Combating Gun Violence

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

June 4, 2021

Gun Violence

Dear Neighbor,

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and the Senate Majority has prioritized ending gun violence and making our communities safer. We cannot stand by idly and watch the recent events across the country like the grieving father in Miami who lost his son in a shooting outside a banquet hall or the daughter who lost her mother in the Atlanta spa shootings. To take action, the Senate Majority passed comprehensive, common-sense gun reforms this week, in honor of the victims and survivors of gun violence. Learn more about the package of bills below.

Also important to note, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is open. If you live outside of Yonkers click here to apply: https://on.ny.gov/3wRip64. If you live in Yonkers, please visit: www.yonkersny.gov/yerap and contact one of the nonprofits listed to apply.

Additionally, I hope parents will take advantage of New York’s Free College Education Raffle for 12- to 17-year-olds who get vaccinated against COVID-19. Each Wednesday for 5 weeks, two New York students will win a FREE education at any NYS SUNY, CUNY or Community College. Parents or guardians can enter children who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine since May 12. The next drawing is June 9. You can register for the raffle now, click here.

As always, you can email (scousins@nysenate.gov) or call (914-423-4031) my office with questions or concerns. I also regularly share resources and information on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Until next time,

Andrea Stewart-Cousins
New York State Senator, 35th District
President Pro Tem, Majority Leader

We must do everything we can to eliminate the scourge of violence that has cut too many lives short and devastated too many families. By enacting this important legislation, we take another step closer towards further ending gun violence.

Across the country and here in New York, we have seen a rise in hate crimes. Now, recently a surge in crimes against members of the Jewish community. I strongly denounce all forms of antisemitism and hate. Everyone deserves to feel safe and free of fear. Sadly though, this has not been the case. It's important we never stay silent, but speak out forcefully against recent acts of antisemitism and violence. When one remains silent, hate and intolerance manifest. I stand with my Jewish neighbors, and will continue to support legislation to combat hate and support critical funding to increase security at our synagogues and community centers.

Last week, New York State Police increased patrols at synagogues, schools and other Jewish community facilities in Westchester, New York City, Rockland, Orange, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Our state’s seniors deserve to age in dignity and have their rights protected. I am proud that legislation (S.1106) I drafted, which prevents landlords from ending rental agreements without cause in housing facilities occupied by senior citizens and/or persons with disabilities, passed this month. The Senate Majority also passed the following bills to help our seniors: