Great news for the Village of Marcellus: a $4.5M NY Forward Award. Thanks to the hard work of Mayor Clark and many others, this investment will support village improvements and help boost the local economy. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for investing in this community.
It’s Consumer Protection Week. As the consumer protection chair, I'm reminded this week that strong safeguards matter. New Yorkers deserve fair treatment, clear information, and protection from scams and abusive practices. To mark the week, AG James released a list of the top consumer complaints.
What has happened at Nob Hill is unconscionable. A deadly fire was the predictable consequence of negligence and disregard for basic safety obligations. Syracuse families deserve safe, clean, and livable housing. My full statement is below.
Every child deserves time to move, play, and unwind during the school day. My bill (S6858) ensures that any school day longer than five hours includes at least 30 minutes of daily recess for students in K–5, and for 6th graders in elementary schools.
Proud to share that my bill, S4408, has passed the Senate. This legislation opens the door to renewable energy projects on parts of state reforestation land, helping New York reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and protect natural resources.
Most parents must work outside of the home to make ends meet. No parent should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and knowing their young child is safe and cared for. In this state budget, it’s time we stand up for working families and make universal childcare a reality in New York.
With nearly 20% of our waste made up of food scraps, we can’t ignore the cost to our environment or economy. Restoring $5M for Food Waste Reduction grants and supporting programs that help communities cut landfill waste and emissions is a smart investment for NY.
We covered a lot of ground at our NYS budget town hall in Syracuse, from local priorities to statewide challenges. I appreciate everyone who came out for a thoughtful conversation about the choices ahead and what you want to see included in this budget.
New DHS policy could allow detention of refugees after one year if they don’t yet have a green card or report to authorities.
Our upstate Senate delegation is united: our communities are welcoming, our refugee neighbors belong here, and we won’t stay silent while they’re threatened.
My NYS Budget Town Hall in Syracuse is tonight.
Where: Syracuse Community Connections, 401-425 South Avenue
When: Thursday, February 19, from 6 to 7:30 pm
Thanks to everyone who came out to my Auburn town hall. As we work through the budget, hearing your priorities helps me bring your perspectives into conversations with my colleagues. It’s an important way to make sure you are part of the discussion as budget negotiations continue.
The Syracuse Budget Town Hall is tonight.
Where: Syracuse Community Connections, 401-425 South Avenue
When: Thursday, February 19, from 6 to 7:30 pm
The Environmental Protection Agency is unworthy of its name, declaring, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, that carbon emissions pose no danger. This reckless decision puts polluter profits ahead of our climate, our communities, our farmers, and our children’s future. Full statement below.
Great thread showing why we need to go beyond disclosure and pass legislation I carry with @amemeritatorres.bsky.social to ban algorithmic pricing in New York.
www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...
Welcome to the first-ever Finger Lakes Advocacy Day at the Capitol! Grateful to stand with advocates committed to protecting the health of the Finger Lakes for future generations, clean drinking water, and strong local economies.
PFAS, “forever chemicals,” don’t disappear; they contaminate our water for generations. We have a right to know when industries release pollutants into our streams, lakes, and groundwater. I’m glad the Senate Majority passed my PFAS testing bill (S.4574B), because we can’t fix what we don’t measure.
New York’s Lemon Law should protect everyone from deceptive sales and defective vehicles, including small businesses. My bill closes a gap by extending basic protections to commercial vehicle buyers. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate Majority for passing this bill.
The stories from Nob Hill are appalling. But I’m glad they are able to take action through the courts. The law they are using is the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act, a bill I passed a few years ago specifically for these kinds of conditions, which are all too common in our region.
In an emergency, good communication can save lives. That’s why I’m proud to announce $2.58 million to upgrade emergency communications in Onondaga County, so our first responders have the modern tools they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safe.
The Senate Majority is fighting to keep utility bills affordable. I sponsor S.8915 to cap annual electric rate hikes, make bills easier to read, and strengthen oversight. Too many New Yorkers are already stretched thin, and we must make sure rising costs don’t push families to the financial brink.
Great to meet SUNY students in Albany today, including several from SUNY ESF, my alma mater. We talked about forestry and land management. These students are knowledgeable, engaged, and already leading on environmental issues.
For Black History Month, let’s celebrate the achievements and enduring contributions of the Black community to New York’s history. From culture and creativity to innovation and leadership, these contributions continue to shape our state and strengthen our communities.
We’re always looking for new ways to address housing shortages and make housing more affordable in New York. My Land Value Tax bill (S.1131A), highlighted in this article, would shift the tax focus from buildings to land, encouraging housing development and boosting economic growth.
Governor Hochul’s budget incorporates parts of my Sustainable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act. We will cover the details and differences at today’s environmental conservation budget hearing. Below is an article highlighting the bill and a link to the live hearing. www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
I have watched with grief and rage as two Americans have died in Minnesota recently. Families are torn apart, children detained, schools terrorized, and communities divided. While this administration claims to prioritize law and order, what’s happening is the opposite. My full statement is below.
I’m proud this bill is part of a broader package, alongside my colleagues’ legislation, to strengthen and protect reproductive rights across our state.
Abortion is healthcare, and having one doesn’t disqualify someone from being a good parent. Still, reproductive history is often used against parents in custody cases. My bill (S.8860) will put an end to this, protecting children’s interests and ensuring access to reproductive services without fear.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection, I want you to recognize price gouging and understand what actions you can take. Please be cautious during this state of emergency and stay vigilant when buying essential items.
Our Medicaid funds should go directly to care, not private equity or insurance middlemen. We must stop enriching corporations while families lack access to care, and home care workers struggle. Thanks to the Caring Majority and all advocates for always supporting consumers and home care workers.
Today, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his inspiring legacy. His messages of peace, unity, and equal rights remain as important today as ever.
