E-News: December 2022

AdminLatest News

Dear e-News Readers:

I hope you had a good holiday season and a happy and healthy new year ahead. As always, I’ll be focused on the many positive developments in our community, while continuing to address the many challenges we face. I’ve been given the privilege of representing you in Albany for two more years, and you have my pledge that I will do my best.

Donna

1. New Session Begins

The new Legislative Session officially began on January 4th, so I will be spending a lot more time in Albany. There are numerous key issues expected to be worked on during the session, including housing, criminal justice reforms, and workforce development. I will continue to Chair the Agriculture & Food Committee, while also serving on the Economic Development, Higher Education and Transportation committees.

2. Endicott Downtown Plans Coming to Life

Endicott won the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award after years of hard work and persistence. Now they have an approved 8-project plan that includes improving streetscapes, enhancing housing and employment opportunities, and expanding community services and cultural amenities. Endicott also recently won over $6M through the Restore NY initiative for two additional projects in the area, including the demolition of the IBM building on North Street. The goal is to breathe new life into Washington Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods.

3. 2-1-1 Gets Recognition it Deserves

Legislation I introduced adding the statewide Director of 2-1-1 to the state’s Disaster Preparedness Commission, was signed into law on December 16th. The main goal is to ensure that 2-1-1 services are integrated into ALL statewide and local emergency response efforts. It will relieve 911 call centers by focusing on the human service needs of individuals during states of emergency. And because 2-1-1 operates 24/7 year-round, I will once again work to secure funding for them in our next state budget. For more information: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Donna-A-Lupardo/story/104427

Joined by Broome County United Way Executive Director Paula Perna (left) and 2-1-1 Susquehanna River Region Director Candace Gregory (right)

4. Holiday Giving Box Reaches Goal

With overwhelming support from the community, we were able to raise $11,250 to provide 255 complete, nutritious meals to local families for the holiday season. Each box included a turkey, side dishes, locally grown potatoes, carrots and onions, as well as cookies purchased from Chroma Bakery. A heartfelt thanks to CHOW, Broome-Tioga BOCES, CCE, The Agency and the County Executive for their hard work on this effort, and to all who donated. Being able to prepare a healthy holiday meal for one’s family is something many take for granted. We hope these boxes brought some needed cheer to many families this year.

5. Climate Leadership Council Reaches Plan

The Final Scoping Plan, a framework for achieving New York’s ambitious climate goals, was issued on December 19th. The NY Department of Environmental Conservation will now have until January 2024 to develop regulations to carry it out. While the plan is impressive, the general public needs to be better informed about its contents. In order for us to rise to the occasion of combating climate change, we will all need to agree on what to prioritize and how to pay for this transition. You can read about the Scoping Plan here: https://climate.ny.gov/resources/scoping-plan/