Community Update: Woman of Distinction, Honoring Japanese American Activists, and Bills Passing

Dear Friends,

I hope everyone had a beautiful Memorial Day and Memorial Day weekend, as we honor and remember the thousands of brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The 2024 legislative session is nearing its last couple of weeks and I am eager to update you on all we have accomplished and all we will continue to work on before June 6, when the session ends. At the same time, I have been busy meeting with and listening to my constituents, from Rye to Eastchester, North Castle to Mamaroneck, and everywhere in between. I appreciate the incredible engagement in our district and the commitment to community that I get to witness.

The past couple weeks in Albany have been extra special. I was fortunate to honor Joan Grangenois-Thomas as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. A Village Trustee in Port Chester and a former Village Deputy Mayor, Joan has made tremendous contributions to Port Chester and to Westchester County for over three decades. Her advocacy on behalf of women and children and her commitment to equality and equity are unmatched. In all of her work, she strives to uplift those around her and empower them to be seen, heard, and valued.

I also had the honor of welcoming Koji Sato, Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto, and Carolyn Furumoto to Albany to be honored by the New York State Legislature for their work preserving the memory of Fred Korematsu and promoting knowledge of Japanese-American History. “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution”, a bill I sponsored in the NYS Senate, would establish a day of commemoration in New York State in honor of this brave Japanese-American who resisted the US internment camps.

Finally, the last few weeks have been upsetting and challenging as we have witnessed college students, including some here in Westchester, protesting the war in the Middle East in ways that are intimidating and offensive to many Jewish students. I strongly support peaceful protest and activism, and will continue to do so but I also want to make sure that the concerns of Jewish students at these campuses are heard, and that college leadership understands their obligation to keep all students safe and protected. This activity coincides with a terrible rise in antisemitism, which cannot be accepted in silence. I believe that we must stay strong and dedicated to speaking out, supporting and demonstrating civil debate and discourse, and pushing for an immediate cease fire, return of the hostages, and a path towards a long-term peace in the Middle East.

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

Albany Update: Legislative & Budget Update

Mayer Bills Pass the Senate

I am proud that several of my bills passed the Senate (and some passed the Assembly as well) over the past couple of weeks.

S.9054, will create a new framework for conducting annual professional performance reviews of teachers and principals that prioritizes educator growth and the wellbeing of students and will increase transparency. I am deeply grateful for the education stakeholders who worked together to reach a consensus. My colleague, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto also passed this bill in the Assembly, so it now heads to the Governor’s desk. You can watch my remarks here.

S. 8331, to declare January 13 as a day of commemoration known as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution,” passed the Senate unanimously. Fred Korematsu was an American hero who refused to be interned during World War II as a Japanese-American. He was convicted for evading internment but that order was overturned in 2018. “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” will be the first day of commemoration in New York State law for an Asian American. You can watch my remarks here.

S.3340, will modernize the state’s process for filing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). This bill passed as part of an important legislative package to strengthen protections for victims of domestic and sexual violence. The bill will require all temporary and final ERPOs to be reported to the statewide computerized registry for orders of protection and arrest warrants, giving law enforcement throughout New York easier access to critical public safety information. You can watch my remarks here. The bill has now passed the Assembly as well.

S.611B, to require commissioners of county boards of election to be full time employees, passed the Senate. This follows the recommendation of a Report of the Senate Election Committee after hearings around the state about ways to improve local election operation.

S612C, will minimize the risk of conflicts of interest in the Board of Elections by prohibiting any board of elections employee from remaining on the board's payroll while running for an office that is supervised by the board they work for. I am hopeful the bill will pass the Assembly shortly.

Honoring Koji Sato, Tak Furumoto, and Carolyn Furumoto

I was honored to welcome Koji Sato, Tak Furumoto, and Carolyn Furumoto to Albany to recognize them for their work for the Japanese-American community and promoting the legacy of Fred Korematsu. I am proud to sponsor the bill to proclaim January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. I am grateful to Mr. Sato and Mr. and Mrs. Furumoto for their dedication to educating the next generation on the legacy of Japanese American history.

Here are my remarks on the accomplishments of Koji Sato, Tak Furumoto, and Carolyn Furumoto.

Joan Grangenois-Thomas, New York State Senate Woman of Distinction

I was proud to nominate the fantastic Joan Grangenois-Thomas as my Woman of Distinction for 2024 in the New York State Senate. She serves as a Trustee and is a Former Deputy Mayor of the Village of Port Chester. She is also a communications maven and a highly effective long-time community leader.

Standing with East Ramapo Students

I am grateful for the students, parents, and advocates who traveled to Albany to continue the fight for the kids of East Ramapo Central School District, who face devastating cuts and inadequate educational programs. These students deserve the best public education possible and I believe that we must do more for them. We were joined by advocates from the New York Civil Liberties Union and Proyecto Faro. You can watch my remarks here.

