Residents Ask Village Board to Stand Up Against ICE
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The national conversation about immigration enforcement came home to Scarsdale at the meeting of the Village Board on Tuesday February 10, 2026. Alissa Baum and Myra Saul attended the meeting and asked the Village Board to support proposed legislation to limit ICE actions in New York State.
Here is what they said:
Good evening. We are Alissa Baum, 2 Sylvan Lane and Myra Saul, 5 Lincoln Road. We are speaking in our capacities as individuals and not representing any group.
About two weeks ago, in response to the murders of Renee Goode and Alex Pretti, members of the Westchester community--of all faiths and backgrounds as well as our elected officials-- gathered at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains to find comfort in our shared humanity. Justin, you as our mayor, spoke eloquently that night, explaining that regardless of what may be our political differences, we all share a belief in our Constitution, the rule of law, and our common humanity. Thank you.
The other day Heather Cox Richardson, a distinguished American historian, wrote in her online column, that there are over 70,000 people, including children, held in ICE detention centers around the country. These centers are operated by private firms, some apparently shoestring operations, which now oversee private jails that each hold thousands of people. There are reports of the lack of medical facilities and the outright denial of medical care at these centers; many substantiated by ICE.
There are now other reports that whole communities are speaking out against ICE, especially with respect to the establishment of detention centers in their communities. For instance, in nearby Chester, NY, the Orange County Legislature, both Republicans and Democrats, unanimously oppose a proposed detention center there.
Scarsdale needs to stand up with the tools that it has to fight against ICE on both political and moral grounds. Politically—because as our Mayor said at our community gathering of two weeks ago—these issues transcend Democratic and Republican party lines and go to the essence of the constitutional rights we all enjoy. Morally---because we need to speak up with a forceful voice for those in our communities who are suffering.
It is with this background that we are asking the Village of Scarsdale, through its trustees, to support some common sense handcuffs on ICE, as proposed by our governor, in the name of upholding our constitutional rights and decency.
These are:
1. The New York State Bivens Act, which would protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers by establishing a right to sue federal officers and hold them accountable for violations of individuals’ constitutional rights.
2. The Sensitive Location Protection Act, which would amend the NY State Civil Rights Law to protect sensitive locations – schools, daycares, hospitals, houses of worship, and housing accommodations – from civil immigration enforcement, except where a federal agent has a judicial warrant. We do not want to see ICE invading the spaces we cherish as safe and secure.
3. The Local Crimes and Local Cops Act, which would prohibit so-called 287(g) agreements. This bill would bar state and local police from acting as federal agents or using taxpayer-funded resources or personnel to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement.
We note that this legislation is less far reaching than New York for All, a bill currently being considered by the state legislature and cosponsored by both our state senator and state assemblyperson. Considering that, if the governor’s proposals still seem too controversial, which they shouldn’t be, the Village needs to at least take a stand with respect to its own police force. Right now, we only have a policy which states that the Scarsdale Police Department will not engage in immigration enforcement. |
A policy simply does not have the force of law. Given the activities of ICE in our own backyard, it is critical that we make sure that our own local authorities are not permitted to cooperate with ICE absent a judicial warrant or ongoing serious criminal investigation.
Scarsdale should join other communities across the state and the country willing to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Thank you for your consideration.
Nan Berke came to the mic to second the second the recommendations to limit ICE’s grip. She said, “Kathy Hochul supports this act along with the New York Bar Association. I am hopeful that Scarsdale can be one of the first local governments endorsing this act. I run the local tag sale at Scarsdale Congregational Church and people from all walks of life come to enjoy the sale. We implemented measures to protect people during the sale. I want to make the thought of ICE unimaginable again. The President says his guardrails are only limited by his own morality – this is too low a bar.”
On Wednesday February 11, Mayor Justin Arest responded. Here is his letter:
Dear Scarsdale,
At our Village Board meeting on Tuesday night, residents offered thoughtful comments about the role of local law enforcement and proposals in Albany addressing civil immigration enforcement. We have also received other inquiries from residents. I appreciate this engagement. It is part of what makes Scarsdale, Scarsdale.
Keeping Scarsdale Policing Local
Residents spoke about protecting our community from civil immigration enforcement activity. On that point, it is important to be clear about what we do today.
