Community Update: Budget Update, Honoring Korean War Veterans, Observing Eid

Dear Friends, 

Another very full week! Among other things, an earthquake that shocked us all and the truly remarkable eclipse. It’s good to be reminded about the incredible power of the natural world!

In Albany, the budget remains unresolved. This week, we have passed two additional budget extenders, ensuring state operations continue and state workers continue to get paid as we work to reach an agreement on the 2024-2025 budget. While I am disappointed that the budget remains unfinished, it is critical that we take the time and care needed to negotiate the details that are important to our communities and the state. 

To that end, I am pleased that Governor Hochul has withdrawn her proposal to eliminate the “Save Harmless” provision affecting school aid, which ensures that all school districts receive at least as much funding as they did in the prior year. This means many districts here in Westchester and throughout the state will not face the draconian budget cuts originally planned in the proposed budget. I’m thankful for the advocacy of parents, teachers, and school staff who helped achieve this result. We continue to negotiate about other elements of state aid, but I am optimistic that the final budget will provide significantly more aid to our school districts than originally proposed by the Governor. I will be sure to keep you updated and will provide you with a more detailed summary once the budget is finalized. 

Last week, my colleagues in the Senate and I welcomed Korean War Veterans to the second annual Korean War Veterans Celebration in Albany. I am deeply grateful for the selfless service of all our Veterans and to my Veterans Advisory Council, particularly Colonel Chet Edwards, who fiercely advocated for the proper recognition of our Korean War veterans. Below you will find more information about this important ceremony. 

Lastly, this was an important week for our Muslim brothers and sisters who celebrated Eid al'Fitr at the end of Ramadan. I was fortunate to join the Yonkers Islamic Center Wednesday morning to observe morning prayer and earlier, to join the White Plains Islamic Center for their Iftar meal. I greatly appreciated being together during this holy time in the Muslim calendar. 

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.