Governor signs Shimsky-Harckham bill to expand New York State’s food donation & recycling program

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to expand New York’s food donation and food scraps recycling program, which provides high-quality food to low-income New Yorkers. Since launching in 2022, food waste generators have successfully diverted tens of millions of pounds of food to those in need….

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, “With today’s action by Governor Hochul, New York is on the path to having a sustainable, statewide food scrap recycling program by 2028. It is a necessary next step, given that an estimated thirty-five to forty percent of food enters the waste stream — contributing to nearly a third of our greenhouse gas emissions. With implementation phasing in over the next three years, it will give our businesses and recycling infrastructure the time they need to build capacity. I thank the Governor and Senator Harckham for their partnership in getting this legislation accomplished.”

Governor Hochul press release, 12/13/24
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More State funding sought by Shimsky, colleagues for road safety improvement

State As­sem­bly­woman Mary­Jane Shim­sky (D/​Green­burgh) was among a slew of elected of­fi­cials and union lead­ers who called for in­creased fund­ing in the 2025 state bud­get for needed road im­prove­ments.

The law­mak­ers are seek­ing an ad­di­tional $800 mil­lion for trans­porta­tion needs.

“Roads and bridges are one of the ba­sic func­tions of gov­ern­ment,” Shim­sky said at the Dec. 5 press con­fer­ence in Mon­trose. ““For years now, the over­all road and bridge con­di­tions in New York State have been de­te­ri­o­rat­ing – and in the Hud­son Val­ley, our roads and bridges have been falling apart at a faster rate than those in the state as a whole. Yet fund­ing for road and bridge re­pairs in our re­gion has been drop­ping pre­cip­i­tously.”

Shim­sky said New York State ranks #46 in road con­di­tions in the United States.

“The state is paving less than half of what is needed to main­tain roads. We need bet­ter roads,” Shim­sky said. “We need to make sure that the roads get re­paired. If we don’t fix our roads, our econ­omy is go­ing to suf­fer.”

The Hudson Independent, 12/11/24
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Statement on the Shooting of Michael Raimondi and His Family

I am heartbroken by the shooting that killed Michael Raimondi in Somers on Monday and left his mother and brother seriously wounded. As we learn more about the man responsible for this senseless crime, I want to make clear to our residents that there is no “sanctuary policy” for criminals in Westchester County. My opponent in this election is wrong to assert otherwise. Our local authorities work cooperatively with ICE in cases such as this. With regard to the suspect from Somers, he will remain in jail pending trial and the District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting this criminal act to the fullest extent of the law.

I am disappointed by my opponent’s rush to politicize this tragedy with misinformation about our immigrant population. While we should agree that acts of violence and other crimes are unacceptable, it is also true that immigrants commit crimes at rates far below the population as a whole. To ignore this fact and to direct hostility toward an entire class of people is irresponsible and has the potential to make our community less safe.

Since my days as a prosecutor in Manhattan, my commitment has always been to public safety. I look forward to a swift and just outcome in this case. My deepest sympathies are with Michael’s family and to the Somers community that grieves with them.

MaryJane Shimsky, 11/1/24

Candidate Profile 2024: MaryJane Shimsky seeks return to Albany

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My record in the past two years I’ve served in the Assembly tells the tale: I passed 18 bills this term, including statewide laws improving food waste reduction and food scrap reduction, expanding the use of e-filing in our State courts, authorizing local governments to reduce property tax assessments on homes damaged or destroyed by climate change events, and various others authorizing our local government to do things to help our communities.

I have been successful in obtaining over $200 million in infrastructure funding to repair local roads Statewide and to fix crumbling bridges in the 92nd District (we still have a long way to go, but we are building the right coalitions to get the job done). I have also been collaborating with my colleagues to adopt landmark legislation like the Climate Change Superfund bill and protect public school funding.

Patch, 10/14/24
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Shimsky announces $161,266 in State aid to Warner & Hastings libraries

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky today announced capital project awards of $95,112 to the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library and $66,154 to the Warner Library, serving Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, as part of the State Aid for Library Construction Program.

Aid to the Hastings-on-Hudson library will enable the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. At the Warner Library, it will fund replacement of failing HVAC piping and junctures that have caused water penetration issues at the 1929 building. The awards are part of a total $34 million allocation for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 State Budget.

“I am proud to have supported library funding across New York State, and I am very pleased to see the Hastings and Warner branches receive their awards,” said Assemblymember Shimsky. “These are critical investments that will enhance our communities, while bringing savings to taxpayers on energy expenses and costly repairs down the line.”

