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Dear Friends, 


Another busy week in the district and unpacking in our new office. Let me reassure my Port Chester/Rye Brook friends I have not left them, and will be back regularly! (In fact, I visited the Port Chester Unity Day on Saturday – wonderful event!)


I was saddened to learn of the deaths of Patrick Moore, former Westchester Assistant District Attorney and Bob Steves, former Mayor of Scarsdale. My thoughts are with their families and friends during this difficult time. 


I urge everyone to be on the alert for the spotted lanternfly, which has been found in our district. This invasive species can cause significant damage to parks and wooded areas, as their feeding makes plants vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. Juvenile spotted lanternflies are black or red with bright white spots, while adults resemble moths with spotted white wings that are red underneath. If you find any, it is best to kill them. The Westchester County Parks Department is evaluating non-toxic ways to eradicate this invasive insect. You can help by reporting sightings to parksinfo@westchestercountyny.gov with your location, contact information and pictures.


The aftermath of the wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui is devastating, and many residents have been left in need. If you wish to make a donation, you can find links to verified aid organizations here.


The school year begins in less than a month, and I am excited to partner with United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties for a Back to School Teacher and Student Supply Drive. The drive will run from Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 25. Read below for information on drop-off locations and items requested. 


We are busily settling into our new office in White Plains! Our new address is 235 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 400. Our phone number has not changed, and you can always reach us at 914-934-5250 or email me at smayer@nysenate.gov. We are still unpacking, but please stop in to see us!


Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer

State Senator

37th District

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Legislative Update

Community Paramedicine Program Continues

I was pleased to join my colleagues in announcing that Governor Hochul has signed into law legislation to maintain a community paramedicine pilot program. During the pandemic, Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps partnered with White Plains Hospital to provide these services, with great success for patients and for the Hospital.  For example, with this program,  EMS personnel can draw blood for labs and treat conditions such as pneumonia and diabetes, averting a trip to the ER and the risk of exposure to COVID. But once the COVID emergency officially ended, authorization for this program ceased. Now because of this legislation, the existing programs and the care they provide can continue for individuals who have difficulty traveling to the doctor or hospital. I thank Assemblywoman Amy R. Paulin for her leadership on this issue, and Senator Gustavo Rivera for carrying this legislation in the Senate. Most importantly, thank you to the EMS providers who took action when the community needed it.

$108 Million Available for Schools to Support Students’ Mental Health and Learning Loss

Last  week, I joined Governor Hochul in announcing that $108 million is available for school districts to support students by expanding mental health programs and resources to address pandemic learning loss. With this funding announcement, we are beginning to address these challenges head on, providing schools with the resources they desperately need. There is clear empirical evidence that the COVID pandemic imposed substantial learning loss and emotional challenges to New York’s students, as a result of interruptions in learning and social/emotional development. Now, with the opportunity to access these funds, we can turn the corner and address these serious challenges in the coming year. I will continue to urge that these funding opportunities be expanded to cover more schools, and be available outside of the competitive award process. 


The Recover from COVID School Program (RECOVS) provides $100 million in funds that is dedicated to help schools create or expand programs that help students address mental health challenges and trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be available through the Mental Health RECOVS Grant and the Learning Loss RECOVS Grant. The Legislature also appropriated an additional $8.3 million in funding  for new school based mental health clinics to help address student mental health challenges.

Participating in a Roundtable about AI

I was happy to join many of my Senate and Assembly Colleagues for an AI Roundtable hosted by Microsoft. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly popular in various industries, it is critical that we understand how to use it responsibly and ethically. I thank Microsoft for arranging this gathering, listening to our concerns and keeping us informed on the uses of AI. 

In the Community

City of White Plains Veterans Memorial Garden 

I was honored to participate in the City of White Plains’ Veterans Memorial Garden ribbon cutting ceremony. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made for our community, and I am pleased to have been able to secure funding to construct this beautiful memorial. Thank you to the White Plains Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for donating the deck gun from the USS Maine, to White Plains Mayor Tom Roach and the City of White Plains for your dedication to honoring our veterans, and most importantly, thank you to the veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Healthier Mamaroneck Access to Care Health Fair 

There was a terrific turnout at last weekend’s Healthier Mamaroneck Access to Care Health Fair sponsored by Open Door Health Center. Visitors were able to talk with community-based healthcare organizations and get free health screenings and vaccines in a fun setting, with entertainment and activities for children. Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors who helped make the day possible. 

