Erik Bottcher

I’m standing with colleagues and advocates in Albany to defend reproductive freedom in the wake of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA decision. The attempt to roll back access to Mifepristone is not about safety, it is about control. In New York, we are making it clear: we will protect patients, we will protect providers, and we will not allow medically unnecessary barriers to stand in the way of care. I am proud to support legislation by @shelleybmayer @karinesreyes87 and others that safeguards access to medication abortion and strengthens privacy protections for those providing and receiving care.

Masked agents. Unmarked vans. People being snatched off the street. No transparency. New York must stand for due process for immigrants. Pass the New York for All Act, RADAR Act, and MELT Act now.

Celebrating Elaine Schulman’s 90th birthday today! 🎉❤️ Elaine has spent decades as a beloved Upper West Side Democratic leader, organizer, and community force, helping shape our neighborhood and mentor generations of activists and public servants. It was an honor to celebrate this milestone with someone whose commitment to public service and community has left such a lasting mark. Happy 90th, Elaine! 🥂

@ebottcher spoke at the @carlmwilson inaugural.

🚨 My first bill has officially passed the New York State Senate. This legislation is about transparency, fairness, and making sure tenants receive clear and timely notice before an eviction takes place. Last year, New York strengthened the law by requiring eviction notices to be electronically filed. But too often, notices were not uploaded promptly, leaving tenants and their attorneys without critical information when every hour matters. S9907, sponsored by @sambergerny in the Assembly, closes that loophole by requiring marshals to physically post and electronically file eviction notices within one business day of service. It ensures the process is transparent, consistent, and compliant with the law so tenants have a meaningful opportunity to seek legal assistance, apply for rental aid, or pursue relief before losing their homes. At a time of ongoing housing instability, due process protections must be real and enforceable. Proud to see this commonsense legislation pass. 🏛️

🚨 My first bill has officially passed the New York State Senate. This legislation is about transparency, fairness, and making sure tenants receive clear and timely notice before an eviction takes place. Last year, New York strengthened the law by requiring eviction notices to be electronically filed. But too often, notices were not uploaded promptly, leaving tenants and their attorneys without critical information when every hour matters. S9907, sponsored by @joannesimonforbrooklyn in the Assembly, closes that loophole by requiring marshals to physically post and electronically file eviction notices within one business day of service. It ensures the process is transparent, consistent, and compliant with the law so tenants have a meaningful opportunity to seek legal assistance, apply for rental aid, or pursue relief before losing their homes. At a time of ongoing housing instability, due process protections must be real and enforceable. Proud to see this commonsense legislation pass. 🏛️

🚨 LEGISLATION ALERT: Today, I stood with advocates, survivors, and elected officials to announce Francesco’s Law, landmark legislation that @khaleelanderson and I are sponsoring to strengthen New York’s safe gun storage laws and help prevent unimaginable tragedies before they happen. Francesco’s Law would require firearms to be securely stored using locked containers, trigger locks, or other safety devices whenever they are not under an owner’s immediate control. The legislation would bring New York in line with other states that already require universal safe storage protections. Earlier this year, I met Diana Cochran, whose 17-year-old son Francesco died by suicide after gaining access to an unsecured shotgun in his home. His story hit me deeply because I saw so much of myself in him. When I was 15 years old, I spent a month in a psychiatric hospital following a series of suicide attempts. Like Francesco, I was a teenager struggling with my identity and mental health. The difference is that there was not a gun in my home. If there had been, I truly do not believe I would be here today. Safe storage laws save lives. They help prevent youth suicide, accidental shootings, school shootings, and gun theft. Rights come with responsibilities, and we must do everything possible to prevent avoidable tragedies in our communities. We cannot bring Francesco back, but we can honor his life by taking action to ensure fewer families endure this kind of unimaginable loss. 💙

🚨 LEGISLATION ALERT: Today, I joined advocates, survivors, and elected officials to announce Francesco’s Law, landmark legislation that @khaleelanderson and I are sponsoring to strengthen New York’s safe gun storage laws and help prevent unimaginable tragedies before they happen. Francesco’s Law would require firearms to be securely stored using locked containers, trigger locks, or other safety devices whenever they are not under an owner’s immediate control. The legislation would bring New York in line with other states that already require universal safe storage protections. Earlier this year, I met Diana Cochran, whose 17-year-old son Francesco died by suicide after gaining access to an unsecured shotgun in his home. His story hit me deeply because I saw so much of myself in him. When I was 15 years old, I spent a month in a psychiatric hospital following a series of suicide attempts. Like Francesco, I was a teenager struggling with my identity and mental health. The difference is that there was not a gun in my home. If there had been, I truly do not believe I would be here today. Safe storage laws save lives. They help prevent youth suicide, accidental shootings, school shootings, and gun theft. Rights come with responsibilities, and we must do everything possible to prevent avoidable tragedies in our communities. We cannot bring Francesco back, but we can honor his life by taking action to ensure fewer families endure this kind of unimaginable loss. 💙

Today, I joined my colleagues in Albany to call for raising the outdated income limits for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE), and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE), as well as extending and reforming the J-51 program. Too many older New Yorkers and New Yorkers with disabilities are being pushed out of the very programs designed to help them stay in their homes because income thresholds haven’t kept pace with reality. Modest Social Security increases should not cause someone to lose critical rent protections while the cost of living continues to rise. We need to modernize these programs, index the income limits to inflation, preserve affordable housing through J-51, and ensure vulnerable New Yorkers can remain in the communities they call home. Thank you to @briankavanaghny @lindabrosenthal_67 for your leadership on this issue!

🚨 Legislative Alert 🚨 Tomorrow in Albany, I’ll stand with leading gun safety advocates to rally for Francesco’s Law (S9629/A1962B), landmark legislation I am sponsoring with @khaleelanderson to strengthen New York’s safe storage laws and help prevent tragedies involving minors. Francesco was just 17 years old when he gained access to an unsecured firearm and took his own life. His death was preventable. Francesco’s Law would require firearms to be securely stored when not under an owner’s immediate control and create stronger accountability when unsecured guns are accessed by minors or prohibited individuals. No family should have to endure this kind of loss.

This Sunday, May 17, please join us for a reception with @repmarktakano and @equalitypac on in the West Village to help elect more openly LGBTQ+ leaders to Congress. 🏳️‍🌈 At a time when representation matters more than ever, I hope you’ll join us for this special evening or consider making a contribution in support of Equality PAC’s work. 📅 Sunday, May 17 🕔 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 📍 West Village, NYC Contribute & RSVP here: bit.ly/equalitymay17