Executive Orders and New Mask Guidance

Dear Neighbor,

It's been a busy week as always in Albany. The Senate Majority took swift action to suspend several executive orders put in place by the Governor at the height of the pandemic, which are no longer necessary. For instance, to bring back restaurants and bars and welcome customers, we repealed the rule that forced restaurant goers to purchase food to order alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, their outdoor dining 12 a.m. curfew has been lifted. 

To learn more, click here

New this week, you can walk-into a State vaccine site and get the shot, with no appointment necessary. I had the privilege of meeting FEMA healthcare workers, members of the New York National Guard, Veterans Affairs employees and volunteers, AmeriCorps volunteers, and pharmacists who were ensuring that residents were safely vaccinated and lives were saved. 

Senator Stewart-Cousins saying goodbye to the extraordinary young volunteers with AmeriCorps ​​​​​who had been stationed at the Armory in Yonkers since the pandemic began. 

We thank them all! As always, please feel free to email me at scousins@nysenate.gov or call my office at (914) 423-4031, if you have any questions or issues of concern.

Until next time,

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

ADDITIONAL COVID-19 UPDATES

• Updated Mask Guidance - New York State has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidance on mask use for fully vaccinated people. This means fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues. However, masks should still be worn indoors and should still be worn by people who are not fully vaccinated. Learn more, here.

• New Reopening Guidance - Beginning on May 15th - offices, gyms outside of New York City, casinos, and gaming facilities can increase capacity. While beginning on May 19th professional and collegiate sports and live performing arts and entertainment can increase capacity from 20 to 33 percent. For more information, visit.

• Catered Events - The Governor announced the 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted on May 17, with the curfew for all catered events set to be lifted May 31. Learn more, here.

• Data on Vaccination Rates in Westchester -  Westchester County is now releasing a dashboard, which shows where disparities exist when it comes to equitable vaccine distribution. We must continue to encourage our friends, neighbors and loved ones to get vaccinated! To view click, here.
   

Justice For Daunte Wright

I stand with New Yorkers who are advocating for justice for Daunte Wright. Last weekend, I spoke out at a Black Lives Matter Rally in Irvington, seeking justice for Wright, who was pulled over by police, was unarmed, and then was shot by an officer who said she thought she was discharging her taser. The encounter left Wright dead and his family demanding answers and accountability. Sadly, as we watched the Chauvin trial, we learned Wright was killed just 11 miles from where George Floyd was murdered, and another family was torn apart. There must be police reform across this country. To learn more about the police reforms we have passed in NYS, click here. 

Senator Stewart-Cousins speaks at Black Lives Matter peaceful protest, Justice For Daunte Wright. 

Earth Day is Every Day                                                                                   

I would like to again thank all the volunteers who participated in park cleanups and other events for Earth Week, including members of my Youth Advisory Council. I have to also shout out my friends at Groundwork Hudson Valley for hosting the annual Great Saw Mill River Cleanup.

Senator Stewart-Cousins helping to clear debris at Daylighting Park in Yonkers. Hundreds of volunteers took part to truly make our communities greener and cleaner.

Last week we passed comprehensive legislation to take climate action and ensure we all have clean, safe drinking water in New York State. You can read more about our work here. 

Celebrating Arbor Day 

Friday marked Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to planting trees. Trees offer oxygen, shade, and homes for wildlife. Over 3,600 communities have been designated a Tree City USA, which means they have made a strong commitment to policies that protect our trees, including, a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and of course celebrate Arbor Day. I want to congratulate all the communities who received this designation.