Dear Constituent, 

Below please find information about this month’s events and initiatives from my office, along with other time-sensitive information and a list of new laws going into effect in April 2025. 

Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES is co-hosting a regional union information event today, April 2 from 5-7 PM at the Walden Gym (200 Boces Drive) in Yorktown Heights. Attend to learn more about the benefits of working in trades as a union member. For more information, email mcrea@pnwboces.org.

My staff hosts mobile office hours to bring the services of the district office to every corner of AD95. Below are the dates, times and locations for April. Stop by for help with anything you might come into the district office for: help navigating state agencies, information about state programs, and more.

• Thursday, April 3, 1-4 PM: Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose, NY 10548
• Thursday, April 17, 1-4 PM: Julia L Butterfield Library, 10 Morris Avenue, Cold Spring, NY 10516

If you would like to provide comment in the ongoing Con Edison rate cases, read on for opportunities to be heard.

Provide spoken testimony

There will be virtual public hearings on Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9, at noon and 5:30 PM on both days. If you would like to speak at one of these hearings, register at https://dps.ny.gov/calendar or by calling 1-800-342-3330. You must complete your registration by the day before your chosen hearing.

Comment in writing or by phone

You can also submit written comments anytime before November 21, 2025. You can click here to post a comment in the gas case and here to post a comment in the electric case. You can also send letters with comments directly to:

Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission

Three Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12223-1350

You should include the case number 25-E-0072 for the electric case and 25-G-0073 for the gas case.

You can also give comments over the phone by calling the PSC’s Opinion Line at  1-800-335-2120.

Free Tax Filing: More New Yorkers can file their taxes for free this year! If your 2024 personal income was $200,000 or less – $250,000 or less for joint returns – you can file your state and federal taxes for free with Direct File. Visit www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile to learn more.

Tax Filing Assistance: Need help preparing your taxes? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation for seniors and other qualifying taxpayers. For more information or to see if you are eligible for these services, please visit www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers.

New York State Tax Forms: My district office has certain New York State tax forms on hand in case you need them; to see if we have the forms you need and arrange to pick one up, please feel free to call us at (914) 941-1111.

The deadline to get your REAL ID will be here before you know it. Starting May 7, 2025, all New York State residents will be required to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings, unless you have a valid passport. For more information and a list of necessary documents, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.

If you purchased a generic version of a prescription drug at any point between May 2009 and December 2019, you may be eligible for compensation via a settlement reached between New York State and generic drug manufacturer Apotex. Read more below and check your eligibility at www.AGGenericDrugs.com.

New state laws go into effect every month. Of particular note are laws promoting maternal health, consumer protection, and more. Here are more details about laws taking effect in March 2025:

4/1/2025: Ch. 59 of 2022 Part J, A9009C / S8009C

Increases the income tax credit for low-income housing investments.

4/1/2025: Ch. 57 of 2024 Part C, A8807C / S8307C

Provides for school psychologists in early intervention services for preschool special education programs.

4/1/2025: Ch. 450 of 2024, A4613C / S2413C

Provides for an increase in reimbursements for veterans funerals based on the Consumer Price Index.

4/1/2025: Ch. 568 of 2024, A10198 / S9424

Authorizes an application to be made in family court for the name change of a child under 18 as part of a pending, related proceeding.

4/1/2025: Ch. 643 of 2024, A3780E / S1736E; Ch. 111 of 2025, S801 / A4200

Directs the State Energy Conservation Construction Code to set standards for electric vehicle charging stations and requires new construction that includes dedicated off-street parking to provide electric vehicle charging stations and parking spaces.

4/17/2025: Ch. 529 of 2023, A286A / S2629A

Enacts the Safe Schools By Design Act, which directs the use of design principles and strategies, pursuant to guidance issued by the commissioner of education, as part of a comprehensive approach to provide a safe, secure and healthy school environment.

4/17/2025: Ch. 544 of 2024, A4917D / S4598D

Provides funding for school anti-violence education programs through the school violence prevention grant program.

4/20/2025: Ch. 58 of 2024 Part K, §§2, 3, 4, 8, 9, A8808C / S8308C

Enacts provisions of the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Act.

4/20/2025: Ch. 112 of 2025, S818 / A418 

Provides for the sale of adult-use cannabis products at cannabis showcase events.

4/21/2025: Ch. 434 of 2024, A8557 / S9361

Requires that seat belts be available and used on charter buses for individuals ages 8-16.