Sen. Sam Sutton

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1493 commemorates the 45th anniversary of Dorothy Day's death, honoring her legacy as a Catholic lay leader, journalist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The resolution formally recognizes her lifelong work in social justice, pacifism, and service to the poor, particularly her ties to Staten Island. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Staten Island Catholic Worker and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New Brighton, where Day is interred and where her legacy is actively preserved. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Authorizes SUNY and CUNY to provide emergency aid grants to certain students; provides that the state shall reimburse half of all such grants provided; requires the higher education services corporation to provide an annual report on such programs.

Directs the department of health to establish an alternative payment methodology (APM) for federally qualified health centers to preserve and improve patient access to fertility care.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services under New York's Medicaid program from a managed care model back to traditional fee-for-service billing, requiring federal approval. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries receiving these services and the providers (licensed facilities, clinics) delivering them. Key provisions mandate that these services be administered under fee-for-service, with savings from the transition required to be reinvested into community-based behavioral health services starting in 2026. The change takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies to services for individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1392) asks Governor Hochul to designate April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness about the severe racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, where Black women in New York face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related death and complications compared to white women. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic recognition of these health inequities and supports community efforts led by Black women's health organizations. It aligns with the national Black Mamas Matter Alliance's campaign to highlight preventable maternal health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day" across New York State. It commemorates a global awareness movement started in 1999 to protest the blaming of sexual assault victims for their clothing, and aims to support ongoing education about sexual violence. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but requests a ceremonial proclamation to honor this annual observance. It specifically references Denim Day's role in raising awareness about sexual assault, particularly for vulnerable groups like youth and LGBTQ individuals.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (S 1382) requesting Governor Hochul to declare May 11-17, 2026, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about period poverty - the inability to afford menstrual products, which affects roughly 1 in 4 women and girls and can lead to missed school or work. The resolution cites statistics on how period poverty impacts health, education, and economic opportunities for menstruators. As a procedural measure, it has no direct policy impact beyond encouraging awareness.

Enacts the "fair pay for home care act" relating to minimum wages applicable to home care aides; provides for a minimum wage of 150% of the applicable statewide or regional minimum wage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1410) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially proclaim March 25, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, aligning with National Vietnam Veterans Day. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the service of New York veterans who served during the Vietnam War era (1962-1975). The resolution encourages New Yorkers to observe the day with ceremonies honoring these veterans' contributions and supporting their reintegration into civilian life. It is a symbolic gesture of appreciation, not a policy change affecting specific groups or programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (J 1395) commemorating the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026. It symbolically recognizes Earth Day's history and environmental significance without creating new laws or obligations. The resolution urges the New York State Legislature to pause its work on that date and encourages residents, businesses, and institutions to engage in environmental stewardship activities. It has no binding effect on policy or funding.