Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Today, legislation (S7897) Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins introduced and passed in the Senate to protect bicyclists was signed into law. The new law requires motorists to pass bicyclists proceeding in the same direction at a safe distance. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins introduced the legislation after Merrill Cassell, an avid cyclist and safety advocate, was fatally struck by a vehicle last year, while cycling in Greenburgh, NY.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the State of New York had 42 bicycle-related traffic fatalities in 2008 alone. Requiring motorists to pass at "a safe distance," this legislation will serve to educate the public about the need for motor vehicles and bicyclists to share our roads safely.

Today, we are happy to announce that working with Senator Sampson, Assembly Speaker Silver, State Comptroller DiNapoli, and Governor Paterson, an agreement has been reached which enables the City of Yonkers to adopt and certify its budget to include the $36.4 million in education funding that had been vetoed.

Senate Passes Child Health Plus and School Meals Enrollment Coordination Act

Today, the Senate passed legislation (S4057B) introduced by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, to preserve good health and nutrition as part of early childhood development and establish the Child Health Plus and School Meals Enrollment Coordination Act of 2011.

Health and nutrition are directly correlated to a child’s success in school, and later achievement as an adult.

In an effort to end voter coercion and intimidation practices, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District –D/WF) announced passage of legislation in the Senate (S2554-B) making voter suppression punishable as a misdemeanor. If signed into law, the legislation will amend New York State election laws to address issues pertaining to voter coercion and intimidation that are not currently covered.

Saturday evening, June 5, New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins delivered the keynote address at the White House Project’s annual “Go Run” civic and political leadership training for women.The multi-day program sponsored by the White House Project is part of an initiative called, “Vote, Run, Lead,” intended to engage women in the political process as voters, activists and candidates through trainings, inspiration and professional networking.  

On June 1st, NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senator Eric Adams announced a new and improved NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins was joined in Albany by Yonkers resident and a 2010 nominee, Eli Michael Vetrano, who is a United States Army veteran. In the coming weeks, a ceremony will be held to honor all members of the Hall of Fame in the 35th District, recognizing their service in the United States Armed Forces.

As the school year draws to a close, students naturally turn their thoughts to summer vacation and time away from books! It is important, though, to keep school age children in the mindset of learning. For this reason, New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins encourages all parents to bring their children to the local public library this summer.

For more information on hours and locations: Click Here!

The State Senate Democratic Majority passed their “Earth Day 2010” package which will enhance New York’s stature as a “green” leader in a 21st Century economy, and implement protections to reduce waste and pollution, making New York a healthier and more vibrant state for generations to come.