Dear eNews Reader,
I hope you had a pleasant weekend. There was a short break in state budget negotiations for the Easter observance and we’ll start back up this week. There are several contentious issues, as usual, holding things up. My basic priorities remain the same and always reflect the needs of our community. I took a little time on Saturday to participate in “Mom and Pop” Small Business Day; there are so many great businesses in the Southern Tier to support. (Fuddy Duddy’s in Owego, for example, is worth the drive).
Donna
Grippen Park Renovations Underway
Renovations at Grippen Park in Endicott are finally underway! The park will soon become a hub of year-round activity with an indoor track, pickle ball courts, wiffle ball stadium, ice rink, and more. The project is being funded with major support from the state and county along with a $500K Assembly grant that I secured. I appreciate all the hard work involved in bringing this park back to life, especially the county parks and planning departments.
City of Binghamton Firefighters Get New Gear
I visited the City of Binghamton Fire Department HQ to see the new turn-out gear they purchased with a $150K Assembly grant I was able to secure. Making sure our first responders have updated equipment is a priority for me, especially for firefighters whose turn-out gear needs to be replaced every 10 years. We are grateful to our firefighters for risking their own safety to protect the community and have an obligation to keep them safe.
Binghamton University to Join AI Consortium
Earlier this month Gov. Hochul visited BU to discuss the state budget and to announce a number of major investments in the Southern Tier. She also recognized BU alum Tom Secunda who announced a donation of $5M to assist with BU’s participation in the Empire AI Consortium. This new initiative is designed to position New York at the center of responsible AI research and development, promoting advancements that will specifically benefit the public good.
Read more about the Governor’s visit here.
Dr. Anne Bailey Women’s History Month Honoree
I honored Binghamton University Professor Dr. Anne Bailey as part of the NYS Legislative Women’s Caucus “Women’s History Month” celebration, an annual tradition every March. This year’s theme was “Women who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” I was proud to honor Dr. Bailey in recognition of her fierce advocacy and inspiring body of work. She joined us for a luncheon at the Executive Mansion where she was also recognized by Governor Hochul.
You can read more about Dr. Bailey’s work here, including her role as the Director of the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity.
Chamber of Commerce Rolls Out Legislative Agenda
I attended the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Breakfast earlier this month. It’s always a great opportunity to join fellow elected officials and local business leaders in learning about the Chamber’s legislative agenda and the business community’s priorities. I got a chance to sit down with Justin Wilcox of Upstate United and Ashley Ranslow of NFIB to talk about their concerns.
Community Announcements
Home Heating Assistance
The deadline to apply for the Home Heating Assistance Program (HEAP) has been extended until April 12. HEAP is offering a second emergency benefit for eligible applicants who have already used up their regular and first emergency benefits this winter. Applications are accepted at the County Department of Social Services and can be submitted online, through the mail, or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact Broome County Office for the Aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
Health Services
The American Civic Association is holding a Community Health Fair on April 10. Attendees will be able to access free health services and information. Visit www.americancivic.com or call 607-723-9419 to learn more.
