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

 

Friends,

The NYS 2024 budget of $235 Billion was recently passed. I have worked diligently alongside my colleagues to pass a budget that is fair, balanced, and delivers for Yonkers. Some of these achievements include: Grants and budget allocations have been made to various city, civic, and cultural organizations and projects in Yonkers, showcasing a commitment to both public safety and community development. Among these allocations are $2,500 each for the Yonkers Police Captains, Lieutenants & Sergeants Association and the Yonkers Uniformed Fire Officers Association, along with $5,000 for Yonkers Firefighters Local 628. Additionally, a substantial $8,000,000 has been earmarked for the City of Yonkers Saw Mill Redevelopment Project, signaling a significant investment in urban renewal and infrastructure enhancement. Efforts to address pressing community issues are also underway. A sum of $1,300,000, previously committed following discussions with Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and TUFFR, has been set aside from my member item grants to tackle flooding issues affecting Armour Villa and East Yonkers. This allocation underscores a commitment to mitigating local challenges and improving the quality of life for our East Yonkers residents. Additionally, legislative measures are being enacted to address various concerns. New laws have been crafted to combat retail theft and regulate illicit cannabis shops. Amendments to the penal law are underway, establishing the felony crime of Assaulting a Retail Worker and Fostering the Sale of Stolen Goods. Moreover, a $3,000 tax credit for small retail businesses investing in in-store security highlights efforts to support local enterprises and deter criminal activity. Addressing crime and social justice, the list of hate crimes in New York State law is being expanded, reflecting a commitment to protecting marginalized communities. Furthermore, significant state funding has been allocated to Yonkers Public Schools, with a $31 million increase in State Aid this year, an additional $12m for Yonkers Public Schools, and $19.6m for VLT MGM Empire constituting an 8.49% rise from the previous year with a total of $413,951,215. This substantial investment underscores a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and resources for Yonkers students. Efforts to address healthcare affordability and accessibility are also underway, with insulin no longer subject to deductibles, co-payments, or any other cost-sharing requirements in New York. This move represents a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to essential medications for all New Yorkers, particularly those with chronic health conditions. As we continue the legislative season; I will continue to focus and advocate for additional funds for our schools and communities in Yonkers and continue to push for key legislation to get passed before the end of session. As always please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns, issues, or recommendations. Like you; I am a Yonkers homeowner and taxpayer, always looking out for the best interest of my family, community, and city. In addition, as we bid farewell to Yonkers School Superintendent Dr. Luis Rodriguez, I extend my sincere appreciation for his years of dedicated service. His retirement is a well-deserved milestone, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Welcome to Dr. Anibal Soler Jr. as our new Superintendent, and here's to continued excellence for our Yonkers school district under his leadership. I again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza! I urge all involved parties to engage in negotiations for a lasting peace agreement, which includes the release of all hostages and prisoners. Additionally, it is imperative that the international community promptly addresses the hunger and starvation affecting the population in Gaza. From the start of this conflict, over 35,000 have died.

Nader J. Sayegh NYS Assemblyman 90th District-Yonkers