building Codes Council.

I am pleased to report it passed the Senate on Monday. The next step is for its Assembly counterpart (A.9216) to be passed. 

On April 28, I joined Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada at the Enrico Fermi School to highlight the NYS education budget and particularly, funds to support the Yonkers Public Schools. I am glad we have a budget that acknowledges the State's long standing obligation to fully fund Foundation Aid. When we said we would fund all schools regardless of children's zip codes, we meant it. 

To read my full report on the budget, please visit my website.

Last month, I visited Brewster High School in Putnam County with my colleague Senator Pete Harckham. The middle and high school students spoke about issues that matter most to them and asked very thoughtful questions. 

As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I think it is extremely important that we engage with students and take their concerns into consideration. If you would like me to visit your class, please do not hesitate in reaching out to my office.

I was proud to nominate the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s new Historic Business Preservation Registry. The Capitol Theatre has provided decades of music and theater entertainment to the Village of Port Chester and surrounding communities and represents the best in small business. On April 19, I presented the designation to Capitol Theater Owner Peter Shapiro with my colleagues Port Chester Village Manager Stuart Rabin, Port Chester Rye Brook Rye Town Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sylvia Dundon, Assemblyman Steve Otis’ Chief of Staff Lisa Urban, Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr and Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

The online registry was established by the State Legislature by Chapter 241 of the Laws of 2020 to honor and promote New York businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities' character and history.

The best way to celebrate small business week is to shop local. My friend Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo recently introduced me to Bento & Tea, located at 954b McLean Ave, Yonkers. If you haven’t been yet, I encourage you to stop by – their bubble tea is delicious!

The 2021-2022 Cooling Assistance Benefit opened May 2.

If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

To find out if you are eligible, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website. 

To apply for HEAP contact the Westchester County Department of Social Services.