Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
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.
May 10, 2025
1. Protecting Head Start
Head Start—a federal program that provides free comprehensive early childhood education to low-income families—is an investment in our kids and our future. It’s been repeatedly proven to be highly effective at preparing children for school and improving both their social and physical health outcomes.
But President Trump is threatening to end the program. That would be catastrophic for the 50,000+ Head Start students and their families in New York.
That’s why last week, Kirsten visited Head Start centers in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse to meet with the families, teachers, and kids who rely on Head Start and to call on President Trump to preserve funding for the program.
Read more.
2. Fighting for families
President Trump’s chaotic tariff policy is making life more expensive for American families. His tariffs on China are set to make the cost of baby essentials like strollers, car seats, and cribs skyrocket. It’s unacceptable.
This week, Kirsten called on the Trump administration to exempt baby safety products from tariffs immediately.
Read more.
3. Demanding no cuts to the 9/11 Health Program
The Trump administration’s repeated attempts to cut the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) are a betrayal of our 9/11 survivors and first responders.
This week, Kirsten joined Senator Schumer in New York City to demand a reversal of the WTCHP cuts. Thanks to their efforts, the staff who were fired from the WTCHP were re-hired, but uncertainty about the future of the program remains. Kirsten is committed to continuing her fight for permanent funding and full restoration of the program.
Read more.
4. Working to prevent overdoses
Naloxone — more commonly known as Narcan — is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication that saves thousands of New Yorkers’ lives every year. But now, the Trump administration is trying to end a program that distributes naloxone to law enforcement, community-based organizations, and tribes across the country — and trains them on how to use it.
This week, Kirsten condemned the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) plans to terminate this program and demanded that they implement measures to make sure this vital distribution and training continues.
Read more.
5. Helping seniors get their benefits
When a North Country senior with dementia needed help securing surviving spouse benefits to cover her health care costs, her family reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and now the constituent will receive $1,500 per month in survivor benefits through the VA Aid and Attendance Program.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
May 3, 2025
1. Protecting seniors from scams
In 2023 alone, Americans over age 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams. But now, President Trump is working to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which holds scammers accountable and provides compensation to individuals impacted by financial scams, frauds, and wrongdoing.
This puts American consumers–particularly seniors–at risk of losing their savings. That’s why Kirsten is fighting back. This week, she urged the acting CFPB director to immediately stop his illegal efforts to gut the agency.
Read more.
2. Preventing lithium-ion battery fires
This week, following years of Kirsten’s advocacy, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted to move forward on safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used to power e-bikes and e-scooters. Faulty batteries have caused hundreds of fires in New York and these safety standards will save lives.
Read more.
3. Helping older Americans live independently
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is a critical federal agency that helps seniors and people with disabilities live independently by providing home-delivered meals, Medicare enrollment assistance, peer supports, community living activities, and support for family caregivers. But this week, the Trump administration announced plans to dismantle the agency and fire over half its workforce.
This is an attack on American seniors, and Kirsten will not stand for it. That’s why she led 22 of her fellow senators in a letter to Health and Human Services demanding that the administration halt this shortsighted effort and allow ACL to continue its vital work.
Read more.
4. Fighting for military justice
Earlier this year, the Department of Defense initiated a review that could jeopardize the Department’s sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) services. These services are crucial to protect our servicemembers, and we must do everything we can to protect them.
Kirsten has spent nearly a decade fighting alongside survivors, veterans, and legal experts to build a bipartisan coalition dedicated to improving and protecting the military justice system. This week, she sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reminding him of the urgent need to protect servicemembers from assault and harassment and of the critical role that SAPR services play in this effort. She will not rest until she receives a guarantee that these services will remain intact.
Read more.
5. Promoting fairness for living organ donors
Nearly 500 New Yorkers die each year waiting for an organ transplant. Receiving an organ from a living donor can shorten this wait time and give recipients a second chance, saving countless lives.
This week, Kirsten introduced the bipartisan Living Donor Protection Act, which would remove barriers to organ donation and ensure that living organ donors do not face discrimination from insurance companies.
Read more.
6. Helping constituents with Medicare
When a New York County senior did not have a verified Medicare ID number and could not process any claims, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team reached out to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and in less than 24 hours, the constituent’s Medicare ID number became functional.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.