What's in Store for 2024?

It's great to be back in Albany for the 20224 legislative session. Last year was busy and productive, and I'm excited to continue the work this year. I'm coming to Albany with several priorities to benefit New Yorkers in the 48th district and throughout the state. I highlight a few of them here. 

Reducing Food Insecurity 

Let's start by ensuring that every family in Central New York can put nourishing food on the table. Early this year, COVID emergency SNAP assistance ended, and households lost an average of $151 monthly. To help many families struggling to afford the necessities, I've proposed a bill (S7663A) that will maintain a minimum monthly SNAP benefit of $100, helping to prevent food insecurity in Central New York. 

On top of the benefits for individuals and families, money invested in SNAP generates revenue for local businesses, boosting the entire economy. SNAP is a vital program that much of our population depends upon, and now is the time to strengthen it. 

Making Housing Affordable 

We must also address our housing crisis in Central New York. I have several bills to clear out regulatory barriers that make building affordable apartments harder or prohibitively expensive. 

For instance, New York is one of only a handful of states requiring environmental review for land use changes. I support the intention of this review process, but as it works, currently, it slows projects down and invites lawsuits that can stop them entirely or drive up costs by 10% or more. 

I carry legislation (S925A) this session that will align the state's review process with our environmental and housing goals, allowing developers to build housing more efficiently and produce enrivornmentally friendly new housing in walkable and transit-friendly communities. 

Encouraging more Recycling 

Finally, let's build on our critical work to protect the environment. I am proud to sponsor The Bigger Better Bottle bill (S2378), which will reduce solid waste from overflowing landfills and mitigate damaging greenhouse gas emissions by recycling bottles and cans returned for deposit. 

Increasing the refundable deposit to 10 cents will incentivize people to return their bottles and cans. Equally important is increasing the handling fee so that our redemption centers can stay in business. This is one of many bills I carry to fight waste and protect our precious water, air, and land resources. 

Representing the 48th district in the New York State Senate is an honor. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate Majority on these priorities and many more critical issues. 

Senator Rachel May