Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
July 12, 2025
1. Fighting for our schools
Last week, the Trump administration confirmed that it is blocking $7 billion in congressionally approved funding for education. This money funds before- and after-school programs, professional development for teachers, STEM education, accelerated learning courses, school-based mental health services, and more.
We need a government that works to support students, not steal from them.
That’s why this week, Kirsten led the New York congressional delegation in demanding answers from the Trump administration on why they’re withholding these funds. She’ll hold their feet to the fire for as long as it takes to get our students the resources they deserve.
Read more.
2. Supporting Head Start
Head Start is an investment in our future that helps make sure every child has the support they need to thrive.
This week, Kirsten announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Head Start for Our Future Act. This legislation would make child development and early education jobs eligible as community services under the Federal Work-Study program, ensuring that aspiring teachers have the support they need while also helping remedy the nationwide shortage of early childhood education workers. This legislation is critical, and Kirsten is committed to doing everything she can to get it over the finish line.
Read more.
3. Protecting seniors from frauds and scams
Last year, seniors lost a record $4.8 billion to scammers.
But instead of bolstering the agencies responsible for protecting consumers, the Trump administration is gutting these very entities. This week, Kirsten joined forces with Senator Elizabeth Warren to demand that the Trump administration stop cutting agencies that protect seniors from financial frauds and scams.
Read more.
4. $$$ → NY airports
From big cities to rural communities, New York’s airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and travel.
This week, Kirsten announced $21 million in federal funds for airports across New York State. These funds will be used to make critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort at 16 airports across our state.
Read more.
5. Helping veterans secure health care
When a Suffolk County veteran with Alzheimer’s disease was denied a hospital transfer, his family contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team worked with the VA on his behalf, and as a result, the VA reassessed the case and placed him in a new facility within the week—fully covered under VA care. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
July 5, 2025
1. Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July, New York! As we celebrate our country’s independence, I’m reflecting on America’s enduring promise of democracy, freedom, and equality for all. On this holiday, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and recommit ourselves to the work that must still be done to build a more just and inclusive nation.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday filled with fun, family, and good food.
– Kirsten
2. Fighting President Trump’s Big Beautiful Betrayal
President Trump and congressional Republicans are cutting health care and food assistance for working families just to give massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans.
Earlier this week, during a marathon vote-a-rama, Kirsten joined other Senate Democrats in trying to amend President Trump’s budget bill to protect Medicaid and SNAP. Despite their best efforts, the bill ultimately passed.
The GOP bill is an outrageous betrayal of the American people, and Kirsten will continue to do everything she can to fight back.
Read Kirsten’s statement on the bill here.
3. Securing funds for New York airport upgrades
As the top Democrat on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Kirsten is committed to ensuring that air travel infrastructure is safe, strong, and reliable.
This week, she announced over $40 million in federal funding to upgrade airport facilities at sixteen airports across New York State. This federal funding was secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Kirsten fought to pass, and it will help fund projects that modernize terminals, improve safety, and enhance passenger experience.
Read more.
4. Helping New Yorkers leave Israel
When a constituent in Manhattan with serious medical conditions needed help to secure required travel documents for his wife in Israel, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and promptly secured an appointment with agency staff. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
June 28, 2025
1. Improving the military justice system
Kirsten fought for years to fundamentally reform the way that the military deals with sexual assault and domestic violence within its ranks. Protecting service members, holding perpetrators accountable, and getting justice for survivors is critical to rebuild trust in the military justice system and give troops the protection they deserve.
This week, newly public military court data showed that convictions for domestic violence have more than doubled across the armed services since Kirsten’s military justice reforms were implemented in 2023. While there is more work to be done, these statistics are evidence that the reforms are working, and Kirsten will continue to ensure that they are implemented as needed.
Read more.
2. Slamming the impacts of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Betrayal on kids
President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” would be catastrophic for New York’s children and families.