River Journal, 10/8/24
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Statement on Iranian Missile Attack on Israel

Iran’s recent act of aggression against Israel — condemned by the United Nations and other international organizations — is a brazen escalation of conflict in the Middle East. I condemn it in the strongest of terms, and I support President Biden’s efforts to defend Israel and the American personnel in the region. My thoughts at this time are with the innocent lives caught in the middle of this dire situation, with the hope that an easing of tensions can be quickly achieved.

MaryJane Shimsky, 10/2/24

Shimsky delivers $25,000 to Tarrytown Music Hall’s Academy Residency program

The Tar­ry­town Mu­sic Hall re­ceived a big fi­nan­cial boost to its school res­i­den­cies’ pro­gram this week.

On Thurs­day, state As­sem­bly­woman Mary­Jane Shim­sky (D/​Dis­trict 92) de­liv­ered a $25,000 check to Mu­sic Hall Ex­ec­u­tive Di­rec­tor Bjorn Ols­son for the pro­gram, which is of­fered to chil­dren in the Tar­ry­town School Dis­trict at no cost….

About 100 stu­dents per­form in the res­i­den­cies each year. The Mu­sic Hall in­vites school­child­ren from Morse and Wash­ing­ton Irv­ing el­e­men­tary schools and Sleepy Hol­low Mid­dle School to at­tend the shows, ex­tend­ing the the­atri­cal ex­pe­ri­ence be­yond the stage prosce­nium.

The Hudson Independent, 9/28/24
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Governor Hochul signs Shimsky/Stewart-Cousins legislation bringing pickleball to Veteran Park

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky proudly announce that Governor Hochul has signed their legislation, S.8630/A.9132, which will expand community access to pickleball at Anthony F. Veteran Park in Greenburgh, NY….

Assemblywoman Shimsky added, “The people of Greenburgh and I are grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law. Recreation is vital for the physical and emotional well-being of our communities, and the Town of Greenburgh can now offer a full range of racquet sports, including the wildly popular pickleball, at their facilities. Kudos to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, the Town Supervisor, and the Town Council for their leadership, and a special thanks to retired Parks Commissioner Gerry Byrne for his strong advocacy on this issue.”

Yonkers Times, 9/3/24
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Food & Water Action endorses MaryJane Shimsky for NY Assembly District 92

Shimsky won the endorsement based on her firm commitment to clean water and climate action. Since taking office, Shimsky has fought for critical bills including the Save the Hudson Bill, signed into law in 2023; the Climate Change Superfund Act, which passed the legislature this week; and the NY HEAT Act.

Food & Water Action, 6/14/24
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Shimsky and Westchester Assembly members secure $100K for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin partnered with Assembly Members Chris Burdick, Dana Levenberg, Steve Otis, Gary Pretlow, Nader Sayegh, and MaryJane Shimsky to successfully secure $100,000 from New York State for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC)….

Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky said “I am grateful that we were able to secure this funding for HHREC and its educational mission. The Holocaust survivors from their Speakers Bureau spent years recounting and recording their painful stories so that future generations will learn from the past and stand strong in defense of humankind. Nearly 80 years after the Nazi camps were liberated, the invaluable work of HHREC remains all too urgent and necessary in our world today.”

Yonkers Times, 5/19/24
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Earthjustice praises Shimsky-Harckham legislation to expand NYS food scrap recycling

Yesterday, the New York State legislature passed legislation to expand the state’s food donation and food scraps recycling program (S5331A Harckham/A5906A Shimsky). This bill will gradually scale down the annual average tonnage of food scrap generators that are required to join the program and expand coverage to food scrap generators within 50-miles of a food waste recycling center. Earthjustice calculates that, when fully implemented, this legislation will ensure that 99% of large food scrap generators outside of New York City will manage their waste in a sustainable and sensible way, increasing the amount of food waste recycled by 42%….

“We thank Assemblymember Shimsky and Senator Pete Harckham for their leadership on this important legislation, and we urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill and grow New York’s leadership in addressing food waste.”

Earthjustice statement, 5/14/24
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Statement on the removal of the Equal Rights Amendment from the 2024 ballot

I am appalled that a judge presiding in Livingston County has ruled that the Equal Rights Amendment be removed from the 2024 ballot. It is critical this decision is overturned.

The ruling comes nearly two years to the day since we learned that the United States Supreme Court was poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. Our rights were under attack from MAGA Republicans then, and they are no more secure today. This is why it is critical that New York enact the Equal Rights Amendment and enshrine its broad range of protections, including abortion rights, in the State Constitution. 

