Dear Friends:

I hope you've been staying healthy and you & your family are safe from the winter weather.

The 2021 NYS Legislative Session is scheduled to begin in January, but it is possible we will return to Albany before then to deal with imminent emergencies, particularly the need for housing protection and small business relief. Clearly, my colleagues and I have very difficult decisions ahead of us as we plan for the FY 2021-2022 State Budget. State revenues have been decimated due to the impact of COVID-19, and we need federal funding to avoid cuts to essential services and programs. I am hopeful that Congress will agree on an interim package to help extend unemployment benefits, grant small business relief, and help states and local governments at least on a temporary basis. Even with federal help, my Senate colleagues and I are considering every option on the table to identify additional revenues. You should know that I strongly support raising taxes on New York State’s wealthiest during this pandemic, as I think this emergency period demands shared sacrifice from those most able to help.

Statewide, lines at food pantries are growing, and families are falling behind on mortgage payments and rent. If you are able, I urge you to make a contribution to a local food pantry in your area. I will be doing my part here at home and in Albany to ensure our most critical service providers have the resources they need to take care of our neighbors during this crisis and beyond.

On a more positive note, I am delighted by some of the holiday decorations that many of you have put up at your homes. The lights and intricate designs bring us joy during these challenging times. It is quite nice that when we cannot bring people into our homes so many are doing what they can to bring the beauty and joy out to the community. If you'd like pictures of your decorations included, please email me pictures of your outdoor decorations, and my office will create a slideshow for social media to showcase some of the most beautiful holiday lighting designs in our communities. You can email me at [email protected].

If I don't see you before the New Year, wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Kind regards,

This week, on Monday, December 14th, Sandra Lindsay, Director of Critical Care Nursing at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, became the first person in the United States to take the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This is a momentous occasion, and our hopes lie with a safe vaccine distribution plan that prioritizes healthcare workers, first responders, the elderly, and others in vulnerable populations.

The State's COVID-19 Vaccination Program has been a cooperative effort between federal, state and local governments. The federal government's "Operation Warp Speed" has pre-purchased a number of vaccine doses and allocates a portion to each state based on a methodology created by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). New York State is expected to receive 340,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and another 340,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine before the end of the year. Both vaccines require two doses that are administered 21-28 days apart. The distribution of vaccines will be done in phases prioritizing those most at risk.

An existing network of Vaccination Administration Sites (VAS) will be used to administer the vaccine. VAS include hospitals, long-term care facilities, Federally Qualified Health Centers, community health centers, rural health clinics, private provider offices, local health departments, community and independent pharmacies and other institutions with the facilities to store and distribute the vaccine. To learn more about New York's COVID-19 Vaccination Program, click here.

On Monday, December 14th, I testified at the MTA's Virtual Public Hearing on Fare and Toll Policy urging the Board to reject proposed fare and toll increases in order to rebuild commuter ridership during a time when riders' confidence in the MTA is fragile and incomes remain uncertain.

Click here to read my full testimony. Click here for the schedule of public hearing dates & times as well as the proposed fare and toll policy changes. The MTA Board has not yet voted on these proposed fare and toll increases, and I am hopeful that with an influx of federal funds, these proposals will not be accepted by the MTA Board.

This week, I was glad to celebrate the installation of a new sign on King Street in Rye Brook banning left turns at Exit 30S off of the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway. Rye Brook Village Mayor Paul Rosenberg, Village Administrator Chris Bradbury, the Village Board and the Blind Brook School District, all advocated for this change to enhance safety on King Street.

Banning left turns at Exist 30S also eliminates traffic delays created by drivers waiting to turn left. Drivers seeking to travel north on King Street can exit at the next exit following 30S, Exit 27, that leads motorists directly on King Street North. Thank you to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Department of Transportation for enhancing safety on King Street in Rye Brook.

On Saturday, December 12th, I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony in Port Chester for Eagle Scout Matt Shearer. Matt finished his community project at Port Chester's Weber Community Garden where he built a beautiful pergola. Thank you to Port Chester Trustee Alex Payan for helping make this project a reality! 

On Monday, December 14th, I joined Mayor Mike Spano as he presented the Key to the City of Yonkers to our great friend Mike Bennett before he relocates to South Carolina. Mike is a mentor, friend, and a Yonkers institution in himself. I will always be grateful for his friendship and guidance throughout the years.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) announced its list of 20 nominees for recognition in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Of the 20 candidates statewide, two of the students are high school seniors that I nominated from the district.

Congratulations to Mburucuya Gomez, senior at Harrison High School, and Christopher Cardenas, senior at White Plains High School, for being nominated for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Mburucuya and Christopher have overcome tremendous challenges to achieve great success as students and make impactful contributions to their communities. Their success is a testament to their persistence and hard work. I commend all of this year’s nominees for their many successes, and I thank the community members, teachers, administrators, and families who supported them along the way.

The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize outstanding high school seniors and encourage high achievement among all students. Click here to learn more about this announcement.

On the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that the NYS Common Retirement Fund, valued at an estimated $226 billion, will transition its portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This decision builds on Comptroller DiNapoli's 2019 Climate Action Plan. The fund has already divested from 22 coal companies. I applaud Comptroller DiNapoli for his leadership on managing the climate risk on the NYS Common Retirement Fund. I also thank the advocates and Senator Liz Krueger for years of work on this important issue. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of proposed legislation, no longer necessary, which pushed this issue and helped achieve this important milestone.

As we fight a global pandemic, ensuring New Yorkers have health insurance is particularly important. Governor Andrew Cuomo has extended the deadline to enroll through the NYS of Health Marketplace until January 31, 2020. New Yorkers already enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan will have their coverage continued automatically and do not need to renew. Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov to learn more.

On Tuesday, December 15th, I purchased a holiday gift online on the Clay Art Center's website, and I picked it up in person at its location in Port Chester.

Small businesses need our support now more than ever. If you can, I encourage you to shop local for the holidays. Chambers of Commerce throughout the district have been working hard to promote their downtowns with Holiday Shopping events and providing resources online. There are charming shops in our downtowns that have perfect gifts for your loved ones. Check out their websites below to be guided to online or in person small business shopping in your area.