New York Excelsior Update

There has been significant activity in Albany and New York City as our policy agendas for the year officially took shape and our advocates continued building strong relationships with decision-makers across New York.

Governor Releases Executive Budget

Governor Hochul released her Executive Budget, outlining priorities that include several important public health measures. Notably, the proposal includes efforts to strengthen cardiac emergency readiness, reinforcing the growing statewide commitment to ensuring that schools and community spaces are equipped, prepared, and that people are trained to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. This builds on recent momentum across New York to protect students, staff, and community members through coordinated cardiac emergency response plans in schools. The Governor’s proposal presents a significant opportunity for us to potentially get funding for CERPs, CPR in schools, and T-CPR training for dispatchers.

The budget also proposes increasing tobacco taxes, a proven strategy to reduce youth initiation, support cessation, and improve long-term health outcomes. Higher tobacco prices remain one of the most effective ways to prevent addiction and reduce preventable disease across communities.

We will continue working with the Legislature and the Executive throughout budget negotiations to ensure these measures are included in the final budget and have the greatest impact.

Advocates Engaging Lawmakers Across New York

Beyond Albany, our local Rochester team spent time this month meeting directly with Assemblywoman Bailey in her district office. Our strong local presence continues to be critical in demonstrating the impact of our work to lawmakers beyond our policy efforts and shows our lifesaving work, investments, and improved health outcomes at the local level.

New York City

Thank you to the Council Members who wore red for NYC City Council Goes Red this past week. Unfortunately, the weather prevented us from hosting our annual in-person event though we are working to organize some upcoming virtual opportunities. On March 5th, we will be providing testimony about 2 current pieces of legislation that would modify the city’s current added sugar warning label and sodium warning label laws.