We will now await the outcome of the appellate process. However, we also have a voice on this issue—in our elections. I urge voters to use their voice in support of those who will fight for their rights, and to reject those who seek to take them away. As your Assemblymember, I have fought every day to protect our reproductive freedoms and the dignity and rights of all New Yorkers, and I will continue to do so.

MaryJane Shimsky, 5/7/24

Shimsky endorsed by the New York League of Conservation Voters

MaryJane Shimsky is running for reelection to the New York State Assembly in District 92. Shimsky is a strong supporter of renewable energy and supports increasing offshore wind energy, decarbonizing all state-owned buildings, and incentivizing zero-emission vehicles. Shimsky also supports reducing waste sent to landfills, eliminating lead service lines, and funding green jobs in environmental justice communities. Shimsky is dedicated to supporting climate resilience and sustainability, including green roofs and green infrastructure. If reelected MaryJane Shimsky will continue advocating for sustainable energy and public infrastructure, environmental justice, and improved waste management.

NYCLV, 3/25/24
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Shimsky and coalition call on EPA to enforce full cleanup of PCBs from Hudson

State lawmakers and Friends of a Clean Hudson coalition are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce a full remediation of PCBs in the Hudson River….

“Our local communities are eager to make use of their Hudson River shorelines, but the scale of PCB contamination and the costs of remediation are simply too great for them to bear,” said Shimsky. “The EPA must live up to its promise and ensure that this 200-mile-long Superfund site is restored to safety for our residents, wildlife and environment.”

Mid Hudson News, 3/25/24
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Statement on Edgemont incorporation

I oppose the incorporation of Edgemont as a new village. I have spoken with many in the 92nd Assembly District about the issue and have found overwhelming consensus from them that this is a bad idea for our community. While I look forward to seeing CGR’s complete assessment, the study itself was done on a very compressed time frame and with a number of costly items left unexplored. Even so, none of the data they provided has changed my underlying concerns about what this would mean for Greenburgh overall.

The issue of Edgemont incorporation has been discussed for many years and predates my time in Albany. When I arrived in the Assembly, I co-sponsored two pieces of legislation to modernize and strengthen New York’s village incorporation laws — legislation which passed during my first year in office. But, unfortunately, I had also inherited a situation where Edgemont was now cut off from Greenburgh and the rest of the district, through a redistricting process approved by my predecessor. This has set up a situation in which Edgemont is no longer represented in balance with the interests of the Town as a whole.

Former Assemblyman Abinanti failed to pass any legislation on village incorporation during his 12 years in office, and yet has chosen to misrepresent my record for his own political gain. But, the fact remains that I never supported an exemption for Edgemont from the new laws, and I never sponsored legislation to that effect. Rather, I have spoken out and voted against a carve-out for Edgemont, and I have worked to make Greenburgh’s voice heard in Albany.

Moving forward, I will continue to listen to the people of District 92 and provide my support for keeping unincorporated Greenburgh whole.

MaryJane Shimsky, 3/25/24

Shimsky advocates for local journalism

The Jan­u­ary an­nounce­ment of the clo­sure of three lo­cal Westch­ester news­pa­pers, in­clud­ing the River­towns En­ter­prise, has sparked con­cerns through­out the county about the dis­ap­pear­ance of lo­cal news sources. More than a month later, those con­cerns con­tinue to re­ver­ber­ate….

Shim­sky ac­knowl­edged that “for many years now, most lo­cal news [out­lets] have been hang­ing on by their fin­ger­nails. Costs have gone up. cir­cu­la­tion has gone down. You need to pay the peo­ple who re­port the news. This is a real se­ri­ous prob­lem.” Given the ur­gency of the is­sue lo­cally, Shim­sky urged a rapid re­sponse, not­ing that to have a timely ef­fect, the [Local Journalism Sustainability Act] should be part of Al­bany’s 2024-25 bud­get, cur­rently un­der con­sid­er­a­tion.

The Hudson Independent, 3/8/24
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Shimsky lobbies for more State funding for roadways

Shim­sky, who rep­re­sents the Town of Mount Pleas­ant and most of the Town of Green­burgh, made a force­ful plea at the Team­sters Lo­cal 456 Union Hall in Elms­ford that Re­gion 8, which in­cludes 13 cities, 75 vil­lages and 107 towns in Westch­ester, Put­nam and five other coun­ties, was be­ing un­der­funded by at least $650 mil­lion in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s pro­posed 2025 Ex­ec­u­tive Bud­get.

