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Dear Neighbor,
In case you missed it, last week I sent out a detailed report on the state budget that finally passed 57 days after it was due. You can read that message by clicking here.
This week is the last week of the 2026 legislative session. Because the budget was so late, the Legislature unfortunately has very limited time to pass the remaining non-budget priority legislation. Among my priorities for passage in this final week are bills to create a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development, to protect New Yorkers' private health data from being sold without their consent, and closing the so-called "Epstein loophole" in our laws that inhibits the fight against sex trafficking. After session ends I will send out another email with a legislative wrap-up.
Below you will find governmental updates from the past month, recent actions by the Trump Administration impacting New Yorkers, and upcoming events and other useful information affecting our district.
As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at lkrueger@nysenate.gov or 212-490-9535.
Liz Krueger
State Senator
| | What's In This Newsletter? | | |
Governmental Updates:
- Update on Trump Administration Impacts
- Bill Expanding Harassment Protections Passes Both Houses
- SUNNY Act Passes Both Houses
- Valerie S. Mason Honored With Women of Distinction Award
- Dr. Marie-Michelle Strah Inducted Into New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame
Community Updates and Info:
- NYLAG Free Legal Services Intake June 30th
- HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit Application Deadline June 5th
- Roosevelt Island E-Waste Disposal
- Key Dates for the June 23rd Primary Election
- New Affordable Housing Opportunity
- CitizensNYC Grant Opportunities
- Official NYC Trash Bins Required June 1st For 1-9 Unit Buildings
- SCORE Small Business Mentoring
- Volunteer Opportunity Showcase For Older Adults
- Info from the NYS Higher Education Services Corp
- World Cup Traffic and Travel Information
- Community Board 8 Art Show
| | Update on Trump Administration Impacts | | |
Below is a small sample of actions the Trump Administration has taken this past month that have had concrete, negative impacts on New Yorkers. Click on the links for more details:
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After effectively shutting down the burgeoning US offshore wind industry, ensuring the biggest global manufacturers will avoid providing desperately needed generation to our country for at least a decade after Trump leaves office, the administration has now taken aim at onshore wind, one of the cheapest forms of new energy, stopping all approvals for new projects.
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Under the Trump Administration, the FDA has blocked the publication of multiple taxpayer-funded studies that found that the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines are safe
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The administration's widespread destruction of government data will have lasting negative impacts for the country, including on issues like maternal mortality, food insecurity, locations of hazardous waste, and climate effects.
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On May 11, the Trump Administration fired Dr. Michael Silverstein and Dr. John Wong from their positions as Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - the panel of national experts that determines which health care screenings and preventive procedures must be covered by insurance providers at no cost. Secretary Kennedy has already sabotaged the Task Force by postponing meetings, hindering the process of releasing recommendations, and failing to replace members whose terms ended. Firing the two leaders gives the Trump Administration more leeway in selecting new Task Force members of its choosing.
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The administration's crackdown on undocumented Americans will lead many to be to afraid to file their taxes for fear of their data being shared with ICE, which could cost $479 billion in lost taxes over ten years.
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A recent analysis by The City Reporter found that ICE arrests in New York and New Jersey have targeted Latinos at a far greater rate than their share of the undocumented population, with 93% of those held by ICE being Latino, compared to their 66% proportion of the undocumented population.
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The administration is changing the rules around how it issues billions of dollars in scientific research grants, politicizing the process and requiring research to "demonstrably advance the President's policy priorities."
The following articles provide insights into fighting authoritarianism and repairing the harm that has been done, gained from lived experiences, as well as accounts of resistance training that we can learn from and that are currently underway:
During the month of May, there were many inspiring examples of communities, activists, lawmakers, and the courts pushing back on the Trump Administration's authoritarian actions that seek to marginalize and disempower the opposition:
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Bill Expanding Harassment Protections
Passes Both Houses
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This month, a bill that I have carried for several years to update the definition of aggravated harassment (S.2273) finally passed both houses of the Legislature. Although it has passed the Senate every year since it was introduced, this is the first time it has also passed in the Assembly, which means it will be heading to the governor's desk.
Existing law treats telephone calls made with an intent to harass or threaten an individual as aggravated harassment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, but does not have any provision related to electronic communications such as text or email. As technology has evolved, forms of harassment have also evolved, and updating New York's penal law to reflect these changes will help protect New Yorkers from these new forms of harassment.
This bill was inspired by an incident that occurred in our district in which multiple individuals were sent unsolicited and unwanted text messages with sexually graphic images from the same individual. At the time, law enforcement representatives indicated that under existing law such communications could only be treated as harassment in the second degree, a violation. Since violations can only be charged in cases where law enforcement witnesses the offense, no charges could be brought in this case. By updating the law to treat texts, private messages, emails and other electronic communications under the same standard as phone calls, this legislation will provide law enforcement with greater ability to address this new form of
harassment.
