Dear Friends,
First, from my family to yours, wishing all who celebrate a sweet and prosperous New Year! L’Shanah Tovah!
On a more somber note, this past week we remembered the heroes of 9/11, and those who we have lost since then of 9/11-related illnesses. I was honored to participate in many separate commemorations, and like many of you, that day will remain with me forever.
And as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I was excited to have the opportunity to welcome students back to school on their first day. I was fortunate to meet students in the Rye School District, and to drop in to the first day at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers.
I continue to participate in meetings, events and celebrations throughout the 37th SD as well as work on substantive legislative and policy matters that are the “bread and butter” of my work. I look forward to seeing you in the community or on a zoom call in the near future.
As always, 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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I am so pleased that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed three of the bills I sponsored into law in the last two weeks. | |
Legislation to Require Student Government in High Schools | |
I am proud to announce that my legislation with Assemblyman Steve Otis, requiring student governments in high schools where they do not currently exist, has been signed into law. Participation in student government is a direct, hands-on way for young people to experience and learn the value of representational democracy. I am pleased every high school student in New York State will have the opportunity to participate in student government and learn that their voices are important, and that they have the right -- and the obligation -- to participate directly in our democracy. | |
Legislation to Notify Employees of Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits | |
Legislation to Modernize Education Law to use Appropriate Language for People with Disabilities | |
I am pleased New York is taking another step in modernizing New York Education Law with Governor Kathy Hochul signing my legislation with Assemblymember Michael Benedetto by ensuring we use appropriate language for people with disabilities. By replacing the words ‘handicapping conditions’ with ‘disabilities,’ New York will use appropriate language that reflects our commitment to recognizing people with varying abilities and will be consistent with Federal law. | |
A day of remembrance and honor to all those we lost, and continue to lose. I joined with others in Eastchester, Pound Ridge, Westchester County, Mamaroneck and the City of Rye. It was an emotional day of memories and deep sadness. Thank you to all who ensure these 9/11 ceremonies continue annually. I am committed to making sure the next generation truly understands this day, and joins us in solemn commemoration. | |
Yonkers Rosh Hashanah
I’m always heartened by the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in my hometown, Yonkers, NY where Mayor Mike Spano and Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz create such a warm and loving acknowledgment of the Jewish New Year. Beautiful blowing of the Shofar and delicious treats as well!
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Welcoming Students at Milton School
in Rye
It was a bright and sunny first day at Milton School in Rye! I had a great time welcoming students with Rye City School District Superintendent Eric Byrne, Board of Education President Jane Anderson, Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education Erin Vredenburgh, and PTO Co-President Crissy Duggan.
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Hosting a Workers’ Board Roundtable | |
I was pleased to host a Workers’ Board Roundtable with Senator Jessica Ramos to discuss the power and potential of workers’ boards. My legislation, S.6757, would expand and strengthen the role of workers’ boards in New York State, allowing them to make recommendations on minimum standards and benefits, in addition to wages. Senator Ramos’ bill, S.1800, the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act, would initiate a workers’ board to improve conditions in the nail salon industry.
I want to thank the panelists, Professor Kate Andrias from Columbia Law School, David Madland from Center for American Progress, Paul Sonn from the National Employees Law Project, Daisy Chung from the Nail Salon Coalition, and Charlene from New York Committee for Occupational Health and Safety for sharing their expertise on worker boards. I am excited to create momentum on these issues and ensure proper standards for workers are upheld. You can watch the roundtable here.
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Pediatric Cancer Foundation
I was so proud to join the great volunteer leaders of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation as Westchester County declares September 14 Pediatric Cancer Foundation Day in Westchester. I was glad to help make sure the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge was lit in gold that evening! With County Exec. George Latimer; Pamela Strauss Peligri, President of PCF; Stefanie Baker Mittman, Medical Liaison of PCF; Dr. Sherlita Amler, Commissioner of Health for Westcheser County; and County Legislators Nancy Barr and Catherine Parker.
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Visit to Highlands Middle School | |
I visited Highlands Middle School in White Plains to see the steps they have taken to keep operating during times of extreme heat. WPCSD continues to lead by example, moving towards full air conditioning of its buildings using federal and other funds in the coming year. But we need statewide solutions for students, teachers and staff in all schools, as climate change affects everyone. I look forward to working on statewide solutions, like Sen Skoufis’ proposal to require schools to plan for extreme heat and use alternative spaces when classrooms get above certain temperatures. I was proud to be joined by NYSUT President Melinda Person, White Plains Union Leader Kara Lyons, CSEA leadership & Dr Joseph Ricca Superintendent. | |
Ground Breaking at New York Medical College
I was happy to join the Center for Disaster Medicine at the New York Medical College, alongside my legislative colleagues Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Pete Harckham, and Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, as we broke ground for their new Simulation and Educational Facility. The Center does critical work through research and training to ensure emergency preparedness for disasters, terrorism, and public health emergencies. I have witnessed first-hand the excellent training they also provide to school security and custodial staff.