She stressed $400 mil­lion that was needed to re­pair core roads and bridges and an ad­di­tional $250 mil­lion lo­cal high­way de­part­ments needed to keep up with in­fla­tion were a drop in the bucket in Hochul’s $233  bil­lion spend­ing plan.

“This is a long-term in­vest­ment so our in­fra­struc­ture gets closer to what it needs to be,” Shim­sky said. “We all know the roads are the veins of our so­ci­ety. Roads are for every­body. This is a safety is­sue, even for peo­ple who do not drive. Our roads are ter­ri­ble. New York State ranks 46th out of the 50 states in road con­di­tions. That is ab­solutely aw­ful.”

The Hudson Independent, 2/28/24
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Shimsky joins initiative to connect thousands of residents with Unclaimed Funds

The event was the culmination of a months-long effort led by Imamura, in cooperation with Stewart-Cousins and Shimsky and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, to alert residents across District 12 that they had Unclaimed Funds owed to them through the Comptroller’s office. These funds are typically the result of dormant accounts associated with banks, corporations, insurance companies and the courts. Eligible residents received a mailer with detailed instructions in early November, after which Imamura’s office fielded calls from recipients to provide further information and guidance in the process.

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, “There is nothing like an unclaimed fund event to remind us that government is a consumer service industry. And any day that we can help our residents reclaim their money is a good day. Thanks to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and his staff for running an efficient and productive workshop, and to Legislator David Imamura and his office for spearheading this event. Along with State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, we were pleased to announce that this event also identified $2,214.35 due to the Greenburgh Graham school district.”

River Journal, 12/15/23
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Shimsky joins in condemning the atrocities of October 7th

In the weeks since October 7th, overwhelming evidence has emerged that widespread, horrific acts of rape and sexual violence were systematically perpetrated by Hamas attackers against Israeli women and girls during the October 7th assault. The evidence includes forensic examinations of Israeli victims’ bodies bearing signs of rape and torture; eyewitness testimony by survivors of the Oct. 7th attacks who saw women being raped and mutilated; the testimony of first responders who found the bodies of Israeli women and girls in their bedrooms amid unmistakable and virtually unspeakable evidence of having been raped; video footage filmed by Hamas attackers and recovered from their devices, which recorded evidence of sexual assault, and which has been viewed and attested to by American journalists and elected officials; videos which have been made public showing a young Israeli woman with bloodied pants, being dragged by her hair in and out of a vehicle by Hamas abductors, and another young woman stripped to her underwear with Hamas abductors on top of her; and testimony being compiled by an independent, nongovernmental commission investigating war crimes perpetrated against women and children by Hamas on October 7th….

We grieve as we witness the heartbreaking anguish of women, children, and all those who suffer through no fault of their own in both Israel and Gaza. We mourn the deaths of so many Palestinian and Israeli civilians who have been killed in this war. We long for a just peace. To denounce rape as a weapon of war is not to express approval or alignment with the governing coalition in Israel, nor does it signal support for the bombings in Gaza. But as feminists we are committed to the universal principle that rape must always be condemned; we bear witness to the mountain of evidence that Hamas and other terrorist groups used rape as a weapon of war against Israeli women and girls; and we demand accountability for crimes that must never be tolerated by the world community. Most of all, we stand with the victims of gender-based atrocities, with the survivors and with those who did not survive, and we raise our voices in solidarity with them.

Statement by Women’s Rights Leaders on Rape
Atrocities During the October 7th Attacks, 12/8/23
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Shimsky condemns Hamas October 7th attack

I condemn Hamas’ ruthless attack on the people of Israel, and mourn the shockingly high loss, injury, and capture of innocent lives. I support the efforts by the U.S. government to work toward peace, in the hope that a descent into a broader conflagration and further loss of life can be avoided. We must stand with Israel in the aftermath of such a horrific attack.

MaryJane Shimsky, 10/9/23

Shimsky hosts Assembly Speaker Heastie in District 92, announces $2.1 million for infrastructure projects

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Shimsky began their day with Tarrytown Mayor Karen Brown to see the infrastructure projects taking place to dredge the marina, repair the H-Bridge and reinforce the Tarrytown seawall. The H-Bridge will be repaired with $500,000 of the $2.1 million Speaker Heastie announced today. This is in addition to the previously announced $150,000 Assembly Majority investment to help the town repair a dock for the Tarrytown Emergency Services Fireboat.

