“Earlier today, Governor Cuomo laid out his priorities for 2020 in his State of the State address. While the governor’s speech included some meaningful proposals, once again there is much that was left out.

Among them, rural ambulance services are a critical issue for the health and safety of many communities in upstate New York and be addressed as a top priority. Senior care, housing and the cost of prescription drugs should also among this year’s priorities.

As a State, we must also do more to support people with disabilities. Something that I have not heard in ANY of the governor’s addresses. The focus must always be on working for the people we represent, especially our most vulnerable.

As a state legislator, much of my work has been about those with developmental disabilities having a voice in our state legislature. And people know that I’ll continue working to bring out the good in our community and to make it better for all of us.

Additionally, every year the Assembly puts in the funding needed to support public education and every year we see the governor cut that funding and hold it hostage during the budget process. I expect we’ll see more of the same this year

“That being said, I’m encouraged to hear of a proposal that will make a significant to mitigate summer and winter flooding along the Mohawk River, which has repeatedly devastated many homes and businesses in our communities. As a civil engineer, I know the importance of proactively addressing infrastructure issues to avoid the harmful impact on our communities and the costly rebuilding efforts that have taken a toll over the years. I have witness the devastation and damage caused by these events in the Schenectady area, Rotterdam Junction and the rural communities I represent. The proposal makes an initial allocation of $65 million to deploy icebreaking technology and support ice jam prevention projects in the Mohawk River.”

“With my new assignment as Assembly chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, my focus will be on making sure our rural communities of upstate New York are not left out.”