For many in Kew Gardens Hills, Albany can feel far removed from the daily concerns of Queens families, yeshivah parents, and local community leaders. But earlier this month, community activist Sam Verstandig helped close that gap by bringing a delegation of local residents—including community members Daniel Winchester and Moishe Rechester—directly into the halls where New York State policy is shaped. Verstandig, a member of the JCRC-NY Blumberg Fellowship 2026 Cohort, organized an advocacy trip to Albany in coordination with Agudath Israel of America as part of his fellowship’s community leadership initiative. The goal was straightforward: give everyday community members the opportunity to witness government in action and engage directly with lawmakers on issues affecting the Orthodox Jewish community.
On Wednesday, May 6, the delegation arrived in Albany and was greeted by Rabbis Yeruchim Silber and Ephraim Gurell of Agudath Israel’s New York Government Relations team. Before heading into meetings, the group reviewed the legislative process and discussed two key bills affecting nonpublic school families across New York. The first bill, A9385, focuses on protecting due process rights for students with special needs in nonpublic schools. Advocates say the legislation is critical in preventing the creation of a weaker “two-tier” system that would leave private school students with fewer protections than their public school counterparts. The bill seeks to ensure that students in yeshivos and other nonpublic schools continue receiving equal legal protections and access to services.
The second bill, A10618, sponsored by local District 27 Assemblymember Sam Berger, addresses long-standing delays in state reimbursements for nonpublic school programs and security funding. The legislation would require reimbursements from the New York State Education Department to be paid within twelve months after final paperwork is submitted. The grants include funding for STEM, art, and music programs, as well as Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) grants used for security guards, entry systems, and perimeter protection.
As lawmakers and staff moved rapidly through the Capitol during ongoing budget negotiations, the delegation traveled from office to office, meeting elected officials and discussing community concerns firsthand. Among the meetings was a sit-down with Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Higher Education Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, where the group advocated for support of the legislation. They also met with Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., who expressed support for the bills and discussed issues affecting local constituents. For Rechester, one of Senator Addabbo’s constituents, the meeting brought the advocacy process to life in a very personal way as he spoke directly with the Senator. “This wasn’t a paid lobbyist speaking on behalf of an organization,” one participant reflected afterward. “It was a neighbor speaking for his community.”
Even after an emergency Assembly budget conference forced the cancellation of several appointments, the group’s persistence did not waver. Rather than heading back, Verstandig led the residents on an unannounced stop at the office of Senator Leroy Comrie. Despite the frantic pace of the day, Senator Comrie took the time to meet with the delegation, discuss local concerns, and affirm his support for Agudath Israel’s efforts. The delegation also met with members of the press and representatives from the lobbying firm Dickinson & Avella, offering the group a behind-the-scenes look at how negotiations and relationships shape the legislative process.
“It was inspiring to have motivated community members spend the day with us in Albany,” said Rabbi Silber, Director of Agudah’s New York Government Relations. “I appreciate their contributions to our advocacy mission, and I want to thank Sam for organizing this trip.”
For Winchester, the experience provided the exact clarity the group was seeking. “Seeing firsthand how bills garner support and watching the budget process unfold really opened my eyes to how our state government works,” the community volunteer and yeshivah graduate reflected. “I’m glad I had this opportunity.”
By the time the group headed back to Queens later that evening, the long day had given participants something more than just meetings and photographs. It gave them a clearer understanding of how local voices can still make an impact inside the Capitol—and served as a powerful reminder that the distance between Kew Gardens Hills and Albany is only as wide as we allow it to be.