Community Update: Vaccine Eligibility, Higher Education Bills, Jobs at Playland Park, and more

Dear Friends:

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy through the winter storms and continuing health crisis.

On Friday, February 5th, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that those with pre-existing conditions can begin to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccines beginning on Sunday, February 14th, with the first appointments scheduled for Monday, February 15th. Additional information and the list of comorbidities that determine eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccines is included below. I realize the process remains difficult, and we continue to have fewer doses of the vaccine than people who are eligible.

A list of non-state-run vaccine providers in the 37th Senate District is included below. A list of all non-state-run vaccine providers in Westchester County is available here.

On Tuesday, February 9th, I was pleased to join my Senate colleagues in adopting a package of legislation to bring higher education within reach for New Yorkers. The legislation included in the package creates a Student Loan Refinance Task Force, allows veterans to get credit for their military experience, and increases the Tuition Assistance Program Award for returning students, among other measures. Read more about the package of legislation adopted this week in the section below.

This week, the Westchester Senate Delegation hosted the first of two Budget Forums to receive input on the 2021-2022 Executive Budget Proposal. Thank you to all of the advocates, community leaders, and constituents who made their voices heard. The second forum will be hosted on Tuesday, February 16th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Registration to testify is at full capacity, but those who are interested can email testimony to the delegation at westchesterdelegation@nysenate.gov. Both forums are streamed to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins' Facebook page 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.

Shelley B. Mayer
State Senator
37th District
 

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