Dear Friends,

It’s been a busy few weeks but it appears we are close to an agreement on a New York State budget. I’m disappointed it’s late, but I’m hoping we vote on the provisions this coming week and move ahead with our legislative business. 

Last week, I welcomed Korean War Veterans to our inaugural ceremony in the New York State Senate, thanks to the advocacy of many in my Veterans Advisory Committee. I also sponsored and spoke on the resolution honoring the State of Israel on its 75th Anniversary, welcomed the Education Commissioner to our State Senate Education Committee meeting, and met with numerous advocates in Albany to ensure their voices were heard.

At home, I submitted testimony before the Indian Point Nuclear Decommissioning Oversight Board expressing my opposition to Holtec’s plan to discharge radioactive wastewater in the Hudson River, spoke at the League of Women Voters: Running and Winning program for Westchester high school girls, attended the Witness Stones inaugural project with the students from Holy Child in Rye, danced with the guests at the Holocaust Survivor Celebration of Israel luncheon, and attended numerous other local Earth Day celebrations and events. 

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,

Budget Update

It appears we are close to a resolution of the budget. I look forward to reviewing the specifics of each of the major provisions that were the subject of controversy, but for me, some of the highlights include the following:

• The final year of the full payment of Foundation Aid owed to many school districts in the state pursuant to a need-based formula adopted in 2007. It is a major policy success that these funds have been allocated to support our public schools.
• Additional funding and flexibility for full-day pre-k for 4-year-olds outside New York City.
• Strong progress towards funding for breakfast and lunch for every school child, regardless of ability to pay.
• Continued support for our special schools for our most vulnerable children with special needs.
• Modification of the bail provisions to provide judges with greater discretion in serious felony cases to ensure defendants return to court.
• Rejection of the housing compact, which I believe was not focused on affordability and adequate community-specific provisions.
• Additional health insurance protections for EMS workers in quasi-governmental units.
• Expansion of presumptive heart disability for Police and Fire officers outside NYC, where it already existed. 
• Multiple additional environmental, and social support and other improvements in funding and New York law. 

I will provide a more detailed summary and my comments after the budget is adopted. 

Inaugural Korean War Veterans Celebration



I was honored to welcome Korean Water Veterans to Albany this week for the inaugural Korean War Veteran Celebration. I am particularly appreciative of the work of my Veterans Advisory Committee members, NYPD Detective and Korean War veteran, Randy Jurgensen; Vietnam Veteran, Colonel Chet Edwards; and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, Sergeant Joshua Gaccione. With the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Chair of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton, I am so pleased we were able to make this long-overdue event happen.

Resolution for the State of Israel's 75th Anniversary of Independence

Congratulations to the State of Israel on the 75th Anniversary of its independence. With the highest population of Jews in the nation, New York must do everything possible to combat the rise in antisemitism and promote the values of freedom, democracy, and peace. Thank you to the American Jewish Committee for your presence and your dedicated work to fight antisemitism. 

Fighting for the Raise the Wage Act, $21.25 by 2026

I was proud to stand with many of my colleagues alongside workers, business owners, and other supporters of the Raise the Wage Act. I am hopeful the state budget moves the minimum wage ahead to reflect the increased cost of living and particularly, the cost of housing. Read more in the Examiner News, here. 

Witness Stones Project Installation Ceremony



I was honored to attend the School of the Holy Child’s powerful Witness Stones Project Installation Ceremony at the Knapp House in Rye. These remarkable middle school students researched the local history of slavery and humanized the lives of two enslaved individuals, Rose and her son Jack. Thank you to Ms. Kathleen Glatthaar for the invitation to this important event and the Rye Historical Society for its support of this important work. 

Thank you to the Witness Stones Project for continuing to educate the young people in our community about the importance of restoring history and honoring the humanity of the enslaved people who helped build our communities. 

Earth Day Throughout Westchester

I am happy to have spent Earth Day throughout the district. From attending the 100th anniversary of the Mamaroneck Public Library to stopping by Larchmont and Pound Ridge, and a visit to Arbor Day in Eastchester, it was wonderful to speak with so many people who are dedicated to the small and large things we can do to save our planet. 

Beginning this Spring, New York State will no longer automatically renew insurance plans for people who have health insurance through New York State Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan. If you are enrolled in any of these programs, you may need to take action to renew your health insurance or the insurance of your family members. Here are some steps you can take to be prepared:

Sign up for SMS/MMS Text alerts from NY State of Health so you don’t miss any important updates. To subscribe, text START to 1-866-988-0327.

Make sure New York State has your current mailing address, phone number and email address so they can contact you about your health insurance. To update your information:

• Call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220) 
• Log into your account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or  contact an enrollment assistor 
• If you enrolled in Medicaid through your county’s Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration, contact that office to update your address and contact information. 

Take Action. When it is time to renew your health insurance, you will receive a letter from NY State of Health or a renewal packet if you enrolled through your county’s Local Department of Social Services or the New York City Human Resources Administration.  This letter/packet will tell you how to renew your coverage and how much time you have to respond. 

These changes also apply to the Child Health Plus program. For more information about New York State’s health insurance for children, ​​call 1-800-698-4KIDS (1-800-698-4543). If you are hearing impaired, call the TTY number, 1-877-898-5849.

For more information, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Westchester Charities Symposium

On May 17, the Office of Attorney General Letitia James will host a Charities Symposium to learn about and discuss the number of charities and organizations around Westchester that are doing great things. Click here to register, registration is free. 

Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship for Nurses

The application period for the 2023 Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship for nurses is now open. This scholarship is for New York State LPNs and RNs to pursue a life-long career in home and community-based care. Click here for more information and to apply. The deadline is June 1, 2023.