Scarsdale has not entered into a federal 287(g) agreement, and our officers are not empowered to act as immigration agents. Our department’s focus is local public safety. Scarsdale does not hold or detain individuals for civil immigration purposes based on administrative paperwork alone. As a matter of department policy and long-standing practice, detention does not occur absent a judicial warrant or a criminal matter within our jurisdiction. Consistent with legal guidance from the New York Attorney General, these practices ensure that local resources are used for local safety.
What a Village Can and Cannot Do
Residents also urged the Village to adopt or codify proposals currently being debated in Albany, including the New York State Bivens Act proposal and the Sensitive Location Protection Act.
Those are serious policy questions, but they are not questions a Village can settle by local law. A municipality cannot create a new state cause of action allowing residents to sue federal officials. That authority rests with the State Legislature. Likewise, the Village cannot enact a local rule that overrides federal enforcement authority or sets binding statewide standards for federal agencies. If we attempted to do so, it would likely be preempted by state or federal law and could expose taxpayers to unnecessary litigation.
Moving Forward
As your local government, our job is to keep Scarsdale safe, to keep our police focused on local policing, and to follow the law as it exists. We will continue to track the legislation being considered in Albany and speak up when state action affects our community.
We encourage residents to continue sharing their perspectives with elected representatives at every level of government. The Village remains in communication with our partners at the county, state, and federal levels, and we believe constructive public engagement plays an important role in shaping policy.
Scarsdale should remain a place that values public safety, constitutional rights, and basic decency, all at the same time.
Sincerely,
Justin Arest
Mayor
Responding to the Mayor, Baum, Berke and Saul sent the following letter on February 12, 2026:
Mr. Mayor,
Thank you for your response on behalf of the Village. Respectfully, however, your response does not address our requests.
1. As to Scarsdale police, you indicate that "As a matter of department policy (emphasis added) and long-standing practice, detention does not occur absent a judicial warrant or a criminal matter within our jurisdiction. Consistent with legal guidance from the New York Attorney General, these practices ensure that local resources are used for local safety."
This is the nut of one of the issues we raised in our remarks. We are asking that this policy be made into a local law. If passed, Scarsdale would not be the first Westchester jurisdiction to have such a law. The Town of Irvington has a local law which was used as a model for Westchester County's Immigrant Protection Act with respect to the County's police force.
2. You state that we asked the Village to adopt or codify various state proposals.
You have misstated our request. We are requesting that the Village Trustees pass a resolution in support or issue a Memorandum of Support with respect to the governor's proposals. There is no conflict between various layers of government with respect to this action. As we discussed at the Trustee Meeting, Scarsdale needs to use the tools that it possesses--one of which is to express support for constitutional rights and for our neighbors through the voice of our government.
3. Lastly, you state that "As your local government, our job is to keep Scarsdale safe, to keep our police focused on local policing, and to follow the law as it exists. We will continue to track the legislation being considered in Albany and speak up when state action affects our community."
We reject the notion of the parameters of the powers of local government as stated in the first sentence of this statement. It is too limited. In fact, you recognize that later in the same paragraph where you say that Scarsdale government will "speak up when state action affects our community." As a routine matter, our state officials seek input from various stakeholders, including local government officials, when considering legislation. Similarly, local government officials directly advocate for laws on the county, state, or federal level when an issue has the potential of impacting the community. We have no doubt that if the matter were fiscal, Scarsdale officials would be vigorously conveying to higher levels of government the impact those changes would have on our Village. The challenging of the SALT deduction cap and ConEd rate increases are certainly areas where our local government advocated for change with our state representatives. And, we emphasize that current federal immigration enforcement is affecting us now. It was only months ago that the community united in support of one of its residents who was caught in this overreach.
Scarsdale took a stand in favor of constitutional rights years ago; it was a leader in defense of the First Amendment during the McCarthy Era in the so-called "Battle of the Books". Our democracy is in peril now. There is no reason why Scarsdale should not be a leader now. New times call for different tactics, but with the same goal--upholding constitutional rights. Don't let this opportunity slip away. Be a leader and make us and our future residents proud to call Scarsdale home.
Respectfully submitted,
Alissa Baum, Nan Berke, and Myra Saul
In other news from Village Hall, the Board approved a resolution to receive reimbursement from Westchester County for clearning ice and snow from 3.2 miles of county roads within Scarsdale.
-They passed a resolution to allow a real property tax levy increase above the allowable tax cap 3.65%.
-They authorized the use of Westchester County voting machines for the annual village election on March 18, 2026.