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Harrison Public Library's
Open House
I had a terrific time at the Harrison Public Library Open House! It was great to see so many children and adults exploring all the library has to offer and the endless worlds to be discovered there. Thank you to Library Director Galina Chernykh and the Board of Trustees for your hard work and dedication to the library and our community.
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Hearts for Homes Fall Event
I was happy to attend Hearts & Homes for Refugees’ fourth annual Fall Family Picnic, and proud to present President and Founder Kathie O’Callaghan and her team with a proclamation in recognition of their seven years of commitment to assistance and advocacy for refugees in Westchester County. My team has worked with them for many years, and supported their efforts.
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Recognized by Feeding Westchester
for Ensuring School Meals
for Students
I was honored to be recognized for my efforts in the 2023-2024 state budget to ensure New York State will provide breakfast and lunch to over 80 percent of its students. Thank you to our wonderful friends at Feeding Westchester and Feeding NYS. Thank you to Community Partnerships Manager Ciara Mulligan for bringing the beautiful proclamation to my office. I’m proud to show it off!
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Honoring Rev. Dr Cousin at Calvary Baptist Church
I had a wonderful time at the Musical Legacy Celebration for the Reverend Dr. Lester Cousin at Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains. For 38 years, Dr. Cousin led this congregation and helped it to flourish. He continues to sing, inspire and lead. What a special time!
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Coffee and Conversation
in Scarsdale
Please join me on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Coffee and Conversation at the Scarsdale Public Library. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Click here to RSVP and submit a question:
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Hike with Senator Mayer and Senator Harkcham
Please join me and Senator Pete Harkcham for a free and fun hike at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on Saturday, October 14 from 10a.m. to 12p.m. The hike is 1.2 miles and will take approximately 1.5 hours. Registration is required. (I promise it will be great!)
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Sustainable Westchester's "Going Green at Home"
Interested in making your home more energy-efficient? Join Sustainable Westchester and the Village of Mamaroneck Committee for the Environment for “Going Green at Home” on Sunday, September 17 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at the Mamaroneck Village Courtroom, 169 Mount Pleasant Avenue. Presentations will cover green technology options, advice on connecting with local contractors, rebates to lower project costs, and more. Speakers will include local energy advisors, contractors, and homeowners. Attendees can submit questions in advance and ask them in-person at the event.
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HBCU College Fair
New Rochelle High School is hosting an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) College Fair on September 30, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The fair is open to all high school students. Registration is required and each student must bring a school ID and be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to register, contact Joe Andrews at jandrews2094@gmail.com or 347-942-0091.
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NYS Citizen Preparedness Training Program at the Carver Center
September is National Preparedness Month. With increasingly strong storms that often bring heavy rains and flash flooding, it is important that Westchester residents are prepared.
On Tuesday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m., the Carver Center is hosting the Citizens Preparedness Training Corps. Participants will learn to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible. All attendees will receive one emergency preparedness kit.
Participants must register in advance at www.prepare.ny.gov.
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Yonkers Library Gets $587K State Grant for HVAC Replacement | |
Law requires high school student government program | |
Only in Westchester: Bronxville battle rages on over planned crosswalk for Route 22 | |
PHOTOS: School is Open for Biz | |
County Executive Latimer and Leaders Name September 14 Pediatric Cancer Foundation Day | |
Rosh Hashanah Celebrated at Yonkers City Hall | |
The Sharing Shelf: Clothing Drive
As we welcome new arrivals to our community, our neighbors at The Sharing Shelf are requesting clothing donations. The greatest need is for new underwear, new socks, and fall/winter clothing for infants and children, as well as winter coats and shoes.
Diapers and period products (pads preferred) are also needed.
All clothing should be in clean, wearable condition ready for immediate distribution. Schedule a day and time to drop off your donation on The Sharing Shelf’s website.
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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.
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DCAP Student Loan Repayment Guide
EDCAP, a program under the Community Service Society of New York (CSS), funded by the state legislature, has a new guide for anyone who needs help navigating their student debt and preparing for the end of the payment pause. The Hero’s Guide to Strategic Student Loan Repayment is a wide-ranging toolkit loaded with helpful resources
EDCAP also offers free, one-on-one student debt counseling with their team of student loan experts. To schedule a free, confidential session with an EDCAP expert, call their Helpline at 888-614-5004 or email edcap@cssny.org.
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