New York State Senator proudly serving Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn (SD23). Chair of Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. 🇺🇸
Happy Independence Day to all Kosovars in in SD23. It's an honor to serve and stand with you. Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday as you celebrate 16 years of independence!
I'm deeply honored to sponsor this resolution in the State Senate commemorating Kosovo's Independence Day. It's a testament to the remarkable resilience and determination of the Kosovar people, who have overcome numerous challenges all leading us to this occasion.
It was an honor to celebrate the 16th anniversary of Kosova’s Independence at the reception hosted by Ambassador Reka and the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosova. A momentous celebration marking Kosova’s journey to independence and to its brighter future.
Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate Kosovo's independence. It is so crucial for us to reaffirm our commitment to stand with the people of Kosovo– as they continue to navigate challenges and strive for a future of stability, peace, and prosperity.
Our ferry is an essential service for all Staten Islanders & we need it to be funded accordingly. Thank you
@SenSchumer
for securing $80 million in funding for our ferry operations— so Staten Islanders and tourists alike can have an accessible & affordable commute!
I am immensely proud to have been sworn in as the 23rd district’s Senator.
Serving the people of Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn is the privilege of a lifetime.
Our office joined
@KamillahMHanks
and
@Charlesdfall
to celebrate black educators. We are so grateful for all of the work the honorees today do to shape the minds of Staten Island's future.
Today was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on SI, one of my favorite events since I was a little girl.
We haven’t marched in years because it continues to discriminate against the
@pridecenterSI
,
@GOALny
, Fire Flag and any organizations representing our LGBT+ communities.
Yesterday, my colleagues and I wore orange in solidarity with our human service workers fighting for the wage they deserve. I support an 8.5% COLA for these workers who do such crucial work within our communities.
When you’re getting sworn into the Senate but your six year old son’s not impressed.
A beautiful weekend with ceremonies on both sides of the bridge, with some real life included 😅
I have the privilege of representing countless veterans, and as the wife of a veteran, the issues these communities face are deeply personal to me. As Chair, I will fight for the services and protections that our veterans deserve as hard as they fought to keep us safe.
Proud to join hundreds of FDNY firefighters today to demand that our firefighters can buy back their pension time they earned as FDNY EMS first responders. This is the least we can do to show up for them the way they show up for us every day.
A well-deserved victory for the nurses at SIUH/Northwell.
We always will stand with
@nynurses
and are proud of their dedication to ensuring safer conditions, improved staffing and better wages✊
Victory for Staten Island nurses & patients! Nurses reached a tentative agreement with SIUH/Northwell, averting a strike! The agreement improves safe staffing and nurses' wages, so more nurses can stay in Staten Island caring for their community. When we fight, we win!
Not only does congestion pricing place an unfair financial burden on our constituents, it also presents a significant health threat to the North Shore of Staten Island - causing heightened traffic pollution and detrimental effects to our air quality.
Joined concerned residents near SJVA this afternoon with my partners in government. Everyone is on the same page that Villa should not be used to house migrants and should be back on track to becoming a school for our kids. The City should stop this plan immediately.
The very first piece of legislation I worked on as a staffer was to help grieving families get a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth.
I was proud to vote for this bill that will assist families who deal with the overwhelming circumstances of stillbirth.
Direct Support Professionals do life-changing work taking care of people with developmental disabilities & it’s vital that their wages reflect that. Glad that
@SenJohnMannion
’s legislation on this issue passed Disabilities Committee & I look forward to continuing to support DSPs.
In today’s State of the State address
@GovKathyHochul
announced making much needed improvements to New York’s childcare system.
Increasing the income eligibility for childcare will provide tremendous relief to so many families throughout the state.
I stand in support of fair pay for home care workers. My family has benefited from it; my neighbors growing up were able to stay in their home because of home care workers. In order for our elderly & sick loved ones to get the care they need, home care workers need fair pay.
I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of legislation that will protect our stores and workers. The safety of our retail workers is important and I will always prioritize the public safety of my constituents.
Distressing squatting scenarios have unfolded across NYS, including in Manhattan Beach. My bill to restore power to homeowners & protect them from these situations is now law, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in law enforcement to keep communities safe.
Proud to stand with my elected colleagues at Fort Wadsworth against it becoming a migrant shelter. Coming from a military family, I personally know how important it is for service members and their families.
