Saturday, February 25, 2023
New York State Insider: New York State Senator Pete Harckham: Reducing Waste and Saving Taxpayers $200 Million.
Dear Friend:
I was joined by Mount Kisco Mayor Gina Picinich and Westchester Legislators Erika Pierce and Nancy Barr at a press conference this week in support of my new bill, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.
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The new bill (S.4246) will require companies with a net annual income of over $1 million to reduce consumer packaging, improve recycling efforts of their product packaging and help update recycling infrastructure.
Additionally, companies will be expected to create and / or maintain reusable and refill infrastructure, support municipal recycling programs financially and reduce the toxins in their packaging.
This will save taxpayers in New York State over $200 million each year.
It’s time to make producers of waste fully involved with end of life-solutions for packaging and recyclables. Right now, it’s taxpayers and municipalities paying for the carting and recycling costs.
This is an important initiative—and a good example why you have elected me three times to the New York State Senate. There is so much more to do, and I will need your support every step of the way.
Thank you! |
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN KASSAR ON SENATE GOP JUDICIAL WIN.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 21, 2023.
STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE
CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
ON SENATE GOP JUDICIAL WIN.
Brooklyn-NY…“New York State Senators are the duly elected representatives of the people of New York State, and, as such, they must have final say over gubernatorial nominees for state courts.
“Today’s judicial victory reaffirms the supremacy of the electorate over ad hoc political machinations that have become the norm in Albany under one-party Democratic rule. It is a win for New Yorkers of all political persuasion.
“The Conservative Party congratulates plaintiff Senator Anthony Palumbo, GOP Senate Leader Rob Ortt and the entire Republican State Senate Conference for defending a crucially important American concept from the temporary passions of hot-headed ideologues. This decision is an important reminder that the people call the shots in this country through their elected representatives. Too many in Albany and Washington have forgotten that fundamental American notion.”
Thursday, February 16, 2023
New York State Insider: *Press Release* Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis Applaud New York State Department of Civil Service’s Landmark EMS Policy Decision.
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis Applaud New York State Department of Civil Service’s Landmark EMS Policy Decision, Achieved with the Assistance of Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
Call for Further EMS Improvements in State Budget.
WESTCHESTER, NY – Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis were joined by Rye Brook Village Administrator Chris Bradbury, Westchester County Emergency Services Commissioner Richard Wishnie and a group of “Emergency Medical Services” (EMS) leaders to applaud a landmark policy decision from the NYS Department of Civil Service, working with the NYS Comptroller’s Office, that enables active members of volunteer ambulance and EMS organizations serving one or more municipal corporations to be eligible to participate in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). This decision reflects the Comptroller’s Office’s recognition, long advocated by Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis, that EMS agencies serve as extensions of municipalities rather than quasi-public organizations.
The change of policy, released on February 10, followed meetings Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis held with staff of the Comptroller’s Office and the Department of Civil Service where the legislators made the case that these volunteer ambulance and EMS organizations should not be judged by the rule that required 50% of a groups funding must come from government sources for employees to be eligible for NYSHIP. Given that these entities often receive revenue from insurance proceeds, the 50% test obscured the fact that these entities are extensions of local governments and should be eligible for NYSHIP as Participating Agencies.
In changing the policy, the Department of Civil Service indicated that denying coverage no longer made sense. “Upon reexamination, this result feels contrary to the spirit of the law. Since many EMS companies are acting as extensions of one or more local New York State municipalities, EMD (Employee Benefits Division) has determined it is more logical to extend eligibility to such organizations as NYSHIP Participating Agencies (PAs).... As such, admitting ambulance and EMS agencies as PAs would eliminate the need for the three-prong test and allow for an easier path to participation going forward.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayersaid, “I’m very pleased to join my colleague Assemblyman Steve Otis and leaders in the EMS community in celebrating this important victory. This transformative policy decision that we fought for will lead to more affordable and better health coverage for EMS workers throughout New York. I want to thank Timothy Hogues, Commissioner of the NYS Department of Civil Service and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for listening to the voices of those dedicated public advocates who have pushed for this change and doing what’s right to protect those who make enormous sacrifices in their communities each and every day. Special thank you to Rye Brook Administrator Chris Bradbury for his persistent efforts on this critical issue.”
State Assemblyman Otis said,“This is the first victory in Senator Mayer and my effort, working with local officials and emergency responders across the state, to improve benefits and the legal framework to allow EMS services to recruit and retain staff, strengthen their important position as emergency responders and improve response times. NYS Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and their teams deserve tremendous credit for listening to our concerns and taking this important action. Congratulations to Rye Brook Administrator Chris Bradbury, Westchester Commissioner of Emergency Services Richard Wishnie and the network of officials they have organized around this issue.”
