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Dear Friends,
We had another busy week in Albany as we worked towards finalizing our “One House” budget, which is the Senate’s response to the Governor’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year. My top priority is rejecting the proposed cuts to public school funding, which impact every district in the state (some more drastically than others). As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I’ve been outspoken in my opposition to the Governor’s proposal, which makes abrupt changes to the funding formula and fails to acknowledge the additional work schools are doing to cope with learning loss and social/emotional impact of the pandemic. I’m hopeful that ultimately, we will prevail and that these unanticipated cuts will be fully restored.
Of course there are many other budget issues of importance to you and to me, and I’m fighting on behalf of our district on these as well. Once the Senate and Assembly each propose their “One House” budgets, it is then up to the Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Governor Kathy Hochul to work together to come to the final budget by April 1. I’ll keep you posted as the process unfolds, but of course, we must be mindful of the limitation on the state’s resources and the burden already placed on so many by high property taxes.
Finally, I am extremely proud that this week Governor Hochul nominated Westchester resident Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services. Dr. Harris-Madden currently serves as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau. I have worked closely with her and have seen first-hand her passion, competence, and commitment to our communities. I couldn’t be more pleased and look forward to her confirmation by the Senate.
War in the Middle East
I couldn’t let this week go by without speaking about the War in Gaza - 150 days since the seizure of hostages and they must be released now! We cannot wait anymore for them to be reunited with their loved ones. And, we know too many innocent Palestinians have suffered.
On the eve of the holy days of Ramadan, I join the call of Vice President Harris and many others for an immediate bilateral ceasefire - at least for the next six weeks but hopefully for much longer - that includes: 1) immediate release of all of the hostages, 2) an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Region and resumption of food and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and 3) and a real plan for a long-term peace that ensures Israeli security and self-determination for Palestinian civilians - a true two-state solution. This is a subject that is difficult and emotional for me and others. We cannot wait any longer for peace for all - we must have the release of the hostages followed by the full cessation of all attacks on all innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza.
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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Legislative & Budget Update | |
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Fighting the School Cuts
I was proud to stand with students, teachers, parents, administrators, colleagues, and community advocates to call for restoration of proposed cuts to the Mt. Vernon School District. Photo courtesy of Tania Savayan/The Journal News.
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In Albany, I was pleased to meet with members of NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) from my district to discuss our opposition to the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to schools, the benefits of teacher centers, and the need to reform the Tier 6 pension plan. Thank you to NYSUT members for their commitment to our kids! | |
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Welcome NYS School Music Association to Albany
It was a pleasure to meet Clyde Jones from White Plains, who was selected as one of 600 New York State students to play in the New York State School Music Association Conference All-State Music Jazz Band. This is a tremendous accomplishment and it was terrific to hear him play in Albany! I strongly support more art and music in our schools - it underscores the need to restore funding to our districts. For so many, it’s a source of joy, hard work and accomplishment!
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Webinar to Address High Utility Bills
Thank you to the 80 plus people who attended my webinar with the Public Utility Law Project of New York and Sustainable Westchester to discuss what can be done to address unreasonably high utility bills. If you missed the presentation or would like to watch it again, click below. I thank the Public Utility Law Project of New York and Sustainable Westchester for their continued work to help confront these outrageous bills, and to suggest ways we can reduce energy usage. I know we have more work to do to ease these onerous energy costs and I am committed to continuing to identify new ways to address this.
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Celebrating Black History Month
I was proud to join Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in co-hosting a special screening of Ava Duvernay’s Origin, a film based on the book, Caste: the Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson. The film examines how factors other than race play a role in discrimination and hate. Thank you to all who attended, and I hope they share the inspiration and challenge I am left with as we continue towards a more equal and just society. I also thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for leading this transformative event and I thank Ava Duverney and Isabel Wilkerson for sharing their incredible story.
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Recognizing Bronxville High School Girls Tennis
Incredibly proud of the Bronxville High School Girls Tennis Team, whose athleticism and terrific spirit of cooperation led them to win the State Championship in November! Congratulations to the whole team, as well as to their outstanding coach Steve Klurfeld, Athletic Director Joseph Haven, Principal Ann Meyer, Vice Principal Marcellus Lessane III, and Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin.
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Iona University Women’s Panel
I was honored to join the students at Iona University for a fireside chat on empowering women with Dr. Alison Munsch, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer and Shakinah Silverberg, student government president. While I was invited to share my story with the students, including the challenges I faced and how I overcame them, I left feeling inspired and energized by the next generation.
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Vote18 Initiative at Woodlands High School
Great visit to Woodlands High School in Hartsdale to support the League of Women Voters of White Plains’ Vote18 initiative, whose goal is to register high school students to vote. They were discussing the bill I sponsored, now law, which requires local boards of education, BOCES, charter schools, and non-public schools to adopt policies that promote student voter registration and pre-registration. After our talk, over 15 students pre-registered to vote!
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Women’s History Month Town Hall
I was pleased to join many remarkable women for a Women’s History Month Town Hall, hosted by County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson. I am inspired by all these wonderful women!
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How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story Screening
I also attended a screening at Iona University of How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story, alongside members of the Irish Consulate and dignitaries. Project Children was established in 1975 to bring Irish children to New York for the summer in order to escape the everyday violence in northern Ireland. Over 40 years, Project Children impacted the lives of over 23,00 children, showing them that non-violent life was possible. I was honored to meet Denis Mulcahy, founder of Project Children, at the invitation of my friend Catherine Flood.
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Korean War Veterans Celebration in Albany
I am proud to join Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Chair of the Veterans, Homelands Security and Military Affairs Committee, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton in welcoming Korean War Veterans to the New York State Capitol for a second year. The Westchester Senate Delegation will be providing veterans and their companions with bus transportation to. theCapitol for this celebration. More details on how to sign up are to come.
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FAFSA/TAP Completion Assistance
Recent changes to the FAFSA form have caused confusion for students and their families, and students may find themselves missing out on crucial financial aid. If you need help with your financial aid forms, register for one of HESC’s drop-ins or FAFSA/TAP completion events, held throughout the month of March. These events provide one-on-one assistance from financial aid experts who will answer questions and help to complete applications. Space is limited so register as early as possible!
Upcoming dates: March 13, March 20, and March 27; 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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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: 3/11, 3/18
TUESDAYS: For Port Chester High School students
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (2 hours)
Location: Clay Art Center
Dates: 3/12
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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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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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Seminar: Understanding Colorectal Health
Gramatan Village is co-sponsoring an educational seminar with NY-Presbyterian Westchester, Understanding Colorectal Health: Having a Healthy Gut and Reducing Your Risk for Disease. This seminar is open to the public and takes place Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 11 a.m., at the Bronxville Public Library, 201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, 10708.
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Meet Port Chester Police Chief Rosabella
The Port Chester Immigrant Defense Fund is hosting another event in their Public Information Series with the Port Chester Police. There will be an open Q&A with Port Chester Police Chief Rosabella – along with an opportunity to register to vote!
Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Carver Center, 400 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573.
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Why leaders went to Mount Vernon | |
A push against education budget cuts in Albany | |
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Restoring education cuts is critical for career and technical education
A Q&A with Shelley Mayer, chair of the state Senate Education Committee.
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Lawmakers plan restorations to Hochul's proposed school aid reductions | |
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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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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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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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