Community Update: Election Reforms, Budget Forums, Vaccine Availability Alert, & more

Dear Friends:

I hope you and your family are staying safe during the winter months.

This week, the Westchester State Senate Delegation announced two opportunities for constituents and advocates to testify virtually about the 2021-2022 Executive Budget proposal. Pre-registration is required to testify. Click here to register. Additional information about the Budget Forums is included below.

On Tuesday, January 26th, my Senate colleagues and I built on the election reforms we adopted earlier this month by passing a series of bills to protect New Yorkers' health and the democratic process during the pandemic. Included in this package was my bill, S.1632, to allow voters to apply for absentee ballots in village elections based on concern for personal health, as was allowed in the recent primaries and general election. Read more about the full package of election reforms adopted this week in the section below.

After a great deal of activism from local families, my colleagues, and me, on Friday, January 22nd, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that counties would have the authority to decide whether "higher risk" sports such as football, wrestling, and basketball would be allowed to resume. On Wednesday, January 27th, Westchester County and other counties throughout the Hudson Valley jointly decided to authorize "higher risk" sports to proceed effective February 1, 2021 at the discretion of individual school districts. I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and County Executive George Latimer for taking into account the physical, social, and emotional needs of students who participate in these activities, and their families. Click here for the NYS Department of Health guidance for "higher risk" sports.

On Wednesday, January 27th, Governor Cuomo lifted all orange-zone and yellow-zone micro-cluster designations and restrictions that were in place in some areas of the district and Westchester County, including Port Chester and Yonkers. Some yellow-zone restrictions remain in effect in New York City and other parts of the state. Maps of the remaining micro-cluster zones throughout the state are available here. Click here for a list of restrictions for within micro-cluster designated areas.

On Thursday, January 28th, my colleagues and I hosted the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2021-2022 Executive Budget Proposal regarding Elementary & Secondary Education. Click here to watch the full hearing.

This Saturday, January 30th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, my Youth Advisory Council will be outside of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester for a Coat & Toiletries Drive in commemoration of the MLK Day of Service. Please join us if you are able to donate. More information about this effort is included below and a flyer is available here.

As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please don't hesitate to email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.

Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer
State Senator
37th District

Click here to read the full e-newsletter.