Our office joined
@DOEChancellor
Banks for a tour of
@JohnDeweyBK
, where we got to see the many facets of its innovative, diverse, and creative CTE programming. Dewey provides incredible pathways to careers for our future chefs, nurses, teachers, and more! 🍎
Enchanted to meet Emma Stone this week! She came to Albany to advocate for protecting children from harassment, stalking, and non-consensual recording. We should be doing everything we can to protect our kids and that’s why I’m a proud cosponsor of the bill from
@bradhoylman
Glad to meet with CO
@SGT_Montes
of the
@SGPDNY
Community Affairs Unit for a conversation on how we can work together and provide the resources necessary for Sea Gate PD to keep its community safe.
I am proud that I was able to secure funding in the budget for Staten Islanders to keep the same toll discount, regardless of whether the MTA proposes raising the tolls.
Glad to join my partners in government, law enforcement, and small business to discuss ways to address retail crime—including my bill to elevate assault of retail workers to a class D felony. Looking forward to continued partnership at every level to keep our constituents safe.
Today we celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Thank you to all law enforcement, both active and retired, for keeping our communities safe.
We are grateful for your courage, service, and sacrifice, today and everyday 💙
This week I held the first New York State Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee Meeting of the 2024 Session— where we really hit the ground running for our NYS Veterans. Check out the bills that passed committee this week—>
Thank you to Rev. Tony Baker for allowing me to get right to work on solving problems in the community. I am always going to bring government to the people of the 23rd district.
Also, honored that I could be there for your beautiful granddaughter’s dedication today.
100 days in office ✅
From St. George to Sheepshead Bay, I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to get done for District 23. Many more exciting things to come as I continue fighting for what our communities need and deserve.
I am proud that on SI we were able to work with our partners in government to secure $12 million to address the opioid crisis in our community. This is a crucial step forward and reflects a commitment to tackling this crisis head-on providing much-needed support for providers.
The 23rd Senate District is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in NYS.
This unprovoked attack by Iran is devastating, but evil will never prevail.
I will always stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Sending my love and praying for imminent peace.
No one should have to question the safety of any vehicle traveling on our roadways. In the event of an accident, having window breaking tools & fire extinguishers will keep us safer.
I’m proud to have passed this legislation & I’m committed to prioritizing New Yorkers’ safety.
Glad to meet with
@BrooklynDA
to discuss outreach efforts in our communities and ways to best support survivors of domestic violence.
I look forward to working with DA Gonzalez for a safer Brooklyn.
Our nurses provide support during life's most challenging moments and deserve our support in return. Safe staffing and increased nurse recruitment are essential for delivering quality patient care and I stand with
@nynurses
in the fight to advance healthcare equity across NYS.
A beautiful morning spent at Engine 163/ Ladder 83 to honor Joseph Maiello, a fallen
@fdny
lieutenant.
His memory will live on through his children, wife, family and friends, never to be forgotten.
Today is National Rescue Dog Day.
We would like to formally introduce you to our new pup, Hudson from Rescue City (we just got him a little over a week ago!)
And of course, our Rosie girl from Louie’s Legacy.
Adopt, don’t shop! 🐾🐕🦴
I was proud to stand with
@KennyBurgosNY
and our colleagues in support of stopping congestion pricing. The adverse health effects and the financial burden it would have placed on our constituents are unacceptable and I’m going to continue to fight against this being implemented.
It was a beautiful day to host our Brooklyn back to school giveaway at Kaiser Park! Thanks to our partners, sponsors, and volunteers we were able to provide backpacks and school supplies for over 700 students ahead of this school year! 🎒📚
Anthony Varvaro was more than an officer or a baseball player, he was a dedicated member of this community who spent his entire life serving others. Proud to have championed this legislation that rightfully gives Varvaro's death benefits to his family.
As both the wife of an Army Veteran & a CUNY graduate, I want to make sure that those leaving the armed forces & seeking out public higher education in New York State have access to career assistance resources. I will continue to fight for our veterans the way they fought for us.
Despite the MTA raising tolls citywide, I’m proud to have secured the funding in this year’s budget to ensure the SI resident rate will NOT increase, staying at 2.75 through 2024.
I’m proud that the Senate has passed my legislation to authorize a property tax exemption for active duty military members. This bill will provide much needed relief for service members & ensure that their families are able to remain in their homes without undue financial stress.
