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Dear Friends,
I hope you are healthy and well! I was fortunate to have all of our children and grandchildren (five!) visiting over President’s Day Weekend so forgive my delay in getting out this newsletter. But there is much to report.
Terribly High Con Edison Bills
Most importantly, 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.
Proposed School Aid Cuts in Governor’s Executive Budget
I strongly oppose the Governor’s school aid cuts, which impact every district in the State and result in actual cuts to over half the districts in Westchester, and am doing everything in my power to have the funds owed restored in the final budget. 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.
As always, I appreciate your input, emails and suggestions. We are truly fortunate to represent such a diverse, dynamic community.
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 Bills Passing the Senate
Establishing the Office of Flood Mitigation and Prevention
I am so pleased that my bill to establish a cabinet level Office of Flood Mitigation and Prevention passed the Senate unanimously. We have an urgent need to address flooding in our state and this office will provide the necessary strong, coordinated, and strategic approach to help provide counties, municipalities, and individuals with the tools to tackle the scale of the work ahead.
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Bill To Establish Limitations on Closed Bank Accounts
I was happy to join my Senate colleagues in passing a package of bills to address consumer nuisance fees, including my bill S.1065, which establishes limits on bank accounts that have been closed. This bill will protect consumers from surprise fees and unjust overdraft charges after their account is closed, except in exceptional circumstances.
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Increasing Coastal Market Assistance Program
I am pleased that my bill S.8320 passed the Senate. The Coastal Market Assistance Program was created to ensure that homeowners are able to purchase coverage in areas where private insurers are reluctant to cover. This bill will expand the geographical coverage of CMAP areas from 2500 feet from the shoreline to one mile from the shoreline in all covered areas. It also expands the definition of “shore” to include Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Saint Lawrence River, and the Niagara River.
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Mayer Bills Moving Through Senate Committees
S.6980, moved through the Senate Education Committee. This bill will amend the education law to require schools to disseminate information on safe storage of firearms to parents or guardians of students. I can’t think of anything more important to parents than ensuring the safety of their children and school staff. This bill has the strong support of anti-gun violence advocates.
S.6050, moved through the Senate Higher Education Committee. This bill will require the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) for large scale construction projects at SUNY. This important initiative will ensure publicly-funded projects at SUNY campuses use union labor, to produce on-time, on-budget projects of the highest quality.
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Prioritizing Safety of New York Workers
I was proud to stand with my colleagues and union leaders and members to urge the passage of S.1604C, which would establish protections and limitations on temperatures in the workplace. We must prioritize the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and we need protection in law so that workers are not forced to work in extreme heat or cold, given the impact of climate change on our environment.
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Meeting with Westchester Youth Bureau
I had a great time meeting with impressive members of the Westchester Youth Bureau in Albany this week. They were highly engaged, informed and passionate about the value of youth programs in each of their communities. I truly enjoyed my time with them.
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Rally with Yonkers PTA for State Funding
I was proud to stand with the Yonkers Council of PTA/PTSAs, the Yonkers Federation of Teachers, Superintendent and Board of Education and may other key players to rally for continued state support of the Yonkers Public Schools. We will continue to build on what we have already done to support and strengthen the Yonkers Public Schools and the children of Yonkers.
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Westchester Delegation Budget Forum
Thank you to all who took part in the Westchester Senate Delegation Budget Forums. I appreciate hearing testimony from our Westchester constituents, which informs our work in the state budget. Thank you for speaking up.
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Governor Hochul announces that White Plains was awarded $10 million in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative
I was pleased to join Governor Hochul and my colleagues as the Governor announced that NYS awarded White Plains $10 million from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This investment will provide critical funding to support the city’s plans for economic growth and housing development, including affordable housing. This funding will help the downtown support housing, streetscape, public space and other amenities that will support the continued development of White Plains.
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Fighting for Funding to Keep Roads Safe
I was pleased to stand with the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley and my friends in the Westchester-Putnam Building Trades Council, together with Hudson Valley Legislators to call for increased state funding for roads and bridges in our community. The Governor’s proposed budget for transportation is inadequate given the poor quality of our region’s roads and bridges.
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Delivering Valentines to Veterans
I had a wonderful afternoon greeting and talking with the residents of the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose. I delivered Valentine cards made specially by members of the community who wished to show their gratitude and appreciation of our veterans. Thank you to everyone who made a card!
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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: 2/26, 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: 2/27, 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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Bill Creating Cabinet-Level Flood Prevention Office Passes NY Senate | |
Panelists Respond to the Questions of the Day at Legislative Breakfast | |
Lawmakers, Teamsters Local 456 demand more funding for dangerous NY roads | |
N.Y. Senate Education Committee Chair chair discusses Hochul’s budget proposal | |
Democrats want to hit pause on carbon sequestration and State Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer discusses budget proposal | |
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Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Visits Lawmakers in Albany
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Levenberg, Environmental Advocates Press for NY HEAT Act Passage | |
Senate Passes Senator Mayer Bill to Establish Statewide Office of Flood Prevention and Mitigation | |
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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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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 degenaro@nysenate.gov with the business’ name and address.
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New York State Parks Centennial “Share Your Story” Project
Throughout 2024, New York State is marking the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation’s 100th anniversary. As one facet of the celebration, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a digital “Share Your Story” project, an invitation to the public to share their own stories, photos and videos of their experiences at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. Stories will be shared on the New York State Parks’ Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) channels at @NYStateParks. Participants may also share text-only stories of up to 500 words using the submission form at parks.ny.gov/100/story. For more information, watch the Centennial “Share Your Story” video.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456.
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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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