Sen. Andrew Gounardes

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 15-21, 2026, as Agriculture Week in New York State. The resolution recognizes the importance of farming to the state's economy and food supply, and it aligns with National Agriculture Week celebrations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of agriculture's contributions to New York. The bill is a ceremonial measure intended to honor farmers and promote awareness of the agricultural industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in the state. It directly affects Governor Kathy Hochul by requesting her signature on a proclamation recognizing the historical significance of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The resolution highlights the academy's role in American history and its contributions to national defense and leadership. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the institution's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally acknowledges and commends New York Maple Producers for hosting their Annual Maple Weekends on March 21-22, 2026, and March 28-29, 2026. The resolution highlights the importance of maple syrup production to New York's agricultural heritage, noting that the state is home to over 2,000 maple sugar makers and produces more than 825,000 gallons of syrup annually. It recognizes the producers' efforts in welcoming families to their farms to learn about syrup production and enjoy related activities and products. The resolution concludes by directing that copies be sent to the maple producers as a formal gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates the Pavilion/York Air Rifle Team and their head coach Jenny Harkins for winning the New York State Rifle Invitational Championship in the Three-Position Event on March 1, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes the team's achievement by pausing legislative proceedings to offer congratulations and directing copies of the document to the team members, coach, and school administrators. It highlights the athletes' specific accomplishments, including individual perfect scores and undefeated league performance, while acknowledging the value of athletic competition in developing character and discipline.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day in New York State. It directly affects state officials and maritime workers by establishing an annual commemorative date. The resolution highlights the economic importance of waterways and the contributions of merchant mariners to New York's economy and history. It also acknowledges SUNY Maritime College's role in training future maritime professionals. The bill is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryBill S 4589 modifies how Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are reimbursed for their operating costs. Beginning in April 2025, and every three years thereafter, the department will analyze actual FQHC costs over the prior five years, considering factors like services provided, staffing, and technology. Based on this analysis, the department will develop and issue updated payment rates, removing existing payment ceilings or caps. The bill ensures that no FQHC will receive a lower operating cost component or overall payment rate than what was applied before September 30, 2025.

Requires the department of health to review claims for expenditures for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment and other health services, care and supplies which are furnished to eligible children and pre-school children regardless of whether such children have handicapping conditions, are suspected of having handicapping conditions or have an individualized education plan; requires the department of health to apply for all necessary federal approvals regarding such expenditures.

Requires all incarcerated individuals who do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent to receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening upon intake by the department of corrections; requires for such individuals who perform below a certain proficiency level to be provided with intervention services that are evidence-based, effective and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.

Authorizes up to two percent of mobile sports tax revenue, but not more than twenty-three million dollars, be used for youth team sports funding to be distributed by county youth bureaus, city of New York's department of youth and community development, and an organization which supports and invests in programs that use sports as a vehicle for youth development and social change.

Requires that any individual who is eligible for the Fair Fares NYC program and any person whose income is three hundred percent of the federal poverty level receive a fifty percent discount on trips using the Long Island Rail Road, paratransit services, New York city transit subways or buses, and/or Metro-North railroad; defines terms.