The House-passed version of this legislation would make cuts and eligibility changes to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which over 37 million children nationwide rely on to receive essential care. Additionally, the bill’s more onerous work requirements for SNAP will apply to parents and households with children. This could cause thousands of kids to go hungry when their parents lose access to benefits. It’s unacceptable, and Kirsten is committed to doing everything she can to stop this harmful bill from passing.
Read more.
3. Protecting federal investments
Congress has the power of the purse, and the Trump administration’s attempts to cut congressionally approved funding constitute gross overreach. Kirsten is fighting to keep these cuts from coming to fruition and protect the services that Americans rely on.
This week, during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, she questioned Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought about the administration’s proposed cuts to public media and foreign aid. The administration must preserve these vital investments.
Watch here.
4. Working to prevent injuries among older adults
Maintaining physical activity as seniors age is critical to prevent falls and ensure that older adults can age with dignity.
As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten spoke with witnesses about how to help seniors live healthy, active, and injury-free lives at this week’s committee hearing.
Watch here.
5. Helping New Yorkers with veterans benefits
A Greene County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for help when she found herself in a vulnerable financial and medical situation after her husband, a disabled veteran, passed away. She sought VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), as well as the payments entitled to her as a substitute claimant for her late husband’s VA disability benefits.
After Kirsten’s team contacted the VA, the constituent received a retroactive payment of nearly $28,000 and the guarantee of $2,000 in monthly benefits payments going forward.
June 21:
1. Fighting to protect Medicaid and SNAP
If President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is passed, it would cause 10.9 million Americans, including up to 1.5 million New Yorkers, to lose their health insurance coverage by 2034, and 11 million would be at risk of having their SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated. This is unacceptable.
This week, Kirsten visited Buffalo, Rochester, and Saranac Lake to share how the proposed bill will impact families, low-income Americans, and rural hospitals in Upstate and Western New York. President Trump’s bill is not “beautiful”—it’s a betrayal of millions of hard-working Americans, and Kirsten is doing everything in her power to stop it from passing.
Read more.
2. Working to eliminate food deserts
Making sure every New Yorker has easy access to affordable, nutritious food is critical to maintain the health of our communities.
That’s why this week, Kirsten reintroduced legislation to provide $50 million annually to incentivize grocery stores to establish locations in areas where residents lack easy access to fresh food retailers.
Read more.
3. Supporting seniors
Passed over half a century ago, the Older Americans Act (OAA) is landmark legislation that supports programs that provide nutrition assistance, meal and transportation services, caregiver support, disease prevention services, long-term care, and more for America’s seniors. This week, Kirsten reintroduced the OAA Reauthorization Act, which renews funding for the OAA and strengthens these services.
We owe it to seniors to expand and continue funding the programs they need to age with dignity and respect. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten is firmly committed to getting this bill passed with bipartisan support.
Read more.
Interested in learning more about Kirsten’s work as ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee? Sign up for her Aging Committee newsletter here!
4. Celebrating Juneteenth
160 years ago, on June 19, 1865, the news of freedom reached some of the last enslaved people in America.
This Juneteenth, Kirsten celebrated freedom and reflected on our nation’s history alongside members of Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains.
5. Helping constituents with Social Security
When an Erie County constituent needed help to secure the benefits entitled to her under the Social Security Fairness Act, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the Social Security Administration, and the agency released a payment to her of over $19,000.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
June 13, 2025
1. Fighting for mental health programs in schools
Ensuring that the mental health workforce pipeline is strong and that schools have the resources they need to hire counselors, social workers, and other staff that support student mental health is crucial.
This week, Kirsten held a press conference to demand that the Trump administration restore the full $1 billion in federal funding for two grant programs that support mental health services in schools. The administration’s decision to cancel this funding will hurt students in New York and beyond, and Kirsten is committed to fighting for its reversal.
Read more.
2. Demanding funding for increased security at religious institutions
Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a disturbing rise in hate crimes across the country and at home in New York targeted toward members of the Jewish faith. We must do better to protect our Jewish communities.
