Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District.

 

Friends,

As the State Assembly starts a new two-year legislative session, many of the challenges our State faces in 2023 are not new. Yonkers Public Schools face a long-term state aid funding challenge because the 2000 Census is used to allocate those funds. Since 2000, Yonkers population has grown and we are now the 3rd largest city in the state, while the other 4 large size city school districts in New York have not. I am sponsoring legislation to require that the aid formulas reflect the latest US Census numbers. Additionally, I am fighting to increase building aid funding for Yonkers Public Schools. Working families and young adults find affordable housing increasingly difficult to obtain in Yonkers and Westchester. While Governor Hochul has a list of possible solutions for the Legislature to consider, allowing the State to override local single-family zoning is not the answer. I will oppose it should this measure be re-introduced. However, in non-single zoning communities, I would consider such options. In November voters said crime was a concern, from catalytic converter thefts locally, to subway crime in New York City. Once again, I have delivered six-figures in additional police training funds for the Yonkers Police Department and supported anti-violence street programs, summer jobs program and keeping guns off our streets. Much more needs to be done. We can eliminate loopholes in our laws that allow violent and repeat criminals to stay out on the streets. 2023 does start with encouraging environment news. In November, I was pleased that voters overwhelmingly approved borrowing $4.2 billion for environmental projects, infrastructure improvements and conservation programs. New York now leads the nation in funding to make our communities more storm resistant while we move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources of energy.

Nader J. Sayegh NYS Assemblyman 90th District-Yonkers