In the latest edition of “The Gray Area,” the assemblymember updated constituents on a legislative week still shadowed by the absence of a state budget. With April nearly over and no deal in sight, he reiterated his expectation that a budget will be finalized sometime in May, noting the ongoing delay could affect school budget votes that require finalized education spending numbers from the state budget.

This week on the floor, Gray voiced opposition to a bill that would incentivize the sale of battery-operated lawn equipment. He argued the government shouldn’t be picking winners in the marketplace through these incentive programs; if the products are good enough to be bought, they should do so on their own merit, not at the cost of ratepayers who see their utility bills increase to fund incentive programs like this.

Also, a series of vaccine-related bills were debated in the Health Committee this week, with two advancing, according to Assemblyman Gray. One would require health care providers to report every vaccination administered to adults 19 and older directly to the Department of Health. The second would require any child enrolled in an overnight or day summer camp to be immunized, and obligate camp operators to retain that documentation for 60 days.

“Health care is a choice, and that should include vaccines. They should be made available and encouraged, but not mandated through state law. And the burden of maintaining health care records has no place falling on camp operators who are not health care providers,” Gray said.

On a separate health-related measure, Gray broke with many of his colleagues to support a measure that expands transparency requirements for nursing homes by requiring clearer disclosure of operators and boards of directors. He voted to do so after an increase in complaints about the operation of these care facilities.

Away from the floor and committee rooms, Gray’s week was much lighter with only a handful of visitors to his office this week. The office welcomed realtors visiting from Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, as well as a group of Capital Region high schoolers who took to the Assembly floor for a mock debate.

Back in the district, Gray attended the Volunteer Transportation Center's annual luncheon, where he recognized Brian Stiles for his service to an organization that relies on volunteers to help residents reach medical appointments and other essential visits. Also continuing an effort to attend local department dinners, Gray stopped by a fire department dinner this weekend, part of an ongoing commitment to visit a different department each weekend and thank each department personally. In addition, Gray joined a rally in support of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, pledging to keep fighting to ensure the hospital remains open and serving the North Country.

“Like always, if there’s anything I can do for you, please call my office. I’m happy to help and honored to serve you."