Community Update: Eviction Prevention, Grants for Restaurants, Paid Sick Leave for New Yorkers, & more

Dear Friends:
The start of the New Year began with previously unthinkable events in Washington, D.C. when participants at a rally protesting the results of the presidential election overran police barricades and stormed into the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, January 6th. The U.S. Capitol building was vandalized, five people have died, including a police officer, and many others were hurt. It is clear that the events were inflamed and incited by the President, members of his administration, and a number of elected officials who appear to have spread false information for their own political ends. The events that took place on January 6th—the violent attacks on our institutions and democratically elected officials—are beyond the pale and require all loyal Americans to speak up vociferously. On Thursday, January 7th, I signed on to a letter authored by my colleague Senator Liz Krueger, and co-signed by 37 other Senate colleagues, urging that all involved, including the President of the United States who incited the events, must be brought to justice for the violence against our government. We must uphold the rule of law in order to defend the integrity of our democracy. Click here to read the full letter.

We have had to overcome many challenges in the past year: many of us had to deal with the sudden loss of loved ones, lost jobs or income, and had to endure loneliness like never before. Our hopes lie in a better year ahead as the vaccine distribution plans get underway and we rebuild a stronger economy. Thank you to all who reached out with questions about the phases of the vaccine distribution. I am in contact with Governor Andrew Cuomo's Office and the NYS Department of Health, and I will share more details as they are released.

This week also marked the beginning of the 2021 Legislative Session. On Wednesday, January 6th, my colleagues and I unanimously re-elected Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins as the Majority Leader of the State Senate. She is an exceptional leader who has done an outstanding job building consensus among a diverse and growing conference, making each member feel heard, and leading on policies to help New Yorkers endure this challenging time. I am proud to work alongside her as a friend and colleague.

It is my great honor to continue to serve as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education and to keep fighting for students, schools, teachers, and parents. In addition to Chairing the Committee on Education, I will also serve as a member of the following committees: Corporations, Authorities & Commissions; Elections; Labor; Racing, Gaming, Wagering; Rules; Cities Outside of NYC.

We have many challenges ahead of us during this Legislative Session as we will work toward a balanced budget that meets the heightened needs our communities face during the pandemic. I pledge to work with my colleagues toward solutions that share the burden fairly and lift up all New Yorkers.

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.

Kind regards,
Shelley B. Mayer
State Senator
37th District

Click here to read the full e-newsletter.