As most Long Islanders know, affordability, at its heart, is about what families experience every day. It’s a child starting the school day with a full stomach, a parent relieved of crushing child care costs, a college student able to pursue a career without sinking into debt. This is the kind of state New Yorkers deserve, one where families can live with dignity and plan with confidence.

That’s why I have worked to put affordability at the center of my priorities.

As the academic year begins, I’m reminded of the past, when parents couldn’t afford to provide lunch or give their children lunch money each day. No parent should have to carry that stress, and no child should sit in class hungry. Alongside my colleagues in the Senate, I fought to secure $340 million in the state budget to make breakfast and lunch free for every student in New York, regardless of their family’s income, so all young scholars can eat with dignity.

Affordability also means giving young children the strongest possible start without risking the family’s financial security. That’s why I voted in favor of $1.2 billion in universal pre-kindergarten funding to continue our efforts to prepare children for their education and nurture their social, emotional and academic skills. I also collaborated with my fellow senators for the allocation of $112 million for after-school programs, which bolster academic programming and offer enrichment opportunities. This saves families thousands on child care costs, while building the foundation children need to thrive.

In that same vein, I fought for new and increased aid to school districts across Senate District 6 totaling $53.2 million, minimizing the need to raise residents’ property taxes. These funds help cover academic activities, transportation, supportive services and more, making sure that all students have the tools they need to succeed.

Worries about affordability also show up in everyday moments like getting children ready for the return to school. This summer I worked with a variety of community partners and stakeholders to offer backpack giveaway events throughout the district. At one such event, in partnership with Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks and North Hempstead Councilman Robert Troiano, along with the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, we gave away more than 800 backpacks filled with school supplies to students from the district.

These initiatives, aimed at easing the financial burden on parents as the academic year begins, do more than help families prepare. They also send a message that members of our community are willing to extend a helping hand to one another.

The need for affordable education doesn’t end in childhood, which is why my fellow senators and I invested $47 million statewide to make community college free for students ages 25 to 55 who are pursuing high-demand careers such as teaching, engineering and nursing.

Affordability and sustainability can and should go hand in hand. The rising cost of water and its finite existence led me to sponsor Senate Bill S.4988, and secure $150,000 in the state budget to launch a rebate program in Nassau and Suffolk counties for families who install smart-irrigation devices. These systems save water, reduce bills and help protect the environment that we’ll pass on to the next generation.

When it comes to health care, the high cost of prescription drugs has put necessary medications out of reach for too many New Yorkers. To address this concern, the Senate passed the New York Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, offering a practical solution by empowering the state to partner in the production of generic drugs specifically to drive down prices. This bill targets high-cost and at-risk medications like insulin, ensuring affordability and availability.

Affordability can’t simply be a talking point. It must be embodied in legislation and budget allocations. Whether it’s fighting for free meals, expanding pre-K, making college accessible or supporting families with basic school supplies, I will continue to advocate for programming and policies that make life more affordable for everyone.

Originally published in the LI Herald, September 17, 2025.