Email from NYS Senate What's Happening in SD28?   Dear Neighbor, Below you will find governmental updates, recent actions by the Trump Administration impacting New Yorkers, and upcoming events and other useful information affecting our district. Before you read on, I want to draw your attention to a few things. First, as of this writing it looks likely that we may face a shutdown of the federal government tomorrow. I know that I and my elected colleagues at the city and state level will be closely tracking the impacts of any shutdown on our constituents. In the meantime, here are two brief write-ups from The City and CNBC on what to expect in the event a shutdown happens. Second, Governor Hochul has warned New Yorkers to be wary of scams focused on the state "inflation refund checks" that will be sent out this week. Click here for more details on how to protect yourself from being a victim of these latest scams. Finally, I am very pleased that all three proposed Manhattan casinos have been voted down by their respective Community Advisory Committees. I have long been clear that I do not support casinos in general, and in Manhattan in particular. Casino gambling can be very addictive, exploit those least able to afford to lose their money, and redirect people's disposable income away from other activities and toward casino owners. As they say: "the house always wins." Fortunately for Manhattanites, this time the house lost. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535. Liz Krueger State Senator What's In This Newsletter? Governmental Updates: Update on Trump Administration Impacts Op-Ed: Governor Must Sign NY Health Information Privacy Act Op-Ed: Governor Must Sign Ban on For-Profit Hospice Legislators Urge Governor to Sign 100-Ft Rule Repeal Bill Senator Krueger Introduces SUNNY Act To Support Balcony Solar Virtual Legislative Roundtable on New York State Climate Targets Statement On Public Service Commission Vote To Support NESE Pipeline Senator Krueger's Virtual Town Hall on Medicare Senator Krueger’s Virtual Older Adult Roundtable Series Session II Senator Krueger's Older Adult Resource Fair Helpful Information Upcoming Changes to the Essential Plan Advocates for Children Education Helpline Protecting and Supporting Immigrant Families Community Updates: Community Board 6 Meeting on Lexington Avenue Bus Lane Upgrades Work Begins on 3rd Avenue Complete Street 34th Street Busway Implementation The Graduate Center at CUNY Fall Programming Community Board 8 Art Show Dag Hammarskjold Greenmarket 25th Anniversary Celebration WNYC/NYPL Book Club Update on Trump Administration Impacts Once again I would like to highlight a very small sample of some of the actions of the Trump Administration that have had concrete, negative impacts on New Yorkers. Click on the links included below for more details. Here is some of what the Administration has been up to: Americans will see the cost of prescription drugs increase as a result of a series of new tariffs President Trump announced last week, including a 100% tariff on certain pharmaceuticals, 50% on cabinetry, and 25% on heavy trucks. The import taxes kick in on October 1st. RFK Jr. issued a factually incorrect warning falsely claiming that there is a causal link between autism and taking Tylenol during pregnancy (read here for a good explanation of why this is false). Instead, President Trump recommended that pregnant women "tough it out" when in pain. It's no wonder that earlier this month over 1,000 current and former Department of Health staffers released a letter calling on Kennedy to resign. The Trump Administration continued their war against modernity by canceling $679 million in federal funding for infrastructure to support the offshore wind industry, including $48 million for an offshore wind port on Staten Island. These cuts will not only prevent the development of abundant, lower-cost clean energy, but will mean that much of the equipment for any offshore wind that does occur will be made overseas instead of in the US. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy will spend $625 million to subsidize money-losing coal power plants, a technology first development in the 1700s, as well as opening up 13 million acres of public lands and reducing the price of royalties companies have to pay to mine that land. At the same time, the Department of Energy is having trouble enacting all the funding cancellations the Trump Administration has ordered because they are short-staffed as a result of Elon Musk's firing of so many public servants. The Department is therefore spending $50 million to hire outside consultants to do the work. The Trump Administration has announced that it will Make Argentina Great Again with a $20 billion bailout of their economy in order to prop up their chainsaw-wielding "strongman" president, Javier Milei. Obviously this will not help regular Americans in any way, but it does help one particular hedge fund manager who is a friend of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Administration continued their culture war obsession with attacking children by illegally withholding $36 million in funding for New York City's public magnet schools because the NYC Department of Education continues to abide by state and federal civil rights laws. President Trump's deeply embarrassing speech at the UN General Assembly