2023 has been a year to remember. And as we turn the calendar’s page, rather than dwell on what’s left undone, I would like to take a moment to look back on everything we’ve been able to accomplish.
My office introduced 42 bills that passed both the Senate and Assembly, 36 of which have been signed into law – more than the entire U.S. Congress this year. I voted independently from my party 147 times this year – many of which were tax increases at a time New Yorkers can’t afford hikes – making me the most independent State Senator in the chamber.
After years of fighting the Orange County IDA’s corporate welfare, we successfully passed a provision to install a state-appointed monitor with veto power to ensure taxpayers are finally protected by this rogue agency. Most recently, our bill to update the state’s antiquated laws that govern village creation was signed into law and, in doing so, blocked the proposed Hasidic Village of Seven Springs.
Schools in our Senate District are now receiving $725.7 million in state aid–a more than 25% increase over last year, supporting our children while helping to keep your local school property taxes down. Additionally we oversaw the creation of 840 new universal pre-k seats. We secured $980,000 ($150,000 in Warwick alone) for local first responders and equipment, $650,000 for local violence prevention initiatives, and–last but certainly not least–my team and I heard from and assisted 2,013 constituents throughout this district.
These cases spanned from utility concerns to unemployment issues to DMV problems, and everything in between. It is my honor to serve as your State Senator, and I am looking forward to what we can accomplish in 2024! Wishing you and your family a peaceful and successful new year.
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