E-News: March 2023

Dear e-News Readers:

As of this publication, the budget is still being negotiated. I am doing my best to make sure the needs of our community are being met. I’m working closely with our State Senator Lea Webb to make sure that we are coordinating our efforts. As always, infrastructure, education, and health care remain top priorities, along with addressing concerns about public safety, workforce development, climate change and housing. Unemployment insurance is also top of mind, as businesses are being asked to repay a federal loan incurred during COVID.

Donna

1. Chamber of Commerce Rolls Out Legislative Agenda

I recently attended the annual Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and Upstate United. This is always a welcome opportunity for fellow officials and I to hear about the legislative priorities and concerns of our local business leaders. Some of their top priorities for the state budget and the remainder of the legislative session include unemployment insurance relief and energy affordability. https://upstateunited.com/upstate-advocacy/advocacy-agenda/

2. Nursing Simulation Bill Passes

A bill I introduced designed to address the state’s nursing shortage (A3076A) has passed both Houses of the State Legislature and now awaits the Governor’s signature. NYS is projected to face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030. This bill will allow nursing programs to provide up to one-third of their clinical training through simulation-based experiences. Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing has a state-of-the-art simulation training center where students are exposed to a valuable hands-on learning experience. https://cicu.org/news/new-york-state-legislature-passes-legislation-address-new-yorks-critical-nursing-shortage

3. Josephine Burrell Honored for Women’s History Month

Broome County resident Josephine Burrell was honored at the State Capital as part of the NYS Legislative Women’s Caucus “Women’s History Month” activity. This year’s theme had Assemblymembers choose a woman from their community who had played an influential role in their lives. I chose Ms. Burrell for inspiring me to address poverty and food insecurity in our community, and for emphasizing the importance of home ownership. A display has been up in the Well of the Legislative Office Building all month, where each woman was recognized.

4. Harriet Tubman Center Unveils Plans for Freedom Trail

I gathered with elected and University officials to unveil the first marker on the new Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail. This historical marker is located on BU’s Downtown Center campus and is the first of 13 to be installed over the coming year. Each one will identify key locations in Binghamton on the Underground Railroad along with other notable abolitionist sites. https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/4122/tubman-center-unveils-inaugural-marker-in-downtown-freedom-trail-project

5. Rallying to Support SUNY

I joined Senator Lea Webb, United University Professions (UUP), members of the Graduate Student Employee Union (GSEU), and the SUNY Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) to advocate for increased funding for SUNY in this year’s state budget. Both the Assembly and the Senate have proposed directing significant resources to SUNY in order to address years of underfunding. Specifically, we’re looking to increase operating aid, restore EOP funding, and expand tuition assistance, among other important initiatives. During these final budget negotiations, we’re committed to getting these proposals across the finish line. https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lea-webb/senator-lea-webb-assemblymember-lupardo-uup-and-student-advocates