Assembly Member Aron Wieder Wraps Up the Last Week of the 2025 Session in Albany

The final week of the 2025 New York State Assembly session in Albany was a marathon of legislative activity, characterized by long hours of debate and voting on a multitude of bills. Amid this bustling environment, Assembly Member Aron Wieder stood out for his diligent participation, unwavering principles, and personal engagement with both his colleagues and constituents.

A Steadfast Voice in the Legislative Process

Throughout the session’s closing days, Wieder ensured that his vote was recorded on every bill brought to the floor. He approached each piece of legislation with a critical eye, unafraid to vote "no" when he believed it necessary. When casting a dissenting vote, Wieder took the time to articulate his reasoning, emphasizing his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and maintaining accountability in governance.

One bill that drew significant attention from Wieder was A7777, debated on the last day of the session, which proposed granting the State Education Department (SED) commissioner greater authority over library book selections, shifting decision-making power away from local school boards. Wieder opposed this measure, not because he disputed its potential merits, but due to his lack of confidence in SED Commissioner Betty Rosa, who would be tasked with implementing it. He pointed to Rosa’s track record, raising concerns about her transparency and accountability. Wieder argued that entrusting such broad authority to an individual with a questionable history risked undermining the bill’s intended benefits, urging his colleagues to prioritize local control over educational resources.

Building Bonds with Tefillin in the Halls of Albany

In the last week of the session, Wieder brought a personal touch to the legislative environment by inviting fellow assembly members to join him in a meaningful cultural and spiritual practice: putting on tefillin. These small black leather boxes, containing Torah verses and worn during Jewish prayer, became a symbol of camaraderie in the hallways of the Assembly, where Wieder proudly performed the mitzvah. Having felt the importance of this mitzvah when he started the session in January and now finishing the session in June, Wieder saw it as a meaningful way to bookend his legislative work. His colleagues, appreciative of his efforts to foster friendships across party lines, were unlikely to decline such a gesture from a man known for building positive relationships.

One notable interaction occurred with Assembly Member Scott Bendett, who identified as a Cohen. As Wieder wrapped the tefillin straps around Bendett’s arm in the last week of the session, the experience felt like a meaningful moment, a mitzvah (good deed) that bridged personal faith with legislative duties.

Exceptional Service to Constituents

While navigating the demands of the legislative session, Wieder remained deeply committed to his constituents. His district office, led by Chief of Staff Shlomo Kertzner, successfully resolved 300 cases in the first six months of his term—a remarkable achievement. Additionally, the office responded to over 2,000 emails, reflecting their dedication to addressing constituent concerns promptly and thoroughly. Kertzner highlighted the satisfaction of tackling such a wide range of issues, but what truly set Wieder’s office apart was the assembly member’s personal involvement. Despite his packed schedule, Wieder ensured that each case received the attention it deserved, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to public service.

 Wieder’s office continues to stand as a resource for all constituents, ready to tackle any challenge they may face. For assistance, the district office can be reached at 845-624-4601.