Harrison Transit-Oriented Housing Complex Officially Open

I was pleased to join Governor Hochul and MTA officials to celebrate the opening of the first transit-oriented development complex right here in Harrison. This provides housing in the vibrant Harrison community while having easy and direct access to Metro North.

New Pickleball Courts in Bedford 

Last week, I joined Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves, State Senator Pete Harckham, Bedford Town Council Member Bobbi Bittker, Bedford Recreation & Parks Department Superintendent Chris Soi, members of the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board, and many avid pickballers to cut the ribbon on the new pickleball courts at Bedford Hills Memorial Park. I was pleased to have been able to secure $60,000 in funding while I represented Bedford to help meet the growing interest in pickleball.

Narcan Training in Yonkers

A group of concerned citizens attended the Naloxone (Narcan) training I hosted in Yonkers. Narcan is a life saving tool that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives. Thank you to all who took part and to the Yonkers Public Library for allowing us to use your space. Lastly, thank you to Chris Caulfield of NYS OASAS for leading another great and informative training. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Westchester Library System Breakfast

I attended a terrific and informative breakfast with the Westchester Library System and my colleagues in the State and County legislature. Our libraries provide more than just books – they are hubs that connect our communities with culture, education, technology and other essential services.

Women United of Westchester Luncheon



It was an honor to join the joyous lunch of Women United of Westchester. I am extremely proud of this accomplished group of women!

Quinn for the Win Ice Bucket Challenge



I was proud to take part in another Quinn for the Win Ice Bucket challenge in Yonkers! Thanks to Yonkers Raceway, Mayor Mike Spano and so many others committed to finding a cure for ALS! I will always honor the memory of my friend Pat Quinn.

Upcoming Events

Back-to-School Teacher and Student Supply Drive


I am excited to partner with United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties for a Back-to-School Teacher and Student Supply Drive. Please join me in helping students start the school year off strong. 


The drive began on August 7 and runs through Friday, August 25. You may drop off your donations at any of these locations:

Town of Mamaroneck Town Hall

740 W. Boston Post Rd.

Mamaroneck, NY 10543


Tuckahoe Village Hall

65 Main St.

Tuckahoe, NY 10707


Pound Ridge Town House

179 Westchester Ave.

Pound Ridge, NY 10576


NYS Senator Shelley Mayer's Office

235 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10605

August Mobile Office Hours


My constituent services staff and I are holding mobile office hours at Tuckahoe Village Hall on Wednesday August 30. We will be in the second floor meeting room from noon to 4 p.m. The Village Hall has an elevator and is fully accessible. All are welcome to stop by with questions. We speak both English and Spanish.

Summer Reading Challenge


It’s important and fun for children to read when school is out! Our local libraries are an excellent place to explore this year’s New York State Senate Summer Reading program theme, “All Together Now.”

Click Here for More Information

Now Accepting Nominations for the New York State Empire Award


Has a small business or nonprofit within the 37th Senate District in Westchester made a difference in your life or your community? Click the link below to nominate it for an Empire Award!

Click Here for the Empire Award Nomination Form

In the News

Interview with Capital Tonight About My Bill requiring AEDs at Youth Sports


City of White Plains Dedicates New Veterans Memorial Garden with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony


Paulin and SVAC Hold Press Conference on New Law Expanding Community Paramedicine


Bedford Dinks and Lobs: Six New Pickleball Courts Open

Resources

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!


Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from home fires in half. That’s why Sound the Alarm is installing FREE smoke alarms in your community. Learn more at SoundTheAlarm.org/MNYN, call 845-673-1198 or scan the QR code.

New State Guidelines for P-EBT


New York State guidelines for receiving your child's P-EBT food benefits have changed, and you may need to apply for the next round. If you are not sure, please call the P-EBT Helpline at 833-452-0096. Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2023.

Office of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer


235 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10605


Phone: (914) 934-5250

Email: SMayer@nysenate.gov

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