After Tarrytown, they traveled to Irvington with Irvington Mayor Brian Smith to view the “Yesterday” sculpture by local artist Vinnie Bagwell which depicts a young girl once enslaved by local farmers. Two local researchers discovered the girl’s story and worked with the school board to place the sculpture on school grounds ensuring her history is told to the next generation. While in Irvington, Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Shimsky announced $100,000 of the total $2.1 million announced to support the Village's electric vehicle charging station initiative.

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Shimsky finished their tour with a stop at the Dobbs Ferry Riverfront with Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo to see the waterfront-related infrastructure concerns plaguing the town. Here, the Speaker announced that $1.5 million will be headed to support the projects needed to repair the Dobbs Ferry bridge.

NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
press release, 8/31/23
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Shimsky joins Senator Gillibrand’s push forward in wake of flooding

In the wake of severe flooding that devastated the Hudson Valley, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand brought Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu to Mount Vernon for a roundtable discussion with state and local leaders on federal investments in resilient infrastructure….

“New York State has some of the oldest infrastructure in the county, which is why the need for repair here is so great. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives us an important opportunity to make the lives of our residents better in the day-to-day ways that people expect of their government. Our roads, trains, broadband, and sewers need to be in good working order, and they need to function despite the heavier rainfalls and extended heatwaves that are becoming commonplace in our region. The people of Mount Vernon, or anywhere else, should never again have to encounter raw sewage in their basements due to a lack of funding for infrastructure maintenance. I thank Senator Gillibrand for her leadership in seeing that New York receives its fair share if infrastructure investment, while also seeking to address the disparities that have plagued our most impacted communities,” said Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky.

Hudson Valley Press, 7/26/23
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Letter to The Examiner News: States must do better in addressing obstacles for those with disabilities

Many of us know people who, despite a physical or developmental disability, seek to live, travel and work in their community to the best of their abilities. For young adults, it is often through their parents’ tireless advocacy that they can succeed in finding a job or housing placement. They should have every right to expect such support from government programs such as Adult Career and Continuing Education Services Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR).

However, experience has shown us that positive outcomes are too few and far between, even for those who are able to meet the extensive documentation requirements. The bureaucratic hurdles are too high, and the pool of professionals who work in the field have been dwindling in recent years. This is not a problem limited to New York, but it is incumbent on us in state government to address it.

The Examiner News, 6/20/23
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Shimsky commends Attorney General’s lawsuit against clinic invaders

New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against members of Red Rose Rescue, an anti-abortion extremist group, for invading reproductive health care clinics, threatening staff and clinicians, and terrorizing patients. Red Rose Rescue and its members…have repeatedly trespassed at abortion clinics and physically blocked access to reproductive health care services in an effort to stop clinics from operating….

“Allowing lawful activities to take place is a hallmark of a civilized society,” said Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky. “For those who seek to shut down women’s reproductive health clinics by stopping operations, possibly violating medical protocols, and potentially putting everyone on site at risk, just because they don’t like the services being offered, there must be consequences. That is why I congratulate Attorney General Letitia James on pursuing this case against Red Rose Rescue and their leadership.”

NYS Attorney General Letitia James
press release, 6/8/23
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Shimsky joins Westchester officials in support of NY “Raise the Wage” Act

New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer was joined by Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, Westchester County Legislators, and supporters of “Raise the Wage” to urge that the final state budget includes proposed legislation to raise the state minimum wage to $21.25 by January 1, 2026 and index it to inflation thereafter….

“Our workers are suffering what amounts to a pay cut, simply by earning the same minimum wage that they earned in 2019. We therefore need to index the minimum wage to inflation, so that our working families don't fall behind again. For New Yorkers living near or below the poverty line, these changes cannot come soon enough,” said Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimksy. 

Hamlet Hub, 4/22/23
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Shimsky’s legislation for opioid overdose response at nightclubs passes the NYS Assembly

The Bill, Which Passed Unanimously, Marks Shimsky’s First Sponsored Legislation as a Member of the State Assembly

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky today welcomed the unanimous passage by the New York State Assembly of Bill No. A.2891 (S.0835), an amendment to the Health Code directing the Commissioner of Health to establish guidelines for on-site opioid overdose response capacity in nightlife establishments….

“To save the most lives possible, we need to reach out to people where they are. One such location is nightlife venues, where young people and recreational drugs come into close contact. That is why this body passed last year the nightlife opioid antagonist program bill. This chapter amendment puts the responsibility for developing and implementing the program in the hands of the experts at the State’s Health Department.”

