@nysendems.bsky.social
News from the #NYSenate Democratic Conference.
Ramadan Kareem!
February 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Ramadan Kareem!
“I have seen how SEEK opens doors for first-generation and working-class students and helps them stay the course once they get there. We should be proud of what SEEK has done for countless families and we must continue to strengthen it.” — Senator Toby Stavisky www.york.cuny.edu/news/cuny-ma...
CUNY Marks 60 Years of Impact: Pioneering SEEK Program Has Lifted More Than 100,000 Students Since 1966
Trailblazing Program Has Expanded College Access, Support to Students from Underrepresented Communities Since the Civil Rights Era Colleges Highlight Anniversary with Campus Celebrations
www.york.cuny.edu
February 18, 2026 at 3:47 PM
“I have seen how SEEK opens doors for first-generation and working-class students and helps them stay the course once they get there. We should be proud of what SEEK has done for countless families and we must continue to strengthen it.” — Senator Toby Stavisky www.york.cuny.edu/news/cuny-ma...
“I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law, which will require inspectors of day care centers to have the guidance they need to detect and report-controlled substances. Our communities … need to be protected.” — Senator Gustavo Rivera
talkofthesound.com/2026/02/17/d...
talkofthesound.com/2026/02/17/d...
Day Care Drug Detection Bill Signed Into Law After Bronx Fentanyl Tragedy
ALBANY, NY (February 17, 2025) — Assemblywoman Amy Paulin announced that her bill requiring day care inspectors to be trained in the detection of controlled substances has been signed into law. The le...
talkofthesound.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:46 PM
“I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law, which will require inspectors of day care centers to have the guidance they need to detect and report-controlled substances. Our communities … need to be protected.” — Senator Gustavo Rivera
talkofthesound.com/2026/02/17/d...
talkofthesound.com/2026/02/17/d...
“Girls With Knowledge continued its annual tradition of bringing students to the 55th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus Conference. … While in Albany, the students met with state leaders, including Senator Kevin Parker.” www.prlog.org/13128047-gir...
Girls With Knowledge Empowers P.S. 287 Students at 55th Legislative Caucus Conference
Girls With Knowledge Empowers P.S. 287 Students at 55th Legislative Caucus Conference. This past weekend, Girls With Knowledge continued its annual tradition of bringing students to the 55th Annual Bl...
www.prlog.org
February 18, 2026 at 3:46 PM
“Girls With Knowledge continued its annual tradition of bringing students to the 55th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus Conference. … While in Albany, the students met with state leaders, including Senator Kevin Parker.” www.prlog.org/13128047-gir...
“Local elected officials have secured about $35,000 in state funding for the Western New York Law Center’s School Discipline Project. … Rivera, along with Senator Baskin, obtained the funding to expand the successful three-year-old program.” www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
Buffalo officials secure state funding to expand program helping families navigate school discipline system
A new report reveals troubling racial disparities in Buffalo Public Schools suspensions, but officials have secured funding for a program to help students and families navigate the discipline system.
www.wkbw.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:44 PM
“Local elected officials have secured about $35,000 in state funding for the Western New York Law Center’s School Discipline Project. … Rivera, along with Senator Baskin, obtained the funding to expand the successful three-year-old program.” www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
“The funding obtained by Senator James Skoufis addresses the training, administration and operations of these departments, and the money is being spent on materials such as vehicles, training equipment and computers.” midhudsonnews.com/2026/02/13/s...
Seven Orange County police departments accredited; receive state grants
CHESTER – Joined by Orange County police chiefs and other elected officials, Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall) announced $380,000 in state funding to help w
midhudsonnews.com
February 17, 2026 at 10:30 PM
“The funding obtained by Senator James Skoufis addresses the training, administration and operations of these departments, and the money is being spent on materials such as vehicles, training equipment and computers.” midhudsonnews.com/2026/02/13/s...
“The upgrades to CP Unlimited will greatly improve the quality of services they provide to some of Staten Island’s most vulnerable populations. All individuals deserve spaces adequately suited for their needs.” — Senator Scarcella-Spanton www.silive.com/news/2026/02...
State senator announces $250K for Staten Island disability services center
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton announced funding for the Cora Hoffman Center, which houses the only MOVE program in NYC outside the Board of Education.
www.silive.com
February 17, 2026 at 10:28 PM
“The upgrades to CP Unlimited will greatly improve the quality of services they provide to some of Staten Island’s most vulnerable populations. All individuals deserve spaces adequately suited for their needs.” — Senator Scarcella-Spanton www.silive.com/news/2026/02...
"Weeksville is one of New York’s cultural treasures. At a moment when Black history is under threat, we need to preserve its legacy more than ever. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for these investments.” — Senator Myrie www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/02/16/h...
