Particularly in the current political climate, local civic participation has become more important than ever. Next week, please turn out to vote on school budgets and school board candidates as well as library board candidates on May 16. I am pleased to report competitive school board races this year in Bethlehem and Guilderland, as well as a competitive race for Library Board in Albany. For more on the elections, please see the links below:

Bethlehem Schools will hold School Board and budget elections on May 16.

Guilderland School Board and budget elections will also be held on May 16 at each of the five district elementary schools. Three of the board seats are up for election, and five candidates running. The Altamont Enterprise interviewed each of the candidates on issues relevant to the district.

Albany Public Library and the Albany City School District More information on the school budget voted can be accessed here, and information about the library budget and board vote can be accessed here.

Investment in Water Infrastructure Announced. Monday, it was announced that $87 million in grants are available to municipalities and not-for-profit corporations for water quality improvement projects. The new program provides grants for projects that improve water quality, protect drinking water sources, reduce polluted runoff, and restore habitats in New York’s waterbodies. The grants are administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and made available through Governor Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

Assembly Passes Legislation to Aid Domestic Violence Victims. While domestic violence is severely underreported, the statistics are still startling. In the United States, over 10 million women and men are victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner each year. The Assembly this week passed legislation seeking to meet the urgent needs of those affected and to ensure everyone who seeks help can get it. The Assembly legislation includes a measure to prevent employers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence as well as allow these employees reasonable accommodations in the workplace as they address issues, such as counseling or court appearances, related to their abuse

Community Updates:

Summer Jobs Programs in the Capital Region. Summer is just around the corner, and many opportunities exist for summer employment for youth in the 109th District. See these links for information about programs in Albany, Bethlehem and Guilderland.

Albany High Pool Renovation. Wednesday morning’s ribbon-cutting at Albany High School marked the completion of the pool renovations, and the upcoming return of the Falcons and Lady Falcons to their home. Albany High’s swim teams will once again be able to practice and host meets in their own pool this coming school year. The City School District of Albany will also reinstate the learn-to-swim program for second-graders.

Empire State Plaza Fitness Program. Empower State Plaza Fitness will be holing a free 45-minute Exercise Class on Fridays 11:30am-12:15pm on the Plaza Steps of the NYS Museum starting May 12th. This class combines functional movement exercises with cardio intervals, group challenges and group support. Everyone is welcome to participate!

Congressman Tonko to Host “Capital Region on Capitol Hill” Program. Local Congressman Paul Tonko is inviting constituents and organizations from across the Capital Region for a symposium intended to help participants better advance their priorities in the halls of Congress. This event will bring together experts from all corners of the public advocacy world in Washington, D.C. to give our constituents an inside look at how federal policy is shaped. The symposium will offer insights into how to be more effective advocates for issues individuals, families and their organizations care most about.

National Bike to Work Day. This coming Friday, May 19th is national “Bike to Work Day!” I’ll be participating in the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Bike to Work Day Event in Delmar, at 425 Kenwood Ave, which starts at 8:00 AM.

Vanguard Show House Benefit for Albany Symphony Orchestra. This year’s Vanguard Show House is located at 14 Pheasant Lane in Menands. The annual fundraiser for the Albany Symphony Orchestra features 13 interior designers collaborating on the theme "A New Chapter for an Old Estate," and will run through May 21. Visit their website for directions and details.

Note on our Departing Intern, Blessing. Our office wants to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our intern, Blessing Uzoeshi, who finished her internship this week. Blessing is an Albany local and UAlbany student who will be graduating this month with a degree in history. Congratulations Blessing, and best wishes as you venture out into the world!

Job Opportunities: New York State has set up a new job portal entitled Jobs Express, where thousands of private and public sector jobs are listed. Visit jobs.ny.gov for more information on how to apply for these opportunities.

As always, for the latest news or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, on Twitter, or my Times Union blog. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note.

Sincerely---

Pat