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky
press release, 2/15/23
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MaryJane Shimsky steps into new role in Assembly

On Jan. 12, a ceremonial swearing-in took place at Greenburgh Town Hall, in front of a packed audience that included public officials from every level of government…

The new Assembly member read aloud from the First Epistle to the Corinthians, by St. Paul, in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It’s a passage that focuses on love as a motivating force, compared to taking actions just for show. Shimsky said she remembers that verse every day, because if an elected official doesn’t approach the job “from the standpoint of caring about our commitments and the people we represent, we’re only going to mess it up….”

“I thought it was important not from a religious perspective, but if you’re doing things in life and you’re technically great at them but don’t really care about the people who are relying on the end result, there is a certain hollowness to what you’re doing.”

She continued, “The basic question is, ‘What goal am I trying to accomplish — to put yourself ahead, work for a special interest group, propose bills just to run up the number of bills, do harm to people? I’m trying to do things better for my community. That passage is it in a nutshell.”

The Rivertowns Enterprise, 1/20/23
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Shimsky wins Assembly seat

In her first run for Assembly, County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Dobbs Ferry) coasted to victory in the 92nd District over Republican Carlo Valente, 32,578-16,632. Shimsky will take over for Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, who she defeated in the June primary.

The Examiner News, 11/9/22
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The Examiner News endorses MaryJane Shimsky for Assembly

Westchester and Putnam counties are fortunate to have a strong roster of candidates running for Assembly this year…

County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky in District 92 is a prohibitive favorite to make the leap to Albany after 11 years on the Board of Legislators. She has all the qualities to serve her district of Mount Pleasant, Greenburgh and a small portion of Yonkers effectively.

The Examiner News, 11/2/22
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Shimsky wins the 92nd Assembly District’s Democratic primary

Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Dobbs Ferry) scored an impressive victory over six-term incumbent Assemblyman Tom Abinanti in the 92nd Assembly District’s Democratic primary Tuesday night….

“We got to talk to thousands of voters and listened to their concerns and talk about how I felt I would address them,” Shimsky said moments after thanking her supporters and campaign volunteers. “I think this had a lot to do with the victory. I think my focus on certain issues that we do need more of a focus on, whether it’s the flooding or the roads or the housing affordability, these are all things that counted, too.”

Along with those issues, she said she would fight to ensure gun safety and a woman’s right to choose.

The Examiner News, 6/29/22
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Shimsky and Board advance clinic access bill

The Reproductive Health Care and Facilities Access Act would ban restricting anyone from entering or exiting a reproductive healthcare facility, following or harassing a person within 25 feet of a facility and damaging or interfering with the operation of a facility.

It would also ban certain protest activities within a eight-foot "floating zone" around people going in and out of the facility and within a 100-foot radius zone from the door of the facility.

Violators would face a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 in fines and 6 months in jail….

While the proposal would be just for the county, Shimsky sees it as a model. "We hope this legislation gets attention and other places take it up, even on state level."

LoHud, 6/13/22
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MaryJane emerges victorious in 92nd Assembly District forum

“Last night the differences between my opponent and myself were made abundantly clear to the voters. I will take a collaborative, data-driven, and results-oriented approach to solving problems. I believe I have the skills, experience, and relationships to deliver for our community,” said Shimsky….

Refuting Abinanti’s attacks on the current Westchester County Board of Legislators, Shimsky reminded the audience of the Board’s historic progress on social justice legislation, infrastructure repair, stormwater management, public safety, and public health. “We’re taking actions to fix problems and help people live better lives. Mr. Abinanti should take responsibility for his inattention at the State level to flooding and other serious issues affecting people in the 92nd Assembly District,” said Shimsky.

Shimsky for Assembly press release, 6/10/22
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Shimsky criticizes opponent for voting against local control of handgun fees

MaryJane Shimsky, Democrat for State Assembly in the 92nd District, today called out incumbent Tom Abinanti for being the lone Democrat in the Assembly Codes Committee to side with Republicans against legislation giving Westchester County control of handgun licensing fees, which have not been raised in 20 years. The bill, A7939, passed the Codes Committee despite Mr. Abinanti’s opposition and is currently in the Assembly Rules Committee. According to Westchester County, the outdated processing fee—capped at $10 by New York State law—costs taxpayers approximately $300,000 annually.

“I want to know why Mr. Abinanti thinks Westchester taxpayers should subsidize the cost of procuring pistol licenses, rather than those who are buying the firearms,”said Shimsky. “This is unsound fiscal policy at any time, and an especially callous vote to cast at a time when our nation is shaken and grieving from the tragedies in Buffalo and Uvalde….“

Shimsky for Assembly press release, 6/1/22
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MaryJane speaks at “Bans off Our Bodies” rally in Tarrytown

A line-up of Pro-Choice ac­tivists and their po­lit­i­cal al­lies stirred a crowd of sev­eral hun­dred sign-bear­ing res­i­dents rep­re­sent­ing a range of gen­der pref­er­ences at Tar­ry­town’s Pa­triot Park on Sat­ur­day, May 14. The event was part of a na­tion­wide string of such ral­lies or­ga­nized un­der the rubric “Bans Off Our Bod­ies”….