This week, Kirsten held a press conference in New York City demanding increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP helps nonprofit organizations most at risk of attack, including houses of worship, install security measures and make preparations in the event that they are targeted.
Read more.
3. Supporting seniors in New York
Protecting Social Security and supporting caregivers is critical to ensure that older Americans have the support they need to thrive.
This week, Kirsten spoke with seniors and caregivers in New York at a telephone town hall hosted by AARP New York. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, she is committed to fighting for older Americans in New York and across the country.
Read more.
4. Congratulations to New York’s Congressional Award gold medalists!
Kirsten welcomed New York’s Congressional Award gold medalists to the Capitol this week to congratulate them on all their hard work. This award honors young students across the country for their achievements and commitment to public service. It is given to some of New York’s best each year.
5. Helping New Yorkers with Social Security
When a constituent from Central New York had been waiting a year to receive his Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help.
After Kirsten’s team reached out to the Social Security Administration, he received over $70,000 in retroactive benefits.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
June 7, 2025
1. Working to lower prescription drug prices
Even with Medicare, the cost of prescription drugs can be astronomical. As a result, many seniors are forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or otherwise alter their treatment to save money. That is unacceptable.
That’s why Kirsten announced the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, legislation to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for older Americans. This is a commonsense bill to help our seniors, and Kirsten is committed to fighting for its passage.
Read more.
2. Fighting for public broadcasting funding
President Trump’s attack on public broadcasting is an attack on the local stations that serve our communities.
Kirsten is leading the charge to demand that the Trump administration back off its plan to rescind over $1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which allows our New York public broadcasting stations to provide educational programming, reliable and accurate news, and critical emergency alerts.
Read more.
3. Protecting New York’s national forest
The Finger Lakes National Forest isn’t just a beautiful landscape–it’s a thriving ecosystem that needs sustainable management.
President Trump’s recent executive order to increase logging in national forests threatens the Finger Lakes National Forest’s health and New York’s tourism. Exploiting this land is unnecessary and irresponsible, and Kirsten is fighting to prevent it.
Read more.
4. Supporting aging farmers
To ensure that America’s farms stay strong, we must support aging farmers and invest in rural communities.
This week, in her capacity as ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten held a hearing to highlight the growing crisis posed by an aging agricultural workforce and the urgent need for policies that protect family farms, sustain food production, and support the next generation of American farmers.
Watch the hearing here.
5. Sign up for Kirsten’s Senior Scoop!
Want to learn more about Kirsten’s efforts to protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, senior nutrition programs, and more?
Sign up for Kirsten’s new monthly newsletter, “Kirsten’s Senior Scoop,” to learn more about her work as ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging!
Sign up here.
6. Helping 9/11 first responders
A retired FDNY member and 9/11 first responder contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance after he was informed that, due to budget cuts, treatment for his pancreatic cancer would not be covered by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).
Kirsten’s team contacted the WTCHP to support his request for emergency acceptance. The next day, the constituent was accepted into the program, and he can now begin his lifesaving treatment.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
May 31, 2025
1. Assisting New Yorkers with federal agencies
So far in 2025, Kirsten’s office has helped over 3,200 constituents resolve issues with federal agencies. This includes approximately:
- $300,000 in Social Security benefits restored to seniors and Medicare bills covered for enrollees
- $200,000 in benefits reinstated to veterans from the VA
- $600,000 in revenue saved for New York cultural organizations that were in danger of canceling events without their top performers
- $51,000,000 released back to constituents and small businesses from delayed tax refunds
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
2. WATCH: Kirsten on ABC7
This week, Kirsten spoke with ABC7’s Bill Ritter about opposing efforts to cut basic needs like health care and food assistance for New Yorkers to pay for tax breaks for the super rich.
She discussed the ways that these cuts will harm seniors, veterans, and working-class New Yorkers. Watch here.
3. Helping veterans get their benefits
When a Korean War veteran from the North Country needed to secure VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits so he could pay senior living facility fees, he contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance.