last week came with the usual doses of insulting our allies, denying science, and wandering off into rambling non-sequiturs. It recently came to light that President Trump's "Border Czar," Tom Homan, accepted a $50,000 cash bribe from undercover FBI agents last year in exchange for promises that he could help deliver border security contracts during Trump's second term. The investigation into Homan was shut down when Trump took office. The Administration announced that it would implement a $100,000 fee for H1-B visas, which are used by highly-skilled foreign workers. Losing these desperately needed workers (who pay high taxes without being eligible for any benefits) will have a negative impact on the economy for some time to come. President Trump's masked paramilitary forces created a diplomatic crisis by arresting almost 500 Korean workers, including some American citizens, who were building a Hyundai factory in Georgia. More than 90 of the nation's 433 national parks are reporting problems caused by lack of staffing a result of President Trump's draconian funding cuts. These problems include, perversely, the inability to collect millions of dollars in visitor fees. Loss of Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies due to Congressional Republicans' budget plans could result in a doubling of premiums for more than 20 million Americans, including over 200,000 New Yorkers. Paul Krugman has a useful explainer of the impacts here. After enacting historically massive cuts to the programs that help tens of millions of Americans put food on their table (and not incidentally support American farmers), the Trump Administration announced it will no longer track data on food insecurity. Americans are fighting to defend our democracy everyday. National resistance to Trump Administration policies will continue in October with the No Kings Day of Action on October 18th. The New York City march will kick off at Father Duffy Square at 47th Street and 7th Avenue, from 11 am - 1 pm As the Trump Administration pursued egregious policies and worked to silence dissent and eliminate opposition in September, individuals, groups, and cities pushed back quickly and decisively: Elected officials arrested during protest of NYC immigration holding facility (NBC News) Chicago mayor issues 'right to protest' order amid threat of federal crackdown (ABC News) Late-night TV hosts blast 'autocrat' Trump after Kimmel yanked off air (Politico) Chicago launches resistance campaign as Trump threatens to send troops (Washington Post) Texas student groups sue to block state law that limits campus protests (The Texas Tribune) Labor Day Protests Denounce Trump While Supporting Workers (NY Times) And don't forget that knowledge is power. The September 19th edition of The Morning newsletter provides an overview of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, as well as how freedom of speech is addressed in the law and constitution. Op-Ed: Governor Must Sign NY Health Information Privacy Act This month I co-authored an op-ed with Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, urging Governor Hochul to sign our New York Health Information Privacy Act. We also sent a joint letter to the Governor with the same message. This important bill requires companies to obtain consent before tracking, storing, or selling sensitive health information. It will protect New Yorkers’ private health information from third-party purchasers and allows users to reclaim and retain control of their sensitive health data. Read Senator Krueger's Op-Ed on the NY Health Information Privacy Act Op-Ed: Governor Must Sign Ban on For-Profit Hospice Providers This week I co-authored an op-ed with Assembly Member Amy Paulin and Cara Pace, CEO of United Hospice, a nonprofit hospice serving Rockland and Orange Counties, urging Governor Hochul to sign S.3437, which would prevent the opening of new, for-profit hospice providers in New York State. When our loved ones or we ourselves enter hospice, we are putting our trust in that institution to care for us at the most vulnerable period of our lives. We will all be in that situation at some point, and the idea that decisions about our care would be influenced by the profit motive, that corners would be cut to make an extra buck, potentially leaving patients and families suffering needlessly, is something that we should not abide in New York. We have the chance to prevent New York from becoming the next chapter in a growing national problem. I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill. Read Senator Krueger's Op-Ed on For-Profit Hospice Legislators Urge Governor to Sign 100-Ft Rule Repeal Bill Earlier this month I was joined by more than 50 Albany lawmakers on a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to sign S8417/A8888, legislation I carried with Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon to repeal the outdated "100-foot rule" mandate. The "100-foot rule" effectively forces New York families to subsidize utility profits by allowing them to expand the costly, outdated, and polluting fracked gas system on ratepayers' dime and charge New Yorkers more on their energy bills. Governor Hochul has publicly committed to ending the 100-foot rule two separate times in her budget proposals, and now she can deliver on that commitment by signing this bill into law. As the cost of