Dear eNews Reader,
As I am writing this wrap-up from last month, we are in the process of finally passing this year’s state budget. This can’t happen soon enough, as we have until just the middle of June to finish our legislative work for the year. I have quite a few local bills and initiatives that will take time to pass. In the meantime, I stopped by my local nursery this past weekend to start planning for this year’s flower and vegetable garden.
Donna
NYS Budget Update
The New York State budget is supposed to be completed by April 1. This year, we expect it to pass some time this week. More than a budget document, it is often filled with detailed policy changes. This year, the Governor would not discuss the financial plan until we came to an agreement on policies that she had prioritized, including: reforming our discovery laws, cell phone restrictions in schools, and expanded use of involuntary commitment. Meanwhile, the Assembly was adamant about paying off our COVID-related federal Unemployment Insurance debt. This debt, currently being paid back by local businesses, will now be covered by the state.
Stay tuned for more highlight in next month’s eNews.
Honoring Endwell Cadet at West Point Day
The State Legislature has celebrated West Point Day at the Capital for over 70 years. This year I had the pleasure of meeting Cadet Bryce Sinclair, along with many of his fellow cadets. They enjoyed a day of activities, which included the passage of a Legislative Resolution commemorating the occasion. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1802, West Point is the nation’s first military academy.
Another Successful Animal Advocacy Day
Enjoying a Tradition at St. Michael’s
St. Michael’s Orthodox Church on Clinton Street is an annual stop for my office leading up to Easter. They have been hosting pirohi Lenten lunches for over 60 years. I also managed to bring home at least six Friday fish dinners from St. Anthony’s, American Legion Post 1700, and DiRienzos Bakery. I really look forward to all of our local food traditions; its one of my favorite things about this community.
Students Visit the Capital
Local high school students with Binghamton University’s Upward Bound program visited Albany where I introduced them on the floor of the Assembly. The program works with 11 local school districts to help improve college success. They especially enjoyed their tour of the Capitol Building.
Read more about Upward Bound here.
I also visited the BOCES expo where representatives from almost every BOCES across the state came to highlight the programs that they offer. Our local Broome-Tioga BOCES featured students who are working with community organizations like CHOW.
Federal Funding Update
Federal funding cuts have already impacted many important state and local programs with no end in sight, and with no warning or phase-out period. We are diligently tracking what we have lost and what is on the horizon. Unfortunately, there is only so much that we will be able to cover, as the federal funding is significant.
The Center for American Progress has a tool to track Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts by City, State, and Congressional District. Currently, 27 cuts are listed as impacting New York’s 19th Congressional District.