Senator Mayer's Youth Advisory Council Meets with Lawmakers in Albany

On Monday, June 3rd, students from State Senator Shelley B. Mayer’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) visited Albany to meet with legislative representatives about the Climate and Community Protection Act (S.2992/A.3876), gun violence prevention, and criminal justice reform. Students from several schools in the district made the trip to Albany including residents of Bedford, Port Chester, Larchmont, New Rochelle, and Yonkers.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “The Youth Advisory Council is committed to pushing for action on climate change and advancing environmental sustainability. They are very passionate and understand the importance of immediate action surrounding the environment. As their State Senator, I believe that it’s my responsibility to engage young people from the district in the civic process and ensure that they have a voice and are heard when we’re making decisions that impact their future.”

The YAC met with Assemblymember David Buchwald (AD-93) and a representative from the office of Assemblymember Steven Otis (AD-91). In addition to visiting Senator Mayer’s Albany office, the YAC had an opportunity to watch the legislature while in session. They visited both the State Senate Chamber and the State Assembly Chamber.

Senator Mayer continued, “I am glad that the YAC had an opportunity to tour the Capitol today and meet with the offices of several of my colleagues. This experience will teach them a great deal about advocacy and lobbying for the many issues they care about. It is essential that voters and future voters make their opinions and concerns known to their local representatives.”

Senator Mayer launched her Youth Advisory Council in June 2018 after being sworn in as State Senator for the 37th District. With a surge of local activism led by young people in Westchester, throughout the district, and the country, Senator Mayer wanted to offer young people an outlet for their ideas and policy questions. The YAC meets with Senator Mayer quarterly and is comprised of high school and college-aged students. In between meetings with the Senator, the YAC hosts meeting with the Senator’s staff on the 3rd Saturday of the month at local public libraries.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was guided through their day in Albany by the group’s coordinators, Perla Zuniga Arellano and Vincent Fields. High school and college students who are interested in joining the YAC are encouraged to email arellano@nysenate.gov or vfields@nysenate.gov.

YAC Members Participating in Albany Day

• Zoe Bucci, Sacred Heart Greenwich (Resident of Larchmont)
• Luc Giner, John Jay High School (Resident of Katonah)
• Christian Gudino, Port Chester High School (Resident of Port Chester)
• Arleny Hidalgo, Port Chester High School (Resident of Port Chester)
• Dylan Klein, New Rochelle High School (Resident of New Rochelle)
• Fernanda Michaca, Port Chester High School (Resident of Port Chester)
• Kumi Owuru, Westchester Community College (Resident of Yonkers)
• Sophia Sabelja, Eastchester High School (Resident of Eastchester)
• Isabel Tiburcio, Rye Country Day (Resident of Greenburgh)