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Dear Friends,
It has been a busy and productive week in Albany with the impending State Budget. I am pleased that one of my bills has passed the Senate and several others have moved through their respective Senate Committees.
I continue to be vocal about the necessity of restoring funds owed to our schools in the final New York State budget due April 1st. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, this is my number one priority in the budget negotiations. Please join my efforts by calling the Governor at 1-518-474-8390 to express your views.
I want to remind you that on Wednesday, March 6, I am hosting a webinar, together with PULP and Sustainable Westchester, to address sky-high Con Ed bills. The webinar will cover some of the policy changes we are working on in the Senate to address this issue and also provide residents with information on lowering their energy costs and available financial assistance. I hope you can join us for this informative webinar; more information is below. Please click here or scroll down to the top of the “Resources” section to see what more can be done regarding your high ConEd bills, including filing a complaint with the Department of Public Service/Public Service Commission (DPS/PSC) and calling the Governor’s Office. I want to assure you that I am using all tools available to fight against rate increases, and I will continue to do so.
If there is anything my office can assist you with, 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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Mayer Bill Passing the Senate
I am pleased my bill, S.2297, passed the Senate this week. This bill will allow for independent examination and audit of industrial development agencies and not-for-profits corporations by county comptrollers. New York state law authorizes industrial development agencies (IDAs) to grant incentives, including tax abatements and payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs), to businesses and projects to promote job growth and the vitality of our local economies. The actions taken by IDAs, including granting PILOTs and tax abatements, and the terms of those incentives, have substantial impacts on community members, workers, and taxpayers, yet many of these actions are veiled from those that are affected. This bill will add another level of accountability by allowing local audits, increasing public confidence in institutions designed to help people.
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Mayer Bills Moving Through Senate Committees
I am pleased that four of my bills have moved through their respective committees.
S.8409A, moved through the Senate Education Committee. This bill will require nonpublic schools to provide on-site automatic external defibrillator (AED) equipment on school grounds and ensure that AED equipment is available for off-site curricular events, extracurricular events or school-sponsored athletic events.
S.6050, moved through the Senate Finance Committee. This bill will require the use of project labor agreements for large scale construction projects by the SUNY Construction Fund.
S.2976, moved through the Senate Labor Committee. This bill will require the Department of Labor to give notice to applicants for unemployment insurance within 30 days stating whether their application was approved or denied.
S. 6551, moved through the Senator Labor Committee. This bill will allow those applying for unemployment benefits to request a hearing if they do not receive benefits or a notice of initial determination within 30 days of completing an application and to require the Department of Labor to notify them of their right to a hearing when they apply.
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Fighting for School Funding
I was pleased to stand with the New York State PTA and many other groups that fight for our schools to call for proper and fair funding for our schools in the New York State Budget. The state must fulfill the amount of Foundation Aid our schools are owed under the current law, by restoring the statutory inflationary factor and “save harmless” so schools can continue the tremendous work they are doing to support their students and communities.
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Parks Advocacy Day
I was happy to run into my friends Suzanne Clary from Jay Heritage Center, Susan Polikoff and Mary Ann Williams from Walkway Over the Hudson, and Nick Matsakis from Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh, while they were in Albany for Parks Advocacy Day.
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Speaking on Rare Disease Day
February 29 has been proclaimed Rare Disease Day in New York State. Those with rare diseases and their families face tremendous challenges. I am fortunate to know remarkable members of our community who have been leading the fight for funding and support for rare diseases, and I honor the memory of those leaders who have passed on.
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Youth Advisory Council Retreat
I had a fantastic time with my Youth Advisory Council during their retreat last weekend. I am inspired by these young people who are engaged and dedicated to building their leadership and advocacy skills. Thank you to Sara Alpert, Strategic Director at Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison for speaking to the group and to the White Plains Public Library for hosting us and to my terrific staff, Perla Arellano and Christine Fils-Aime for their leadership.
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Yonkers African American Heritage Committee Humanitarian Awards
I was so glad to stop by the Yonkers African American Heritage Committee Black History Month event to see my friends Evan Bishop & Katori Walker honored with the Community Humanitarian Awards! They have used their incredible creativity & artistry to make social change!
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Webinar with Sustainable Westchester and PULP about
High Utility Bills
Facing high energy bills this winter? Join NYS State Senator Shelley Mayer, Sustainable Westchester and Public Utility Law Project on Wednesday, March 6, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. to learn what can be done to address high utility bills. Spanish and ASL translation will be available. Registration required, sign up here.