Hochul awards $1.2M to historic sites | Fingerlakes1.com
Two historic sites focused on preserving Black history will receive a combined $1.2 million from New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the funding, which includes $1 million for the Weeksvil...
www.fingerlakes1.com
February 17, 2026 at 10:27 PM
"Weeksville is one of New York’s cultural treasures. At a moment when Black history is under threat, we need to preserve its legacy more than ever. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for these investments.” — Senator Myrie www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/02/16/h...
“[Sponsored by @senatorharckham.bsky.social], The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act … requires [businesses] entities who … generate over $1 billion in revenue in the prior fiscal year to annually disclose their direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.” www.esgdive.com/news/new-yor...
New York Senate passes bill targeting corporate climate disclosures
The Empire State’s Senate greenlit a bill that would require large companies doing business in the state to disclose their emissions. The bill is similar to California’s SB 253.
www.esgdive.com
February 17, 2026 at 10:24 PM
“[Sponsored by @senatorharckham.bsky.social], The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act … requires [businesses] entities who … generate over $1 billion in revenue in the prior fiscal year to annually disclose their direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.” www.esgdive.com/news/new-yor...
"A new bill introduced by Senator Cooney aims to reduce commuting costs for workers in upstate NY. The legislation would allow employees to use pre-tax earnings for expenses like bus passes, ride shares, and parking.” www.whec.com/top-news/sen...
Senator Jeremy Cooney introduces new bill, aiming to reduce commuting costs for workers
A new bill introduced by State Sen. Jeremy Cooney aims to reduce commuting costs for workers in upstate New York. The legislation would allow employees to use pre-tax earnings for expenses like bus pa...
www.whec.com
February 17, 2026 at 10:21 PM
"A new bill introduced by Senator Cooney aims to reduce commuting costs for workers in upstate NY. The legislation would allow employees to use pre-tax earnings for expenses like bus passes, ride shares, and parking.” www.whec.com/top-news/sen...
“We mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson. His voice shaped generations of leaders and inspired countless Americans to believe change is possible. We honor his legacy by continuing the work. May he rest in power, and may his inspiration keep hope alive.” — @leaderasc.bsky.social
February 17, 2026 at 3:40 PM
“We mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson. His voice shaped generations of leaders and inspired countless Americans to believe change is possible. We honor his legacy by continuing the work. May he rest in power, and may his inspiration keep hope alive.” — @leaderasc.bsky.social
“The only way we can get these chemicals under control is if we know where they are and we know how much there is.” — Senator Rachel May
www.wamc.org/news/2026-02...
www.wamc.org/news/2026-02...
PFAS bills moving through New York Legislature
State senators in New York are celebrating the passage of two bills that would regulate toxic "forever" chemicals.
www.wamc.org
February 13, 2026 at 2:46 PM
“The only way we can get these chemicals under control is if we know where they are and we know how much there is.” — Senator Rachel May
www.wamc.org/news/2026-02...
www.wamc.org/news/2026-02...
Use the following link to tune in to tomorrow’s joint legislative budget hearing on Public Protection: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
February 11, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Use the following link to tune in to tomorrow’s joint legislative budget hearing on Public Protection: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
“By passing the Second Look Act, we’d be allowing judges to reassess these excessively harsh or unfair sentences given to incarcerated individuals. It's not a guarantee of release, but it's a second look at deeply unjust circumstances." – Senator Julia Salazar queenseagle.com/all/2026/2/1...
Advocates call for prison sentencing reform — Queens Daily Eagle
Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to call on lawmakers to pass a series of prison sentencing reform bills on Monday.
queenseagle.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:21 PM
“By passing the Second Look Act, we’d be allowing judges to reassess these excessively harsh or unfair sentences given to incarcerated individuals. It's not a guarantee of release, but it's a second look at deeply unjust circumstances." – Senator Julia Salazar queenseagle.com/all/2026/2/1...
“Art brings people together in powerful ways — building up the soul of our communities even during the most turbulent of times. I’m proud to support these institutions as they create new opportunities ... " — Senator Chris Ryan
www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/oswego-...
www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/oswego-...
Oswego Historical Society, music hall receive grant money
OSWEGO — State Sen. Chris Ryan, D-Geddes, has secured $80,000 in grant money to support the arts in central New York.
www.oswegocountynewsnow.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:20 PM
“Art brings people together in powerful ways — building up the soul of our communities even during the most turbulent of times. I’m proud to support these institutions as they create new opportunities ... " — Senator Chris Ryan
www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/oswego-...
www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/oswego-...
