This presentation provides a comprehensive look at the financial realities of higher education—from how to fund college to the evolving landscape of the student debt repayment system. We'll examine the role of federal, state and private funding sources, including FAFSA, TAP and Excelsior, the implications of new borrowing limits, and how recent legislative changes, including the latest budget bill, are reshaping the student loan system.

Additionally, we'll explore practical strategies for managing existing student debt, including repayment plans, forgiveness and discharge programs. Bring your questions and we'll answer them during the live Q&A.

This webinar is presented by the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) in Partnership with New York State Senator Andrew S. Gounardes. EDCAP is a program of the Community Service Society of New York.

Register here.

The arrival of spring means it’s time to shred!

Our next document shredding and electronic waste recycling event will take place on May 17th in Bay Ridge. Please remember to sort your paperwork in advance. Staples are okay, but plastic folders, binder clips, spiral notebooks, rubber bands, etc, must all be removed before you arrive.

As for e-waste, the Lower East Side Ecology Center does not accept batteries, but they take almost everything else! Check their list here.

The Mobile Legal Help Center provides free civil (non–criminal) legal services for people who cannot afford an attorney.

Everyone is eligible to receive free legal services, regardless of immigration status.

Join me, State Senator Iwen Chu and City Council Member Justin Brannan to celebrate the season with a tree lighting in Bay Ridge!

This Thanksgiving, I’m proud to support the work of City Harvest and join our partners in meeting the needs of District 26 families with Boxes of Love holiday care packages for community members.

Boxes include a whole turkey and will be distributed on 11/21 at 10 am on a first come, first served basis.

Spring has arrived and so has the time to shred!

Our next document shredding and electronic waste recycling event will take place on April 27th in Bay Ridge. Please remember to sort your paperwork in advance. Staples are okay, but plastic folders, binder clips, spiral notebooks, rubber bands, etc, must all be removed before you arrive. As for e-waste, the Lower East Side Ecology Center does not accept batteries, but they take almost everything else! Check their list here.

The NYC Department of Buildings is coming to Senate District 26!

At our “DOB in Your Neighborhood” session, we’ll help you resolve any DOB issues or questions, including violations and stop work orders, or zoning, construction or general questions. Call my office at 718-238-6044 to schedule an appointment.

Join me for an insightful and crucial discussion on child online safety and privacy, featuring Attorney General Tish James and founder of the #HalfTheStory Project Larissa May. 

Moderated by New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg, the panel will delve into the current dangers posed by social media companies, their predatory actions, and their profound impact on the well-being of children and teens growing up while having their every move tracked, stored, cataloged, and used by the largest and most powerful companies on earth. With lawmakers across the country attempting to reign in the growing industry, discover how New York is at the forefront of curbing two of the most harmful practices for our children: addictive algorithms and data collection.

Whether you’re a parent navigating the online world with your kids, a policy enthusiast, or a concerned member of the general public, this discussion promises valuable insight from three panelists, each dedicated to fostering a safer social media environment for the next generation.

Read more.

Come see him get sworn in!