Senator Alexis Weik

If you currently receive BASIC or ENHANCED STAR Credit, you may have received a notice from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance (NYSDTF) requesting confirmation of your eligibility. The state periodically verifies homeowner information, including income and eligibility, to ensure recipients still qualify for the BASIC and ENHANCED STAR exemptions.

These notices are authorized under Real Property Tax Law, and if you received one, be sure to respond quickly and directly to NYSDTF using the official contact information provided in your notice. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the STAR Helpline at 518-457-2036.

As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, may our hearts be filled with peace, our homes with joy, and our souls with strength as we embark on this journey of fast and prayer. Let’s come together to support one another, share love, and uplift those in need. Wishing everyone a month full of blessings and endless opportunities.

This Sunday, March 2nd, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM, head to the Sayville American Legion at 23 Foster Avenue for a warm, welcoming pancake breakfast. Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a great cause and spending time with the community. Tickets are $10 for adults, and children under 12 eat free. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your day with good food and good company!

Earlier this week, I stood with my Senate Republican colleagues, Corrections Officers, and their families to demand urgent action to address the growing crisis in our correctional facilities. These brave men and women face dangerous conditions every day due to policies enacted by the Albany Majority, and it’s time for real change to ensure their safety.

The HALT Act has made jails more dangerous for both officers and inmates, yet when we introduced an amendment to repeal it, Senate Democrats voted against it, ignoring the serious concerns raised by officers and their families. Our conference continues to fight for stronger protections, including enhanced contraband screening with drug-detecting canines, secure mail, and visitor body scanners to prevent dangerous materials from entering our facilities. Governor Hochul must act now to give law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs safely. Our corrections officers risk their lives every day to protect our communities, and they deserve better.

Don’t miss our Shed the Meds event with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office happening now until 2:00 PM at the Sayville Library!

For too long New York Democrats have prioritized criminals, at the expense of corrections officers. I joined my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference to meet with family members of New York State correction officers. In response to recent prison strikes we are urging Governor Hochul to take immediate action and repeal the HALT Act by Executive Order.

Since last week, correction officers have been on strike in dozens of facilities throughout the state. These strikes are in direct response to deteriorating work conditions; including understaffing, mandatory overtime, excessively long shifts, and polices – like the HALT Act – that have made their jobs more difficult and extremely dangerous. In fact, a recent report from DOCCS shows a dramatic increase in the number of assaults on correction officers by 85% from 2019 to 2024.

The HALT Act went into effect in 2022 and has empowered violent inmates, stripped officers of necessary tools to maintain order, and created an untenable crisis in our correctional facilities. I will continue to stand in solidarity with New York’s correction officers who have been sounding the alarm on dangerous working conditions in our state’s prisons. Join me on calling on Governor Hochul and the Democrat Majorities in the Legislature to halt the attack on our corrections officers and REPEAL the HALT Act NOW!

Today, I, along with my Senate Republican colleagues, introduced a package of legislation - part of our Liberate New York 2025 policy agenda - aimed at increasing energy production around the State, pausing the ridiculous green energy mandates championed by Albany Democrats, and providing ratepayers with increased transparency surrounding the true costs of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Our proposals come in response to proposed rate increases across New York State by Con Edison, National Grid and the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

The CLCPA has left companies scrambling to meet unrealistic emissions goals amid rapidly approaching deadlines. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has even called for improved planning in order to achieve these goals due to a conservative cost estimate of $340 billion that will fall onto ratepayers.

Instead of handing down costly unfunded mandates, my Senate Republican colleagues and I remain committed to transitioning to a clean energy economy that is dependable and affordable for all New Yorkers.

Got old or unused medications? Don’t let them pile up!

Tomorrow from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, stop by the Sayville Library for a "Shed the Meds" event with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. Safely dispose of unwanted prescriptions to help keep our community and water supply safe!

On Monday, I joined my Senate colleagues from the MTA region at a press conference calling for the permanent end of Congestion Pricing.

