Sen. James Skoufis

Extends the term and authority of the independent monitor for the Orange county industrial development agency; requires such monitor also monitor the Orange county funding corporation; modifies the applicability of certain tax exemptions based on population; extends provisions of law related to the independent monitor for the Orange county industrial development agency.

Requires each institution within the state university of New York and the city university of New York offering in-person student instruction to have at least one vending machine making emergency contraception available for purchase.

Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and their dependents by such public employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1580) requires state human services agencies to implement a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for eligible programs starting April 1, 2025. It directly affects programs administered by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports, including mental health clinics, developmental disability services, and addiction treatment programs. The COLA applies to reimbursement rates for these services and mandates that recipients use funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The bill prohibits other new COLA increases during this period, except for specific federal pandemic relief programs.

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.