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  Pictured with Speaker Heastie in the first photo in front of MiSci (left to right): Susanne Dorr, Vice President of Education, MiSci; Michael Newell, Board Chair, MiSci; Carmel Patrick, Vice President of Development, MiSci; Assemblymember Santabarbara; Tara Burnham, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, MiSci; and Dr. Gina Gould, President of MiSci.

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  Pictured with Speaker Heastie in the second photo in MiSci (left to right): Michael Newell, MiSci Board Chair; Susanne Dorr, Vice President of Education, MiSci; Assemblymember Santabarbara; and Dr. Gina Gould, President of MiSci.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara in Schenectady to kick off his 2018 statewide tour. This is the third statewide tour Heastie has embarked on since assuming the role of speaker in 2015. During today's visit, Heastie and Santabarbara joined The Museum of Science and Innovation's (MiSci) president Dr. Gina Gould for a tour of the museum.

"Taking the time to visit different regions across New York State provides valuable insight into the strengths and challenges unique to each region," said Speaker Heastie. "Today's stop in Schenectady gave us a firsthand look at the investments we have made in the region to promote and encourage STEM education for our youth."

MiSci inspires minds and encourages youth to learn about the sciences and the extraordinary possibilities of our future through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and standards-based STEM programming. In 2017, Assemblymember Santabarbara helped to facilitate a $250,000 grant to be used towards the completion of the new Tribute Park, which serves as an "outdoor classroom" at the facility. The project includes a trail connecting Tribute Park to trails in nearby Vale Park as well as the removal of overgrown and unhealthy trees and the addition of permanent pavilions and ADA compliant restrooms.

"As a civil engineer, I recognize the importance of STEM education in preparing our youth to take on the challenges they will face down the road," said Assemblymember Santabarbara. "That is why I have fought tirelessly to provide students in my district with access to events, programs and facilities that will pique their interest in these critical fields. I appreciate the speaker visiting MiSci today with me and I look forward to finding new ways to improve the lives of New Yorkers both here, and all across the state."