building and maintaining our aging gas infrastructure continues to rise, utilities across the state have raised rates to pass those costs onto customers and keep us hooked on a fracked gas system that is already unaffordable. Since 2022, every major New York gas utility has raised costs on consumers, causing more than 1.2 million families to fall behind on their energy bills. At the same time, the Trump Administration has threatened federal energy affordability programs, making state action even more essential. Repealing the 100-foot rule subsidy would remove the mandate that requires utility customers to pay for the cost of new hookups to the gas system. The bill is the most significant legislation passed this year to address New York's energy affordability crisis, and will save New Yorkers an estimated $200 million every year once Governor Hochul signs it into law. Other states across the country are also ending similar subsidies for gas utilities. Last month, Massachusetts state regulators issued an order to end their own version of the 100-foot rule, joining California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Maryland as the first states to repeal outdated gas mandates that cost ratepayers more money. Click Here to Read the Full Letter Senator Krueger Introduces SUNNY Act To Support Balcony Solar Last week I introduced the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act, co-sponsored by Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, which would exempt small balcony solar, also known as portable or plug-in solar, from existing interconnection and net metering requirements. Following on the passage of similar, first-in-the-nation legislation in Utah, this small statutory change has the potential to make solar generation available to millions of New Yorkers who cannot install rooftop solar, either because they are renters, cannot afford the up-front cost, or do not have an appropriate roof. To confront the affordability crisis as well as achieve New York’s clean energy agenda and long-term climate goals, the state must use every tool available to address rising energy costs, remove bureaucratic barriers, help mitigate the impact of the abrupt repeal of federal solar tax credits, and strengthen existing state solar programs. Per the State’s obligations under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), New York has excelled in utilizing solar power, but has struggled in meeting emissions reductions, offshore wind, and renewable energy storage goals. Plug-in solar devices offer an opportunity for New York to continue expanding on the progress made towards achieving a sustainable future, offering residents guaranteed utility bill savings with minimal upfront costs and without the need for burdensome permitting processes. These devices help democratize energy production and expand access for New Yorkers who may not own a home but have an outdoor space suitable for use, enabling participation in the solar economy in a cost-effective manner. Widespread adoption of plug-in solar devices could also reduce overall costs for the electric grid, decreasing demand on the grid and reducing the need for additional capacity investments, which would save all ratepayers money.  Plug-in solar devices are not currently regulated in New York, preventing their adoption, while Utah leads the nation on expanding access to this technology. As these devices become more popular across the United States, adoption in the state is expected to grow significantly. Establishing clear guidelines now will ensure that products meet national safety and performance standards, protect consumers, and promote responsible expansion of this technology. State-level leadership is urgently needed to deliver cost savings to residents, accelerate clean energy adoption, and expand equitable access to affordable power. The SUNNY Act provides a regulatory framework for a nascent industry and ensures that New York maintains local oversight while advancing its affordability, clean energy, and climate commitments. Plug-in solar is a powerful tool to deliver enhanced energy independence and affordability to millions of New Yorkers who are currently shut out of the solar economy. These tiny tweaks to our current laws around interconnection and net metering can be a game-changer for renters, low-income New Yorkers, and many others who can't install rooftop solar. Mass adoption of plug-in solar could also reduce demand on the grid, saving all ratepayers money by avoiding the need for costly grid upgrades. After all, the sunshine is free, so everyone should be able to benefit from it. Virtual Legislative Roundtable on New York State Climate Targets Last week I co-hosted a virtual Legislative Roundtable with Senator Pete Harckham on the legislative, budgetary, and executive action necessary for New York State to get back on track with our climate targets. Click Here for Video and Written Testimony from the Virtual Roundtable Statement On Public Service Commission Vote To Support NESE Pipeline Earlier this month I released the following statement regarding a vote by the state Public Service Commission in support of National Grid's long-term gas plan, which includes the controversial Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) fracked gas pipeline across New York Harbor: “By rushing to vote on National Grid's long term gas plan today, which includes the last-minute addition of the NESE pipeline, the PSC is taking us one step closer to saddling New York gas customers with billions of dollars in costs for unnecessary, dirty infrastructure. The PSC essentially said today that they believe building the pipeline would be a prudent investment, opening the door to National Grid being able to recoup the costs in their next rate case - the only question then will be how big the bill is for New Yorkers to pay. "The facts are clear - New York does not need Donald Trump's new pipeline. National Grid's own forecast fails to make the case for it, and the PSC's independent consultant offered an even more damning assessment. There is simply no reason to waste New Yorkers' money and lock us into a dirty, expensive, fossil fueled future. "This is not how you stand up to the bully in Washington. This is not how you stand up for New York ratepayers, let alone our children and grandchildren who will be saddled with the true cost of this folly. Governor Hochul must put a stop to this nonsense." Senator Krueger's Virtual Town Hall Medicare Parts A, B, C and D: Changes You Can Make to Your Coverage Tuesday, October 7th from 2pm – 3:30pm Eric Hausman from the Department for the Aging’s Health Insurance Information and Counseling Program (HIICAP) will present. During his presentation, you will hear about changes coming in 2026 to premium rates and deductibles for Medicare Parts A and B, and changes to Part D, your prescription drug coverage. Additionally, you will learn about Medicare Advantage and supplemental (Medigap) plans, and programs that can help defray Medicare costs, including prescription drug costs. The Medicare open enrollment period ends on December 7th. In addition to attending the event on Zoom, you will also have the option to view the event online through Facebook. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook. If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic device, you can listen in by telephone. **One you register for the event, a separate confirmation email with the Zoom link and the call-in information will be sent at least a week in advance of the event.** The event will feature question-and-answer sessions with the presenters. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are *strongly* encouraged to submit them in advance. Please let us know if you plan to attend on October 7th by clicking on the button below to register. Click Here to Register for the October 7th Virtual Town Hall Senator Krueger’s Virtual Older Adult Roundtable Series Session II - Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid Tuesday, October 14th, 2pm – 3:15pm Fred Riccardi, President of the Medicare Rights Center, and one of the leading national Medicare experts, will present on how federal Budget Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will impact older adults in New York City. Also learn about practical actionable steps you can take to fight back. In addition to attending the event on Zoom, you will also have the option to view the event online through Facebook. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook. If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic device, you can listen in by telephone. **One you register for the event, a separate confirmation email with the Zoom link and the call-in information will be sent at least a week in advance of the event.** The event will feature question-and-answer sessions with the presenters. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are *strongly* encouraged to submit them in advance. Please let us know if you plan to attend the Tuesday, October 14th Roundtable by clicking on the button below to register. Click Here to Register for the October 14th Virtual Roundtable Senator Krueger's Older Adult Resource Fair Meet with representatives from 30 organizations, who will provide information for Older Adults and their caregivers. To ensure we can accommodate everyone who wants to attend, you must sign up for one of the time slots listed below: 11:30 am – 12:30pm 12:30 pm – 1:30pm 1:30 pm – 2:30pm If you have any questions, please call our office at 212-490-9535. Click Here to Register for a Time Slot for the Fair Upcoming Changes to the Essential Plan As you may be aware, Governor Hochul has announced that it will be necessary to make changes to the New York State Essential Plan in response to H.R. 1 (also known as the OBBB Act) in order to preserve health care for as many New Yorkers as possible. The Essential Plan (EP) was created in 2016 and allows New Yorkers with low- to moderate-incomes, who do not have health insurance through their employer and do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, to obtain affordable comprehensive health insurance. Originally, eligible New Yorkers included individuals with incomes between 133 and 200% of the federal poverty level ($20,850 - $31,300 for a single individual or $42,760 - $64,300 for a family of four). In 2024, New York State received federal approval to expand EP eligibility to individuals with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level ($39,125 for a single individual and $80,375 for a family of four). There are currently 1.5 million EP enrollees, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and green card holders and other lawfully present immigrants (known as the Aliessa population) who are barred from Medicaid eligibility due to their immigration status. H.R. 1 makes drastic cuts to EP funding by ending premium tax credits for lawfully present immigrants at various times - January 1, 2026 for the Aliessa population and January 1, 2027 for 225,000 other non-Aliessa lawfully-present immigrants. The estimated cost of this policy change to New York State is $8 billion per year. In addition, it is anticipated that H.R. 1 will cause New York hospitals to lose $1.35 billion in revenue per year. As a result, Governor Hochul plans to request permission from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to revert back to a prior version of the EP - the Basic Health Plan (BHP). If approved, the process would take 10 months. By doing so, the State would be able to unlock $9 billion in EP Trust Funding, which could be used to address cuts resulting from H.R. 1. It would mean, however, that individuals with incomes between 200 - 250% of the federal poverty level would lose their EP coverage. Individuals with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level would remain on the EP, including the Aliessa population. Individuals who would lose their EP coverage may not be able to afford health insurance coverage through their employer or the Marketplace. New York aims to work with CMS to provide affordable coverage options. For now, everyone who is enrolled in the Essential Plan will retain their coverage. There is a 30-day public comment period on the plan to transition from the Essential Plan to the Basic Health Program. Public comments may be submitted through October 10th, 2025. Instructions for submitting public comments are available online at: [link removed]. Advocates for Children Education Helpline Protecting and Supporting Immigrant Families The following is a message from Assembly Member Andrew D. Hevesi, Chair of the NYS Assembly Committee on Children and Families: As you know, in recent months, the federal government has commenced aggressive immigration enforcement sweeps in New York and across our country. It has also taken budgetary and administrative actions to take away many essential services from immigrants. These actions have altered the daily lives of many New York immigrant families and communities, with many afraid to access benefits or services to which they are entitled, and some so fearful they try not to leave their homes. The threat these actions pose to the health and wellbeing of New York children cannot be overstated. Approximately 37% of New York children—more than 1,374,000 children—live in immigrant families. And an estimated 324,400 children across New York State live with an undocumented parent or family member. All are at risk of being directly or indirectly impacted by cuts to benefits, family separation due to immigration detention or deportation, loss of income due to a reduction in family income due to changes in immigration laws and enforcement action, and more. However, there are steps families can take to mitigate the impacts. Immigrant rights and child and family advocacy groups are urging families and communities to act without delay to develop Family Safety Plans. These plans can help protect children from the worst disruptions and harms that can accompany parental detention or deportation. Family Preparedness Plan (available in English and Spanish) NYIC Community Resources Webpage MAKE A PLAN: MIGRANT PARENTS’ GUIDE TO PREVENTING FAMILY SEPARATION (Women’s Refugee Commission) Additional resources are available here from the Women’s Refugee Commission in English and Spanish. The New York State Office of New Americans can connect immigrant New Yorkers with questions or concerns with local community groups. Community Board 6 Meeting on Lexington Avenue Bus Lane Upgrades Work Begins on 3rd Avenue Complete Street 34th Street Busway Implementation The Graduate Center at CUNY Fall Programming Click Here for More Information on CUNY Grad Center Fall Programs Community Board 8 Art Show Dag Hammarskjold Greenmarket 25th Anniversary Celebration WNYC/NYPL Book Club The New York Public Library and WNYC—two indispensable New York institutions—are partnering to host a book club that brings New Yorkers together and fosters community. On October 28, join WNYC’s Alison Stewart (All of It) and New York Times bestselling writer S.A. Cosby for conversation on his latest novel King of Ashes, a Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic and dazzling family drama. Registration for this event starts on Thu. Sept 25. Borrow the book for free through the Library on your preferred device. Learn more: nypl.org/ebookhelp. When: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6 - 7 PM | FREE Location: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (455 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016) A free livestream of this event will be available on the NYPL event page. District Office: 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 2000 | New York, NY 10017 | (212) 490-9535 | Fax: (212) 499-2558 Albany Office: Capitol Building, Room 416 | Albany, NY 12247 | (518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874 Email: [email protected] | On the Web: krueger.nysenate.gov   Senator Liz Krueger | 211 E 43rd St #2000 | New York, NY 10017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice