State Senator Andrew Gounardes

“The aid, care and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state.” — Article XVII, Section 1, New York State Constitution, 1938

If you're looking for some family-friendly fun this summer, be sure to check out the newly-renovated Russell Pedersen Playground in Bay Ridge! The $5.4 million redesign includes new play equipment, adult fitness areas, new landscaping, and more. brooklynpaper.com/russell-peders…

Democrats & Republicans; upstate & downstate (& Western NY!), everyone agrees: sensible regulations for AI are essential. @SenatorBorrello and my op-ed was just published in the Buffalo News. Link to the full op-ed in bio.

“[W]e shouldn’t have to choose between sustainable recycling and the health of our communities. We can do right by our environment and by our neighbors, and recycle concrete without forcing Brooklyn residents to breathe in toxic dust.” — @Sen_Gounardes cdrecycler.com/news/brooklyn-…

I was honored to present the 2025 NYS Woman of Distinction Award for District 26 to Tupper Thomas. Tupper has dedicated her career to improving public spaces & fostering community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on New York City’s parks & civic life: loom.ly/Ui7Scqg

Thank you @Sen_Gounardes for joining @NY4P @BrooklynCB6 and Friends of Red Hook Pool in calling for @NYCParks to fix and open Red Hook pool asap with programs restored. secure.ny4p.org/a/let-red-hook…

Head Over Heels has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 30th. Come check them out along with all of the other amazing acts we have on the calendar through the rest of the summer!

This morning, we cut the ribbon on a revamped Russell Pedersen Playground in Bay Ridge. The redesign includes new play equipment, adult fitness areas, lighting, and more. 🛝 Thanks to @JustinBrannan for working to secure funding, and to @NYCParks for doing a beautiful job.

My office is a drop off location for Camp Friendship’s 2025 Back to School Supply Drive. Swing by 497 Carroll Street, Suite 31 any Monday - Thursday (10 am - 6 pm) or Friday (10 am - 2 pm) through 8/22 with new pencils, folders, crayons, backpacks, notebooks or other supplies!

The Brooklyn Marine Terminal proposal includes: - A fully rebuilt, modern electric port 🚢 - Thousands of new affordable homes 🏡 - 28 acres of new parks and public space 🏞️ - 500k square feet for industrial + commercial use 🧑‍🏭 - $200 million for NYCHA repairs🔧

Thank you, @Sen_Gounardes, for your leadership!

We have an opportunity to transform the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a modern port with new parks, industrial space, and thousands of affordable homes. The plan before us isn't perfect. But it’s our best shot at a Terminal that meets our city's needs. brooklynpaper.com/op-ed-bk-marin…

I am grateful for the ongoing partnership and input of faith leaders of all backgrounds at our annual clergy breakfast. The concerns and ideas discussed at these gatherings help inform my office’s work on the ground and identify potential areas for legislative advocacy.

Join me for a fun-filled afternoon on Saturday, July 26th in Shore Road Park. We’ll be kicking off at 11 a.m. with music, face painting, games and more! Rain date July 27th.

.@ICEgov is detaining immigrants—many of whom have no criminal records—in a Brooklyn prison that judges have called "barbaric." It's dangerous, disturbing and un-American, and it must end now. @RepDanGoldman

ICYMI: the @BKLYNlibrary Carroll Gardens Pop-up Branch has officially opened on 250 Baltic Street! Check it out on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays—and on Wednesdays, look out for the bookmobile in the neighborhood. bkreader.com/non-profit-com…

.@NYCferry is proposing updates to its routes, including a new connection between Brooklyn and Staten Island. Check out the proposals and share your feedback at the link. edc.nyc/2025-nyc-ferry…

Cooling centers are open today. Find District 26 locations listed on the flyer or check finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters for sites throughout the city. Use the map to search for accessible and pet-friendly options.

ICE is disappearing immigrants, many of whom have no criminal records, into a jail one judge called ‘contemptuous of human life and dignity.’ This isn’t about public safety—it’s a show of force meant to instill fear in our communities and keep immigrants in the shadows.

Trump is illegally detaining 100+ immigrants—most of whom have no criminal records—in the MDC, a Brooklyn federal jail so unsafe, judges have called it "barbaric." It's a violation of their rights and of basic human dignity. Today, we called on @ICEgov to end this cruel charade.

To Trump, providing food for low-income families is "waste and fraud," but tax breaks for billionaires are an essential government service. Just incredibly cruel and heartless. And Republican members of Congress voted for it. nytimes.com/2025/07/11/nyr…