Dear eNews Reader,
You may have heard that I’ve decided to not seek re-election this November, and will be stepping down when my term ends. Serving in the Assembly has been an incredible honor, but the time has come for a new chapter in my life. I plan to remain active in the community, focusing on the many causes and issues that I have worked to advance. Thank you to everyone who posted and contacted me after my announcement; it meant a lot. While I’m excited about what’s ahead, I remain focused on the challenges we’re facing this year.
Donna
State Budget Underway
I attended the Governor’s State of the State Address where she outlined her priorities for the upcoming state budget. She advanced a number of positive proposals that we will be reviewing. The Legislature is now in the middle of lengthy budget hearings to better understand how the proposed budget impacts communities like ours. We are also focused on the impacts federal funding cuts are having on the many programs and services that New Yorkers rely on. That, along with policy shifts, have created instability in many sectors of our economy. The impact of tariffs on farmers, ICE activities, cuts in SNAP benefits for those experiencing food insecurity, loss of health care dollars, environmental protection programs rolled back and more have added a sense of urgency to our budget negotiations.
Broome County Chosen for Child Care Pilot
Transitioning to universally affordable child care was a major part of the Governor’s State of the State address. Making sure that every 4-year-old across the state has access to Pre-K by 2028 is an important goal (it’s already available in NYC). Piloting different approaches to providing child care for 0-3 year olds is also part of the plan. Broome was one of three counties chosen to participate in this effort. Now we have to make sure that these funds are included in the state budget and that child care professionals are paid wages commensurate with this important responsibility.
Learn more here…
BU President’s State of the University
I attended BU President Anne D’Alleva’s first State of the University Address at Binghamton University. One topic was the recently announced plans to create the New York Center for AI Responsibility and Research. The Center is supported by a donation from BU alum and Bloomberg co-founder Tom Secunda, along with funds from last year’s state budget. It will serve as the country’s first independent AI research center at a public university, aimed at advancing AI technology for the public good; a counterbalance to AI’s current unchecked expansion. The Center’s central focus is research and will not contain a data center.
Broome County Food Council Looks at Local Food Systems
The Broome County Food Council, a program of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, is working with consultants to develop a comprehensive Food System and Food Access Plan to improve the relationship between Broome and Tioga Counties. I had a chance to preview their findings earlier this month and to speak with them during their recent Anti-Hunger Lobby Day. The consultants found that food security in the region could be improved by centralizing information, investing in infrastructure, developing integrated hub models to connect food, healthcare, and childcare, and formalizing cross-county collaboration. I plan on supporting their efforts to boost infrastructure and strengthen the regional “foodshed.”
Learn more about the Council here.
Binghamton University Assists Endicott Police Department
I stopped by the Endicott Police Department to see the work they’ve been doing with Binghamton University’s Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) program. The SPIR program is an industry support service offered by BU’s Watson College of Engineering that helps local organizations and businesses apply technology solutions within their operations. For the Endicott Police Department, SPIR students and faculty have developed technology to help modernize their case-filing system.
Community Announcements
Binghamton University Assists Endicott Police Department
If you have concerns regarding your NYSEG bill, there is an in-person event coming up in Johnson City. On Thursday, February 5th from 4-7pm, representatives will be available at the Johnson City Senior Center for one-on-one help to answer questions, offer resources, and address account needs.
Broome County Arts Council Hosting RE/Collected Art Sale
RE/Collected is a new fundraiser supporting the Broome County Arts Council’s Artist in Residence Program by finding new homes for donated pre-owned and unused artwork. Over the last few weeks, BCAC has collected donated artwork and are gearing up for their sale. All artwork will be priced between $1-$50. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Artist in Residence program, helping to sustain and cultivate local talent. The Kick-Off sale will be on First Friday, February 6 from 6-9PM at 223 State Street, Binghamton. The sale continues from February 7-14, Tues-Sat from 11AM-3PM and Thurs from 11AM-8PM.