(ALBANY, NY) - On Wednesday, Senator Lea Webb (SD-52) returned to Albany for the opening of the 2026 Legislative Session, which runs from January through early June. 

“Today, I returned to Albany for the opening day of the 2026 Legislative Session,” said Senator Webb. “I am proud to serve in the NYS Senate under the leadership of our esteemed Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. We are ready to meet the challenges facing New Yorkers as Trump continues to cause harm to our communities with cruel cuts to programs and funding. We are ready to hold the line and pass policies to address the affordability crisis, particularly the rising costs of utilities, housing, healthcare, childcare, and the general cost of living.” 

On her first day back in Albany, Webb joined colleagues, advocates, and representatives from labor unions to rally for Universal Childcare.

Said Senator Webb, “Childcare is essential infrastructure for New York’s workforce and economy. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to fight for a statewide guarantee of free 3-K and Pre-K and for sustainable, dedicated funding that makes child care affordable and reliable for the long term. When we invest in child care across our state, we invest in working families, our economy, and the future of New York.”

 Senator Webb continued, “This year, as we face continued uncertainty and chaos in Washington, it is more important than ever that we meet this moment with strength and resilience. We are ready to do the work that needs to be done to uphold our Democracy, protect voting rights, and care for the most vulnerable members of our community. I am ready for the work ahead and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to center the needs of working families across New York.”   

Senator Webb continued, “I am honored to continue to serve as Chair of the Women’s Issues Committee, where I will continue to prioritize legislation that addresses the maternal mortality crisis, improves health outcomes for mothers and infants, delivers resources to perimenopausal and menopausal women, and ensures that every family in New York thrives.”

Webb represents the 52nd Senate District, which includes Cortland County, Tompkins County, and parts of Broome County. She serves as Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Women’s Issues and also serves on the Senate’s Standing Committees on Agriculture, Cities 2, Health, Higher Education, Mental Health, Procurement & Contracts, the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, and the Select Majority Task Force on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. 

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