YEAR IN REVIEW, 2025
By Senator April N.M. Baskin
Senator April N.M. Baskin
Over this past year in my freshman Senate term representing District 63, I was proud to see several of my bills signed into law:
Desha’s Law, which I sponsored in partnership with Assemblymember Solages, was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul at Buffalo Bills Training Camp last July. Inspired by the tragic death of teenager Desha Sanders, the law calls for New York State to provide cardiac arrest training and a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in order to access AEDs to be used for students, school personnel, and visitors suffering from sudden heart failure. Every public school in our state is required to have those requirements. No one was able to access the AED unit at the school and Desha died shortly after because valuable and potentially lifesaving measures were not available.
My Lead Safe Homes legislation was enacted to better protect children and families from lead exposure, building on years of advocacy from parents, health experts, and community leaders in Western New York.
Working with local leaders, we passed my Cheektowaga bed tax bill, giving the town an important tool to support local services and ease the burden on town taxpayers.
I advanced an important organ transplant bill, the HEART ACT, to ensure New Yorkers are treated fairly when they need life-saving care, and that no one is denied a second chance at life because of their circumstances. Patients can now be listed at more than one transplant list at once.
My language access bill will help ensure that more residents can understand government information and services in the language they are most comfortable using.
My MWBE legislation will help expand opportunities for Minority-and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, so that state investments truly reflect and uplift the diverse communities we serve.
In addition to authoring legislation, I have made it a priority to visit every corner of our district. Over the past year, I joined superintendents and educators on tours of schools in Cheektowaga, Buffalo, and Lackawanna, listening directly to students, teachers, and staff about their needs and aspirations. These visits shape my decisions in Albany and keep me focused on what matters most: providing our young people with safe, supportive, and opportunity-rich learning environments. I also remain committed to celebrating the culture, resilience, and everyday heroism of the 63rd District. This summer, my office hosted a Jazz Fest that brought neighbors together to enjoy local talent, small businesses, and community spirit.
Through our “Heroes of the 63rd District” and “Women of Distinction” recognitions, we continue to recognize and uplift individuals whose quiet work makes a powerful difference. One of this year’s honorees, Sarah Brown, was recognized for her courage in saving a man’s life after she witnessed a car accident in Cheektowaga. Sarah's quick action and selfless willingness to help serves as a reminder that heroism lives all around us.
None of this work is done alone. I am deeply grateful to the advocates, community organizations, local officials, and residents who have shared their stories, ideas, and concerns with me throughout my freshman year. Your voices guide my priorities and strengthen our efforts in Albany, continually motivating me to fight for the hardworking people across all of District 63.
Best wishes during this holiday season! It is a great honor to represent District 63 in the State Legislature, and I am so grateful to our whole community for the continued support.