Mayer and Otis introduced legislation last year to address the needs of EMS organizations, and again this year (S4020/A3392). The Senator and Assemblyman received good news on February 1 when Governor Hochul included language in her state budget proposal to address some of the Mayer/Otis proposals.
In a joint statement Mayer and Otis committed to next steps stating, “In the budget process we are eager to negotiate agreement to make the changes to create a sustainable EMS system in New York by elevating the essential nature of EMS services, make sure that EMS coverage is required, better funded and better able to retain staff. These are the changes
sought by the local officials and first responders we are working with.”
“We must build on this victory and continue to make policy changes to ensure our essential EMS workers can earn a living wage and receive the training and support to serve communities across New York. The final budget must include stronger language to ensure these heroes receive the acknowledgement and resources they need to do these jobs.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said,“In Westchester County, we understand the intense, lifesaving work that our EMS workers do every single day. This legislation will put more – and much needed - dollars behind that understanding. I urge our State Legislators to include it in their final New York State budget and I thank Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis for their leadership on this front.”
Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS Administrator Kenny Barton said, "The mission that NYS Senator Mayer and NYS Assemblyman Otis have embarked on with proposing this legislation is of critical importance to every resident in Westchester County and across the entire state. The status of the EMS system as a whole in New York is as fragile and as susceptible to failure as it has ever been all while the need and utilization of EMS continues on a rapid rise. Everyone should be paying close attention to the situation and in particular to this legislation as it affects us all.”
Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties said, “All across the state, Emergency Medical Services are under threat from rising costs and staffing shortages. This legislation provides counties with the flexibility they need to form special districts with local municipalities and EMS partners that can adequately fund these lifesaving services so that they’re available to New Yorkers in their moment of need. The New York State Association of Counties commends Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis for sponsoring this bill and we are proud to stand with them in urging its inclusion in this year’s state budget.”
Chris Bradbury, Rye Brook Village Administrator said, “The recognition of EMS as an Essential Service is long overdue in NYS. Most residents would be shocked to learn that EMS is not even required to be provided in NYS, and are unaware that many of the EMS agencies and employees are struggling throughout the county, state and nation. By supporting this proposed state legislation, EMS will receive more support and finally be recognized as an Essential Service that responds to emergencies and provides important early intervention health care to patients at a time when seconds count.”
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
New York State Insider: Sen. Mayer, AM Otis - Press Conference for S4020/A3392.
Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember Steve Otis, and Rye Brook Village Administrator Chris Bradbury Call for Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services Legislation in the Final Adopted Budget.
WESTCHESTER, NY – Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblymember Steve Otis will gather with local elected officials and EMS workers to urge for the inclusion of their legislation, S4020/A3392, in the final adopted budget. This legislation would require emergency medical services to be defined as essential services, expand the benefits available to emergency medical services personnel, and set standards for emergency medical services.
The press conference will take place at the Port Chester - Rye - Rye Brook EMS Center, located at 417 Ellendale Ave, Port Chester, and will be on Thursday, February 16, at 10:30 am.
Event: Press Conference to Urge for Emergency Medical Services Legislation to be included in the final adopted budget
Who: Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assemblymember Steve Otis, and Rye Brook Village Administrator Christopher Bradbury
Date: Thursday, February 16
Time: 10:30 am
Location: The Port Chester - Rye - Rye Brook EMS Center
417 Ellendale Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
New York State Insider: Attorney General James’ Statement on Decision to Uphold Donald Trump Contempt Order.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2023. Attorney General James’ Statement on Decision Appellate Division Rules that Donald Trump Must Pay $110,000 to OAG for Contempt. NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after the Appellate Division, First Department ruled in favor of Attorney General James and upheld a ruling ordering Donald Trump to pay a $110,000 fine to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) after he was found in contempt of court for his refusal to comply with OAG’s subpoenas as part of its investigation: “Once again, the courts have ruled that Donald Trump is not above the law. For years, he tried to stall and thwart our lawful investigation into his financial dealings, but today’s decision sends a clear message that there are consequences for abusing the legal system. We will not be bullied or dissuaded from pursuing justice.” In April 2022, Justice Engoron of the New York County State Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump was in contempt of court for failing to comply with his previous orders to comply with OAG’s subpoena to provide documents and imposed a $10,000 fine on Mr. Trump for every day that he violated the court’s order to comply with the subpoena. In May 2022, Mr. Trump appealed that decision to the Appellate Division, First Department. |
New York State Insider: New York State Assemblyman Mary Jane Shimsky 92nd District: Assembly Votes to Expand Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault.
