2025 Legislative Session Begins with Several Priorities

It's great to be back in Albany for the 2025 legislative session. Last year was busy and productive, and I'm excited to continue the work this year. I'm coming to Albany with several priorities that will greatly benefit not just the residents of the 48th District but enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

First, we must address our housing crisis. There is not enough of it, and prices are too high. I’m introducing legislation for a revolving loan fund for mixed-income housing, aiming to include it in this year's state budget. This fund could boost housing production, grow the economy, and provide affordable options for residents, potentially creating tens of thousands of homes for low—and middle-income New Yorkers.

I am also committed to continuing our work to address child poverty. I want to ensure that every child has access to the resources they need and that no child has to experience hunger. This issue deeply affects many families in the 48th District and across New York as they struggle to put nutritious food on the table. We must confront this challenge head-on. My bill to establish a minimum monthly SNAP benefit of $100 is a critical step in the right direction. Healthy food is essential for a productive and thriving life.

Finally, we must protect New York's valuable natural resources, beginning with our beautiful Finger Lakes. Clean water is vital for the health and future of our community. I have an aggressive water quality agenda that includes my "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act" aimed at tackling the issue of algal blooms in Owasco and other lakes throughout the state.

It is an honor to represent the 48th District in the New York State Senate. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate Majority on these priorities and many other critical issues.

Senator Rachel May