I am proud to have led the charge in crafting and passing the 2024-2025 state budget, totaling nearly 235 billion dollars. This past week was filled with intense negotiations, but I remained steadfast in my commitment to securing the funding needs of eight municipalities in the Yonkers area and advocating for equitable distribution of resources across our region.
Finally, on Saturday, after extensive negotiations, we successfully approved the state budget. This budget represents a significant investment in the future of New York, with key provisions that will positively impact education, infrastructure, healthcare, and more.
Education remains a top priority, and I'm proud to have fought alongside dedicated individuals and organizations to advocate for increased funding for our schools. Our children deserve the best possible education, and I will continue championing initiatives supporting their academic growth and success.
Additionally, this week we had the privilege of commemorating two important days: Honor Flight Day and Donate Life Day. These occasions serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the life-saving impact of organ donation. It was truly humbling to participate in events honoring our veterans and raising awareness about the importance of organ donation in saving lives.
I also had the opportunity to enjoy some precious moments with my family celebrating my granddaughter Juliette's 4th Birthday as well as celebrating my daughter, Hana Sayegh, the bride-to-be, and her fiancé, Dr. Issa Khoury. Spending quality time at home reminds me of the importance of balance and connection.
I again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza! I urge all involved parties to engage in negotiations for a lasting peace agreement, which includes the release of all hostages and prisoners. Additionally, it is imperative that the international community promptly addresses the hunger and starvation affecting the population in Gaza. From the start of this conflict, over 35,000 have died. |