Kirsten’s team liaised with the VA, and as a result, he is now receiving the benefits payments he relies on to pay for care and housing for himself and his wife.
4. Congratulations to the Cornell men’s lacrosse team!
This week, the Cornell men’s lacrosse team brought the national championship trophy home to New York, securing their first NCAA title in almost 50 years. Congratulations to the Big Red!
May 24, 2025
1. Happy Memorial Day!
On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As we remember their bravery this weekend, I’m praying for those who lost their lives in the line of duty and their families. We owe them an incredible debt.
– Kirsten
2. Fighting for free childbirth
The costs associated with having a baby–like those for ultrasounds, delivery services, and postpartum care–can be astronomical. Families deserve comprehensive coverage.
That’s why this week, Kirsten introduced legislation to require private insurance to fully cover expenses related to childbirth, as well as prenatal and postpartum care. This legislation could save families thousands of dollars and make sure moms and babies receive the high-quality care they need. Kirsten is committed to fighting for its passage.
Read more.
3. Working to guarantee timely access to health care
Seniors have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve every resource to support their health and well-being.
This week, Kirsten joined a bipartisan group of senators to reintroduce the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. This bill would help cut through unnecessary red tape and ensure that timely medical care is accessible to older Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Read more.
4. Supporting renewable energy
When the Trump administration issued a stop-work order for the Empire Wind project–which was set to deliver billions of dollars in capital investments, generate domestic energy for 500,000 homes, and create over a thousand union jobs and apprenticeships in New York–Kirsten fought back.
This week, in part thanks to her efforts, the Trump administration allowed construction of the offshore wind farm to resume. This is a huge win for Long Island and New York, and Kirsten will continue fighting to make renewable energy available across the state.
Read more.
5. Helping constituents with Social Security
When a senior in Manhattan discovered that her Social Security retirement benefits had been unpaid without explanation since January, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team reached out to the Social Security Administration on her behalf, and within weeks, the constituent received over $5,500 in benefit payments owed to her.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
May 17, 2025
1. Demanding health care for 9/11 survivors
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is a lifeline for thousands of Americans who risked their lives to help our country during its darkest hour. Now, as many of these individuals battle horrific health conditions as a result of their service, we must guarantee they get the health care that they need.
This week, Kirsten joined 9/11 first responders and survivors to demand permanent funding and full restoration of the program in the wake of ongoing chaos, recurring cuts, and lack of transparency about the WTCHP caused by the Trump administration.
Read more.
2. Fighting for Medicaid
Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid to access lifesaving health care. But a recent Republican proposal could cause over 8.5 million Americans–including an estimated 400,000 kids–to lose their coverage.
Kirsten is committed to doing everything in her power to stop this dangerous proposal.
Read more.
3. Protecting infrastructure investments
Kirsten is committed to protecting investments in infrastructure that make New York safer, stronger, and more resilient.
This week, during her first hearing as ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Kirsten secured a commitment from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that he will not cancel two major transit projects in New York—the Hudson Tunnel Gateway Project and the Second Avenue Subway Extension—despite the Trump administration’s attempts to withhold funding to major projects in New York.
Watch here.
4. Safeguarding senior nutrition programs
Senior nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels are crucial for seniors, providing hot meals, sustenance, and social interaction to older individuals across the country. However, recently proposed Republican cuts are jeopardizing these programs.
This week, Kirsten led a group of Democratic Senators in condemning these cuts and asking their colleagues across the aisle to protect senior nutrition programs.
Watch more.
5. Encouraging disaster preparedness for seniors
Natural disasters pose unique challenges and heightened risks for seniors and people with disabilities.
This week, as ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten held a hearing about how to best prepare seniors and people with disabilities for natural disasters and other emergencies.
Watch the hearing here.
6. Helping constituents get their benefits
A Saratoga County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for help after she had been waiting four months to receive the Social Security Disability benefits that she was owed. Kirsten’s team reached out to the Social Security Administration, and later that week, the constituent was notified that her first payment of more than $2,000 was on its way.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.