Community Update: Budget Update

Dear Friends,

This week the NYS Senate and Assembly passed another budget extender, continuing the state’s spending for one additional week, until April 17th. While I’m disappointed that the budget remains unresolved, I know that we are working through complex issues and I am hopeful that we will resolve these issues by next week. In the interim, we have ensured that the state workforce will continue to be paid during this period. Let me provide a brief update on the most pressing issues.

Housing Compact: I continue to argue publicly against the Governor’s proposed Housing Compact as it was originally proposed in her Executive Budget. As I’ve said previously, while I believe affordable housing IS needed in our communities and in our county, 1) this Compact does not focus on affordable housing, 2) the proposal was not built from the “ground up” with local voices included in the planning, and 3) it uses a one size fits all and punitive approach to our differing communities. I have been a loud voice against the mandates, especially the transit-oriented development, which is excessive and largely market-driven, and in opposition to the overriding of local zoning decisions. By nature, I seek to work collaboratively and know that addressing local housing issues requires working with local elected leaders.  We must use incentives to encourage new housing that fits within each community and provide more resources to address our infrastructure needs.  I am also speaking with County Executive Latimer about the County’s leadership in working with communities to address our shortage of affordable housing. I am hopeful that my concerns, shared by many of my colleagues from the suburbs and from New York City, will be reflected in the final agreement. 

Criminal Justice Reforms: I have been clear that I believe we must address concerns about public safety. While Westchester remains extremely safe, I know my constituents continue to worry about public safety. I stand by my votes to seek greater  justice - pretrial and before disposition - for those accused of non-violent offenses, as well as my leadership on the two other changes we previously made to these reforms, driven largely by my communications with police leadership in our communities. I am hopeful a meaningful compromise will be reached that acknowledges the need  for public safety and justice at the same time, and encourages the courts to take a more active role in using the authority they already have. 

Education Issues: As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, addressing the needs of students, teachers, and schools are of the utmost importance to me; and there are still outstanding issues that must be resolved in the budget. While the basics of public school funding are fairly clear, and positive, we know that we must continue to address the social/emotional health challenges our students face, expand full-day pre-k programs statewide, continue support for our 4410 preschools for those with special needs, and expand support for our special schools, like Special Act schools and 853 schools. 

Nomination of Judge Rowan Wilson as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals: Monday, Governor Hochul nominated Judge Rowan Wilson for Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. Judge Wilson is a sitting judge on the Court of Appeals and has a distinguished record in the law, community engagement, and educational attainment. Throughout this process, I have sought a new Chief Judge who will take a broad and inclusive view of the law, and prioritize the work of making our court system work for all New Yorkers, especially those who are without attorneys or who have no familiarity with the process. I had the opportunity to meet with Judge Wilson this week and I look forward to the Judiciary Committee hearing where we will be able to ask the Judge questions directly relevant to this nomination.

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.