Public service is not always easy. The issues before public officials are rarely simple, and the responsibility of finding solutions that improve the lives of New Yorkers is one Senate Democrats do not take lightly. But throughout this session, the Democratic Conference remained focused on addressing the concerns we hear from our constituents and delivering for the people of New York.
So when we began this session in January, we knew the challenges ahead would be significant.
New Yorkers were struggling with rising costs. Families were facing higher utility bills, higher healthcare costs, and growing economic uncertainty. At the same time, we were confronted with an increasingly unpredictable federal government that has repeatedly threatened programs and protections that millions of New Yorkers depend on.
Faced with those realities, we chose to move New York forward.
This session, we confronted the growing burden of utility costs. We advanced packages aimed at holding utility companies accountable, strengthening oversight, and ensuring that ratepayers are protected from unnecessary costs. We made clear that utility providers should serve New Yorkers, not profit at their expense.
On the first day of session, I said we would stand up for immigrant communities and advance the goals of New York for All– and that is exactly what we did. We fought to protect immigrant families, strengthen due process, and safeguard access to schools, healthcare, and other essential services. We made clear that New York will continue to be a place where families can live with dignity, pursue opportunity, and contribute to the communities they call home.
At a time when reproductive rights remain under attack nationwide, we enacted protections for patient privacy, expanded access to fertility and IVF treatments, and safeguarded the right of New Yorkers to make their own healthcare decisions. We also stood up for affordable healthcare. As federal leaders continue to threaten healthcare access and undermine critical programs, we advanced legislation to lower prescription drug costs, improved access to care, and protected patients across our state.
For the first time, we took major steps toward truly universal childcare by expanding UPK and investing in childcare programs statewide. We fully funded our schools and made it clear that every student deserves a quality education.
We fought to lower costs and protect consumers. We took on junk fees, deceptive pricing practices, subscription traps, and corporate abuses that make it harder for working families to make ends meet.
We defended science and public health, advancing legislation that supports vaccine access, empowers healthcare providers, and reinforces evidence-based public health practices that keep our communities safe.
We continued to lead on environmental protection and climate action, advancing legislation to protect our natural resources, reduce pollution, invest in clean energy infrastructure, expand electrification and solar opportunities.
We advanced legislation to strengthen our democracy and protect the right to vote. We worked to safeguard election workers, modernize our election systems, and ensure that New Yorkers can participate in our democracy free from intimidation and interference.
We strengthened protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence, continuing our work to ensure survivors have access to the resources, support, and legal protections they need while strengthening accountability for those who seek to harm or intimidate them.
We continued to support New York’s agricultural industry and delivered critical investments to both New York City and local municipalities across our state, helping communities strengthen infrastructure, improve critical services, and support long-term economic growth.
We invested in creating more affordable housing across the state and at the same time stood up for homeowners and renters because we all know that affordable housing is crucial for a strong community.
At a time when so many New Yorkers are looking for stability and leadership, we remained focused on delivering results, protecting fundamental rights, and strengthening the communities we represent.
Those accomplishments did not happen overnight. They are the result of months of hard work, difficult conversations, and a shared commitment to serving the people of New York.
And while we can be proud of what we achieved, we must also recognize the challenges that remain.
We know our work is not finished.
But as we close this session, I am reminded that progress is measured not only by what we accomplish in this chamber, but by the difference it makes in the lives of New Yorkers.
There will always be more work to do. But this session demonstrated what is possible when we remain focused on the people who elected us to serve.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.
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