-They accepted a give of $5,000 from Fenway Golf Club Charitable Fund for the Scarsdale Police Department.
-They authorized an agreement with executive search firm Robert Half Inc to fill an executive level position for the Village.
-They discussed, but did not vote on new regulations regarding fencing around swimming pools.
Community Speaks Out About Proposed $101mm Bond at Public Forum
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After advocacy from the community, the Board voted to include funding for a $3.2mm turf field at Scarsdale Middle School in the bond.What do residents think about a proposed $98.6mm bond (now $101.7mm), slated for a vote in May 2026. The district invited speakers to offer comments on the proposal at their meeting on Monday February 2, 2026 and heard statements from school groups, including the PT Council, School PTA’s, booster organization Maroon and White and the Scarsdale Teachers Association. All voiced unanimous support for the bond, with some requesting additional spending for a turf field at Scarsdale Middle School.
Others expressed reservations, including the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, and individual speakers who questioned the district’s long term financial plan and the potential impact of the expansion of the district footprint and additional debt service.
Here are excerpts from a selection of the statements which all included thanks to the district, the board and the Capital Projects Committee:
Erica German and Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez said,“The Scarsdale PTC Executive Committee unanimously supports the proposed scope for the 2026 Capital Projects…. The proposed capital projects support the learning, health, and safety of Scarsdale’s children across all seven schools. These student-centered investments focus on enhancing districtwide learning spaces and essential infrastructure in ways that directly impact teaching and learning. By addressing both immediate facility needs including critical infrastructure, and long-term educational goals, including the creation of flexible, modern learning spaces, the projects help continue Scarsdale’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence.”
They made the following requests:
“- a publicly accessible tax calculator for residents to analyze the impact of the series of debt issuances on their household,
-a discussion of all associated operational costs that may arise due to the proposed capital projects,
-an analysis of the potential impact of the debt issuances on the annual budget, in terms of curriculum, student experience, and fund balance,
-a detailed explanation of the potential impact of the new debt issuances on the tax cap, and the timing of District revisions of the projected operating deficit given that the assumptions for the Long Range Plan were based on $40 million; presently the proposed debt amount is $98.7 million.”
Erika Rublin spoke for the Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and said, “the current bond scope as proposed strikes a good balance with respect to needs across the district, and we encourage the community to support the proposed bond… In an ideal world with unlimited funds, we would love to see renovations to the high school classrooms and labs.”
She continued, “But were pleased that the bond:
-Includes air conditioning for Gyms A and B so that our athletic teams and PE classes can comfortably use those spaces.
-Updates our 3-D art space, a space that is no longer fully serving our students and is in desperate need of modernization so that we can continue to offer a wide range of art classes in our curriculum.
-Converts the Little Theater from a space that currently does not allow for instructional use into a flexible, multi-purpose space that will be usable for a wide variety of programming including testing and other curricular needs.
-Renovates the LRC to accommodate the growing number of students in the program.
-Creates quiet study areas in the library for our students.
However, they asked for the Board to include the SMS turf project that was in the originally presented bond scope. “Our district currently has only one turf field – Butler Field at SHS – that is shared by multiple athletic teams and is used by Scarsdale’s youth beyond the school sports teams. Playing time on that one turf field is severely constrained. An additional turf field will give our multiple high school and community sports teams the opportunity to practice for much more of the year. As we consider the wellness of Scarsdale’s youth, the additional turf field would support efforts to encourage our kids to get away from their screens and be active outside.”
Dorathy Sunshine and Jessica Rosenberg Co-Presidents of the Fox Meadow PTA– expressed support for bond and the $25mm in spatial improvements to the school, which they said “would benefit our entire ecosystem and provide “modernized learning spaces to address crowding and access, and “healthier environments” by providing air conditioning in the gymatorium. The called the bond, “a vital investment in the future of Fox Meadow.”
Heathcote PTA President Saum Shetty thanked the district “for recognizing the unique needs of the Heathcote School.” They are “grateful for air conditioning and renovation of our library.”
Jackie Nimer PTA President of Edgewood said, “We support the bond scope as necessary. Edgewood is already outgrowing its space. We added six students in the last 30 days. The space is not just about the square footage. Turning closets into learning spaces is not creative. When we are short on space, education slips and results in small compromises.”
Greenacres PTA President Liza King, said the Executive Committee “appreciates the bond and is grateful for community engagement.” They voiced “support for the scope and for air conditioning in the gym.”
