The 2025 legislative session in New York State is set to begin on January 8th, and local state representatives are gearing up with plans to address a variety of pressing social and economic issues. With the re-election of Trump adding to the political landscape, New York legislators are tasked with balancing the protection of progressive values and addressing the needs of their constituents.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s Legislative Agenda
Focus on Economic Equity
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn of District 42 has outlined a comprehensive list of priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Her agenda targets several critical areas including immigration rights, equitable education, economic development, healthcare access, and public safety. As the chair of the MWBE Oversight Committee, she is particularly focused on extending and improving the MWBE Program mandated by Article 15-A. This program is paramount in promoting economic equality by eliminating barriers faced by minority and women-owned business enterprises. Given recent judicial actions against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Bichotte Hermelyn is determined to fortify this program to protect the advances made and prevent any regression.
Being vigilant on multiple fronts, Bichotte Hermelyn recognizes that achieving economic equity requires a multifaceted approach. Her legislative efforts address not only the economic gaps but also emphasize the importance of public safety and healthcare access. By advocating for better support and infrastructure for minority and women-owned businesses, she aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape. The robustness of her agenda highlights her commitment to tackling systemic inequities and ensuring that the progress made in economic development is sustained and protected against any potential setbacks.
Addressing Maternal Mortality and Housing Affordability
In addition to focusing on economic equity, Bichotte Hermelyn is addressing the alarming maternal mortality crisis disproportionately affecting Black women. Building on previous policies like paid prenatal care leave, she is collaborating with the Black Maternal Health Caucus to introduce further legislation aimed at improving maternal safety. This new legislation is intended to offer comprehensive support systems through preventive healthcare measures, ensuring that Black women receive the care and attention needed to mitigate risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
Housing affordability and availability are equally critical issues on Bichotte Hermelyn’s agenda. Together with Senator Leroy Comrie, she is championing the “Axe the Tax for the Working Class” plan. This initiative proposes eliminating city income taxes for over 429,000 people, providing significant financial relief to working-class families. By addressing the high cost of living and housing, Bichotte Hermelyn aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income families and ensure they have access to safe, affordable housing. This approach not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also aims to create long-term economic stability for many New Yorkers.
Senator Roxanne Persaud’s Legislative Priorities
Human Services and Youth Employment
Senator Roxanne Persaud of the 19th Senatorial District has delineated three primary legislative priorities for the 2025 session, beginning with the Human Services Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) bill. This initiative seeks to amend the existing inadequacies faced by numerous human services workers who remain excluded from current COLA provisions. The proposed adjustment is designed to ensure fair wages that support the health and well-being of all human services workers. By advocating for this bill, Persaud aims to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of these workers and provide them with the financial stability required to continue their essential work within the community.
Persaud’s legislative focus also encompasses substantial support for youth employment through her proposed year-round Youth Employment Immersion Program. This program is directed at 16-24-year-olds who have not completed high school or college, offering education and employment readiness services alongside wages that reflect the cost of living. Through this initiative, Persaud seeks to create a viable pathway for non-college-tracked youth, enabling them to gain meaningful employment and essential skills necessary for their future careers. This initiative not only addresses immediate employment needs but also fosters long-term economic self-sufficiency among the youth.
Right to Cancer Screening
The third significant priority on Senator Persaud’s legislative agenda is the Right to Cancer Screening bill. This proposed legislation aims to broaden preventative healthcare access for individuals with personal or familial histories of ovarian cancer. Considering that cancer survivors are often at a heightened risk of recurrence, this bill underscores the paramount importance of regular, preventative health screenings. By enabling wider access to these vital screenings, Persaud’s measure seeks to proactively address cancer recurrences which can dramatically affect individuals’ lives.
If passed, the bill could significantly improve early detection and intervention outcomes, ultimately saving lives. It highlights Persaud’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare solutions that preemptively tackle serious health issues before they become unmanageable. Recognizing the importance of such preventative measures, Persaud aims to ensure that all individuals, particularly those at greater risk, have the necessary access to healthcare services that support their long-term health and well-being.
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker’s Legislative Initiatives
Criminal Justice Reform and Taxation
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker of District 55 has presented a top ten list of diverse legislative priorities for the upcoming session. One of her noteworthy initiatives is the “Second Look” bill, which would allow certain incarcerated individuals to apply for a reduction in their sentences. This proposal forms part of wider criminal justice reform efforts focused on reevaluating the proportionality and fairness of sentences, particularly for nonviolent offenders. Walker’s bill acknowledges the potential for reformation and redemption, providing a legal mechanism for reviewing and potentially reducing overly harsh sentences.
Another significant proposal from Walker is Bill A1088, which aims to exclude the earnings of election workers from federal adjusted gross income calculations. This measure is intended to provide financial relief to election workers, recognizing their essential role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the electoral process. Additionally, Walker proposes an excise tax on ammunition sales, with proceeds directed into a gun violence impact fund. This initiative aims to address the gun violence epidemic by generating funds specifically allocated for violence prevention and intervention programs.
Support for Foster Children and Consumer Protections
The 2025 legislative session in New York State is scheduled to kick off on January 8th, and state representatives are preparing to tackle a range of critical social and economic issues. With the re-election of Trump adding a new dynamic to the political landscape, New York lawmakers face the challenge of defending progressive values while also meeting the demands of their constituents. This session is poised to address pressing matters such as affordable housing, climate change, healthcare reform, and economic inequality. Various bills and initiatives are expected to be introduced, reflecting the state’s commitment to progressive change despite shifting national politics. Additionally, legislators aim to bolster public education, expand mental health services, and support small businesses recovering from the economic impact of the pandemic. This delicate balancing act between safeguarding progressive principles and responding to the immediate needs of New Yorkers will define the efforts of the state’s legislative body in the upcoming session.
