Gray Area: Budget Stalemate, High-Energy Users, and District Visits Mark the Week
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) used this week’s Gray Area to spotlight ongoing budget discussions, work on high-energy use businesses, concerns with a plug-in solar bill and a full schedule of meetings and district events.
With the New York state budget still unfinished, the state has now passed its 12th extender, tying the 2010 record, with a record-breaking 13th coming next week. Albany’s failure to meet its most basic responsibility leaves schools and local governments without the certainty they need to plan, hire and serve their communities, as their own budget votes quickly approach.
On the floor, Gray continues to push legislation to keep New York open to high-tech business by supporting the construction of these advanced projects in the state.
“High energy users represent a real opportunity for New York, but only if we get it right,” Gray said. “To get it right means giving local governments a real seat at the table, protecting waterways used by facilities, and making sure they don’t increase already exorbitant bills for ratepayers. By encouraging on-site power generation among high-energy users, we can ease the strain on our grid and prevent costs from being passed down to everyday New Yorkers. While still retaining the benefits of good-paying jobs brought to our communities.”
Gray also weighed in on a plug-in or “balcony” solar units bill. While he supports the concept, the bill is being held up due to the absence of UL approval, a general safety measure that shows at least a basic level of reliability in plug-in products. Without that certification, the devices raise serious safety and insurance concerns, and Gray said the bill cannot move forward responsibly without addressing the oversight issue.
The week also brought a number of meetings with constituents and advocacy groups, including the Laborers Association, Scott Hilliard, Rich Daddario, Laborers’ International Union of North America, LS Power, Members of the Shooters Committee On Political Education, rare disease advocates and a group working to end false police reporting.
In the district, Gray visited Canton Middle School and attended commencement ceremonies at Clarkson University, SUNY Canton, and Jefferson Community College. Finally, Gray will also join the community for the upcoming Armed Forces Day parade, a fitting tribute in a region so closely connected to those who serve.
Closing out a busy week in Albany, Gray said, “There is no shortage of work to be done, and no shortage of people across this district counting on us to get it right. It is an honor and a privilege to serve. I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to my office.”