Friday, November 16, 2018


Dear Friend:

I am grateful to the residents of the 37th State Senate District for re-electing me on November 6th.
 
Since my election in April, 2018, I have met with many of the Mayors, Supervisors, School Superintendents and other elected officials and community leaders who represent the communities that comprise the district. They are a diverse group with strong commitments to their communities and a deep understanding of the issues that affect residents. I am grateful for their continued dialogue and guidance.
 
The November General Election brought with it a new NY State Senate Majority which will allow the state to lead on important issues that have been blocked for far too long. When the legislative session begins in January, I will be advocating for passage of election reform legislation, including modernizing our outdated laws and regulations. I have long supported reforms such as early voting, no-excuse absentee, and automatic voter registration, that have proven to increase voter participation in other states. Read more about these proposals in the section below.
 
With the new composition of the US Supreme Court, protecting women's health in New York State will be a priority during the upcoming legislative session. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) and the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act (CCCA). Together, they would codify the principles of the Roe v. Wade decision into New York State's public health law and ensure insurance coverage for FDA-approved contraception. Read more about the RHA and CCCA below.
 
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office if we can help you, you would like to make your opinion known on an issue, or if there is an event which you would like for me to attend.


Warm regards,
 
Shelley B. Mayer
New York State Senator
37th District

In This Issue
CONTACT ME

HOLIDAY DRIVE

District Office
222 Grace Church Street
Suite 300
Port Chester, NY 10573
914-934-5250
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During the Holiday Season, my District Office will be collecting donations for Feeding Westchester. We suggest donations of diapers, toiletries, and nonperishable items. For more suggestions of what's needed, click here


INCREASING VOTER PARTICIPATION
IN  NEW YORK STATE

NEW YORK STATE VOTER TURNOUT IN GUBERNATORIAL YEARS
Source: Journal News, click here for the full story.


There is much to celebrate regarding the significant increase in voter participation in this recent General Election. Compared to 40% in 2010, and 31% in 2014, the increase to 49% in 2018 is a positive trend, but it leaves a great deal of room to improve.
 
This past year, the State Senate Democratic Conference released the results of a survey   asking New York's registered voters who failed to participate in the 2016 General Election to identify the obstacles that kept them from casting a ballot. The proposals to increase voter participation rates will begin to address some of the obstacles voters noted.
 
I am hopeful that early in the legislative session, we will pass reforms such as early voting, no-excuse voting, and automatic voter registration, among other measures. My colleagues and I care deeply about opening up the democratic process and ensuring that the voices of all New Yorkers are heard. I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement policies that maximize the participation of citizens in our democracy.

PROTECTING WOMEN'S HEALTH

With the reality of the new composition of the US Supreme Court, the fate of women's reproductive healthcare and rights is uncertain. The new majority in the State Senate will prioritize protecting and improving women's reproductive healthcare options.
 
The Reproductive Health Act (RHA) and the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act (CCCA) codify the principles of the Roe v. Wade decision into New York State Public Health Law, where it belongs, and require health insurance companies to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive options, as well as contraceptive counseling and services.
 
The previous majority in the State Senate did not allow these bills to come to the floor for a vote. The new majority recognizes that both bills have overwhelming support among Westchester residents and New Yorkers. We will work on passing both bills in the upcoming legislative session which begins in January 2019.

37th DISTRICT NEWS


On Thursday, December 13th, from 4-6 PM, I'll be hosting my Annual Holiday Open House! I encourage old friends, new friends, and soon to be friends to join me for a celebration of the holidays. We will have  hors d'oeuvres and drinks. RSVP is required. Please click here  to let us know if you're coming.

At the Holiday Open House and in advance of the event, my District Office will be collecting donations for Feeding Westchester. We suggest donations of diapers, toiletries, and nonperishable food items. For a list of what's most needed, click here.


In addition to regular office hours (M-F, 9-5), my District Office in Port Chester is open every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for constituents who need assistance. Please feel free to drop by during that time or call at 914-934-5250. 


The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income homeowners and renters pay the cost of heating their home. For those who need assistance, the application period opened on Tuesday, November 13th. I encourage those who think they'll need help to call 1-800-342-3009 or visit http://mybenefits.ny.gov to learn more or apply.


WestCOP-ECAP needs our help collecting food for families this Holiday Season.
All donations can be brought to 142 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY 10707. For more information, call Don Brown at 914-337-7768.

Suggested Donations:
Canned Tuna, Salmon, Ham, Chicken & Beef;  Hot & Cold Cereal;  Pasta & Pasta Sauce;  Rice;  Complete Pancake Mix;  Macaroni & Cheese;  Canned Fruits and Vegetables.

Holiday Specific Donations:
Turkeys, Hams & Oven Stuffer Chickens;  Stuffing;  Salt, Pepper & Seasoning Packets;  Cranberry Sauce;  Mashed Potatoes;  Pie Crust & Filling;  Canned Milk;  Candied Yams, Gravy, Biscuits.

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