Your Weekly Report from Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton
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| Mourning the Loss of George Gersham |
 I am saddened to hear of the passing of George Gresham. As president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, he was an important voice for working people and a powerful leader in the labor movement across our state. His dedication to healthcare workers and their families left a lasting impact on countless lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. |
| Military Spouse Appreciation Day! |
 May 8th was Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Married 8 months before Josh’s second deployment to Afghanistan. To all the spouses who make many sacrifices for their families, we salute you! |
| Met with the Members of ADAPT Community Network |
 It was great to meet members of the ADAPT Community Network in Albany to discuss how I can best support them. I look forward to continuing my advocacy for people with disabilities across New York State. |
 This week is about honoring the men and women in blue who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. Thank you to the NYPD who protect and serve my district day and night! |
 Today, we honor the brave peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. You will never be forgotten, and we salute you for all that you gave up in the name protecting your communities. |
| In the News |
Staten Island’s “Woman Of Distinction” Awarded By Senator Scarcella-Spanton: Genealogist, Historian, Activist  ~StatenIslander.orgSTATEN ISLAND AND BROOKLYN, NY – On May 6, 2026, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton recognized Debbie-Ann Paige as the New York State Senate 2026 Woman of Distinction for Senate District 23. This prestigious recognition is part of the New York State Senate’s annual “Women of Distinction” program, now in its twenty-eighth year, which honors outstanding women whose contributions have significantly enriched the quality of life in their communities.“Debbie-Ann Paige has made a tremendous impact in helping Staten Islanders better connect with their history,” said Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “It is essential to have someone who takes the time and effort to preserve our borough’s history to ensure that future generations have access to it. Staten Island is often called the Forgotten Borough, and in Debbie-Ann, we have a person who has spent her entire professional life making sure that is not the case. I am extremely grateful for her efforts to enhance our understanding of our history. Debbie-Ann is committed to the growth and betterment of our community, and it is a true honor to recognize her contributions to Senate District 23 with the 2026 Woman of Distinction award.”Read the full article here. |
Staten Island mourns Karen Chestnut-Sayers, an energetic activist who embraced community  ~Staten Island Advance~Ann Marie BarronSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Islanders are mourning the death of Karen Chestnut-Sayers, 78, a longtime Dongan Hills resident known for her enthusiastic dedication to community causes. She died Thursday after a long illness.State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said in a statement sent to the Advance/SILive.com that she’d known Chestnut-Sayers since childhood and saw her often working at the Board of Elections.“Every time I went to vote in years after, I would see her happily working the polls, never forgetting a face and making everyone who walked in feel special,” the senator said. “Karen did so much for our community and we will make sure she is never forgotten.”Read the full article here. |
New York veterans face a serious mental health crisis. We need solutions (opinion)  ~Staten Island Advance~James MacArthurNew York veterans are facing a serious mental health crisis, and we need new solutions. According to the latest data from the NY Health Foundation, veterans in our state die by suicide more than twice as often as the general public. And those troubling figures are trending in the wrong direction. Veteran suicide in New York rose to 24.9 per 100,000 in 2023, an increase from 19.8 the year prior — reaching the highest rate in over 20 years. Clearly, American heroes carry invisible wounds that need care, and many don’t get that help soon enough.Albany should be preparing now so that when these new mental health treatments become legally available, New York veterans can get access without another round of delay. That means modernizing our regulatory approval process for controlled substances — something leaders like Senate Veterans Committee Chair Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island) have already recognized as a priority.Read the full article here. |
| Events Across the District |
| African Refuge Inc.’s 20th Anniversary Celebration |
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| As African Refuge Inc celebrated its 20th anniversary, our office was happy to join in recognizing the incredible leaders in this organization who have made a lasting impact on Staten Island. Thank you all for your dedication, leadership, and everything you have done to uplift and support our community. |
| Local Union #3 IBEW Retirees Association Meeting |
 It was great for our office to join the Local Union #3 IBEW Retirees Association to discuss ways in which we are supporting affordability for older adults across New York. We look forward to continuing this partnership to ensure current and former union members continue to be heard and supported. |
| P.S. 195’s Annual Fundraiser |
 My Director of Constituent Services Solomiya Momot was happy to attend the annual fundraiser dinner for P.S. 195. It was wonderful to engage with so many parents and see firsthand the strong sense of community that makes this school so special. Through the school’s continued engagement we have been able to better support Manhattan Beach residents and foster a stronger connection with families. |
| Visiting with Cub Scouts Pack 37 |
 My Community Liaison Meaghan Dicks had the opportunity to visit Cub Scouts Pack 37 and discuss the importance of state government! It was great to speak with them about civic responsibility and the role of a State Senator. |
| TraNa Relief Association’s Annual Mother’s Day Celebration |
 Our office was happy to join TraNa Relief Association for its annual Mother’s Day celebration. It was wonderful gathering with so many of our city’s Ukrainian families as we celebrating the mother figures in our lives. |
| Office Events & Resources |
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| Applications for the 2026 HEAP Cooling Benefit are now open! Eligible applicants can receive one free air conditioner or fan per household. Visit bit.ly/HEAPcooling26 to see if you qualify and apply! |
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| Calling all BIDs, Merchant Groups and small businesses! Be sure to check out grants available from the NYC Department of Small Businesses for FY27. These program grants can provide financial assistance with building & expanding your organization. For more information, visit bit.ly/SBSGrantsJSS |
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| NYCHA residents of Senate District 23! Be sure to check out our new assistance form to report any issues you’re having in your apartment or building. Our team is eager to help ensure your living space is safe & comfortable. Fill out the form at: |