¿Enfrenta facturas de energía elevadas este invierno? Acompañe a la senadora estatal del estado de Nueva York, Shelley Mayer, al Proyecto de Ley de Servicios Públicos y Westchester Sostenible el miércoles 6 de marzo, de 5:30 a 6:30 p.m. para saber qué se puede hacer para abordar las elevadas facturas de servicios públicos. Habrá traducción al español y ASL. Se requiere registro: tinyurl.com/MayerUtilityWebinar2024
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Free After-School Programming at Clay Arts Center
Clay Arts Center’s free “Around the World in Clay” program offers Port Chester middle- and high school students the opportunity to learn about the history and importance of ceramics in various cultures around the world while giving each student the freedom to interpret and create themed projects using their own unique perspectives and imagination. Space is limited but there is still time to register online, here.
MONDAYS: For Port Chester Middle School students
Time: 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Clay Art Center
Dates: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18
TUESDAYS: For Port Chester High School students
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (2 hours)
Location: Clay Art Center
Dates: 3/5, 3/12
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Larchmont Farmers Market, Saturdays, Year-Round
The Larchmont Farmers Market is open year-round, sells fresh local food, and accepts EBT/SNAP. It takes place every Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the Metro North parking deck off Chatsworth Avenue. Enter via Myrtle Boulevard.
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North of I-287 Job Fair
Looking for a job in Northern Westchester? Register for the North of I-287 Job Fair and connect with a wide range of employers including nonprofits, government agencies and local businesses. When: March 7, 9:30 a.m - 12 p.m. Where: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 East Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY.
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Advancing Employment for People with Disabilities
Join Nonprofit Westchester Disability Affinity Group and Westchester Human Resources Management Association to learn about the resources and tools available to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Listen and engage with a panel of experts and visit information stations.
When: March 8, 2024, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Westchester Library System, 4th floor
570 Taxter Road, Elmsford, NY 10523
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Musica y Mole Festival at White Plains High School
Join White Plains High School’s mariachi band, Mariachi Juvenil Los Tigres, for a day full of Mexican food, live music and fun! When: Saturday, April 27, 12-5 p.m. Where: White Plains High School student parking lot, 550 North Street, White Plains.
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Rotary Club of White Plains: Linens, Pillows & Towels Drive
Many immigrants come to this country with only a small bag of belongings. You can help make them more comfortable by donating new towels or new full-size sheets, pillows and pillowcases to the Rotary Club of White Plains’ linen drive. Drop your donations off at one of the following White Plains locations by March 15:
- Orange Bank & Trust, 42 Waller Ave.
- Howard Hanna Rand Realty, 222 Bloomingdale Rd.
- El Centro Hispano, Inc., 295 Central Ave.
- Houlihan Lawrence Realty, 237 Mamaroneck Ave.
- Ice Cream Social, 481 Mamaroneck Ave.
Monetary donations are also accepted. Make checks payable to Rotary Club of White Plains and mail to: PO Box 1712, White Plains, NY 10602
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Westchester Diverse Abilities Job Fair
County Executive George Latimer invites you to the Westchester Diverse Abilities Job Fair! Open to everyone who is differently abled. Connect with White Plains employers and interview on the spot. Pre-registration is required, and all registered attendees will receive a follow-up email to sign up for time slots to meet with interviewers.
Register by clicking the QR code on the flyer or by visiting rb.gy/ihxfd3 in your browser. For more information or help with registration, contact Jeff Zitofsky at 914-995-2956.
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Coalition Demands More State Funding for Local Roadways | |
Lawmakers, Teamsters Local 456 demand more funding for dangerous NY roads | |
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Terribly High Con Edison Bills
I have heard from many constituents who are justifiably angry about the unacceptably high gas and electric bills from Con Ed that they have received this winter, and I share the outrage. I want to share with you some of the steps I am taking to address this crisis, as well as actions you can take.
Join the Upcoming Webinar on Utility Costs: On Wednesday, March 6th, I am hosting a webinar, together with PULP and Sustainable Westchester, which will cover some of the policy changes we are working on in the Senate and also provide residents with information on lowering energy costs and exploring available financial assistance. Please join us; more information is below in the Upcoming Events section.
