Dear friends,

My colleagues and I just concluded a productive legislative session in Albany, where we addressed many issues of importance to New Yorkers.  Upon convening in January, we focused on addressing the continued impacts of the pandemic, and we passed a budget making significant investments in education, childcare, and families.  We’ve enacted measures to prevent and crack down on reckless speeding near New York City’s schools and legislation to protect all New York voters, not just some. 

We were engaged in challenging conversations about New York City’s school governance, the largest school district in the nation, during our final session days.  To ensure that our students receive a quality education with all the resources and support, we must overcome our current challenges.  

Our legislature continues to discuss New York’s response to ensure strong reproductive healthcare rights.  These healthcare rights are needed now more than ever after a recently leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court has signaled a possible overturning of Roe vs. Wade - an attack on women’s bodily autonomy and reproductive health choices.

Gun violence has long been a public health crisis in our City and across America.  Recent mass shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, Tulsa, and elsewhere have claimed too many lives.  We can no longer sit idly and offer thoughts and prayers.  The Legislature and Governor Hochul agreed and voted upon a package of immediate common-sense reforms because we cannot wait for more comprehensive action in Washington.  These bills will strengthen our existing laws.

As Chairperson of the Senate Social Services Committee, I am incredibly proud to have passed a measure to help work-ready and working New Yorkers transition off public assistance.  I also authored and passed bills to affirm the dignity of New Yorkers with disabilities by eliminating the degrading “R” word that remains in countless laws.  I’ve also successfully passed bills ensuring higher standards of care for people with vision impairments and and those seeking cancer treatment.  

The session has ended, but we have significant work to be done.  I’m proud of what my colleagues and I accomplished during the 2022 Legislative Session and look forward to the off session, where we can evaluate the issues that must be addressed and contemplate solutions.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable summer.

Sincerely,

Roxanne J. Persaud