Community Update: Legislative Wins, Judicial Hearing, Youth Advisory Council

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy two weeks in Albany and in the district! 

In her first State of the State address since her recent election, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the New York State Legislature identifying her priorities for the coming legislative session. As the Chair of the Committee on Education, my top priority is to ensure education funding that helps our schools build back stronger. While we await the details of her proposal in the actual budget, I was very pleased with the Governor’s education proposals and am hopeful we can build on them to support all our kids.

On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the Governor’s nomination of Presiding Justice Hector D. LaSalle to be the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. My explanation of my vote follows below.

In other Albany news, a new bill I sponsor to protect women’s reproductive rights passed the Senate Committee on Health and received a good deal of press attention. It would protect New York doctors and providers who engage in telehealth services with women in other states needing abortion services. The bill is described in more detail below.

Finally, there are a number of upcoming events listed below, but I want to highlight that my Youth Advisory Council will have its initial meeting of the year on Saturday, January 28. This is a student-led organization that is dedicated to helping the community, and ensuring that I hear the voices of young people. If you or someone you know would like to participate in my Youth Advisory Council, please reach out to Perla Zuniga Arellano at arellano@nysenate.gov

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.