Complain to the Public Service Commission: File a complaint with the Department of Public Service/Public Service Commission (DPS/PSC) which regulates utilities in New York State. We must raise our voices together! You can do so online here: Department of Public Service or by calling 800-342-3377.
Support My Bill to Limit the “Return on Equity” in PSC calculation of rates: Unfortunately, most utility companies have routinely received rate increase after rate increase, constrained only by the Public Service Commission’s willingness to rein in those increases. I have repeatedly opposed these requests and will continue to do so. In the meantime, I have proposed major legislation to rein in utility costs:
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S6557A: My bill would limit the “return on equity,” or ROE, of the utilities that the PSC regulates. If passed and signed, this would translate into lower bills from Con Edison for ratepayers across the district. This bill passed the Senate last year, but not the Assembly. I’m fighting to pass it again this year and we need your help!
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I also co-sponsor the NY HEAT ACT, S2016B, sponsored by my colleague Senator Liz Krueger, which would ensure that no residential customer pays more than 6% of their household income on energy bills. It would also require the PSC to develop a plan for implementing the 6% cap.
Call the Governor’s office: I encourage you to call the Governor’s office at 1-518-474-8390 as well as DPS/PSC to complain about these outrageous bills.
In the meantime, Public Utility Law Project (PULP) offers assistance to New York consumers faced with high energy costs, and can direct you to available resources and/or advocate on your behalf with the utility company. You can find them here: Public Utility Law Project.
I know these actions do not provide the relief you need right now. But I am using all the tools at my disposal to fight against these rate increases that make the basic necessities of life unaffordable to many of my constituents. I will continue to do so.
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Seeking Interns for my District Office
I am seeking high school and college students who are interested in serving as interns in my office in White Plains.
The internship provides participants an opportunity to learn more about the work and daily operations of a NYS Senate district office. Interns will work closely with my staff in one or more areas -- assisting constituents, tracking community issues, doing legal research, maintaining databases, and/or working with our media and communications team. General office support may also be required. Applicants should have strong writing skills and a strong work ethic.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume by email to Maryanne Joyce at mjoyce@nysenate.gov.
The deadline to submit an application for the summer program is March 15, 2024. Prospective interns will receive a decision by mid-April.
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Accepting Nominations for Youth Leadership Recognition Awards
Is there a high school sophomore, junior or senior you know who deserves to be recognized as a leader in their community? Teachers or school administrators can nominate students who excel academically or through extracurricular and volunteer activities for the New York State Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award. Click here for more information and to nominate. All nominations must be submitted by March 22, 2024.
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Scholarship Opportunity for Sound Shore High School Students
The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound has begun the application process for the 2024 Marge Manley Community Scholarship. This scholarship, in the amount of $5,000, will be awarded to a high school senior attending high school in Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, Rye Neck, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, or New Rochelle who can demonstrate a record of service to their community that goes beyond what is required by their schools. Eligible students must be planning to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the 2024-2025 school year.
Apply here by April 17: https://jlwos.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/77060 or email grantsandscholarships@jlwos.org for more information.
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Seeking Nominations for the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is seeking nominations to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. This registry recognizes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history. The program is an opportunity for state elected officials (State Senate and Assembly members) to recognize and celebrate the contributions of historic businesses in their district.
Businesses that meet the criteria are listed on an interactive online map. They also receive a certificate and a window decal announcing their inclusion into the Historic Business Preservation Registry. If you know of a business in Senate District 37 that you believe should be added to the registry, please contact me at degenaro@nysenate.gov with the business’ name and address.
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New State Law Requires Merchants to Provide Clear Disclosure of Credit Card Surcharges to Consumers
Good news for consumers in our community and in our State: On February 11, 2024, a new law went into effect which mandates that merchants in New York State must provide clear and conspicuous disclosure of credit card surcharges to consumers. This means that when you use your credit card to make a purchase, the merchant will have to make you aware of any additional charges at point of sale so you will not be surprised by extra fees when you see your bill. It will also prevent businesses from charging a higher fee than what they are charged by the credit card companies. For more information on this law or anything pertaining to your rights as a consumer, contact the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection: (914) 995-2155.
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NYS Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Program for Veterans
The New York State Department of Veterans Services application for the Veterans Emergency Housing Program is now LIVE. Eligible Veterans can receive up to $2,000 each to help cover their emergency housing expenses. Read the press release at the veterans.ny.gov for more information.
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