Dear Friends, 


I hope everyone’s new year is off to a fantastic start! 


I was excited to return to Albany this week to continue working on your behalf, as the Senate reconvened for the 2025 legislative session. I was proud to be sworn in by Chief Justice Rowan Wilson and am deeply grateful and honored to have the privilege of serving District 37 again. 


I am honored that Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins has reappointed me to Chair the Senate Committee on Education and has also newly appointed me to Chair the Senate Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance.


On another note, I am deeply disturbed by the recent acts of violence on the New York City subways. While I do not represent New York City, I know many people I represent here in Westchester work and travel to the city and rely on public transportation. I am committed to working with my colleagues to find solutions that will keep New Yorkers safe -- I have done so before and will continue to be a strong supporter of law enforcement and public safety for all New Yorkers.

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

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Congestion Pricing Takes Effect

On January 5, Governor Hochul’s congestion pricing plan went into effect, prompting all vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan (local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street) to be charged $9 during peak periods with an E-Z Pass. 


Peak period toll rates are from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The toll for passenger and small commercial vehicles paying with a valid E-ZPass is $9 during peak and $2.25 during the overnight period, when there is less congestion. Without an E-ZPass, vehicles will be charged $13.50 by mail. It is important that drivers’ E-ZPasses are updated with accurate payment and vehicle information. Vehicles are charged only once per day. 


Congestion pricing will raise $15B for Metro North and other MTA capital projects, including for improvements to track capacity and substations, accessibility projections, station improvements, and other structural improvements and upgrades. More about the capital improvements that will be made can be found here. 


Discount plans are available for low-income families and households and exemptions are available for individuals with disabilities and organizations transporting individuals with disabilities. Individuals can apply for the Low-Income Discount Plan or the Individual Disability Exemption Plan, regardless of where they live. For more information about eligibility and applications, visit mta.info/discounts. 


My office is available to assist in any way. If you need any assistance setting up your E-Z Pass or if you need any assistance, please contact my Director of Constituent Services and Community Affairs, Christine Fils-Aime, at faime@nysenate.gov or call 914-934-5250 and press 1.

Con Edison Utility Rates

 

I continue to hear from many of you regarding your frustration with Con Edison bills, particularly with the delivery charges that are often so much higher than the actual usage. Lowering the cost of utility bills is a top priority for me as we enter the new legislative session, a priority shared by many of my colleagues. I will continue this fight until we see significant change in how much New Yorkers are being charged. 


I encourage you to call the Governor’s office at 1-518-474-8390 and to file a complaint with the Department of Public Service/Public Service Commission (DPS/PSC) which regulates utilities in New York State. You can do so online here: Department of Public Service or by calling 800-342-3377. 


In the meantime, the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) offers information, assistance, and advice on utility matters. To learn more about how they can assist you, contact the toll free number (877) 669-2572 or email info@utilityproject.org 

 
 

New York State Paid Prenatal Leave Law

New York State’s new Paid Prenatal Leave Law went into effect on January 1. Under this new law, every private-sector employer in New York State is required to provide twenty hours of Paid Prenatal Leave to employees each year. Leave taken for health care services relating to pregnancy qualifies including: physical exams, medical procedures, monitoring and testing, fertility treatment, end of pregnancy care, and discussions with health care providers relating to the pregnancy. 


If you have any questions, you can visit Governor Hochuls’s website or contact my office by emailing smayer@nysenate.gov.


Upcoming Events

Good Cause Eviction Information Session 


Please join me Thursday, February 6 at 6 p.m. for an information session on the state's Good Cause Eviction Law, alongside Make the Road New York, Sustainable Port Chester Alliance, Mamaroneck Affordable Housing Coalition, and Hudson Valley Justice Center. Attend and learn about how municipalities can adopt these protections to slow ever-increasing rents and retaliatory evictions in a fair and economically sustainable way. RSVP: HJ4A.org/WP-Jan9


Por favor acompañenme el Jueves 6 de Febrero a las 6 p.m. para una sesión informativa sobre la Ley de Desalojo por Buena Causa del estado, junto con Make the Road New York, Sustainable Port Chester Alliance, Mamaroneck Affordable Housing Coalition y Hudson Valley Justice Center. Atienda y aprenda cómo la adopción de estas protecciones pueden ayudar a atrasar el constante aumento de la renta y los desalojos vengativos. Confirme su asistencia: HJ4A.org/WP-Jan9

 

In the News

 

School funding, cellphone ban, class size, Trump: Education issues Albany could tackle in 2025

Read More Here
 
 
 
 

Gov. Hochul vetoes bill on IDA board representation

Read More Here
 

Office of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer


235 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10605


Phone: (914) 934-5250

Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov

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