What a week! While the focus of the media may be on the ongoing reports coming from Washington, we’re continuing to work on important issues here in the legislature. The Times Union published an editorial this past weekend, which is particularly relevant in light of federal inaction on oil train regulations:

“Considering the dramatic increase in shipments of highly flammable crude oil coming through this region and being stored at the Port of Albany since 2008, the possibility for a disaster is real. Yet a state law to require oil-related firms to guarantee they can cover costs of cleanup, decontamination and other consequences keeps hitting a dead end.”

I appreciate the continued coverage of this issue of vital importance to our region- a push the news from Washington should remind us all is more important to handle at the state level now than ever.

Voting Reforms. Elections are the hallmarks of democracy, but sadly, far too few people vote in New York and the country as a whole. The Assembly passed a series of bills to modernize the state’s election process and make voting more accessible, including measures to allow online voter registration and voting by mail. One bill consolidates the state’s election calendar by combining the federal and state primary election dates to a single day in June. This move would save the state and taxpayers an estimated $25 million and minimize confusion; however, these bills will await action in the Senate.

Assembly Passes New York Health Act. On Tuesday, the Assembly passed the New York Health Act to provide universal “improved Medicare for all" or a single-payer health plan to cover every New York resident, regardless of wealth, income, age or health status. Under this Act, all residents would be eligible to enroll in the universal healthcare system. Benefits would include comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, primary and preventative care, prescription drugs, behavioral health services, laboratory testing, and rehabilitative care, as well as dental, vision, and hearing care. This legislation is not expected to move in the Senate; though we may be revisiting a number of health care issues and funding if the proposed federal health reform passes in the U.S. Senate.

New Funding for Apprenticeship Programs. This week NY received $4.2 million in federal funding available to support the expansion of New York's Apprenticeship Program. This investment will increase the state's ability to establish new registered apprenticeships to continue fostering the skilled workforce needed to fuel business growth in emerging industries.

Assembly Applies Smoking Restrictions to E-Cigarettes. Wednesday, the Assembly passed a bill to establish a statewide ban on the use of electronic cigarettes both indoors and in some outdoor spaces in order to protect the public from the unwanted exposure to e-cigarette emissions. Under this legislation, electronic cigarettes will be subjected to the same restrictions on public use that are currently applied to smoking tobacco.

New Lower Worker’s Compensation Premium In Effect. As a result of changes in the budget, the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board, a non-governmental rate service organization has submitted an overall workers’ compensation rate decrease of approximately 4.5 percent, which will save employers about $400 million this year in workers’ compensation premiums. This will help small business owners reinvest in their companies and their employees.

Community Updates:

Legislature to Host Ramadan Welcome Celebration. Several state legislators and I will be hosting the first Ramadan Welcome Celebration in the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, May 24. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to deepen spiritual devotion, to remind practitioners of the suffering of the poor, and to reinforce the importance of charity. Lunch Cuisine from Turkey, West Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and India will be offered after remarks.

Lupine Fest This Weekend. Experience a celebration of our local wildlife at the Capital Region’s globally rare, nationally significant, and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush at Lupine Fest this weekend. Enjoy live animal shows, wildlife workshops and nature walks. Discover the unique wildlife that calls this rare habitat home through hands-on activities with community partners!

Albany Public Library Awarded “Youth Program of the Year.” The Upper Hudson Library System shared this week that the Albany Public Library was awarded youth program of the year for their “Beat Bots” program. The program is a free workshop series that combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art for ages 11-17 at the library’s Washington Ave. Branch and Pine Hills Branch.

Personal Note on my Daughter, Eileen. I’m so proud of my daughter, Eileen Bequette, for being recognized by the Times Union for the 2017 Scholar’s Recognition Program! Eileen has put in a tremendous amount of effort towards both her her scholastic and athletic achievements, and I couldn’t be a prouder mom today!

Job Opportunities: New York State has set up a 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.