Gina Chon, President of the Scarsdale Middle School PTA, spoke on behalf of the Executive Committee.
She said, “We are grateful that key improvements for our building—including the library renovation, cafeteria upgrades, and the installation of air conditioning in the library, cafeterias, and band room—are included in the scope of the capital bond. These improvements will significantly enhance the learning environment and daily experience of our students and staff.
…We understand that the turf field originally included for the Middle School was removed because the Village is exploring a potential stormwater retention and pumping system in the Sheldrake neighborhood, which would impact our school. We recognize that this effort could create an opportunity to pursue funding support from the Village and other sources in connection with a future turf field project.
Given the importance of this project to our school community, we respectfully request additional information regarding the anticipated timing, planning process, and next steps for the stormwater initiative, and how it may align with the district’s plans for a new turf field at the Middle School.”
Maroon and White Booster Committee expressed strong support for improving the fields and support for middle school turf in the current bond.
Joe Vaughn, President of the Scarsdale Teachers Association said, “The community values and supports education. This is an opportunity to invest in the future of the schools. STA stands in strong support of the student-centered bond.”
However, some expressed reservations
Dalya Kahn read a statement from the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale
She said, “The League supports the proposed 2026 Scarsdale Schools Bond with reservations and commends the School Board and Administration for the bond development process.”
The League commended the district on open communications, responsiveness and transparency.
But she said, “While the League supports the Bond in general, the League has reservations about the scope and timing of the proposed expansion of Edgewood Elementary School, and encourages the District to consider deferring those plans until more certainty exists about the enrollment projections and increased class sections at the school. The League is concerned by the significant cost to taxpayers at a time that coincides with additional tax increases relating to the Village bond for the pool complex.”
They encouraged the District to do the following:
-Monitor interest rates and take advantage of favorable opportunities, including anticipated lower interest rates.
-Be sensitive to the tax burden on residents, including the tax impact of other Village projects, when deciding what to include in the Bond.
-Communicate plans for replacing the oil tanks at all seven schools over the next few.years pursuant to the District’s 5-year capital plan.
PTC Budget Co- Chair, Rachana Singh, speaking on her own behalf had questions about finances. She said, “The district’s own Outstanding Debt and State Building Aid model shows two important figures that deserve to be considered together.
First, the Capital Vote Local Share represents the additional annual cost of the proposed bond that taxpayers would be responsible for each year after State Building Aid. Over the life of the bond, that local share totals approximately $120 million. This is not a one-time cost — it is a recurring obligation that becomes part of the district’s budget
Second, when this new obligation is combined with the district’s existing debt, the model shows a Proforma Local Share of approximately $167 million over the projection period. This figure reflects the total local debt-service burden that future budgets must absorb.
While the model highlights a single “peak” year, budgets are not experienced at a peak — they are experienced every year. A recurring local share of this magnitude increases the district’s fixed expenditures, reduces financial flexibility, and compounds over time under the tax cap.
If State Building Aid is reduced, delayed, or does not materialize as assumed, the local share increases immediately and permanently, widening the gap between recurring revenues and recurring expenditures. That gap can only be closed through higher taxes, reductions in educational services, or the use of fund balance.
For this reason alone, the Board of Education should undertake comprehensive long-term financial planning before approving the scope of the bond, so the district and community can fully understand how these recurring costs will affect future budgets, fund balance alignment, and overall financial stability.
The BOE can also advocate for the community by asking Bond advisors to model 2–3 options (e.g., minimal/essentials-only at $40M, moderate at $60–70M, full at $98M+) and share updated pro formas publicly via BoardDocs."
Jeff Ostroth called for a long-term plan. He said, “For the things we are not doing, when are we going to pay for them? The size of the bonds in 2014 and 2018 matched the debt rolling off. In 2014 there was a plan. I don’t know what comes next. Let the community know what’s coming.”
Claudine Gecel said, “Annual budgets have not been balanced without drawing down reserves. We are at risk of our reserves going away – and its serious. We can’t ethically make an informed decision about this without getting the information about balancing the budget. We have to pay for all of this. We can’t make an informed decision about these big projects until we see the everyday budget – and that it is balanced with what we have.”
Following the comments, the Board had a lengthy discussion about including funding for the turf field at Scarsdale Middle School. It had been removed, partially due to discussions with the Village that indicated they may install stormwater detention basins underneath the field. Until they are ready to move forward with the stormwater remediation plan, the district’s proposal to add a turf field was in question.
