Dear Friend,

February was a busy month in the State Assembly.The primary work of this past month, as it will be for the coming month, is preparation of the state budget for 2025-2026.Budget hearings began in the last week of January and continued through the end of February.In these hearings, agency heads brief legislators on the Governor's proposal and legislators have an opportunity to ask questions and drill down on what is in, or not in, the Governor's proposal.I attended briefings related to the committees of which I am a member.(Only members of Ways and Means Committee are permitted to attend and participate in all budget briefings.)In March, each house of the Legislature will release its one-house budget resolution in response to the Governor's budget and then committee chairs and staff will begin to negotiate sections of the final budget.

Just a reminder, if you have not yet filled out a 2025 Constituent Survey, there is still time.And your input is helpful to me in knowing what to advocate for as we move to a final budget.Click here to complete the survey online. 

Here's a quick run-down on some of the work I have been doing in the month of February (with photos on the bottom):

Budget Update 

My overarching priorities for this year's budget center on affordability, public safety, and healthcare.Here are just a few of the specific budget items that I have prioritized.I am advocating for eliminating the remaining Unemployment Insurance debt that stems from the pandemic, and taking the burden off of small businesses. Without these additional costs, businesses will be in a better position to lower prices, increase wages or hire more people. 

I am standing with our upstate nursing homes in once again calling for an increase in the reimbursement rate they receive under Medicaid; I organized and hosted a press conference this month to highlight the need for this funding.With thanks to Andy Cruikshank of Fort Hudson Health Center in Fort Edward, and Brian Nealon of Wesley Health Center in Saratoga Springs for joining several other upstate CEOs, as well as family members, and upstate legislators to speak about the challenging financial situation nursing homes are in. I am also advocating for funding programs that support building attainable starter-homes, as well as expanding reasonably priced rental options in rural communities. 

I continue to fight for improved access to dental care in areas that have a shortage of dentists, particularly dentists who will accept patients with Medicaid as their insurance; specifically, I am looking to include dentists in the Doctors Across New York program that provides student loan repayment for dentists that agree to practice in shortage areas and to accept Medicaid. AndI am pushing for oral hygiene products to be exempt from sales tax; these healthcare related products are ones that everyone should buy and use regularly for good oral health and if we can eliminate sales tax on them we make it just that much more affordable to do so.

I have spoken with our District Attorneys regarding public safety issues and am supportive of the proposals the Governor has put forth that are consistent with the DA's position.I have also asked for capital to be included in the budget to help fund the development of a new police station for the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

If you have questions or concerns about any particular budget line-item, please reach out to my office and I would be happy to discuss with you.

Legislation Update

A bill (A.3681) that was suggested by residents of Embury Apartments during a Town Hall meeting last year made it to the floor for a vote, and was passed unanimously.This bill would increase the frequency of bingo games that can be played at senior centers and other charitable organizations.I am hopeful that the Senate will move the bill out of committee and be voted on in their chamber.

 February is Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, I introduced a resolution commemorating the Centennial Anniversary of the founding in 1925 of the Frederick Allen Lodge #609 and the Mary Carter Temple.These African American institutions in Saratoga Springs have long served as a cultural center for the Black community in Saratoga Springs.I spoke about the Frederick Allen Lodge on the floor of the Assembly and it was a privilege to be able to honor these great institutions who continue to make important contributions to the city.Click here to read the resolution and see the video from its introduction.

Valentines for Vets

I asked students from Kensington and Big Cross Elementary schools, as well as kids in the Moreau Community Center's after school program, to color Valentines cards for Vets.They did a terrific job!We then distributed these cards on Valentine's Day at local VFW’s and American Legions in 113th Assembly District with our own message of thanks for their service to our country. 

 February 15-22 is Future Farmers of America Week 

The Assembly took up a resolution calling on Governor Hochul to declare February 15-22 Future Farmers of America Week in the state of New York.In concert with that resolution, I invited FFA students from Hudson Falls Central School to come to the Capital for a tour and to be recognized on the Assembly Floor.Wearing their traditional blue jackets, and under the guidance of their Agriculture teacher Molly Hogan, these FFA students were tremendous representatives of their school and the agriculture industry.

Until next month, be well!

Best regards,