Press Releases

Assemblymember Anna Kelles Defends Tompkins County Sheriff Amid Renewed Federal Attacks

Ithaca, NY – In response to continued federal attacks on Tompkins County law enforcement, Assemblymember Anna Kelles issued the following statement in strong support of Sheriff Derek Osborne and the rule of law: “Earlier this week, Congressman Jim...

Assemblymember Kelles Opposes Budget Language Undermining Educational Oversight and Equity in New York State

Ithaca, NY – Today, Assemblymember Anna Kelles issued a formal statement expressing strong opposition to a provision in this year’s state budget that undermines the authority of the New York State Department of Education to ensure that all children...

Assemblymember Kelles Responds to ICE Activity in Tompkins County and the Insinuation that Local Resources Must be Used to Implement the Immigration Agenda of the Federal Government

Ithaca, NY – Today Assembly Member Anna Kelles responded to the fact that in the last few days local law enforcement and elected officials have been the subject of unfounded claims by the federal administration of acting against the law. The Ithaca...

NYS Assemblymember Anna Kelles’ Statement on the Tragic Death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility

The recently released body camera footage showing the horrific and deadly beating of Robert Brooks while in handcuffs in the Marcy Correctional Facility’s infirmary shows a clear and unacceptable abuse of power that resulted in a senseless loss of life...

Assemblymember Kelles, Speaker Heastie Celebrate over $1.4 Million In-District Funding

Ithaca, NY –Assemblymember Anna Kelles and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, toured the 125th district today, celebrating with a ribbon cutting, the new farm infrastructure at the Learning Farm and announcing $750,000 in funding for the...

Assemblymember Kelles Celebrates $66,900 in Funding for Local Libraries

Groton, NY – Assemblymember Anna Kelles visited the Groton Public Library today to celebrate an allocation of $66,900 from her office to the Finger Lakes Library System, which will directly benefit eight local libraries: Cortland Free Library: $10,800...

Assemblymember Kelles Announces Funding for Lifelong

ITHACA, NY – Today, Assemblymember Anna Kelles announced a $150,000 grant from her office for Lifelong, a vibrant community center for adults 50 and over, serving Tompkins County since 1952. These funds will allow Lifelong to continue its support of...

Senator Webb and Assemblywoman Kelles Statement on Labor Negotiations at Cornell

Ithaca, NY – Today, Senator Lea Webb and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles issued a statement addressing the ongoing labor negotiations between workers at Cornell represented by United Auto Workers and Cornell University. Said Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember...

Assemblymember Kelles Announces Funding for Khuba International

Ithaca, NY – Assemblymember Anna Kelles and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced a $650,000 grant to Khuba International, a nonprofit organization that uplifts families and farmers who have been historically and systematically disadvantaged...

Assemblymember Kelles Announces Funding for Child Care in Tompkins County

Ithaca, NY – Assemblymember Anna Kelles today announced $4.3 million in grants to expand access to affordable quality childcare and to provide support and training for childcare providers in Tompkins County. This funding highlights her commitment to...

Update from Assemblymember Kelles

Assemblymember Kelles Celebrates Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting at Stewart Park

Ithaca, NY – Earlier today, Assemblymember Kelles joined other local leaders in celebrating the official opening of the new, expanded and accessible splash pad at Stewart Park. Assemblymember Kelles secured a total of $500,000 in capital funds for the...

Statement by Assemblymember Kelles in Response to Racist Threats Against ICSD Staff & Board

I was disturbed to listen to the racist voice messages and death threats to our school board president Sean Eversley Bradwell and Superintendent Luvelle Brown that were summarized in this recent Ithaca Voice article. I condemn these actions and stand...

Assemblymember Kelles Introduces Bill to Secure Statewide Emissions Reductions and Billions for Climate Justice and Community Projects

Albany, NY – Assemblymember Anna Kelles, along with members of the NY Renews coalition, introduced at a press conference Assembly Bill A8469 (Senate Bill S9228), which would establish an economy-wide cap and invest program to support greenhouse gas...

Assemblymember Kelles Announces the 2024 Women of Distinction Award Recipients

In honor of Women’s History Month, Assemblymember Kelles sought nominations of outstanding women from the district who deserved recognition for their contributions to the community, either through their community leadership, civic participation, service,...

NYS Assembly Passes CO2 Drilling & Fracking Ban Bill; Advocates Applaud Legislators

Albany, NY – Following a rally and lobby day last week in support of legislation (A8866/ S8357) to ban drilling and fracking for natural gas and oil using carbon dioxide (CO2), the NYS Assembly passed the bill today 97-50. The bill has tremendous momentum,...

Senator Kavanagh and Assemblymember Kelles Introduce Bills to Protect New Yorkers from Dangerous Food Additives – Known and Unknown

Albany – Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles and State Senator Brian Kavanagh today announced the introduction of two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting New Yorkers from dangerous additives—known and unknown—used in foods and beverages.  The first...

Legislators, Advocates Rename Statewide Bird Safe Buildings Act the “FLACO Act”

New York — Today, in the wake of the untimely death of Flaco, the Eurasion eagle-owl that captured the hearts and minds of New Yorkers upon escaping from the Central Park Zoo after an individual vandalized his enclosure, New York State Senator Brad...

Assemblymember Anna Kelles and Senator Rachel May Announce New Legislation to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms in New York Waters

Assemblymember Anna Kelles (D-125th District) and Senator Rachel May (D-48th District) come together to protect the environment and New York’s precious freshwater resources with the Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Prevention (HABMAP) Act (A8867/S8356)....

Assemblymember Kelles and Senator Hinchey Bill for Agrivoltaics Research at Cornell Signed into Law

Ithaca, NY – On Friday, December 8th, Assemblymember Anna Kelles’ final remaining bill (A4911) of eleven bills she championed and ensured passed in the Assembly this year, was signed into law by Governor Hochul, establishing the Agrivoltaics Research...