Harassment is harassment, whether it happens over the phone or via text. The effect on the victim is the same, and they deserve protection. I am glad the Legislature has finally taken action to close this loophole, and I urge the governor to sign the bill.
| | SUNNY Act Passes Both Houses | | |
Last week, both houses of the Legislature passed the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act, bringing the bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill will now head to the governor's desk for her signature.
The SUNNY Act will remove red tape and legalize "balcony solar," the small, plug-in solar panels that families can use to lower their energy bills and generate renewable energy. If Governor Hochul signs the bill, the law will bring New York State in line with other states including Utah, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and New Hampshire that have all passed similar bills in the last year, and will enable New Yorkers to start generating their own clean, affordable power simply by plugging in eligible solar panels that can be purchased online or at a store.
The SUNNY Act will open the door for millions more New Yorkers to have access to cheap, clean solar power, be part of the solution to the climate crisis, and shave a little bit off their electricity bill every month. Once the market for plug-in solar fully matures, like it already has in Germany, New Yorkers will be able to simply walk into a store, pay a few hundred bucks for a system, take it home and plug it in like any other appliance, and start saving hundreds of dollars every year. SUNNY is a small but important step to help New Yorkers fight climate change, save money, and claim real energy independence.
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Valerie S. Mason Honored With
Women of Distinction Award
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This month I was pleased to honor Valerie S. Mason with the Senate's annual
Women of Distinction award.
Ms. Mason has long dedicated her time and talents to supporting institutions that strengthen the lives of women, families, and communities across New York City.
A native New Yorker born and raised in Astoria, Ms. Mason’s leadership has always been rooted in service — to her profession, her community, and the city she has proudly called home her entire life.
A graduate of New York City public schools, Ms. Mason earned her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her law degree from Duke University. She is a wife, mother, and longtime Upper East Side resident who is actively engaged in neighborhood and faith-based organizations, including service as a founding member and current president of the East 72nd Street Neighborhood Association and a former trustee of The Brick Presbyterian Church. Ms. Mason is also a member of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy and New York Junior League.
Ms. Mason is a partner in the Banking and Finance Department at Otterbourg P.C., where she serves as chair of the firm’s Lender Finance group. In this role, she advises some of the nation’s largest financial institutions in complex financing transactions. While Ms. Mason’s professional accomplishments are significant, her commitment to civic engagement and nonprofit leadership is equally profound.
For over two decades, she has been deeply involved in criminal justice reform through her service with the Women’s Prison Association, one of the nation’s oldest organizations dedicated to supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system and their families. Ms. Mason previously served as president of the organization’s Board of Directors and currently serves as chair of its Development Committee.
Through this work, Ms. Mason has developed a deep appreciation for the role of thoughtful governance in driving meaningful community change — a perspective she brings to her civic leadership. She is currently serving her third successive term as chairperson of Manhattan Community Board 8, which encompasses the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, guiding the Board through complex policy issues with clarity and care.
Ms. Mason lives her values: civic responsibility, dedication to mentoring women, unwavering commitment to service, and meaningful impact.
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Dr. Marie-Michelle Strah Inducted Into
New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame
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This month I was honored to nominate Marie-Michelle Strah, PhD, for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame.
Dr. Strah, PhD, volunteered for the United States Navy Reserve in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.
In 2005, Dr. Strah transferred to the Regular Army as a directly commissioned Medical Service Corps officer, leading theater-wide digital transformation and force realignment initiatives in response to evolving operational demands.
Dr. Strah earned her Master’s degrees and doctorate at Cornell University, and she built a career focused on cybersecurity, cybercrime, and online extremist threats.
After multiple traumatic incidents, including three brain injuries, Dr. Strah was discharged in late 2008 as a Second Lieutenant and redirected her work toward improving outcomes for fellow veterans. She served as the IT lead for the initial outfitting and transition of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury at the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, advancing digital health, logistics, and mobile solutions that helped shape the integrated DoD/VA Polytrauma Network.
After returning to New York for polytrauma rehabilitation, Dr. Strah pursued graduate coursework and teaching at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice under the GI Bill. A nationally recognized disability justice advocate, she received the CUNY Passantino Students with Disabilities Scholarship and the John Jay Graduate Achievement Award for triumph over extreme adversity, and she was inducted into the Delta Alpha International Honor Society for Disabled Individuals.
Dr. Strah’s teaching and innovation were recognized with the John Jay College Digital Innovation Faculty Award, the Distinguished Teaching Prize, and selection as Provost Digital Faculty Fellow.
Dr. Strah continued to support other veterans with service-related disabilities, providing pro bono help to hundreds of veterans filing claims related to military sexual trauma. Currently, she volunteers as a yoga and meditation instructor with Veterans Yoga Project in New York City.
Since 2023, Dr. Strah has received awards for photography, fiber art, and music through the VA National Creative Arts Competition at VA New York Harbor. A passionate advocate for the power of adaptive sports, she participates with Team HOPE (Hope for the Warriors) and was recently named a Warfighter Ambassador for Move United to mentor other veterans in their adaptive sports and prosthetics journeys.
| | NYLAG Free Legal Services Intake June 30th | | |
HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit
Application Deadline June 5th
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New York State has announced that the 2025-2026 Cooling Assistance benefit component will close on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5pm.
