Dear Friends, 

With the first snowfall this past week, we are reminded of how beautiful New York can be in winter, but we are also reminded of safety precautions and to make some seasonal adjustments to our routines. To get the most enjoyment from the season, it is important to keep warm and stay safe, especially when shoveling snow or driving in bad weather. You can find a list of winter safety recommendations and important phone numbers at Westchestergov.com.

Our community does not slow down in the cold weather. We are fortunate to have a wealth of winter events and activities so close to home — you can find suggestions here! 

The weeks leading to the winter holiday season have been busy and exciting. It was my pleasure to honor three District 37 organizations with the New York State Empire Award for their outstanding commitment and service to our community. I am also grateful to everyone who attended our recent Holiday Open House and so generously shared donations for Feeding Westchester.

I am pleased that four of my sponsored bills have been delivered to Governor Kathy Hochul for her consideration.  I am hopeful the Governor will sign them this week. You may read about them in detail below.

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,

As I lit the first candle on Sunday, December 18, for the first day of Hanukkah, I share my wishes for light, joy, and unexpected miracles this season. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate!

Honoring Det. Sgt. Frank Gualdino

I was humbled to be among those honoring the memory of City of Yonkers Police Department Det. Sgt. Frank Gualdino, alongside his family, friends, and hundreds of police officers, firefighters and first responders from near and far away. It was a terribly sad day for all of us in the City of Yonkers and beyond. It was humbling to see the thousands that lined the streets to honor the life and death of Det. Sgt. Gualdino. He will surely be remembered for his life of service to others and commitment to our community.

Work to help Harrison Fire victims

I was glad to be able to provide assistance to the 32 Harrison families displaced in the apartment building fire of November 22. Thankfully, our first responders were able to act quickly and there were no injuries, but the tenants have lost much and require further help with shelter and humanitarian needs. I am grateful to our partners at the Community Resource Center and the Town/Village of Harrison, NY for providing a way to support these individuals and families. If you would like to contribute, you may do so here.

As Chair of the NYS Senate Education Committee, I continue to speak out - and to listen - in my effort to ensure every child receives the best education we can provide.

Hearing from Hudson Valley Education Leaders



I was glad to participate in a thoughtful exchange about public education in our region with the superintendents and school board members of the Lower Hudson Education Coalition, as well as with my colleagues in the state legislature at a zoom meeting this week.

$12 Million for Pre-K Funding Awarded 

The FY 2023 Enacted Budget includes a grand total of $125 million for pre-k funding. I am proud that this month the first step has been taken by awarding $12 million of that $125 million.  This is a historic investment that will change the lives of children and families across New York State. It will open doors for students and give them resources to grow, play, and learn. I am proud of the work the New York State Senate has done to ensure and promote opportunities for children across the state, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to expand access and improve implementation of this program.

Several of the bills I sponsored which passed both the Senate and the Assembly have been delivered to the Governor for her consideration. I will continue to advocate for these bills, and others that have yet to be delivered. To become law, they must be signed by the Governor before the end of the year.

Bills that have been Delivered: 

• S6828A/A9268: requires the New York State Department of Labor to notify unemployment assistance claimants whether their claim has been approved or denied within 30 days, as long as they have submitted all necessary information. 

• S9432/A7427: requires the MTA to develop a vegetation management policy for its commuter rail lines, including establishing communication guidelines and notice requirements, and ensuring the MTA limits impact on neighboring properties and the community. 

• S16D/A431C: prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills or supplements for weight loss or muscle building to minors.

• S5557A/A7383A: allows former NYC DEP police officers to transfer service credit to the New York State Local Police and Fire Retirement System. 

You can advocate for these bills as well, by contacting Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and asking her to sign them. 

Other Legislative Updates: 

Property Tax Break for Volunteer First Responders 

Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law a bipartisan bill that I supported to allow local governments the opportunity to provide a property tax exemption of up to 10% for volunteer first responders who have been serving in a fire department or ambulance corps for at least two years. These volunteers do incredible lifesaving work, and I am hopeful our local municipalities will adopt the legislation necessary to allow this change.

Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill Signed into Law

Governor Kathy Hochul also signed into law the Puppy Mill Pipeline bill to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores. I supported this bill, which will stop the abusive cycle of commercial breeding and encourage a more humane system of pet adoption. This law will take effect in 2024, to allow enough time to ensure all pets currently in stores are able to find safe and loving homes. 

On the Move in Westchester

Holiday Open House / Feeding Westchester

Thank you to everyone who came out or donated on December 8, for our drive to benefit Feeding Westchester. Together we donated a total of 894 lbs of food and provided 745 meals to our community. We are overwhelmed with the support and kindness shown. I encourage everyone to donate to our neighbors in need, however you are able to do so.

Open House for Spanish-Speaking Residents of Harrison

This month, I was pleased to join the Community Resource Center in hosting a meeting in Spanish in Harrison at the Quenas Restaurant. I want to be sure that everyone in our community knows my office and the Community Resource Center are here to help them and to serve them.

‘Make the Road' Town Hall 

I had a great time participating in the Town Hall sponsored by Make the Road in White Plains. Make the Road does essential work providing assistance to our Latino neighbors, including immigration help, and has a robust legislative agenda. I’m honored to work closely with them.

Byram Hills Girls Tennis Champs

We have outstanding athletes in Senate District 37. Congratulations to Byram Hills Girls Tennis for winning not only the Division 2 Doubles State Championship but also the Division 2 Team State Championship! Happy to present certificates to each team member!

New York State Empire Award Honorees

The New York State Empire Award honors small businesses and nonprofit organizations that make outstanding contributions to the growth, prosperity and betterment of their community and New York State. In Senate District 37, we are fortunate to have many small businesses and nonprofits that enrich our lives and create connections in our community – whether they provide food, culture, a place to gather, or direct assistance to people in need. Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to honor organizations that are truly deserving of this award!

Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc.

Pleased to present Chris Murphy, Sean Murphy, and the entire team at Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc. with the NYS Empire Award. Based in Mamaroneck for over 40 years, Murphy Brothers is known for award-winning “green” and energy-efficient construction projects.

Save the Sound

I was honored to present Save the Sound President Leah Lopez Schmalz and her amazing team with the NYS Empire Award. Through a combination of scientific and legal expertise, Save the Sound strives to protect the air, land, and waterways of our communities for future generations.

The Port Light

I was pleased to present the New York State Empire Award to Editor-in-Chief Shirley Guzman and the staff of “The Port Light,” in recognition of their outstanding work in resurrecting the student newspaper at Port Chester High School after more than 10 years. It is extraordinary to see what young people in our community are able to accomplish together.

Free COVID at-Home Tests

This week, President Biden announced that in order to stay ahead of COVID-19 this winter, the federal government will open COVIDTests.gov for a limited round of ordering tests. Each household can order a total of four at-home COVID-19 tests which will be mailed to them for free. Visit COVID.gov/tests - Free at-home COVID-19 tests to order. Those who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233. For more information, visit www.COVIDTests.gov.