Community Update: Legislation Passing, Women of Distinction, Constituents in Albany

Dear Friends,

With less than one month left of the 2023 Legislative Session, there is still much work to do. I have been busy meeting with many groups in Albany seeking to ensure their voices are heard. In addition, this week the Senate took important steps by passing bills to help New Yorkers, including several pieces of legislation I proposed. More details on those bills are below.

I had the pleasure of welcoming many Westchester residents to Albany this week, including my Youth Advisory Council, the Westchester Business Council, students from the Yonkers Public Schools and my nominee for the New York State Senate Women of Distinction, Naomi Brickel.

In the district, I also had the honor of recognizing constituents who are making a difference in our community, and served as a guest on my friend Jeannine Rose’s show on WVOX. You can listen to that interview here.

I have heard from many constituents regarding the migrant crisis in New York City and its potential impact on some communities in Westchester. I recognize that there are questions and concerns by some, but let us acknowledge that these individuals are legally present as asylum seekers authorized under US law. While this is a federal issue that needs resolution by Congress and I urge them to act, in the interim, we need to make sure our local municipalities have the resources they need and our response is guided by the generous American spirit towards immigrants. I am confident that with improved communication and coordination between all the relevant authorities, people of good will can find a way to ensure our communities have the resources they need to help these young families find temporary housing and support services while their cases are pending.

As always, 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

Albany Update

Hearing on Solutions Not Suspensions

I was pleased to hear testimony from students, teachers, administrators, and advocates regarding school discipline and the proposed Solutions not Suspensions (S.1040) bill, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson. Alongside my colleagues, including Chair of the New York City Education Committee Senator John Liu and Senator Jackson, we held our second hearing on this bill in NYC. Most witnesses were clear that we need to review our approach to school discipline to ensure students in need of help receive the tools and support they need while ensuring school safety for students and staff.

Legislation Passes to Protect Ratepayers

I am proud two of my bills passed the Senate this week as part of the ratepayer protection package dedicated to protecting New Yorkers.

The increasing costs of utility bills has made it harder for residents to make ends meet, and I believe that the Public Service Commission (PSC) must put the interest of New Yorkers first. My bill, S.6557A will do just that by swinging the pendulum toward ratepayers when the PSC determines rates, prioritizing a New Yorker’s right to have stable utility rates that are as low as possible.

My other bill, S.4882, will hold utility companies accountable for failure to prepare for and respond to storms by expanding oversight. Westchester, like the rest of New York State, is experiencing more frequent and intense storms. Utility companies must provide ratepayers with service to the best of their abilities, including preparing for adverse weather, and then be held accountable when they fail to provide ratepayers with the reliable and responsive utility service to which they are entitled.

Speaking on my bill to Require Notification on NYS Unemployment Claims

I am very pleased my bill S.2976 passed the Senate this week. Following the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many New Yorkers lost their jobs and filed for unemployment. Subsequently, they received little or no communication for weeks or months from the Department of Labor. I was proud that my office helped hundreds obtain notification from the DOL about their claim, but the delay was unacceptable. This bill will require the DOL to give notice to applicants within 30 days stating whether their application was approved or denied. We must do better for New Yorkers seeking unemployment insurance when they lose their jobs.

Speaking with Union Carpenters

I was happy to address the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters during their Albany breakfast this week. I spoke about my bill, S.6050 to require the use of project labor agreements for large scale construction projects at SUNY. These major projects will benefit from using highly qualified union workers with experience and commitment to excellence.

Meeting with Business Council of Westchester

I was happy to meet with the Business Council of Westchester, along with my colleagues in the Westchester Senate Delegation, to discuss end-of-session priorities. The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, convened the meeting for my colleagues and me. It was wonderful to see so many good friends from the BCW.

Welcoming the YAC in Albany

I had a wonderful time hosting my Youth Advisory Council (YAC) in Albany this week. The group met with my colleague Assemblyman Steve Otis, toured the Capitol and State Museum, and watched the Senate in session. It was great to see such engagement and good questions by these young people! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the YAC, please email my Community Outreach Specialist Perla Arellano at perlazarellanogov@gmail.com.

New York State Senate Honors Women of Distinction

I was honored to participate in the Senate’s Women of Distinction event with all the remarkable honorees, particularly my nominee Naomi Brickel of New Rochelle. Naomi has spent her career helping families navigate systems serving children with special education needs and developmental disabilities.

Meeting Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson

I was honored to meet Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson in Albany. I am inspired by the courage and advocacy of Representative Pearson. Courageous state officials like him are helping move our country forward.

Meeting with High School Students of the Big City School Districts

I had a terrific meeting with a group of high school students from Yonkers, Buffalo, Utica, Syracuse, New York City, and Rochester as the Coalition of Big 5 School Districts organized their trip, along with teachers and chaperones. They were smart, engaged, and motivated, and remind us that public school students in our state's largest cities are among the best students in the nation.

In the Community

Receiving the Public Service Award from the UB Law Alumni Association

I am humbled to have received the Public Service Award from the Alumni Association at University at Buffalo Law School, my alma mater. I am proud to have a career as an advocate for New Yorkers and am continuously honored to go to Albany each week to represent the people of Senate District 37. Congratulations to the other honorees and thank you to the UB Alumni Association for this incredible honor.

Recognizing Harrison Police Officer Michael Basciano

I am honored that Rachel Estroff, my terrific Chief of Staff, was able to represent me in recognizing Harrison Police Officer Michael Basciano alongside my colleague Senator Pete Harckham, with a proclamation for his heroic actions that saved the life of a young woman. On February 27, Officer Basciano responded to a call on an overpass of Interstate 287 in West Harrison, where he found a young woman sitting on the wall over the traffic. Officer Basciano’s quick actions and bravery allowed him to rescue the woman and pull her to safety.

Recognizing Constance Kehoe and Revolutionary Westchester 250

I was pleased to join Revolutionary Westchester 250 in recognizing Constance Kehoe and to present her with a proclamation for her work leading the county in preparing for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. New York State is rich in history and I am pleased the Senate was able to secure language in the budget to clarify that historical reenactors can lawfully use antique firearms during reenactments and educational programming.

Attending the Opening of the Pollinator Garden in White Plains

I was pleased to join Mayor Tom Roach, the White Plains Sustainability Committee, and the White Plains Committee for People with Disabilities at the opening of the new Pollinator Garden at 85 Gedney Way.