Dear Neighbor,

The fall is always an active time across the Fourth Senatorial District, with community events, cultural celebrations, and local meetings bringing residents together.

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season quickly approaching, these days serve as a reminder that the new year will be here soon, giving us time to reflect on the year's accomplishments and the work still left to do.

As we head into the final days of the year, I want to remind you that my office remains available to assist you.

Raising Spirits

Assemblymember O’Pharrow and I successfully summoned young ghosts, ghouls, and goblins for an evening of Halloween fun during our annual Trunk or Treat celebration at Geiger Park in Deer Park from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Our trick-or-treaters seem to brew up the most creative costumes.  It’s always great to see all of the witches and wizards, superheroes and spirits who appear for this special night. With so many unearthly creatures in one place, the real magic was in trying to keep the candy from completely vanishing.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the pride, strength, and perseverance that define the Hispanic and Latin American experience, and to celebrate how those values have shaped the very heart of Long Island and our nation. This year, I hosted my annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, where 16 leaders were recognized for their outstanding service. Each honoree’s story reflects the diversity and unity that define our district, and this celebration was a tribute to their lasting impact and the enduring spirit of the Hispanic community.

This year's honorees were:

• Sergeant Kevin Amaya | Law Enforcement Award
• Correction Officer Brian Arce | Law Enforcement Award
• Samantha Barros | Community Leadership Award
• Ivonne Calzadilla | Community Advocate Award
• Erika Castro | Business Leadership Award
• Candido Luis Crespo | Educator Award
• Mario Crespo | Community Leadership Award
• Ashley Delgado | Not-for-Profit Leadership Award
• Diana DelVecchio | Not-for-Profit Leadership Award
• Pastor José Domínguez | Ministry Leadership Award
• Magnolia Chiri Garcia | First Responder Award
• Jennifer Lopez | Educator Award
• Robert Perez | Business Leadership Award
• Ryan Rosado | First Responder Award
• Doug Ruiz | Veteran Honoree
• Jazlyn Serrano | Student Leadership Award

Legislation Quadrupling Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs Signed

New York volunteers who opt to take the state’s personal income tax credit for unpaid firefighters and ambulance workers will soon enjoy the program’s first increase since its creation in 2007.  This follows the Governor's signing of legislation that I sponsored to increase the credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married couples filing jointly.  

Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers dedicate themselves to keeping New Yorkers safe, but that commitment has not been adequately reflected in an income tax credit that has remained unchanged for nearly two decades.  The demands of volunteer service come at a personal cost, and increasing this credit provides greater financial support to those who serve while helping local departments recruit and retain volunteers. I thank Governor Hochul for working with the Legislature to make this increase a reality for those who give so much to protect others and hope it encourages more people to serve.

The expanded credit will take effect for the 2027 tax year, allowing eligible volunteers who choose the income tax benefit over the local property tax credit to claim the increased amount when filing their returns in 2028.  In the upcoming legislative session, I will be introducing legislation to allow our dedicated first responders to receive both benefits.

This increase comes as volunteer fire and emergency medical services face ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the number of volunteer firefighters has fallen by 33% over the past 20 years. This is also the case for unpaid ambulance workers with the New York State Association of Counties reporting that in some areas of the state, ambulance wait times are getting longer and longer as a result of a number of reasons including a lack of volunteers that has thrown our emergency medical services systems into crisis.

Senate Committees Examine Water Infrastructure Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats During Joint Hearing

The New York State Senate standing committees on Local Government, Cities 1, and Cities 2 held a joint hearing to examine cybersecurity threats and preparedness across New York’s municipal drinking and wastewater systems.

Driven by recent digital attacks targeting water utilities nationwide by foreign state-actors, the hearing brought together state and municipal leaders, water utility executives, and national cybersecurity experts. Discussions focused on emerging risks, system vulnerabilities, and whether the current state resources and technical support are sufficient to protect these vital public services.

New York’s water and wastewater systems are among the most essential infrastructure our communities depend on and protecting them requires us to stay ahead of threats that are becoming more sophisticated and more accessible.  This hearing gave us an opportunity to hear directly from the state’s cybersecurity leadership, water experts and system operators about the vulnerabilities they face and the resources they need to strengthen their defenses.

A Harvest for Every Table

With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, many families are rushing to finish their holiday meal planning, but for residents living on limited incomes, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can feel out of reach.

To help ease that pressure, I along with Assemblymember Kwani B. O'Pharrow, Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, the Town of Babylon, Wyandanch Village, Wyandanch Plaza Associates, and our community partners will host a “Blessing Box” distribution event on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, that will provide Thanksgiving meal baskets to pre-registered families in need.

To register for a meal, please scan the QR code or visit www.tinyurl.com/2026-TGD while supplies last.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

I’m excited to help light up Carleton Avenue once again with holiday cheer during our annual celebration in Central Islip.  The event will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, in partnership with The Belmont at Eastview! Bring your family and friends for an evening filled with live performances, sweet treats, community resources, and our Tree, Menorah, and Kinara Lighting Ceremony.

Santa’s Little Helpers

Santa’s sleigh will make a special stop at Central Islip High School on Saturday, Deccember 19, 2026 to bring toys to good children of the Fourth Senatorial District.  The stop is part of my annual Toy Distribution event intended to allow all children to enjoy the magic of the holiday season regardless of household circumstances.  The festivities begin at noon and will spread cheer while supplies last.  There will also be photos with Santa, snacks, music and crafts.

TAP and FAFSA applications are now OPEN!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs, grants, loans, and work-study.  No matter what college you’re planning to attend, filling out the FASFA is the first step to making college more affordable.

Last year, students in New York left over $200 million of unclaimed college financial aid on the table.

Completing the FASFA is free and takes less than 20 minutes!  To learn more or sign up for a free, virtual FASFA workshop with a financial aid expert, visit suny.edu/fafsa.

A Seat at the Table for Everyone this Thanksgiving

The First Presbyterian Church of Babylon will be hosting its Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 26, 2026.  Last year, the church and its volunteers prepared and served more than 170 Thanksgiving meals. This year, it anticipates an even greater turnout and will be working to ensure everyone in our community knows they have a place to gather and celebrate the holiday.

The Thanksgiving Dinner is completely free and open to everyone.  It is a traditional sit-down holiday meal, lovingly prepared and served by volunteers and made possible entirely through community donations.

DETAILS:

3rd Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Babylon
79 East Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702

Please use the church's sign up form if you would like to volunteer.