Latest Events & News

Bill would allow transportation, processing, sale, & distribution of hemp (ALBANY, NY) – New York’s industrial hemp industry will continue to develop following new legislation passed by the State Legislature. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Tom O’Mara announced Wednesday passage of their bill that would allow for the transportation, processing, sale, and distribution of hemp grown as part of the … Read More

1. Local Anti-Poverty Task Force reconvenes As we continue work to improve our local economy, a major component of our effort includes addressing poverty. In Broome County, 18% of residents live below the poverty line; in the City of Binghamton, there is a 34% poverty rate. Those numbers are even higher – 25% and 50% respectively – for children. Last … Read More

Legislation gives all veterans retirement credit for time served (ALBANY, NY) – Saluting their service to our country, all veterans will now be eligible to receive New York State retirement credit for time served in the military. Governor Cuomo signed the bill updating the Military Service Credit Law on May 31st. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much during their time … Read More

The 2016 Constituent Survey received a great response again this year. Below is a breakdown of the responses, along with an update on each issue. The percentages do not add up to 100%, as each question included a certain number of people who left it blank. 1) Do you support the Regional Economic Development Council/Upstate Revitalization Initiative process to award … Read More

1. Plans for new Agricultural Center unveiled Last month, I joined New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball to unveil plans for a new Agriculture Development Center that will help support local farmers. The center is being funded primarily through a $500,000 Assembly grant I was able to secure, along with a $500,000 grant from the … Read More

As the new fiscal year begins, I wanted to provide you with information regarding important funding and initiatives included in the budget that will benefit the Southern Tier. My main concern was making sure that Upstate’s interests and concerns were heard. Increased support for our schools and infrastructure, a plan to address our heroin problem, along with Paid Family Leave, … Read More

As the first woman to represent Broome County in the State Assembly, I greatly appreciate the efforts of those who helped pave the way for women lawmakers in our area. Charla G. Hull was among these women; self-educated in law, she was the first woman to be nominated for county-wide office when she ran for County Clerk in 1945. Although … Read More