“The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is a historic investment in central Brookyln and a statement about what our communities deserve.” — Senator Kevin Parker
nycaribnews.com/nyc-shirley-...
nycaribnews.com/nyc-shirley-...
NYC – Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center Opened
nycaribnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:19 PM
“The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center is a historic investment in central Brookyln and a statement about what our communities deserve.” — Senator Kevin Parker
nycaribnews.com/nyc-shirley-...
nycaribnews.com/nyc-shirley-...
“New York is far behind most of the rest of the country on alcohol policy, which makes no sense for a major wine-producing state.” — Senator Liz Krueger
www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
New York lawmakers revive push to allow wine sales in grocery stores
NY state lawmakers are once again considering legislation that would allow grocery stores to sell wine, reigniting a debate between major retailers and independent wine shop owners.
www.wkbw.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:18 PM
“New York is far behind most of the rest of the country on alcohol policy, which makes no sense for a major wine-producing state.” — Senator Liz Krueger
www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
“The ASAP Act will save consumers over $1 billion annually, enhance grid reliability and create economic multiples of well-paying jobs and new industries in New York.” — Senator Pete Harckham midhudsonnews.com/2026/02/11/h...
Harckham supports affordable solar power
ALBANY- State Senator Peter Harckham called on members of the New York State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul to support his legislation establishing the creat
midhudsonnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:18 PM
“The ASAP Act will save consumers over $1 billion annually, enhance grid reliability and create economic multiples of well-paying jobs and new industries in New York.” — Senator Pete Harckham midhudsonnews.com/2026/02/11/h...
Use the following link to tune in to tomorrow’s joint legislative budget hearing on Local / General Government: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
February 10, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Use the following link to tune in to tomorrow’s joint legislative budget hearing on Local / General Government: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
" ... The Senate Democratic Majority is advancing a legislative package that strengthens protections, improves accountability, and ensures our climate goals translate into real world results." - Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
February 10, 2026 at 7:10 PM
" ... The Senate Democratic Majority is advancing a legislative package that strengthens protections, improves accountability, and ensures our climate goals translate into real world results." - Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
“Last week’s special election was about something simple: showing up, listening, and delivering results for the people we serve. I’m deeply honored by the trust voters placed in me, and I’m ready to get to work from day one.” — Senator Erik Bottcher www.advocate.com/politics/sta...
Newly elected N.Y. State Sen. Erik Bottcher: state must be a bulwark against Trump
Bottcher, a gay Democrat, easily won the state Senate seat last week.
www.advocate.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:03 PM
“Last week’s special election was about something simple: showing up, listening, and delivering results for the people we serve. I’m deeply honored by the trust voters placed in me, and I’m ready to get to work from day one.” — Senator Erik Bottcher www.advocate.com/politics/sta...
“Chronic absenteeism is a crisis with long-term consequences for students and communities, one that has severely worsened since the pandemic.” - Senator James Skoufis spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-...
State senators propose bills to address absenteeism in schools
Two legislators announced legislation Monday they said would bring attention to chronic absenteeism in schools.
spectrumlocalnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:01 PM
“Chronic absenteeism is a crisis with long-term consequences for students and communities, one that has severely worsened since the pandemic.” - Senator James Skoufis spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-...
“… It’s a nightmarish process to be able to do something as simple as go see your favorite artist in this state. And this is a major proposal to try and stand up for that.” — Senator James Skoufis www.vice.com/en/article/n...
New York Introduces New Legislation in the Fight Against Astronomical Resale Ticket Prices
New York is proposing amendments to its laws that could curb inflated resale ticket prices and help combat scalpers.
www.vice.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
“… It’s a nightmarish process to be able to do something as simple as go see your favorite artist in this state. And this is a major proposal to try and stand up for that.” — Senator James Skoufis www.vice.com/en/article/n...
Use the following link to tune in to tomorrow’s joint legislative budget hearing on Health / Medicaid: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
February 9, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Use the following link to tune in to tomorrow’s joint legislative budget hearing on Health / Medicaid: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub...
“New York’s existing rules on ticketing are set to expire on June 30, with Senator James Skoufis' bill seeking to bring its proposed changes for a multi-year period, running through June of 2029 if enacted.” www.ticketnews.com/2026/02/new-...
New York’s Proposed “Affordable Concerts Act” - Multiple Ticketmaster Wish List Items Sprinkled With Some Meaningful Consumer Wins
A fresh attempt at a dramatic rewrite of the ticketing laws governing New York state was launched Friday, with an...
www.ticketnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:50 PM
“New York’s existing rules on ticketing are set to expire on June 30, with Senator James Skoufis' bill seeking to bring its proposed changes for a multi-year period, running through June of 2029 if enacted.” www.ticketnews.com/2026/02/new-...