Make no mistake: All forms of forcible,
nonconsensual sexual acts are rape.
The numbers are sickening. Every 68 seconds, a person in America is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. But, out of every 1,000 perpetrators, only 25 will end up serving a prison sentence. These abusers must be held accountable for their heinous actions, and that’s why I’m working to create a criminal justice system that empowers survivors of sexual assault. To that end, I have joined my Assembly colleagues in once again passing the ‘Rape is Rape’ bill to expand New York’s rape statutes and help more survivors seek justice (A.3340).
This bill removes the penetration requirement from the State’s rape statutes, and expands the definition of rape to include oral and anal sexual conduct crimes. Under current law, oral and anal sexual conduct are referred to as ‘criminal sexual acts’ and are not recognized as rape. Not calling these crimes what they are has both legal and emotional consequences for survivors — invalidating and adding to the trauma they’ve already endured.
In passing this bill, we’ve taken another step toward helping survivors seek the justice they deserve. I’ll always work to ensure that New York is a place where victims are heard and supported, and perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
MaryJane Shimsky
Assemblymember 92nd District
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
New York State Insider: New York State Conservative Party Releases 2023 Legislative Program.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2023.
NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES
2023 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM.
Brooklyn, NY...New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar today released the Party’s 2023 Legislative Program. The Conservative Party publicly submits its agenda each year to make clear its beliefs and priorities for the annual legislative session in Albany.
The Conservative Party is building on one of its most fruitful years ever. In 2022, it played a key role in the successful litigation effort that forced fair, court-ordered redistricting lines across the state. With reasonable district lines established, the Conservative Party supported 11 winning congressional candidates from New York, four of whom won with margins provided by line “C.” Newsmax called the New York State Conservative Party “The Majority Makers” for its role in the Republican takeover of Congress.
“Political parties have a duty to spell out in detail the ideas and legislative measures they support, and we are pleased to do so again in 2023,” Mr. Kassar said. “Unsurprisingly, we continue to call for fiscally sound, pro-economic-growth policies; respect for human life; strong public safety laws; religious and other constitutional freedoms; free-market solutions to healthcare and housing shortages; accountability in education, and government reforms, including the return of powers to the State Legislature, a co-equal branch of New York State government. We urge that members of all political affiliations review and consider these prescriptions for a better state.”
New York State Insider: Joint Statement from Senator Shelley Mayer, Senator John Liu, and Senator Robert Jackson on Governor Hochul's Budget Plans Regarding Charter Schools.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2023
Joint Statement from Senator Shelley Mayer, Senator John Liu, and Senator Robert Jackson on Governor Hochul’s Budget Plans Regarding Charter Schools.
While we are pleased to see Governor Hochul follow through our mutual promise to fully fund Foundation Aid, we are deeply disturbed and disappointed by the Governor’s proposal – which she failed to include in the State of the State – to eliminate geographic restrictions on the charter cap.
The New York Charter Schools Act of 1998 allowed 100 charters to be authorized in the state, 50 by the Board of Regents on the recommendation of SUNY and 50 issued on the recommendation of other charter entities. The cap has ballooned over the last two decades with amendments to the law in 2007, 2010, and 2015.
As of October 5th, 2022, the State Education Department (SED) recognized 357 charter schools operating across the state, of which 287 are located in New York City. By removing the geographic restrictions for charter authorization, NYC could see an increase of more than 100 new charter schools. This will further increase the financial burden on NYC traditional public schools, taking much-needed resources away from schools serving the vast majority of our children. NYC Department of Education (DOE) is required to provide space for charter schools in DOE buildings or pay the rent for charters operating in private buildings.
Outside of NYC, many communities are overburdened and oversaturated by charter schools – including Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Lackawanna, which all have more than 20% of their students enrolled in charter schools. These schools place significant financial strain on school districts, sapping their ability to serve traditional public school students. All of these districts deserve our attention and action to limit the growth of charters, and ensure the financial stability of districts, so that every child is served with the best education possible.
It is our duty to ensure each child in New York State receives an equitable education, with the resources and attention they deserve. Governor Hochul’s decision will leave students in our public schools with less. We urge the Governor to reconsider her proposal.
In Unity,
Shelley Mayer John C. Liu Robert Jackson
Senate District 37 Senate District 16 Senate District 31
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