Dear eNews Reader,
Welcome to Spring in the Southern Tier! The one thing that I cannot get enough of are the pirohi and fish dinners that our community is famous for. Later in the year we look forward to all the fairs and festivals that celebrate the many unique heritages that blend together here. Meanwhile, I’m spending most of my time in Albany trying to finish the late state budget.
Donna
State Budget Negotiations Continue into April
The state budget was not complete by the end of March and negotiations are ongoing. My priorities remain on the things that matter most to our community; affordability, funding for schools and colleges, roads and bridges, health care, EMS, child care, aging services, support for area businesses, and more. The unexpected budget cuts from the federal government has created many challenges. We have lost funding for health care and substance abuse programs, vital university research, assistance for farmers, emergency food for our pantries, occupational safety, and much more. It’s hard to adequately express the concern these cuts have generated, especially considering that the worst is yet to come. Please know that I will do my best to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Activities in Albany Continue
During the run-up to the state budget, I met with dozens of local and statewide groups and provided input about our community’s priorities. I heard from educators, business groups, county highway professionals, farmers, health care organizations, child care advocates and more. I also met with President Stenger and researchers from Binghamton University’s Center of Excellence for a SUNY Research Expo, and attended a meeting with the four SUNY University Center Presidents to discuss this year’s higher education budget.
Carole Coppens Honored During Women’s History Month
Harriet Tubman Statue Unveiled
After years of effort, a statue of Harriet Tubman was unveiled at Binghamton University’s Downtown Campus earlier this month. It’s the work of artist Zoe DuFour. The statue is a long-awaited addition to the Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail; a public trail featuring Underground Railroad stops, and other anti-slavery and civil rights sites. Thank you to the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity for their efforts to make this happen. Harriet Tubman is a timeless hero; her actions, values, and impact transcend time; her lantern serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.
Di Rienzo Brothers Bakery Receives Prestigious Recognition
We announced this month that Di Rienzo Brothers Bakery in Binghamton has been placed on the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry. I was very happy to nominate them for this prestigious honor in recognition of their 120 years in business and significant contribution to Binghamton’s history and identity. While visiting them for the announcement, we received a tour of the bakery and heard about some of the exciting plans they have for the future.
EXTRA: Binghamton Patriots Boys Basketball Win State Championship!
It has been an incredible last few weeks in the City of Binghamton. The Binghamton Boys Basketball team won the 2025 NYS Class AA Basketball Championship on March 21 in front of a record crowd at The Arena. A huge and happy crowd then came out in force for a parade and rally to support the “Community’s Team” last weekend. King Rice was there along with his former teammates and cheerleaders from the last Binghamton High School basketball championship 39 years ago. Senator Webb and I proclaimed it “Binghamton Patriots Boys Basketball Day” in NYS.