Originally proposed as environmental protection for New York City, Congestion Pricing has proven itself to be an environmental farse. In the short time this tax has been in place it has become little more than a permit for the wealthy to access city streets while shoveling the masses on to less than safe mass transit.

Why does the MTA even need Congestion Pricing?

In 2009, the MTA Payroll Tax, which promised permanent financial sustainability, was passed by the NYS legislature. It taxes everyone, municipalities, businesses, residents, hospitals and even non-profit organizations - even shelters for battered women pay the MTA tax and not just once, but always. It appears on your payroll tax and on your property taxes.

When the Governor paused Congestion Pricing, she then started talking about raising the MTA tax to make up the difference. The MTA has been weaponized. The authority is hoping the public has forgotten they already contribute an additional $1.3 billion dollars per year towards their robust $18 billion dollar budget. In fact, the MTA has collected more than $25 billion dollars since its payroll tax went into effect.

Increased tolls at our bridges, increased fares on trains, MTA payroll tax, and now Congestion Pricing – when does it end? If we keep giving the MTA endless streams of money, when will they ever learn to run efficiently?

These taxes are driving business and families out of New York and it must stop.

Today, February 24th, the LI Clean Energy Hub and Town of Babylon Green Homes program will host an Energy Literacy Workshop at the Babylon Public Library from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This free, interactive session will cover heat pumps, energy efficiency, and available rebates and incentives to help homeowners save on utility costs. To learn more about the event and register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-literacy-free-interactive-workshop-tickets-1131168157409?aff=oddtdtcreator

REMINDER!
Starting this May, to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings, you'll need a REAL ID or Enhanced ID. Visit your local DMV to upgrade today and ensure you're prepared. For more information on requirements and documentation, visit: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id

REMINDER!

On Wednesday, February 26th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, I am partnering with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office to host a "Shed the Meds" program at the Sayville Library. This event offers an opportunity to safely dispose of unused medication, preventing it from entering the water supply and keeping powerful drugs out of the wrong hands.

Congratulations to David Auguste on being honored with a proclamation for his outstanding dedication to Heckscher Park and the community! With 29 years of service, he has navigated challenges, introduced new amenities, and mentored the next generation of park managers. His leadership and commitment embody the spirit of public service. Congratulations, David, on this well-earned recognition as we celebrate Black History Month and honor your invaluable contributions!

I stand with the New York corrections officers who are sounding the alarm on dangerous working conditions in our state’s prisons. The HALT Act and other reckless Democrat policies have empowered violent inmates, stripped officers of necessary tools to maintain order, and created an untenable crisis in our correctional facilities.

The staffing shortages, skyrocketing assaults, and inmate-driven takeovers we are seeing today are direct consequences of Albany’s failed leadership. Instead of standing with our hardworking men and women in corrections, Governor Hochul and the Legislature have turned their backs on them.

Albany Democrats must stop prioritizing criminals over corrections officers and work with Republicans to fix this crisis now!

The Trump administration has officially pulled approval of New York City’s disastrous congestion pricing plan, delivering a major win for hardworking commuters and small business owners. This unfair toll was punishing those who rely on their vehicles to get to work, all while doing nothing to fix the real issues plaguing our transit system. Thankfully, common sense has prevailed, and this blatant cash grab has been stopped in its tracks!

Exclusive | NYC congestion pricing axed as Trump pulls approval of hated toll Congestion pricing, we hardly knew ye.

One Week Away!

On Wednesday, February 26th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, I am partnering with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office to host a "Shed the Meds" program at the Sayville Library. This event provides a safe and easy way for residents to dispose of unused medications responsibly. Thank you to both the Sayville Library and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office for helping run this event!

The Trust for Public Land plays a vital role in expanding access to outdoor spaces and enhancing community well-being. Their efforts in developing the Long Island Greenway trail will provide Long Islanders with a safe, off-road path to commute, exercise, and enjoy nature. Their dedication to preserving public land and creating more green spaces is invaluable; thank you for your commitment to a healthier, more connected community! To learn more about their work, visit: https://www.tpl.org/