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New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has outlined her legislative priorities and goals for the coming year, highlighting her plans to strengthen the state economy, expand infrastructure and provide financial protections for the elderly.

Gillibrand’s top priority in the new Senate is to secure federal funding for New York’s roads, bridges and public transit projects, according to a Jan. 8 release. In addition to infrastructure funding, the senator hopes to pass the FAMILY Act, making 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave available to employees. She’s also outlined plans to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs, protecting Social Security and Medicare.

The senator was recently named to the United States Senate Appropriations Committee and will also serve as a ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

“As we enter a new Congress, I am firstly focused on the economy – delivering funds for infrastructure projects that create and support good-paying jobs; securing federal support for nonprofits and other organizations that help working-class New Yorkers; and working across the aisle to make 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave available for every American who needs it,” Gillibrand said in the release.

Gillibrand will also pursue new financial protections from online scams for seniors and legislation to protect the elderly from age discrimination in the workplace, according to the release. She committed to passing the Protecting Older Americans Act, which would invalidate forced arbitration clauses that prevent age discrimination victims from seeking justice.

She also hopes to expand the Cyber Academy program to provide more affordable college education opportunities.

Elizabeth Billman | Daily Orange File Photo

On the other end of the Capitol Building, first-time Congressman John Mannion has outlined his first months in Washington D.C., highlighting workers’ rights, public education and the protection of the CHIPS and Science Act as major issues he plans to pursue.

According to syracuse.com, Mannion was one of 48 Democrats who voted for the Republican-led Laken Riley Act, his first vote since being sworn in. The bill would require the detention of any undocumented immigrant charged with burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting.

“I’ve been clear since I’ve been in elected office, our immigration system is broken and needs reform,” Mannion said. “I joined members of both parties to pass this bill to help ensure local law enforcement has the federal support that’s necessary to do their jobs and keep our communities safe.”

Mannion said he voted for the bill because he intends to support “common-sense reforms” to the nation’s immigration system and to improve border security.

Since the earliest days of Mannion’s campaign, the congressman pledged his support of the microchip industry in central New York and emphasized the necessity of American production of microchips not only for his district, but the entire nation.

More locally, New York State Sen. Rachel May was recently appointed chair of the Consumer Protection Committee and said she hopes to protect the rights and well-being of consumers in New York state from unfair practices, abusers of corporate power and fraudulent actors, according to a Jan. 10 press release.

“I am committed to fostering a fair and transparent economy where consumers know what they’re buying and what they’re paying for, where businesses act on a level playing field with each other…” May said in the release.

Published on January 13, 2025 at 11:33 pm

Contact Henry: hdaley@syr.edu