eNews: July 2024

Dear eNews Reader,

It seems like July flew right by. I got to enjoy 4th of July at Highland Park, the Greater Binghamton Airshow, July Fest, Carousel Fest, the Broome County Fair, Sacred Heart Ukrainian Summer Festival, and more. There was also very sad news in July with the passing of the former Assemblyman for our area, Jim Tallon. Jim was a towering figure in state government and was a role model and mentor to me. I was honored to speak at the celebration of his life that was held.

Donna

Broome’s Public Safety Gets Big Boost

The Broome County Public Safety Radio Network and Mobile Command Unit is fully up and running. Previously, our first responders were operating with an outdated and fragmented communication system. They will now be able to communicate on one integrated network when emergencies arise. The state-of-the-art Mobile Unit can be deployed for special emergency response efforts as well as be on site at community events like the Spiedie Fest and LUMA. I helped obtain a $325K grant to assist with this major upgrade.

Doron Precision Systems: Business Spotlight

I joined Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon and Senator Lea Webb for a tour of Doron Precision Systems. The company produces cutting-edge multi-screen driving simulators to train prospective drivers to operate 18-wheelers, fire trucks, snowplows, military vehicles, and more. The simulators are a cost-effective, safe way to train drivers for a variety of scenarios and are an important component of our workforce development efforts. We discussed making these trainings more accessible by using mobile classrooms.

More info here.

Financial Literacy In Focus at Visions

Last week, I joined my colleagues at Visions FCU headquarters in Endwell to talk with their Financial Wellness Interns about the importance of youth advocacy and financial literacy. The students represented eight different high schools across Broome and Tioga Counties and asked very insightful questions about our role as State Legislators. The students plan to volunteer in their school districts. We need more programs like this.

Field & Fork Network Brings Double Up Bucks to VINES

VINES Urban Farm has joined with the Field & Fork Network to pilot the use of “Double Up Food Bucks” on farm shares. SNAP beneficiaries can receive one free food box for every one purchased. I worked on this funding in the State budget in order to help stretch food dollars and address food insecurity. We are also helping local farmers in the process. While at VINES I had the chance to speak with youth who are in the Grow Binghamton Program about their experience of growing food from seed to sale. What they are doing is very inspiring.

Pawfest Raises Funds for Prader-Willi

I had a great time at Pawfest in Endicott earlier this month. This annual event is organized by Team Hopefull, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of those with Prader-Willi Syndrome. I was a guest judge for the “Pup Pageant” along with Senator Webb, County Executive Garnar, DA Battisti, Mayor Burlingame, and Endicott Fire Captain Higgins. The dogs certainly brought a smile to everyone’s face- it was hard to choose the winners!

More info here.