Dear eNews Reader,
I’m sure you’ve heard that the Legislature and the Governor finally came to an agreement on the state budget a couple of weeks ago. We will now turn our attention to passing important legislation before the session ends in early June. One of my priorities will be the ongoing effort to help Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in NYS, with bills pending that will help address their financial struggles. I am also focused on workforce development and the role that community colleges like SUNY Broome can play in those efforts. Of course, besides work, I’m making my own gardening plans.
Donna
State Budget Completed
This year, a commonly used expression in Albany was “if everyone is unhappy with a compromise then it must be a good thing.” I’m not so sure about that. While I was happy with the way things turned out in some areas, I was disappointed in others.
Important investments were made in support of K-12 education, higher ed, mental health, child care, and housing, along with a needed crackdown on retail theft and illegal cannabis stores. I helped restore funding for the 2-1-1 system and delivered a very good budget in support of NY’s food supply. I was also successful in directing funding to address poverty through a local financial literacy initiative and food bank assistance.
On the other hand, I was disappointed by the lack of sufficient resources being directed to home care services for seniors, nursing homes, and EMS providers. And in spite of the central role that community colleges play across the state, they received almost no new funding to help deliver on the “SUNY Workforce Guarantee” they had proposed. I also wanted to see the state make significantly greater investments in Upstate roads and bridges and vital infrastructure. And while taxes were not raised, small businesses continue to struggle, endangering jobs across the state.
Village of Johnson City Receives New Equipment
I was able to secure a $600K Assembly grant for the Village of Johnson City to purchase vehicles and equipment for the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments. Last week I joined Mayor Meaney and members of each Department to unveil the new vehicles and equipment at the Village’s new Municipal Office Building. Grants like these are a way to recognize and thank the hardworking people who serve and protect the public every day.
Roosevelt Elementary Receives Support in State Budget
After learning of the dire need for renovations at Roosevelt Elementary, Senator Webb and I worked to help speed up the financing of this project. After several tries, support was included in the recently passed state budget to make it happen. The School District will now be able to complete the renovation and reconstruction of the school much sooner and with fewer disruptions, giving the children on Binghamton’s Northside a safe, quality learning environment. We could not have done this without the strong advocacy of the entire community.
WSKG Writer and Producer Brian Frey Honored
Award-winning WSKG writer and producer Brian Frey was inducted into the Wall of Stars at the Forum Theatre last week. He is the creative force behind so many remarkable documentaries about our area’s history. I have been inspired by his work and was honored to speak at the ceremony. For a complete list of his documentaries including “Johnson,” “Watson,” and “Harvest” click here.
“Grown in Broome” Website Launches
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) launched a new “Grown in Broome” website just in time for the growing season! The site is a one-stop-shop for all things agriculture in the area, including information on farmers markets and area farms. In their words, it’s the “ultimate guide to the vibrant agricultural scene and agritourism experiences in Broome County….from pick-your-own orchards to family-owned farm stands.” I attended CCE’s “Markets of Broome” launch party last week, which focused on Broome County’s five farmers markets. Our farmers are vital to our local economy; please support them whenever possible. You can visit the site at www.growninbroome.com/