Fighting for EMS

I was proud to join the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and my colleagues to urge for the passage of legislation that will prioritize EMS providers, including my bill S. 4020C that will designate EMS as an essential service. We must do more to ensure EMS personnel have the resources and support they need. I thank Assemblyman Steve Otis for championing this bill in the Assembly, my colleagues, and NYSAC for their leadership, as well as the dedicated, selfless EMS community.

Participating in a League of Women Voters' State Government "Shadowing" Program

I had a terrific time speaking with high school students from my district during their trip to Albany for the 24th Annual Students Inside Albany Conference, hosted by the League Of Women Voters of NYS. They spent much of the afternoon with me and watching the Senate deliberate.

Reverend Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith in Albany

I was so pleased to welcome Reverend Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, of the Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in White Plains, and his wife, Dr. Brenda L.G. Smith, to Albany this week for Reverend Dr. Smith to deliver the Senate’s invocation.

Home School Education Day

I was happy to host Home School New York/LEAH (Loving Education At Home) to Albany this week for their annual Education Day. I respect the choices of these parents to bring quality education to their children in the way they see fit.

In the Community

Memorial Day Across Westchester

I was honored to attend many Memorial Day Ceremonies throughout Westchester. I went to ceremonies held by the Rye Fire Department, City of Rye, Yonkers VFW post 1166, and Harrison; and walked in the Bronxville and Mamaroneck parades. I am deeply grateful for everyone who has served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Securing Funding for Flood Mitigation Project

I was pleased to join Assemblyman Steve Otis to announce that we secured $10.58 million in this year’s state budget designated to fully fund the State’s increased share of the long-standing Mamaroneck-Sheldrake Army Corp of Engineers flood mitigation project. This funding, together with County funding, will allow the project to move ahead after many delays while at the same time identifying sources of funding for other projects that will address persistent flooding in the community. I thank my colleague Assemblyman Otis for his partnership, as well as Governor Hochul, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, County Executive Latimer, Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Torres, and Mamaroneck Trustees for their continued advocacy and being champions of this cause.

Restoration of School Foundation Aid

I was happy to join Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblymember Chris Burdick, and the Bedford Central School District community to celebrate the restoration of nearly $1.6 million in Foundation Aid to the district. I deeply appreciate the parents, teachers, school board members, superintendents, advocates, and PTA members – many of whom joined us today – whose hard work helped ensure Bedford schools did not lose nearly $1.6 million of school funding

Honored by Yonkers CPTA

I was deeply touched to be honored by the Yonkers Council of PTA/PTSAs at their Scholarship Dinner, alongside my friend Robin Brumfield. I was surrounded by friends and colleagues and the love in the room was palpable! Thank you to the YCPTA for this tribute and for your friendship and thank you to Mayor Mike Spano, Dr. Alexandria Connelly, Assemlymember Mary Jane Shimsky, and the many others who joined us.

Speaking at the Rochambeau Festival

I was pleased to attend and speak during the second annual Rochambeau Festival. As we get closer to the 250 Anniversary of the American Revolution, we must continue to celebrate the rich history of the American Revolution and the importance New York played in it, as well as the roles General Rochambeau and the French Army and General Washington and the Continental Army played. Thank you to the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission/Yorktown 250 for organizing this great festival!

Haitian Flag Raising

I had a great time in New Rochelle for the Haitian Flag Day Celebration, with Myriam Decime and my Director of Constituent Services and Community Affairs, Christine Fils-Aime.

Carver Center Scholarship Reception

I was fortunate to stop by the Carver Center Scholarship Reception, where 18 Port Chester High School Seniors and Carver Center alumni were awarded with college scholarships. Congratulations to all the recipients and I look forward to seeing all you do!

Imagymnasium Anniversary

I was so pleased to attend Imagymnasium Preschool’s fifth anniversary party! Imagymnasium and its hard working staff do a remarkable job bringing excitement and the love of learning to all the children. Thank you to Lena Gelman, Director of Imagymnasium, for inviting me to join the fun!

New York State Bar Association Civics Convocation

I participated with several distinguished colleagues at a panel at the New York State Bar Association Civics Convocation, "To Safeguard our Democracy: Making the Case for Civics Education." I strongly support more emphasis on civics education, in the classroom and beyond! I was proud to join NYS Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa, Chancellor Dr. Lester Young, Jr., Dr. Jonathan Collins and Nicolas D’Amuro on this panel, as well as Liz Benjamin who served as Moderator.

White Plains Mariachi Festival

I had a fantastic time at the White Plains High School Mariachi festival and first-ever mole competition. I was happy to be one of the mole judges and to have the opportunity to taste so much magnificent food. Congratulations to White Plains High School, the WPHS mariachi band, Mariachi Juvenil Los Tigres, the students, and the community for a successful fundraiser. I look forward to next year!

Larchmont Earth Day with Marlene Kolbert

I had a great time at the Larchmont Earth Day celebration at Constitution Park and was pleased to join the celebration as Marlene Kolbert was presented with an award for her many contributions to the Larchmont Environmental Committee and her extraordinary advocacy for our environment.