Mary­Jane Shim­sky, the county leg­is­la­tor rep­re­sent­ing a dis­trict that in­cludes the river­towns and Green­burgh, is co-au­thor of the Re­pro­duc­tive Health Care Fa­cil­i­ties Ac­cess Act crafted to pre­vent lo­cal pro-life ac­tivists from dis­rupt­ing abor­tion clin­ics. “Look to New York,” she said, al­lud­ing to the state’s strong pro-choice poli­cies. “Look to the women of New York. We’re go­ing to get this thing done.”

The Hudson Independent, 5/14/22
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Shimsky and Borgia co-sponsor County clinic access bill

On Monday, the Board of Legislators introduced a proposed law that will protect health care facility workers and people seeking medical treatment from being physically prevented or otherwise intimidated while trying to obtain rightful, private services from their health care providers, including abortions.….

Legislator MaryJane Shimsky…one of the act's chief sponsors, said, " This law has been over a decade in the making. Ten years ago, with the support of our congressional and state delegations and the support of current and former local officials, we passed such a measure only to see it vetoed by the former County Executive. Since then, we have weighed the protection of the First Amendment right to protest and the right to health care. The legal considerations changed with the invasion of All Women's Health in White Plains last year. Working with the County Law Department, we have crafted this measure that balances the rights of legitimate protesters with those of persons seeking reproductive health care. There is no First Amendment right to invade private property and disrupt activities thereon."

Westchester County Board of Legislators, 5/9/22
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MaryJane supports union adjuncts at Mercy College

The fight for higher wages for ad­junct in­struc­tors at Mercy Col­lege was fi­nally re­solved on Tues­day, May 3, as the ed­u­ca­tors ap­proved their first ex­tended con­tract. The agree­ment be­tween Mercy and Fac­ulty For­ward/​Ser­vice Em­ploy­ees In­ter­na­tional Union (SEIU) Lo­cal200 United, the union rep­re­sent­ing the ad­juncts, ends 2-1/​2 years of ar­du­ous ne­go­ti­a­tions be­tween the Dobbs Ferry in­sti­tu­tion and the part-time in­struc­tors, who teach on a se­mes­ter-by-se­mes­ter ba­sis and con­sti­tute about 70% of Mer­cy’s fac­ulty….

Ad­juncts also have the sup­port of peo­ple in high places. Westch­ester County Ex­ec­u­tive George La­timer, U.S. Con­gress­man Ja­maal Bow­man and County Leg­is­la­tor Mary­Jane Shim­sky, who rep­re­sents the Dobbs Ferry cam­pus, all re­leased state­ments prais­ing the ed­u­ca­tors and the union.

Hudson Independent, 5/9/22
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Shimsky and County colleagues expand child care financial aid

Previously, a family of two—one parent and one child—was ineligible for child care assistance if their household income was $34,841 or more.

That same family can have a gross income of up to $60,674 and qualify for the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship. A family of three can earn up to $74,950, and a family of four can earn up to $89,226, and be eligible for the scholarship....

“As we begin to emerge from the COVID pandemic and parents head back to work in person, this program could not be more timely,” added Legislator MaryJane Shimsky.

LoHud, 4/7/22
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Shimsky gets Working Families Party endorsement for Assembly over Abinanti

Democrat MaryJane Shimsky, running for Assembly in the 92nd District, has been endorsed by the Working Families Party — further building on her campaign’s momentum after receiving the support of the Westchester County Democratic Committee over the incumbent at their mini-convention last week. “I’m proud to have the support of the Working Families Party,” said Shimsky….

“The Working Families Party is excited to endorse MaryJane Shimsky for Assembly,” said Sochie Nnaemeka, Director of the New York Working Families Party. “MaryJane is a dedicated leader and she has a strong track record of delivering for working families in Westchester. As we look to recover from the pandemic and overcome inequities in our state, we know MaryJane will be a strong advocate for our progressive values in Albany.”

Yonkers Times, 3/3/22
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Shimsky beats Abinanti at Democratic mini-convention for Assembly

County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky’s campaign for New York State Assembly received a big boost last night when she won the Westchester Democratic Party’s nomination at a mini-convention. She defeated incumbent Tom Abinanti for the Democratic nomination in the 92nd Assembly District, which includes most of Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant, and parts of Yonkers.

