Below are the Top 5 items from April 2018.
1. ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER OPENS AT BDC:
The month began with some positive news in our ongoing response to the opioid epidemic. On April 5th I attended the grand opening of Syracuse Behavioral Health’s new addiction treatment center at the former Broome Developmental Center. This facility includes up to 50 medically supervised withdrawal and stabilization beds and operates around the clock. Because stabilization is the first step in helping those dealing with addiction, we finally have a complete continuum of care, working with our other providers, available to help residents. I appreciate the County Executive’s leadership on this issue and was happy to work with him, Senator Akshar, Assemblyman Crouch, and the Governor’s Office to make this a reality. We also could not have done this without the overwhelming support of the community; especially those who have lost loved ones. Their advocacy had a tremendous impact. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came together to make this much-needed facility a reality. Click here to read more.
Assemblywoman Lupardo speaks at the grand opening of SBH’s addiction treatment center.
2. BROOME WOMEN LEAD HOSTS INAUGURAL EVENT:
On April 19th we saw an incredible turnout for the inaugural event of a new group dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in our community. More than 220 women attended the Broome Women Lead luncheon at Cornell Cooperative Extension. The mission of BWL is to educate, support, and advance women leaders in Broome County. This group aims to provide the tools, mentors, and network to inspire and guide current and future leaders. BWL is modeled after a similar initiative in Tioga County. I was happy to be one of the founders, along with Jennifer Conway from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and several other local women leaders. We are planning more events that will take place at different times in different locations to help accommodate everyone’s schedules. Our next event will be June 28th, 5-7pm at a location to be determined. If you’re interested in becoming a part of Broome Women Lead, click here to request to join our Facebook group.
Broome Women Lead founding members (l to r): Jennifer Gregory, Mandy Webb, Assemblywoman Lupardo, Jennifer Conway, Linda Shumaker, and Brittany Hall.
3. ASSEMBLY ONCE AGAIN PASSES VOTING REFORMS:
Each year voter turnout in New York is terribly low. Many members of the Assembly are committed to making voting easier and more accessible to everyone in the state. On April 17th, my Assembly colleagues and I once again passed a series of common sense voting reforms. These include early voting, no-excuse absentee ballots, online voter registration, and closing the LLC loophole. In order for these bills to become law, the NYS Senate must also pass them before the Governor can sign them. As a cosponsor, I’m committed to seeing these changes become law. You can read more about these bills by clicking here.
4. HEMP GROWING & PROCESSING PERMITS ISSUED ACROSS THE STATE:
New York’s industrial hemp industry has been a focus of mine over the last few years; from establishing the State’s research program, to expanding the number of permits, to seeing crops turned into marketable products, this industry has seen major growth in a short amount of time. As the month began, the Governor announced the latest positive development for NY hemp – more than 60 hemp permits have been approved for the 2018 growing season and 3,500 acres will be grown across the state. Additionally, 18 New York companies have registered to process hemp, a major component of the success of this industry.
On April 13th I visited two local farms that are taking advantage of this emerging crop. These Broome County growers are focusing on cannabidiol (CBD), an oil derived from hemp that has a number of nutritional and medical applications; CBD is also the focus of Binghamton University’s research. This industry is really taking off in the Southern Tier and I’m excited to watch it continue to grow.
5. ENDICOTT POLICE GET NEW VEHICLES:
Assemblywoman Lupardo with Endicott PD Assistant Chief Craig Williams (left) and Chief Pat Garey (right).
This is Police Week, when we take time to honor the men and women who serve and protect our community. Just before Police Week began, I was happy to join Endicott Police Chief Pat Garey, Endicott Mayor John Bertoni, and Trustees Eileen Konecny and Cheryl Chapman to showcase three new vehicles for the police department’s fleet. I was able to secure a $126,000 Assembly State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) grant that was used to purchase these new SUVs, replacing three aging police cars. The SUVs provide increased visibility and can handle all types of weather, enhancing the great work our officers do. Local police officers do a tremendous job of protecting us; I’m glad I could help secure this funding that will help keep them safe as well. Click here to read more about this announcement.