Dear eNews Reader,
Our legislative session is finally winding down in Albany. I hope to report next month on legislation I was able to pass through both houses, like the nursing shortage bill (see below). Locally, I’ve been focused on worker shortages and the need for more housing in general. Broome County is undertaking an online survey for residents to provide feedback on local housing needs and priorities. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and goes until June 23rd. Please consider taking the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BroomeCountyHousing
Donna
1. Governor Signs My Nursing Legislation
Earlier this month, the Governor signed a bill I introduced with Sen. Stavisky to help address New York’s nursing shortage. Now, nursing students will be able to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through simulation-based learning. This will allow for greater access to valuable, hands-on learning experiences when traditional clinical placements are more difficult to find. We are privy of the fact that Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing has state-of-the-art simulation labs, providing very realistic clinical experiences.
View the Governor’s Press Release here
2. Announced $250,000 Assembly Grant for Ross Park Zoo
Ross Park Zoo is the 5th oldest in America with their 150th anniversary quickly approaching. They recently showed off renovations and expanded programming in time for their seasonal grand opening on Memorial Day weekend. The $250,000 grant I helped them secure was used for habitat upgrades and infrastructure repairs. The newly renovated Wolf Woods exhibit, along with renovations to the Cinerous vulture, binturong, and Cats of Asia habitats are really worth seeing.
https://www.wbng.com/2023/05/26/ross-park-zoo-receives-250000-renovations/
3. Teaming Up with CCE for Victory Gardens
With planting season underway, I teamed up with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County to sponsor “Victory Gardens for Broome” for the 4th year. We handed out seed packets and gardening information at the Regional Farmers Market on Upper Front Street. The Victory Gardens program started during the pandemic to inspire local gardening and provide support for our local greenhouses and seed suppliers. For more information on how to start your own garden, visit the Broome County CCE’s website here.
https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Donna-A-Lupardo/story/106192
4. Italian-American Day at the Capital
As a member of the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators, I always look forward to Italian-American Day at the Capital. This year was particularly special, because for the 5th year in a row, a local student won one of four statewide scholarships the Conference provides. Vestal HS Senior Caden DellaPenta joined me in Albany to receive his scholarship and attend a luncheon at the Governor’s mansion. We also recognized him at Vestal HS, where we were joined by Caden’s music teacher, Austin Kiley.
5. Two Local Businesses Celebrate Anniversaries
Two local businesses celebrated milestones this past month! Kovarik True Value Hardware has been in business for 100 years, and Nanticoke Gardens for 50. I joined in their celebration by presenting an Assembly Citation to each one. Congratulations to both; we are very thankful these businesses are in our community.
Visit Nanticoke Garden’s website
