Dear eNews Reader,
The Legislative session in Albany came to an end a couple of weeks ago. I was able to pass legislation designed to improve the lives of community residents, through safer roadways and new school construction in the City of Binghamton. I also had other initiatives designed to protect our agriculture and food economy pass as well. I hope everyone has a safe and healthy summer season. Let’s hope we are not dealing with this wildfire smoke for too long.
Donna
1. STOP-DWI Bill Passes Legislature After Years of Effort
A bill I have worked on for many years to help fund local STOP-DWI programs (A4755) finally passed both houses of the Legislature. It now awaits the Governor’s approval. Funds from DWI fines and surcharges meant for the program were being directed to the state’s general fund instead of going to local programs like sobriety checkpoints and driver rehabilitation. With local law enforcement facing new challenges such as the opioid crisis and designer drug use, impaired driving prevention is more important than ever. A special thank you to Sheriff Fred Akshar, who worked on this legislation with me while he was in the State Senate.
2. Roosevelt Elementary Renovation One Step Closer
I’m happy to report that a bill I introduced with Sen. Webb to renovate Roosevelt Elementary passed both houses of the Legislature at the end of session (A2307). The bill will give the Binghamton City School District the ability to advance additional funds from the state, in a way that larger school districts currently can. I hope the Governor will sign this bill soon so that planning can get underway for this new learning environment, one the children of the North Side truly deserve.
3. Honored to receive “Friend of Extension” Award
I was honored to receive Cornell Cooperative Extension’s “Friend of Extension Award,” at their statewide leadership meeting in Riverhead, NY. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, I work closely with CCE year-round to find ways to best support our farmers and the state’s agricultural industry as a whole. CCE has positively influenced the lives of so many, including my own.
4. Young Adult Space at the Vestal Library Debuts
The Vestal Public Library used a $10,000 Assembly grant I provided to upgrade the young adult space in the library. The grant was used to create a welcoming space for area youth and was equipped with a comfortable seating area and hightop media tables. While the library already offers a wide array of services to its users, teens were really interested in having a dedicated space of their own. I enjoyed seeing the space being used and hearing from students about how much they enjoy coming to the library after school.
5. Many Local Anniversaries Celebrated
The Town of Vestal is celebrating their Bicentennial this year with monthly events all year long. Senator Webb and I presented the Town with a Legislative Resolution recognizing the anniversary during Vestal Front Street Day. Vestal was carved out of the Town of Union and established by the State Legislature in 1823.
In honor of their 75th Anniversary, I helped SUNY Broome break ground on a time capsule that will be buried in the Fall. Fifty years from now, residents of Broome County will uncover a treasure trove of historic artifacts, including a Legislative Resolution commemorating the anniversary.
Additionally, both the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science and the Southern Tier Independence Center celebrated their 40th Anniversaries. We helped them celebrate each of these important milestones.
