Community Update: Testifying About ConEd, Community Clean Up, Back to School Drive

Dear Friends,

I can hardly believe July is almost coming to a close. I have been fortunate to spend much of this summer in the community, enjoying many free summer activities, hosting my virtual end-of-session town hall, attending key events and hearing from my constituents.

Among other things, this week I testified about Con Edison’s Climate Change Resilience Plan before the New York State Department of Public Service in White Plains. I argued that ConEd must improve its resiliency, but it cannot be allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers. They have already received very generous increases approved in the last rate case, making additional increases unnecessary and unduly burdensome on ratepayers. I have heard from many of you about sky-high delivery charges, some of which have been more than double the supply charge. As the Commission outlines its strategies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to climate change vulnerabilities, it is critical that they also prioritize mitigating the financial impact on consumers. Click here to read my full testimony.

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

Legislative Update

SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government’s Hearings on Foundation Aid Formula

SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government is holding five public hearings throughout New York this summer to hear testimony about the State’s Foundation Aid Formula. These hearings come as part of the requirement in this year’s budget that the Rockefeller Institute study the Foundation Aid Formula and issue recommendations. This formula, enacted in 2007, determines how much each school district in the state receives in state aid. Each hearing will feature invited speakers from the education community, including superintendents, education advocacy groups, academic experts, leaders in education research, and representatives of unions, followed by a public comment period. The public is encouraged to sign up and speak — this study is critical for everyone who cares about our public schools. Each speaker will be given two minutes for their remarks and must register to speak.

I was glad to be able to attend much of the first hearing and was pleased that many stakeholders from Westchester were present and made their voices heard.

Locations and Dates for the Remaining Public Hearings:

July 30, 2024 | Long Island

Weldon E. Howitt Middle School

70 Vancott Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735

August 8, 2024 | Central New York

Laurens Central School

55 Main St, Laurens, NY 13796

August 14, 2024 | Capital Region

Guilderland High School

8 School Road, Guilderland, NY 12085

Testimony for invited speakers will begin at 2 p.m. and public comment for registered speakers will begin at 5:30 p.m. To register, visit the Institute’s Foundation Aid Study page. Comments can also be provided through written testimony submitted on the online form, found here.

In the Community

Legislative Town Halls

Thank you to everyone who joined one of my Legislative Town Halls over the last few weeks to recap the 2024 Legislative Session. I was pleased to host a town hall in Bedford alongside Senator Pete Harkcham and a second one this week via Zoom. I appreciate everyone who came to ask questions and hear our priorities. You can watch the Zoom Town Hall here.

Groundbreaking for Westchester Medical Center Critical Care Tower

I was pleased to join Westchester Medical Center, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, and leaders in our community for the groundbreaking of the WMCHealth Critical Care Tower. We are so fortunate to have incredible teams of dedicated medical professionals here in Westchester, and this new addition will continue to push WMC ahead in innovation while ensuring we have top-of-the-field healthcare providers with appropriate support so our neighbors can receive the very best care in their time of need.

Cleaning Up Port Chester Train Station

I was pleased to co-sponsor a clean-up of the Port Chester Metro North Station this weekend with Save the Earth from A to Z We Are One. I am inspired by all the young people doing their part to keep our community clean. Thank you to all the volunteers!

Red Cross Blood Drive in Larchmont

Thank you to the Village of Larchmont, American Legion Post 347, all my friends at the American Red Cross, and everyone who came to donate blood this week. I was happy to donate, with the help of my friend Yma Melendez, who has helped me give blood before!

Ribbon Cutting at Delfino Park in White Plains

I was happy to join White Plains Mayor Tom Roach for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new picnic shelter and basketball court at Delfino Park! The project, which also contains a newly created area where children can ride bikes and play games, was funded by the City of White Plains and a state grant secured by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Securing Funding for Scarsdale Police Department

I was pleased to present the Scarsdale Police Department with a state grant to assist with the purchase of two police motorcycles. It is important to all of us that our police officers have all the resources they need to keep our communities safe. Thank you to Chief Matturro and the Scarsdale Police Department for your professionalism and commitment.

Marine Science Field Day in New Rochelle

I had a great time at a “marine science field day,” learning about the Long Island Sound and environmental stewardship with the Mercy University STEM program students, led by New Rochelle Evo-Ambassadors! Thank you to the Energy Justice Law & Policy Center for convening the event.

Italian Heritage Festival

I very much enjoyed the Italian Heritage Festival at Kensico Dam and was fortunate to join Lisa LaRocca in congratulating special honoree John DeCicco of DeCicco & Sons and his wife Marie! Thank you to Westchester County Parks for another beautiful festival, and thank you to DeCicco’s for everything you do for our communities!

My Summer Interns

I am grateful to have four fantastic young adults – Astrid from Port Chester, Gwen from Port Chester, Ashley from Armonk, and Justin from Scarsdale – interning in my district office this summer, working with my Constituent Services department. I am inspired by their compassion and hard work! Thank you for your service to our community. My office is currently accepting applications for fall of 2024. If you are interested in a fall internship in my district office, please fill out the form at this link. The deadline to apply is August 1.

Upcoming Events

Back to School Drive with United Way of Westchester and Putnam

As the new school year approaches, please consider donating supplies to help our students and teachers! I’m proud to partner with United Way of Westchester and Putnam to host another Student & Teacher Back-to-School Drive. You can drop supplies off at any of the four locations listed.

Access to Care Health Fair

Everyone deserves access to great health care. Proud to be a partner of the Access To Care Health Fair at Open Door Mamaroneck on Saturday, August 5! Join us between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for information about health and wellness from community-based organizations, and enjoy fun activities, entertainment and raffles for the whole family!