Dear Friends,
First and foremost, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Police Officer Jason Rivera and pray for the recovery of Police Officer Wilbert Mora. My thoughts are with all the officers of the NYPD, who put their lives on the line to protect us, during this terrible and heartbreaking time.
This week, Governor Kathy Hochul released her proposed NYS budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. It was very positive and reflected the Governor’s continued commitment to fund education, transportation investment, economic regrowth, and other important initiatives. While there is always more that I want to see – particularly for home care and child care – I am extremely pleased by the tone and direction of Governor Hochul’s leadership and willingness to work together for the State.
I continue to push for reform based on our experiences during and after Hurricane Ida. In anticipation of furthering my initiatives on storm recovery and flooding resiliency in the adopted state budget, we have created a survey regarding storm damage, losses, reimbursement, and out-of-pocket expenditures related to Hurricane Ida. Please take a few moments to fill out the form so I am fully informed about the extent of loss suffered.
This Monday, I will be hosting an information session on the Homeowner Assistance Fund with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Pete Harckham, and Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. In addition, next Saturday, January 29, my Youth Advisory Council will hold its 2nd Annual Coat & Diaper Drive. More information on both of these events is available below.
Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I recognize the passing in the last week of the Honorable Reginald LaFayette. LaFayette previously served as Chairman of the Westchester Democratic Committee for over 15 years and was a Commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections at the time of his death. I knew Reggie well, and he led with principle, decorum, a profound faith in the institutions of our democracy, and a commitment to fairness and justice.
As always, if there is anything my office can do to assist you, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.
Warm regards,
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Shelley B. Mayer
State Senator
37th District
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Homeowner Assistance Fund Information Session |
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**Spanish translation will be available on Zoom only.**
The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF) is a federally-funded program providing assistance to eligible homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it is expected that there will be more applications than funding available, and applications are being processed as they are received.
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Governor Hochul Presents Executive Budget Proposal |
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On Tuesday, January 18, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her fiscal year 2022-2023 Executive Budget Proposal to the legislature. I am pleased that her Executive Budget maintains the state’s commitment to fully fund Foundation Aid over the course of 3 years. This commitment was laid out in last year’s adopted budget, and is critical to providing all children the quality education to which they are entitled.
Our schools continue to face serious challenges that have been brought on and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this year’s budget, we must address the recruitment and retention of teachers, principals and staff; the mental health of our students; and growing academic disparities. In addition, we must ensure our special education students receive the services they need to thrive.
In the coming months, I will advocate for all of our students – from early childhood through post-graduation educational programs – in discussions with my colleagues and the Governor’s office.
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I was honored to preside over the New York State Senate on Thursday, January 20, as we confirmed the nominations of NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett, Chair and CEO of the MTA Janno Lieber, and MTA Board Member Elizabeth Velez.
As a member of the Senate Corporations Committee, I participated in the lengthy confirmation hearing of Janno Lieber prior to his confirmation as Chair and CEO of the MTA. I raised with him my proposal for a temporary "fare holiday" on all divisions of the MTA, including Metro-North, to jumpstart the NYC economy over the next few weeks. I believe we need some bold ideas to get all New Yorkers back into NYC, and am convinced that weekend fare holidays might be part of the answer. Whether it's taking the kids to the Museum of Natural History, having a Queens eating tour, or visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, we need every tool available to encourage public transit into and within the City. I encourage the MTA to consider a "fare holiday" this winter to do just that.
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Youth Advisory Council
2nd Annual Coat & Diaper Drive
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Distributing Masks & Rapid Tests |
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Delivering COVID-19 tests and N95 masks to Aisling Irish Community Center
Executive Director Sandra Feeney Charles and Board Member Agnes Delaney in Yonkers.
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My Chief of Staff, Rachel Estroff, delivering COVID-19 tests to the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. |
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As you have probably already heard, every home in the United States is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to order your tests today!
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222 Grace Church Street, Suite 300
Port Chester, NY 10573
Phone: (914) 934-5250
Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov
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