Sen. Jake Ashby

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's law to explicitly include veterans in the legal definition of "military status." It expands the current definition - which already covers active military service - to protect veterans who have completed their service from unlawful discrimination. The key change adds the phrase "a person's participation in the military service... if such person has been released from such service" to the existing definition. This means veterans will now be covered under the same anti-discrimination protections that apply to active-duty military personnel. The change applies to all areas governed by this law, including employment and housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill phases in tax cuts for New York residents by gradually increasing the tax-free threshold for married couples filing jointly and heads of household over ten years. For married couples, the tax-free amount rises from $10,000 in 2026 to $100,000 by 2035, with corresponding adjustments to tax rates for income above $500,000. It repeals existing tax law provisions related to benefit recapture and updates the tax rate tables annually to reflect these changes. The bill directly affects New York residents filing as married couples or heads of household, particularly those with taxable incomes between $7,500 and $25 million.

Maddy summaryS 587 creates a new income tax deduction for cash tips received by workers, specifically for tips classified as wages under federal tax law. This change directly affects service industry workers (like servers and bartenders) who receive cash tips, allowing them to subtract those tips from their taxable income. The bill adds a specific deduction line to the tax code for cash tips received during a tax year, effective for all tax returns filed for 2025 and later. It does not change how tips are reported to employers but adjusts how they are treated for state tax purposes. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Maddy summaryS 6639 increases the percentage of overtime pay excluded from retirement benefit calculations for public employees from 15% to 30% of their regular wages. It directly affects state and local government workers covered by retirement systems using "final average salary" calculations. The bill changes the threshold so more overtime pay will now be included in determining retirement benefits, rather than excluded.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new savings program specifically for employees of small businesses in New York state to help them save money for child and dependent care. It affects employers with one to one hundred employees who have been in business for at least two years and do not currently offer a child and dependent care savings plan. The program allows employees to contribute a portion of their wages through payroll deductions, with contributions managed by the state's comptroller and labor commissioner. Employers would establish payroll systems to collect these contributions, and employees could choose their contribution amounts or opt out of the program. The bill also outlines rules for enrollment periods, contribution limits, and how employees can withdraw their savings under certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 2026 as Youth Art Month in New York State. It does not change laws or create new programs, but rather designates a specific month for public awareness of art education. The resolution highlights the importance of visual arts in schools and encourages community support for art programs. It is a ceremonial measure that directs the governor to issue a proclamation for the observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 23, 2026, as Pakistan-American Heritage Day in the state. It directly affects the Pakistani-American community in New York by creating a formal day to recognize their cultural contributions and heritage. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, the Pakistani Consulate in New York City, and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group for their records. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but rather serves to acknowledge and celebrate the Pakistani-American community's presence and achievements in New York State.

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.