“‘I am am honored to have the support of the Democratic Party. Democratic leaders in the 92nd District know that we need change and new energy, with an Assemblymember who listens and truly upholds our progressive values,” said MaryJane Shimsky. “The last few years have shown the importance of collaborative leadership, and the need for leaders who listen to scientists and public health experts. I have spent my career building strong coalitions and delivering tangible results. As Assemblymember, I’ll be ready to hit the ground running to strengthen our resiliency, improve our public health resources, promote social justice, and rebuild our infrastructure.”

Yonkers Times, 2/23/22
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MaryJane cites public health, climate resiliency, infrastructure, and social equity as key issues in her campaign for NY State Assembly

“As we continue to battle the resurgent pandemic, we need progressive, proactive leadership to advocate and deliver for us, and I believe I have the experience and commitment to be that voice in Albany. From infrastructure to public health to resiliency, I have secured major wins at the local level by building coalitions, working with my colleagues, and following the facts and science. I’m eager to get to work in the Assembly,” said Shimsky, who was first elected to the [Westchester County Board of Legislators] in 2011.

“‘We deserve an Assemblymember who believes in our progressive values, stands up for immigrants and tenants, supports and believes scientists, leads with transparency, and works collaboratively with other leaders and organizations to ensure a complete recovery from the pandemic and put our communities on the best path forward. I’m running for Assembly to be that leader and I look forward to talking with residents about my vision,” said Shimsky, who currently serves as the Majority Leader on the County Board and who earned her law degree from New York University School of Law and her PhD in History from the City University of New York.

Yonkers Times, 12/21/21
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Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky announces her candidacy for NY State Assembly

Pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic as the motivating factor, Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky confirmed last Friday she plans on challenging Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti in the 92nd Assembly District…

Shimsky said tacking infrastructure needs would be another priority for her in the Assembly with worsening storms and flooding facing parts of Westchester.

During her county tenure, Shimsky said she was part of an effort to get the Saw Mill River cleaned up to reduce flooding on the Saw Mill River Parkway. She also touted her advocacy to reconstruct the Ashford Avenue Bridge, fight against the opioid scourge and raise the age to buy tobacco to 21.

LoHud, 12/21/21
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MaryJane joins Congressman Mondaire Jones to highlight Westchester’s Build Back Better wins

Among those victories were increasing the SALT deduction cap to $80,000, universal childcare and preschool, and an extension of the expanded Child Tax Credit.

Board of Legislators Majority Leader MaryJane Shimsky (D-Dobbs Ferry) said Congress passing the Build Back Better Act, along with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, is crucial for not only families countywide but also the nation. 

“‘These are going to be the pieces of transformational legislation that we need to become competitive in the world economy,’ Shimsky said.“

The Examiner News, 11/29/21
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Legislator Shimsky hails effort to mitigate Saw Mill River flood risk

“It is so important to have a comprehensive, regular program for keeping the river clear of debris… I want to thank Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Elmsford Mayor Bob Williams, and officials in Ardsley and Hastings-on-Hudson for their leadership in this matter, and I want to assure residents and businesses along the river that all of us—from the County government to local leaders—understand how important that is and stand ready to work together.

“Unfortunately, more frequent, more severe storms are our new normal as a result of climate change. Given this reality it is imperative that we do everything we can to protect residents and businesses along the river and our roadways."

Westchester County Board of Legislators, 10/21/21
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MaryJane rallies to expand NY’s Excluded Workers Fund

Board of Legislators Majority Leader MaryJane Shimsky (D-Dobbs Ferry), said that so many essential workers put their own and their family’s lives on the line when COVID-19 hit.

“This helps everyone, and I hope that the state legislature and the governor will find a way to put more funds into this vital and badly needed program,” Shimsky said.

The Examiner News, 10/21/21
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MaryJane & colleagues across NY call for a new National Infrastructure Bank

“This $5 trillion public bank does not rely upon the appropriations process. It does not require new federal taxes and will not increase our deficit. By repurposing existing Treasury debt, as was done previously in U.S. history, it will finance everything we need, and quickly. We will be able to build multiple layers at the same time, such as water, sewer, rail, power, all of which inhabit the same space.

“Infrastructure requires concerted federal action. We need a new power grid, a new high speed rail system, and large-scale water projects like those last erected under President Franklin Roosevelt.”

USA TODAY Network, 9/13/21
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