eNews: February 2025

Dear eNews Reader,

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Binghamton Firefighter John “JR” Gaudet who lost his life on February 12th fighting a blaze in the City of Binghamton. I was very moved by the eulogies at his funeral services; he was beloved by all, was the first one in to respond to a fire, and was by all accounts a model firefighter, family man, coach, and friend. I wish I had known him. If you’d like to contribute to support JR’s wife and three children, visit this link.

Donna

BAE Announces Major Expansion

Earlier this month, Empire State Development (ESD) Commissioner Hope Knight was in Endicott to announce BAE’s plans to build a new battery production line as part of a large expansion project. BAE is making a $65.5M investment, with the state offering $8.5M in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits, creating over 130 good-paying local jobs. This development complements the work already underway to establish our community as a designated hub for battery innovation and manufacturing.

Binghamton Awarded $10M for Clinton Street Revitalization

Secretary of State Walter Mosley visited Binghamton to announce the award recipients of this year’s Downtown Revitalization and NY Forward programs. I’m excited that the City of Binghamton was awarded $10M which will be used to transform the Clinton Street Neighborhood Business District, a historically important section of the city, into a thriving hub once again. With plans for new housing, mixed-used storefronts, streetscape and facade improvements, and more, this funding will leverage millions more in investment, making a real difference in the First Ward.

Education Issues Discussed at School Boards Association Legislative Breakfast

Earlier this month I attended the annual Legislative Breakfast at BOCES, hosted by the Broome-Tioga School Boards Association and Chief School Administrators. My fellow Legislators and I were asked to respond to a series of issues and concerns that were presented including delaying the EV school bus mandate, student cell phone restrictions, support for BOCES, and more. It’s always a great exchange of ideas.

More info here.

Support for Ukraine

Monday, February 24th marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I had the honor of speaking at the “Together for Ukraine Interfaith Vigil” in Binghamton last weekend. Everyone expressed support for a peaceful end to the war; one that guarantees the safety and long-term security of Ukraine, with input from Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

For more information on the work of the Together for Ukraine Foundation, visit: https://togetherforukraine.us/about-us

State Budget Due April 1

I have met with dozens of local and statewide groups to receive input, attended budget hearings, and have provided input about priorities for our community.

To be honest, it has been difficult to prepare a budget when there are so many unknowns right now at the federal level. We are doing our best and will respond as more funding cuts become clear. As the Chair of the Agriculture Committee, I am very disappointed that we already lost $60M in funding from the USDA because the word “climate” was in the program title. A lot of those funds were going to help farmers prepare their farms for extreme weather events, through various soil health practices.

Below are photos from a few meetings and events that occurred this past month, including Tobacco Free NYS, nursing home advocates, United University Professions (UUP), Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball, the NY Aviation Association (NYAMA), Civil Air Patrol- NY Wing, and students representing the Governor’s Youth Council.