State Senator representing NY's 55th District.
Chair, Mental Health
☎️(585) 223-1800 ✉️ [email protected]
RTs do not = endorsements
Pronounced: Sah-mra Brew-k
Black mothers are dying at an alarming rate during what should be a joyful time after giving birth. That’s why I have been so proud to work w/ @HealthNYGov to develop & implement the Medicaid doula services benefit rollout for 2024. NY can lead the way in eradicating disparities
Proud to share that my bill, S9602, has been signed into law. This new law extends the licensure/registration period for child care programs from 4 to 6 years, helping reduce burdens & costs for providers, & supporting greater access to affordable, quality child care for families
I was proud to join my partners in government today to highlight meaningful investments for Rochester. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership in securing $8M for Daniel’s Law pilots, & expanded doula access across NY.
Today, the Rochester Delegation came together to highlight how this year’s state budget delivers for Monroe County. From investments in healthcare, education, and public safety to lowering costs for working families, we fought to ensure Rochester’s priorities were reflected.
For families in my district, utility bills have become one of the biggest and most unpredictable pressures on household budgets. That’s why we fought for utility reform in this year’s budget and passed my bill, S1012A, banning ratepayer funds from being used for lobbying.
I've heard from hundreds of constituents concerned about the impact data centers could have on electricity rates, water resources, & our environment. That’s why the NYS Senate passed legislation establishing a 1-year pause on new data center construction.
Black birthing people are still five times more likely to die during childbirth and are disproportionately subjected to unnecessary cesarean births. My bill, S7544A, just passed the Senate and will create a cesarean births review board to examine surgical birth rates across NY.
The Rochester delegation worked hard throughout this year’s budget process to fight for the resources our city & region deserve. These investments will help strengthen our neighborhoods, support working families, improve public safety, & build a stronger, more resilient Rochester
While the federal government continues to tear families apart, NYS is working to protect residents and keep ICE accountable. Because every New Yorker deserves fairness, due process, and the opportunity to thrive.
Too many children with complex needs are getting lost in a fragmented system. This op-ed highlights legislation to strengthen the Council on Children and Families, and help ensure children receive timely care and placements. https://t.co/2waPyqXPEd
As the federal administration continues to roll back protections & support for LGBTQ+ communities, I reaffirm my commitment to standing up for LGBTQ+ NYers. This Pride Month, we celebrate resilience, honor progress, & continue the fight for equality, safety, & dignity for all.
Eid Mubarak! Eid al-Adha is a time of prayer, sacrifice, generosity, and community. We extend our warmest wishes for peace, joy, and blessings to all who are celebrating.
Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their bravery and dedication will never be forgotten. Let us come together in gratitude and reflection on this Memorial Day.
My bill, S1011, just passed the Senate, and will help prevent these unintended losses by requiring both employees and employers to formally acknowledge when participation in a retirement system is ending. 2/2
In 2001, a group of educators working on a statewide education initiative were reassigned to roles outside the scope of the Teachers’ Retirement System, without clear notification that the change would impact their retirement benefits. 1/2
NYers seeking mental health & addiction treatment deserve care without delays or barriers. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor S8309A, moving most behavioral health services to a fee-for-service model that puts patients before insurance company profits.
Federal funding cuts have resulted in more communities across NY losing access to maternal health care. That’s why I continue to fight for investments in maternal care, like the statewide Community Doula Directory, to ensure any birthing person with Medicaid can access a doula.
Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is cutting access to healthcare right here in NY by eliminating billions of dollars in funding for the Essential Plan. I joined my colleagues in sending a letter urging the Governor to take action to protect vulnerable NYers by passing S9589/A10926.
Across NY, families are facing rising costs & financial strain. Orgs like Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CASH) in Rochester are making a difference by providing free tax preparation & financial education. We must support programs that strengthen financial security for NYers.
It’s been 4 years since the deadly shooting in Buffalo, and 3 years since I first spoke on behalf of this resolution on the Senate floor. Today, we remember the 10 Black residents who lost their lives. We must continue taking action to prevent tragedies like this.