All applications received on or before the deadline will be processed. Households are encouraged to submit an application prior to this Friday’s deadline.
Applications for the Cooling Assistance benefit can be submitted electronically through ACCESS HRA, in-person by visiting a HEAP office, or by calling the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399.
To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map to find free, air-conditioned places to stay cool during the extreme heat.
| | Roosevelt Island E-Waste Disposal | | Key Dates for the June 23rd Primary Election | | New Affordable Housing Opportunity | | CitizensNYC Grant Opportunities | | |
Have an idea to improve your neighborhood, but not sure how to make it happen? Own a small business and need funding for a new project? Curious about ways you can give back to your community? CitizensNYC can help.
CitizensNYC has been providing grants and support to community groups, grassroots nonprofits, and small businesses with big ideas for over 50 years. And applications are currently open for community grants, and small business grants of up to $5,000.
If you have questions, you can email CitizensNYC at grants@citizensnyc.org for community grants and businessgrants@citizensnyc.org for business grants. You can learn more about CitizensNYC at https://www.citizensnyc.org/.
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Official NYC Trash Bins Required June 1st
For 1-9 Unit Buildings
| | SCORE Small Business Mentoring | |
Volunteer Opportunity Showcase
For Older Adults
| | Info from the NYS Higher Education Services Corp | | |
Below are June’s financial aid opportunities, events, and resources from the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to help you better navigate higher education financial aid opportunities:
Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award
The Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) applications are now open, helping New York State students access affordable higher education. For eligibility, visit our webpage.
Deadline to apply is August 31, 2026.
Explore all NYS Aid Programs, including eligibility criteria and deadlines here.
Financial Aid Program Reminders!
View all opportunities
Mark Your Calendars
HESC has expert-led, upcoming virtual events to help students navigate college financial aid with confidence:
- Parent Night Out: Complete your FAFSA/TAP with HESC!
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June 9 – 4:00-5:30pm
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June 23 – 4:00-5:30pm
- Students and families can receive hands-on assistance to complete FAFSA and TAP applications.
- Financial Aid Options for Military Families in New York State
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June 11 – 12:00-1:30pm
- Learn about benefits that support educational opportunities for veterans, active-duty members, and their families.
- Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program
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June 15 – 6:00pm
- Pursuing a career in STEM? Find out how eligible students can receive tuition support for college.
- Get Support with your DREAM Act & Alternate Pathway Applications
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June 17 – 12:00-1:30pm
- Learn how to complete your DREAM Act and Alternate Pathway applications with expert guidance.
View all HESC events
Have Questions? Call HESC!
Call HESC directly at 1-888-697-4372 for anything from financial aid assistance to resolving issues like a HESCPIN account reset; no appointment necessary.
Important: To protect student privacy, HESC can only share information with a parent or guardian if they’re listed on the application or the student is present.
Visit the HESC website for more information.
| | World Cup Traffic and Travel Information | | |
New York City DOT is making several changes to transit and traffic patterns in Manhattan related to the World Cup. Click the button below for complete information.
Gridlock Alert Days:
The eight match days at NYNJ Stadium (also known as MetLife Stadium) are Gridlock Alert Days. Those days are June 13th, 16th, 22nd, 25th, 27th, 30th and July 5th and 19th. On Gridlock Alert Days, New Yorkers and visitors alike are discouraged from nonessential driving, and heavily encouraged to walk, bike, or take the subway. Those who have to drive should plan for delays on those days.
Shuttle Bus from Manhattan to NYNJ Stadium for Ticketholders
On the eight match days, NYNJ Stadium shuttle buses will provide non-stop express service for ticketholders to and from Manhattan and the NYNJ Stadium in New Jersey via the Lincoln Tunnel.
Bus and Shuttle Corridor on 42nd Street
On the eight match days, 42nd Street will be converted into a bus and shuttle corridor between First and Twelfth Avenues. What this means is that, on those eight days, access on that corridor will be limited to NYNJ Stadium shuttle buses and MTA local buses as well as Official World Cup affiliate vehicles and emergency vehicles. The dedicated space on 42nd Street will begin six hours before local matches start and up to three hours after each match ends.
NYC Ferry Changes
NYC Ferry will be adding vessels and trips across high-demand routes to keep commuters, recreational riders and visitors moving reliably. Information on routes, schedules and ticket purchases can be found at https://www.ferry.nyc/
Truck Delivery Restrictions
On the eight match days, there will be truck delivery restrictions that will affect Manhattan from 30th Street to 60th Street.
| | Community Board 8 Art Show | | |
District Office: 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 2000 | New York, NY 10017 | (212) 490-9535 | Fax: (212) 499-2558
Albany Office: Capitol Building, Room 416 | Albany, NY 12247 | (518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874
Email: liz@lizkrueger.com | On the Web: krueger.nysenate.gov
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