Community Update: Budget Update, Submitted Testimony to the PSC against Con Ed’s Proposed Rate Increases

Dear Friends,

It’s April 3rd, and unfortunately, the NYS Budget is not yet complete. I’m disappointed about that, but realistic that there are major issues that require significant compromise, and we are moving forward on all of them.  They include the Governor’s proposed Housing Compact, about which I have grave reservations, proposed amendments to the criminal laws about the application of bail and other pre-trial procedures, the proposal to lift the Charter Cap, and other major issues. I am hopeful that we will resolve these continuous issues this week and be able to move ahead with the state’s important business. I anticipate we will be in Albany next week to adopt the State’s budget for FY 2023-2024. 

I am sad and angry that we mourn the deaths of more students and teachers in another horrific incident of gun violence. This time we lost three students and three teachers of Covenant School in Nashville, TN – the 130th mass shooting of 2023. Children and teachers deserve to feel and be safe while they learn and work. Yet, their time is marred by traumatic active shooter drills, fears of violence, and repeated acts of violence. My heart goes out to the students, families, and the community impacted, and I am committed to continuing to work to expand gun safety in New York and across the nation. 

On another sad note, the terribly frightening incidents of “swatting” in our schools here in Westchester, and throughout the state, requires our attention. We are fortunate that the Governor, the State Education Department, State Police, and local law enforcement are working effectively and cooperatively to ensure safety for our kids and school staff. 

In this Sexual Assault Awareness Month of April, please contribute to our Toiletry Drive for My Sisters' Place, an important Westchester organization that provides shelter, advocacy, and other services to women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Further information is below.

As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.

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

Read the full community update here.