Dear Friends, 

Happy New Year! I hope everyone has enjoyed, and continues to enjoy the holiday season. I have been fortunate to spend this holiday season with my family and loved ones. As always, I was able to bake some special Hanukah treats, share my mother-in-law’s Christmas punch, and hosted all of our grandkids and two of my siblings. That’s a special part of the holidays for me. 

This week, the country lost an extraordinary leader, President Jimmy Carter. Throughout his career and notably after he left office, President Carter led with compassion and public service at the forefront. He, and Rosalynn were remarkable role models of how public officials and their partners can continue to serve throughout their lifetimes. 

Like many, I am horrified by the recent murder of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility at the hands of several state correction officers who beat him to death in a medical examination room while his hands were handcuffed behind his back. All those who enabled or participated in the horrific and lethal attack must be held accountable under the law and further actions must be taken to improve our state correctional facility operations. I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Legislature and with the Governor to accomplish meaningful policy change.  

The new Legislative Session begins next Wednesday January 8th when we are sworn in for the coming term. While the new year poses challenges, I remain optimistic and energized by the possibilities ahead. I thank you for placing your confidence in me and I look forward to continuing to serve you.

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

Mayer Property Insurance Bill Signed into Law

I am pleased to share that Governor Hochul has signed into law my bill, S8320A, to expand the geographical coverage of properties covered under the Coastal Market Assistance Program, which helps homeowners who struggle to find property insurance on the commercial market.  

With the ongoing threat of climate change and increasing incidences of extreme weather that have led to disastrous flooding around the state, particularly in our community, it is critical that we ensure residents are able to recover and rebuild after storms and that we maximize the opportunity for adequate insurance coverage.  

Mayer Election Conflict of Interest Bill Signed into Law

Governor Hochul signed a bill, S612D, I sponsored, along with Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, which reduces the possibility of conflicts of interest within local Boards of Election. The bill greatly limits the ability of election officials to run for office while they oversee elections in which they are participating as a candidate, and from other potential ethical conflicts. We have placed great trust in our Boards of Elections and this bill ensures their high ethical standards. 

Mayer IDA Representation Bill Vetoed

I am deeply disappointed that the Governor vetoed my bill, S4040B, to ensure that labor representatives, and representatives of school boards, are included as members in every IDA (Industrial Development Agency). These agencies grant tax breaks and other fiscal benefits to for-profit projects in all of our communities. It is critical that the voice of labor and school officials be included, even as minority voices within each IDA. I will continue to fight to find a path for this representation, and will not be deterred by this action this year.

Statewide School Tour 

I have been so fortunate to visit schools across New York State — seeing the innovative work they are doing to encourage civic engagement and meeting with students who participated in the New York State Education Department’s  “Seal of Civic Readiness” program. Thank you to the New York City High School for Health Professions and Human Services, the North Salem High School and other schools for allowing my colleagues and me to visit and meet with your students and staff.  I was especially honored that Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos of New York City Public Schools  joined my visit in NYC. I look forward to continuing my tour in the new year.

Interview with Capitol Pressroom and News12 on the Rockefeller Institute's Report on Foundation Aid 

Recently, I sat with Dave Lombardo of the Capitol Pressroom, and Jonathan Gordon of News12, to discuss the recent report of the Rockefeller Institute on New York’s “Foundation Aid Formula” which determines how the state funds public schools. In the coming year, I will continue to focus on ensuring our public schools have the resources they need to educate all New York State’s public school children. You can listen to the Capital Pressroom interview here and watch the News12 interview  here.

County Executive Latimer’s Farewell Address

I was honored to attend Westchester County Government Executive George Latimer’s Farewell address. The County has been fortunate to have had a County Executive who led with such competence, dedication, and presence in all our communities. Thank you for your commitment to our County, George Latimer. And good luck in the next Congress!

Annual Holiday Party and Diaper Donations to the Westchester County Diaper Bank

Thank you to everyone who joined me for my annual Holiday Party! It was fantastic to see everyone in the holiday spirit. Thank you to the White Plains Recreation & Parks Community Center for hosting us.

I am deeply grateful to the generosity of everyone who brought donations for the diaper drive. Together we were able to donate 2,485 diapers to the Westchester County Diaper Bank. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Honoring Lives Lost Due to Gun Violence 

Earlier this month, I was honored to speak at a vigil in solemn recognition of lives lost to gun violence, in commemoration of the 12th anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook.  Even as we remembered those lives, the following day  a community in Wisconsin was forever changed by another senseless act of gun violence in a school. I thank Moms Demand Action, the UCC Interfaith Coalition Against Gun Violence and the Scarsdale Congregational Church for hosting this important event.

Know Your Rights Informational Session 

I was delighted to host a Know Your Rights informational session to discuss rights and protections for the Haitian-American Community. My office is always here to provide assistance, answer your questions, and connect all of our neighbors with the appropriate agencies for help and guidance. 

Thank you to the Office of Attorney General Tish James, Westchester County, Neighbors Link, and the Hudson Valley Justice Center for partnering on the event, to the Slater Center in White Plains for hosting, and my Constituent Services and Community Affairs Director Christine Fils-Aime for coordinating.

Pound Ridge Received $7,634,900 in Clean Water Funding

​​I am pleased the Town of Pound Ridge was recently approved by New York State for $7,634,900 to address capacity and safety of its water supply.  I was proud to support this application with my colleague Assemblymember Chris Burdick. This investment in safe, reliable drinking water infrastructure is critical and will help protect the health and quality of life of all residents of the Town of Pound Ridge as well as the safe operation of businesses in the town. I thank Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hansan and Pound Ridge Wastewater Task Force Chair Ali Boak for their hard work, and  the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation for approving this significant grant.

How should NY dole out billions in school aid? Report suggests changes in outdated scheme

George Latimer says farewell in heartfelt valedictory as he heads for US Congress

Hochul vetoes bill requiring school district, union reps on industrial development agency boards

Senator Shelley Mayer Delivers 2,485 Donated Diapers to Westchester County Diaper Bank

Office of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer

235 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10605

Phone: (914) 934-5250

Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov