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A few weeks ago, we passed legislation (A4716/S5606) I championed in the Assembly to reduce microplastic pollution from washing machines, one of the largest sources of microplastics entering our waterways and, ultimately, our food system and bodies.

Research has shown that microscopic plastic fibers shed from synthetic clothing during washing are a major source of microplastic pollution. Synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and fleece release tiny plastic fibers during laundry cycles, many of which are too small to be fully captured by existing wastewater treatment systems.

Microplastics have now been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, breastmilk, and ecosystems across the globe. Scientists are increasingly studying potential links between long-term microplastic exposure and inflammation, endocrine disruption, respiratory impacts, reproductive and developmental effects, and other chronic health concerns.

This legislation requires new washing machines sold in New York beginning January 1, 2030 to include microfiber filtration systems designed to capture synthetic plastic fibers before they enter wastewater systems.

Capturing pollution at the point of release is significantly more effective and cost-efficient than attempting to remove it after widespread environmental contamination has occurred.

On this Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom is never free. Let us honor their legacy by cherishing the liberties they fought to preserve and strive to build a world worthy of their sacrifice.

(Photo credit: 14850.com Tompkins County’s World War I war memorial Dewitt Park in Downtown Ithaca)

New York has the highest concentration of wealth of any state in the country. Our current tax structures foster this concentration. Where almost every penny of income for working class people is taxable only a tiny fraction of the income and wealth of our ultra-rich are taxed. A recent 2025 Siena Research Institute poll, found that 78% of state residents believe that the wealthiest New Yorkers should pay their fair share in taxes to address funding cuts resulting from the federal government. To meet our climate goals, save lives, and prevent economic destabilization we must also invest in climate resiliency infrastructure, which will create good paying jobs and protect our workers. We must return to a progressive tax system so that the middle class and working poor aren’t paying the same tax rates as millionaires and billionaires. My bill (A.1971-A) addresses this by imposing taxes annually on billionaires with one billion dollars or more in year-on-year net assets. While the ultra-rich grow richer and corporations make record profits, average New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet. We need to put our communities over corporations and Invest in Our NY.

The Assembly recently passed my legislation (A2589) to allow New York State to be held to the same federal workplace standards that already apply to private employers and local governments.

Importantly, this bill does not create entirely new worker protections or new categories of damages that workers can seek. New York already has strong state labor and civil rights laws covering disability discrimination, age discrimination, wages and overtime, and family and medical leave.

What this legislation does is allow state employees, in limited circumstances, to pursue claims under federal workplace laws and access the federal court system when federal law may provide different or expanded procedural pathways, enforcement mechanisms, or remedies beyond those available under state law alone. While these situations may be relatively uncommon, this legislation expands overall protections for state employees and helps ensure access to the full protections intended under both state and federal law.

CSPI joined state lawmakers, physicians, and community health advocates at the New York state capitol to advocate for the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, School Dyes Bill, Sodium Warning Bill, Sweet Truth Act, and Predatory Marketing Prevention Act.

These three bills make up a critical slate of food policy reforms designed to protect children and families across New York. And at a time when nearly half a million New Yorkers face imminent loss of health coverage, and diet-related diseases continue to rise, these bills stand to lower surging healthcare costs.

Right now, Albany has a chance to lead with science-backed policies that rein in deceptive marketing, ensure transparency, and put public health first! We are urging the State Legislature and Governor Hochul to prioritize these bills and build a safer, more equitable food system for all New Yorkers.

Happy Local Leadership Friday from our New York team! Swipe 👈 to see some of our recent work:

1️⃣-3️⃣ We had a BIG lobby day at the State Capitol in Albany, where we called for a statewide moratorium on AI data centers. Thanks to @sengonzalezny for her support of this campaign!

4️⃣ Back in the city, we welcomed some wonderful new volunteers. We know they'll bring so much power to our movement!

Happy Local Leadership Friday from our New York team! Swipe 👈 to see some of our recent work:

1️⃣-3️⃣ We had a BIG lobby day at the State Capitol in Albany, where we called for a statewide moratorium on AI data centers. Thanks to @sengonzalezny for her support of this campaign!

