Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced his re-appointment as chair of the state’s Legislative Commission on Rural Resources for the new legislative session. Established in 1982, the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources is comprised of members of the State Legislature who focus on the interests and concerns of the many rural counties that make up a large portion of New York State. In addition to reviewing existing legislation and regulations that impact rural areas, the 10-member commission recommends policy and new legislation to protect these communities, examines the impact of rural resources on the state’s economy and studies programs meant to promote rural viability. Last year, the commission hosted several hearings on rural issues including broadband access where it heard from stakeholders to identify broadband coverage gaps in rural New York counties and discussed relevant legislation.

“From agriculture to tourism, our rural communities have enabled our state to thrive,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Despite the inequities they face, our rural communities have provided us with a safe and affordable food supply through these difficult times. As we work to rebuild our economy, they will be an invaluable asset, providing the natural resources we all depend on not only for food, but also energy, water, and recreation,” Santabarbara added.

Other items on Santabarbara’s agenda for the new term are continuing his work on rural childcare issues, cellular gap coverage and rural ambulance services, passing legislation he authored to establish a rural ambulance task force to evaluate and make recommendations for long-term solutions to stabilize ambulance service operations in rural areas of New York State (A.8397-A). “Ambulance services in our rural communities continue to face distinct challenges, especially during the pandemic,” Santabarbara said. “In addition to longer travel times, inclement weather and poor road conditions, they’re also facing financial strain that’s affecting their ability to stay open. This task force can bring these issues to light and help us to come up with feasible solutions for the upcoming session.”

“Even before the pandemic, rural communities were critically underfunded and lacking important resources like high speed broadband, needed now more than ever to access important information, obtain health and legal services, for education and the transition to working at home,” said Santabarbara. “While the upcoming term may be challenging, as Assembly Chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, during these unprecedented times, the work of this commission is more important than ever. I look forward to working with colleagues from both parties to provide important resources needed in rural communities to help rebuild our economy.”