The board opted to add back $3.2 million into the bond, raising the total to $101.7mm. They plan to build the turf field toward the end of the cycle in order to coordinate with the village on the stormwater remediation plan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board voted to include an additional $3.2mm for a turf field at Scarsdale Middle School and appeared to be moving forward with the $101mm plus bond recommendation, with the next step being a SEQRA adoption on February 9, 2026.
Flag Design Concert
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Calling all artists: The Village has announced a Flag Design Contest in honor of America's 250th Anniversary and Scarsdale's 325th! Here are the details:
America 250/Scarsdale 325 Flag Design Contest
In celebration of 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 325th anniversary of Scarsdale, the Village will be hosting a Flag Design Contest to mark the occasion. Residents of all ages are invited to create a unique design that celebrates these milestones and showcases our vibrant community. Flags should be representative of both our Village and our country, tying together local and national history.
The winning design will be transformed into a physical flag, flown at Village Hall and other Village properties throughout 2026.
Residents are encouraged to use their creativity and join us in commemorating these important anniversaries!
Rules & Guidelines
- Entries must be submitted via online submission form by March 20, 2026, at 5:00pm.
- Designs must easily be displayed on a 3’ x 5’ cloth flag to be flown on a flagpole.
- Designs must not include imagery or language that is offensive, divisive, or unsuitable for public display.
- Submissions must be original designs and cannot include copyrighted or AI generated content.
- Use of the Village of Scarsdale logo is permitted.
- By submitting works, artists agree to grant permission to alter/crop work as needed to fit the appropriate
dimensions.
- Designs will be modified by a professional graphic designer to ensure clarity and enhance visual appeal.
- All participants acknowledge that they will receive no compensation at any point in connection with the
selection and use of their submitted design.
- The Village has the right to reject any application it deems incomplete or inappropriate.
- By submitting a design to the Village of Scarsdale, the individual recognizes that the design will become and shall remain property of the Village, and in its sole discretion the Village may reproduce, modify, adapt, and use designs in a variety of publications, communications, memorabilia, and promotional material.
Selection Process
- A panel of judges will select the winner, and the flag will be revealed at the Memorial Day ceremony and parade.
Eligibility
- Participants must be residents of the Village of Scarsdale or Mamaroneck Strip to submit a design.
- Residents may submit one design each.
- If the participant is under the age of 18, parent/guardian signature is required upon submission.
For questions or further information, please contact Ruby Tower at [email protected].
Introducing Assistant Village Manager Ruby Tower
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Ruby Tower joined the Scarsdale Village Manager's office as Assistant Village Manager in November, 2025, coming to Scarsdale from Rye. In order to get to know her, we posed some questions and here is what she shared:
Tell us about your education and background. What led you to a career in public administration?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from Binghamton University. I have always been drawn to government and public service, but my coursework throughout the Public Administration program solidified my desire to pursue a career in local government. My academic and internship experiences while in the Public Administration program allowed me to learn firsthand the immense positive impacts that local government employees have within the community.
Professionally, I previously worked in the Town Administrator’s office at the Town of Rye. My role as Administrative Aide allowed me to assist with a wide variety of projects at the Town, from special event planning to the budget process and capital projects. Throughout my time with the Town of Rye, I gained valuable experience in a number of key areas, allowing me to expand my knowledge of municipal government and learn what it takes to provide essential services to residents in an efficient and effective manner.
What will be your responsibilities in Scarsdale?
As Assistant Village Manager, my role centers on supporting the Village Manager in facilitating the essential daily operations of the Village. These responsibilities include preparing the agenda and materials for Village Board of Trustees meetings, assisting with special events, and identifying grant programs that align with Village priorities.
From your first months on the job - what similarities are there between Scarsdale and Rye government? What do we do differently?
The scale of operations here at Scarsdale, including the number of employees and departments, is much larger than the Town of Rye. The coordination between departments is handled extremely efficiently, and department heads manage a significant number of employees. These talented staff at the Village allow for high quality services to be delivered effectively. I am excited to continue to learn about and experience our skilled departments in action!
What were some initiatives you worked on in Rye - and how might you use what you learned here?