4️⃣ Back in the city, we welcomed some wonderful new volunteers. We know they'll bring so much power to our movement!

Happy Local Leadership Friday from our New York team! Swipe 👈 to see some of our recent work:

1️⃣-3️⃣ We had a BIG lobby day at the State Capitol in Albany, where we called for a statewide moratorium on AI data centers. Thanks to @sengonzalezny for her support of this campaign!

4️⃣ Back in the city, we welcomed some wonderful new volunteers. We know they'll bring so much power to our movement!

Happy Local Leadership Friday from our New York team! Swipe 👈 to see some of our recent work:

1️⃣-3️⃣ We had a BIG lobby day at the State Capitol in Albany, where we called for a statewide moratorium on AI data centers. Thanks to @sengonzalezny for her support of this campaign!

4️⃣ Back in the city, we welcomed some wonderful new volunteers. We know they'll bring so much power to our movement!

I am the proud sponsor of the Earned Time Act to advance safety and justice and reunite families, and I am ready to vote YES.

The date on your food doesn't tell you whether it's safe. It's telling you what a company prefers. That means millions of New Yorkers are making health decisions based on information that was never designed to protect them.

NY Bill A7291A would require clear, science-backed, consumer-facing labels so every New Yorker can make informed decisions about what they eat.

88% of us throw out food we don't need to. Families lose $3,000 a year. 40% of food ends up in landfills.

Safe food starts with honest labels. Support A7291A. 🗽

Thanks to Assembly Agriculture Chair, @donnalupardo, for reporting this bill out!

#HealthandSafety #AD87

The date on your food doesn't tell you whether it's safe. It's telling you what a company prefers. That means millions of New Yorkers are making health decisions based on information that was never designed to protect them.

NY Bill A7291A would require clear, science-backed, consumer-facing labels so every New Yorker can make informed decisions about what they eat.

88% of us throw out food we don't need to. Families lose $3,000 a year. 40% of food ends up in landfills.

Safe food starts with honest labels. Support A7291A. 🗽

Thanks to Assembly Agriculture Chair, @donnalupardo, for reporting this bill out!

#HealthandSafety #AD87

Thank you to the lawmakers who stood with us on 4/14. Because of them and the voices of so many advocates and organizers, DSS Blot has been transferred and daily showers have been restored at Bedford. This basic human right should never have been taken away.

This Saturday, May 2nd is I Love My Park Day which is New York’s largest single-day volunteer event supporting our parks and public lands. All events run from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a rain date of May 3. Volunteers should bring gloves and water, tools will be provided. Family-friendly options are available at all locations.

Across the state, thousands of volunteers will be showing up to restore trails, plant trees, clean up spaces and take care of the places we all rely on. There are several opportunities to get involved locally includingRobert H. Treman State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Stewart Park and the Ithaca Dog Park.

Find more events across New York at the link in my bio.

Organized by @parkstrailsny - I Love My Park Day is a reminder that caring for our natural resources is a shared responsibility.

Thursday was a great day celebrating with leaders from the City of Ithaca on their long awaited, well-deserved Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant!

This $10 million investment recognizes what so many of us already know, that strong, vibrant downtowns are the foundation of healthy communities. In Ithaca, Stamford, and Margaretville, this funding will help turn long-held local visions into real, tangible progress, from creating much-needed housing to supporting small businesses and strengthening the public spaces that bring people together. It is also about building truly walkable communities where people can live, work, study, and spend time together in the same place, and where that everyday foot traffic directly supports local businesses. By increasing housing supply, including affordable housing, we can expand access to opportunity and foster more economically and socially diverse communities. When we invest in our downtowns, we are investing in opportunity, connection, and the long-term resilience of our region.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) grant is set to close tomorrow, Friday, April 24th at 5pm.
Learn more about the EHEAP program via link in bio!

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) grant is set to close tomorrow, Friday, April 24th at 5pm.
Learn more about the EHEAP program via link in bio!