Thank you
@GovKathyHochul
for advancing our state's commitment to combating hate crimes & increasing funding for the Securing Communities Against Hate Initiative. By expanding charges for hate crime prosecution, NY sends a clear message– all perpetrators will be held accountable.
“The health, financial security, and overall well-being of my constituents on Staten Island and in Southern Brooklyn are my top priorities, which is why I fought against this congestion pricing plan from the moment it was first announced.”
In celebration of Black History Month, my office, in partnership with
@Charlesdfall
&
@KamillahMHanks
, will be hosting the second annual Black Business Expo! To learn more or to sign up to become a vendor, see the flyer for more details—>
Our retail workers are essential workers and must be protected, full stop. Grateful that my legislation holding perpetrators of assault accountable is part of
@GovKathyHochul
’s budget & for
@AMDeLosSantos72
partnership.
We must continue fighting for our retail workers’ safety.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Brooklyn at our event celebrating Black excellence in education! Congratulations to all of the honorees — a true testament to the talented student scholars, faculty, educators, and leaders in our schools.
Join us on August 23rd @ Tappen Park for our Back to School Giveaway— where we’ll be giving away free backpacks and other back to school essentials while supplies last! Check out the flyer for more info📚✏️📓 —>
I’m proud to support
@SIBPVito
and
@UFT
in this lawsuit to stop this from being implemented on the backs of our hardworking constituents. I will also continue to fight in Albany for Staten Islanders to be fully exempt from the Verrazzano toll if congestion pricing moves forward.
Illegal cannabis “smoke shops” have been proliferating through our communities & have threatened the public health & safety of New Yorkers for far too long. I was proud to secure a legislative change in this budget that empowers our law enforcement to shut these operations down.
Our office was glad to join
@JCCstatenisland
and
@MetCouncil
for their Passover food distribution! Happy to support these efforts to provide Staten Island families with groceries for the holiday.
I had a great time with the students at Meso Shqip School celebrating Kosova Independence Day and practicing my Albanian dance moves. Thank you so much for having me and thank you to all the organizers and teachers for their dedication to the next generation!
Ahead of Passover, our office attended two food distributions in Brooklyn last week. Thank you to the Shorefront-JCC and the Be Proud Foundation for continuing the yearly tradition of ensuring that all of our Jewish neighbors have nutritious meals and groceries for the holiday.
Our office was proud to stand with developmental disability advocates to call for an 8.5% COLA to address the workforce crisis the community faces. Our DSPs provide essential care & deserved to be paid properly for it.
Grateful for a productive and engaging conversation with Sea Gate residents. Thank you to everyone who came out to meet & greet with myself and
@AlecBrookKrasny
. A huge thank you as well to the Sea Gate Association and
@SGPDNY
for their assistance and partnership.
I was proud to join the Staten Island Memorial Day Parade today. May we always take the time to remember the valor, courage, and selflessness of our fallen heroes.
Thank you to everyone who came out to meet and speak with me and
@JustinBrannan
at Waterview Towers today! Always great — and extremely important — to hear about the things that matter most to our communities and what we can do to help.
Retail workers deserve the same level of protections as other essential workers. Increasing penalties for assaults on retail workers isn't just a deterrent—it's common sense. Thanks
@GovKathyHochul
for including my legislation to your commitment to work together to protect NY.
Public sector nurses at
@NYCHealthSystem
take care of our communities day in and day out and deserve pay parity. Our office is proud to stand with
@nynurses
in the fight for a fair contract.
#FairContractNow
An incredible evening honoring the leaders of our
@D21_Community
schools! My office joined in celebration of the commitment and support that District 21 Principals and Superintendents provide. Thank you to Lakeisha Bowers for organizing this event!
@cec_d21
The very first piece of legislation I worked on as a staffer was to help grieving families get a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth.
I have never forgotten those families and their stories. (1/2)
The fight goes on. I will do everything in my power to make this an inclusive parade in the future. Kudos Thank you to
@NYCMayor
for being the first Mayor to attend in SUPPORT of our LGBT neighbors.
I look forward to continuing to work to have a St. Paddy’s Day for ALL 🌈☘️
Today we hosted a mobile office at the Noor Al-Islam Society.
It was great getting into the community today to speak with constituents and provide resources.
Thanks again to Noor Al-Islam Society, I look forward to our continued partnership.
I was happy to celebrate the opening of UFT's newest Teacher Center at P.S.16! It's the start of an exciting chapter in professional development, empowering our teachers, and fostering a brighter future for our students.
My husband deployed to Afghanistan when our daughter Emily was just ten days old. Our military families and their children make countless sacrifices to serve our nation and keep us safe, and this April, we honor the remarkable resilience military children demonstrate.
Yesterday, I voted in favor of establishing a real property tax exemption for veterans who have 100% service connected disability. It is incredibly important that we remain on par with neighboring states so that NYS can both retain and attract veteran families.
A beautiful Juneteenth Jubilee in Coney Island! Thank you
@RepJeffries
,
@AlecBrookKrasny
, community organizations & leaders, and local businesses on your partnership in bringing together a day full of history, culture, and entertainment. Happy Juneteenth!
Great to welcome
@statenislandda
and his team to Albany this week as the new president of the District Attorneys Association of NY! Looking forward to continuing to be a partner in public safety as we work together for a safer New York.
Far too often we are hearing stories of correction officers being sexually harassed in the workplace. I'm proud to sponsor legislation that will keep workers safe by holding perpetrators of sexual harassment accountable. No one should live in fear of being harassed at work.
I was proud to stand w/
@SIBPVito
&
@KamillahMHanks
against congestion pricing. It’s not just hard on your wallet, it’s bad for air quality here on SI—increasing pollutants in the process. I will continue doing everything I can to stop congestion pricing from being implemented
Thank you D21 HS leadership, Southern BK high school Principals & educators, and so many amazing students for welcoming our office &
@CMAriKagan47
to the District 21 Student Civic Leadership Symposium at
@HighGrady
and asking questions about issues that impact our young people!
Our country is in turmoil—the division is too deep.
What a sad moment for our nation, political violence is never okay. I am praying for President Trump and his family.
The world is yours 🎶🎤
Privileged to meet
@nas
today for the 30th anniversary of his album, Illmatic.
His music leaves a lasting multigenerational impact and it was an honor having him visit the
@nysenate
today.
Last week our office proudly joined
@AlecBrookKrasny
to welcome Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, at Liberation Diploma Plus High School for an exciting and informative conversation with the students in honor of Black History Month!
Grateful to be honored as one of
@bkcyclones
Winning Women and for the incredible opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a game! ⚾️ Glad to share this memory with my family. Thank you to the Brooklyn Cyclones team!
Another successful Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee Meeting! I will continue to show up for our veterans and champion new ways we can support them here in New York. Check out this bills that passed committee today—>
We rely on our retail workers as essential workers and in this budget we make clear that we support and value them. I was proud to join
@GovKathyHochul
as she signed my measure to increase penalties for assaulting retail workers into law.
My office stood alongside my colleagues to speak out against congestion pricing. Not only does it carry financial implications, it also presents a health threat to the North Shore of SI. I’m proud to partner with AM Tannousis to introduce legislation to repeal congestion pricing.
This weekend marked the opening of
@ConeyIslandFun
@LunaParkNYC
! Thank you to everyone who makes this quintessential summer fun possible for all New Yorkers year after year. I’m so excited for everyone to come out and enjoy the spoils of America’s Playground!
A beautiful Marlboro Houses Family Day! Proud to co-sponsor today’s festivities and join in honoring some wonderful community members. Thank you TA President Angie Herrera & the board, all participants,
@NYPDPSA1
. Shout out to the Coney Island Sharkettes for a great performance!
No one should feel unsafe at work. Correction Officers face high amounts of sexual harassment & assault in the workplace. This legislation will ensure they face penalties for this dangerous behavior. Thank you to my predecessor
@dianesavino
for your work on this!
Our office hosted another successful rain barrel distribution — this time at Sheepshead Playground! Thank you to everyone who joined us, and thank you
@InnaVernikov
&
@NYCWater
for your partnership. Always happy to provide much-needed resources to my constituents!
Our office was glad to join the Ukrainian Response Initiative Community Resource Fair at
@ShorefrontY
organized by
@thenyic
,
@NYCImmigrants
,
@nycHealthy
, and local community partners. Thank you for bringing these vital resources to our community.
A fun afternoon at John Dewey’s High School battle of the boroughs-Brooklyn Minecraft Competition. Thank you to the assistant principal Nancy Woods for inviting our office. Great to see Minecraft being used as a tool for learning, promoting creativity and teamwork among students.