"As the governor teased her state of the state proposals throughout last week, I was optimistic about the direction she seemed to be taking. Having listened to the full presentation, I am less than enthused. While previously-mentioned initiatives, such...

Albany is alive with political activity once again. Having concluded our ceremonial start of the 2024 session last week, and at the time of writing, eagerly anticipating the governor’s 2024 State of the State address, the wheels of action in our state’s...

"There’s an excitement to returning to Albany, despite the many shortcomings of this state government’s leadership. My partners and I in the legislature have returned for another year of serving the people, and I plan to do just that; we want to ensure...

By the time you’re reading this column, Christmas will have come and gone, meaning New Year’s Day is around the corner, and the holiday lull has officially arrived. Gifts will have been opened, food will have been shared, and it was hopefully a very...

The most wonderful time of the year, indeed! Like many other Americans, Christmas is a truly special time for me and my family. It’s a time for us to put away our other endeavors, gather in the living room and celebrate each other in a season of glad...

Congestion pricing is a term we’ve heard coming out of New York City and the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) for a couple of years now, but it’s never been as real a problem as it just became this week. The MTA board has unilaterally voted to approve...

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941—a pivotal historical moment that reshaped the world. Beyond being a mere date, it serves as a poignant reminder of the past and the invaluable lessons it imparts. The devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor propelled the...

Now that Thanksgiving has ended, the real winter starts. We’ll continue to get colder weather, tougher conditions and higher energy costs to keep our homes warm. But don’t worry, there are alternative ways to help keep the house comfortable while...

Because the holiday is later in the week, you’d think I’d want to save my thoughts on this year’s Thanksgiving for next week as a wrap-up to what we’ve enjoyed. But the Brabenecs have long enjoyed lively and exciting Thanksgivings in our family,...

This past weekend, Americans worldwide honored our men and women who served with Veterans Day. I, myself, consider Veterans Day to be very important, not only because my father was a Navy veteran and the day gives me an opportunity to remember him intentionally...

As a political representative, I feel comfortable saying that for many of us in this line of work, Abraham Lincoln is a figure we stride ourselves to live up to. His poise, his confidence, his command of the English language, was the right combination...

Fall is in full swing, and it’s been a pleasure to see it in the Hudson Valley. We’re uniquely situated in one of the most gorgeous areas of the state and blessed to see the changing seasons unfold around us. The beautiful fall colors have exploded...

Throughout the month of October, non-for-profits and the people who make them up have been spreading awareness and providing resources in the continuing fight against breast cancer in New York. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second-most common...

Throughout the chaos engulfing New York during the migrant crisis, numerous pressing issues demand resolution. These challenges, from the mismanagement of the registration system to the shortage of housing for migrants, have been exacerbated by political...

“Let’s not mince words: Israel and her people are under siege from an army of terrorists that are hellbent on removing Jewish people from the face of the earth. It is the responsibility of every person to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel...

Over the past week, New Yorkers, and indeed the entire nation, were gripped by a whirlwind 48 hours of anxiety as we awaited news of Charlotte Sena's rescue from her apparent abduction and her safe return home. When our State Police issued an early morning...

The cooler days of autumn have finally arrived, which means that for many of us, we’re shifting our habits to accommodate the new season. Warmer clothes, warmer houses and warmer beverages are back on the forefront of many of our minds, I’m sure,...

There's a slogan within certain political circles advocating for a policy known as "Defund the Police." This policy seeks to move resources away from law enforcement agencies and towards various social programs. While this proposal has garnered attention...

“My heart goes out to the victims of the bus crash that occurred on I-84 in the town of Wawayanda today as well as to their families and loved ones. I want to thank the first responders and law enforcement professionals for their work throughout this...

Twenty-two years have passed since September 11, 2001, and its impact continues to shape our world. The memory of that fateful day remains vivid, even for me, a 22-year-old at the time in a Primary Election that Tuesday. However, fate took a drastic turn....