Throughout my time in Rye, I assisted with a variety of functions, including grants management and budget preparation. In running point on grants administration for the Town, I gained valuable experience working with local, state, and federal granting agencies and Town staff to get important projects completed. Managing grant funding requires a robust understanding of required reporting and processes, strict attention to detail, and consistent communication. In assisting with the preparation of the annual Town budget, I worked with my team to carefully track key financial trends and priorities, and plan for the upcoming year. Both of these functions, along with various other key initiatives, taught me valuable public administration skills.
I am excited to bring the skills and experience I have developed to the Manager’s office here in Scarsdale and look forward to making a meaningful contribution to our operations.
What do you hope to learn and accomplish as part of the Scarsdale team?
As a new member of the Scarsdale team, I am very excited to connect with the vibrant community here. In my first weeks at the Village, I have already connected with multiple organizations, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our wonderful residents. I am also thrilled to be a member of such a hard-working team. Though it is still early in my time here, it is already apparent to me that our staff at the Village is committed to making a positive impact on our residents, and it is a team that I am excited and proud to be a part of.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins Says NY State Senate is "Ready to Meet the Moment"
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Here are remarks delivered by NYS Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins at the opening of the 2026 Legislative Session of the NYS Senate.
These are not times for complacency. These are times that demand clarity, responsibility, and focus.
We are beginning a New Year in a moment when the pressures facing New Yorkers feel heavier and more immediate in their daily lives. Families are opening utility bills they can barely afford. They are walking grocery aisles where prices rise faster than paychecks. They are worried about the cost of housing, health care and the overall cost of living. At the same time, many New Yorkers are watching with genuine concern as hard-won rights and constitutional freedoms are challenged across the country.
That is the reality our constituents are living with. It is the responsibility of the Senate, led by this Majority, to meet it head-on.
Understandably, there is a lot we do not know, and a lot we cannot predict. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But if there is one truth about our work, it is that we have been here before and every time, this chamber has risen to meet the moment.
In fact, we have already proven who we are in times of crisis.
When the chaos and division of Trump 1.0 tested the foundations of our institutions, it was this chamber that stepped forward to defend New Yorkers.
We will continue to be a clear and unwavering voice for what New Yorkers deserve from their federal representatives. For example, laws like the Shield Act were not abstract ideas. They are fundamental protections that matter, now, when people need them most. We showed the country that states could hold the line when Washington would not, and that government could still be a force for stability, fairness, compassion, and good.
In moments of crisis, when COVID brought the world to a halt and when a former Governor resigned in scandal, this chamber provided continuity and steadiness. You confronted what was uncomfortable, kept government functioning, and passed critical budgets under impossible conditions. We did it without losing our values or losing sight of the people we serve.
Those moments were not easy. But they reminded us of something essential. We know how to lead in uncertain times. We know how to confront the unimaginable. We know how to govern when the ground shifts beneath us, because we already have.
We know how to work together and reach consensus. We represent every corner of this state, from cities to suburbs, small towns to farmland. We represent districts that are safely Democratic or Republican, as well as districts that are competitive, moderate, and hard-fought. Our strength comes not from pretending one size fits all, but from understanding that New York works best when communities see themselves reflected in the various solutions we advance.
Ideology and principles matter. They guide us. They shape our priorities and our sense of justice. But governing also requires realism. The landscape ahead is complicated. The stakes are high. Navigating what comes next will require discipline, collaboration, and resolve.
In moments like these, we have to be adults in the room. We have to help set the tone and direction for the state. We must give a sense of security to our constituents who are living in unprecedented times of uncertainty. That is what the Senate has done under this Majority’s leadership. When Washington chose chaos, we delivered stability. When Washington offered rhetoric, we produced results. When Washington leaned into division, we focused on improving people’s lives in tangible, practical ways.
That is the standard New Yorkers expect from us as we move into this year.
We know what our communities need. We understand the challenges they face. We see the role the Senate, led by this Majority, must play, not just to respond to this moment, but to shape what comes next.
This session, our work continues to meet the affordability crisis head-on. We will tackle everything from the rising utility costs and the price of groceries, to promoting universal child care. We will continue strengthening a health care system that puts patients first. And we will stand firm in defense of voting rights and equal rights, with one of our central focuses being standing up for communities that are being targeted and marginalized, which includes protecting our immigrant brothers and sisters by advancing the goals of New York for All.
As we open this Legislative Session, let us do so with confidence, grounded in what we have already proven, clear-eyed about the work ahead, and united in our responsibility to deliver.
Because New Yorkers are counting on us. And this Senate, led by this Majority, is ready to meet the moment.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.
