Community Update: Vaccine Update, Marijuana Legalization, & more

Dear Friends:

New York State is making great strides toward vaccinating all who are eligible. As of this week, 30% of New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose. Increased vaccine allocations from the federal government allows the state to expand who is eligible to receive the vaccine. As of Tuesday, March 30th, New Yorkers who are 30 years old and over are eligible. Additional information about how to make an appointment and eligibility is included below. I recognize that there are not many downstate appointments available at this time. Please continue to be patient and check back daily.

On Tuesday, March 30th, the State Senate adopted the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, S.854A, and Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law on Wednesday, March 31st. Many of you already know that, over the years, I have had great ambivalence about legalizing marijuana. On Tuesday, after much consideration and work to address concerns in the bill, I voted for the legalization of marijuana in New York State for those who are 21 years old and over. Existing policies do not protect our young people from access, nor do they protect against the racial disparities in enforcement that lead to lifelong consequences & inequalities. I commend Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and bill sponsor & champion Senator Liz Krueger for working with Senators to address our concerns and the concerns of our constituents. We have made many improvements in the adopted bill, and I am committed to bringing together constituents, the school community, and law enforcement to hear your feedback and implement additional improvements as needed. Click here to read my full statement. 

The Senate, Assembly and Governor's Office continue to work toward an agreed upon 2021-2022 NYS Budget, and I am hopeful that we will come to an agreement that helps the state build back stronger from the economic devastation of the pandemic while funding our schools, protecting middle class families, and relieving the burden on local property taxpayers. I will send an update with the details of the agreement as soon as there is a resolution.

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.