“As the ten Assembly budget bills have now passed, I want to be clear: I will never stop fighting for the Mohawk Valley. While some parts of this budget move us forward, I could not support every bill. Public safety, education, healthcare, and small business development are non-negotiable priorities for me.
Modifications to Discovery were necessary and I will continue to fight for further changes to protect victims. The New York State District Attorney’s Association and I both supported the changes in this budget. However, this budget fails to address the growing crisis in the New York State Correctional System. We cannot continue to close
prisons without accountability. I have put forward legislation calling for an independent investigation into the systemic issues af ecting all those in our correctional facilities. With the increasing rise in mental health crises in our community I defended involuntary commitment legislation, which gives our law enforcement and mental health professionals the opportunity to further expand programs to keep our community safe. I stand with law enforcement, always have, and always will.
In education, I fought hard to secure Foundation Aid funding increases, expanded Pre-K funding, ensured free school meals for all, and guaranteed evidence-based childhood literacy and STEAM programs for our youth. I advocated and supported to enhance access to higher education and workforce development programs. As a former
educator and dean, I understand firsthand how essential these resources are. This isn’t just a budget line, it’s a lifeline for our students and teachers. It’s a promise to every family that we are investing in a stronger, more equitable future.
Access to good healthcare in the Mohawk Valley is a necessity. I made sure this budget increased financial support for our nursing homes, veteran service centers, assisted care facilities and our hospitals. However, I was appalled that emergency medical services (EMS) was not deemed an essential service and was ultimately removed from the budget. I will continue to fight for this service to be recognized as essential.
As Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Small Business, I know that our local businesses are not just the backbone of our economy, they are its beating heart. I’ve worked to make sure they have access to capital, grants, and the support they need to grow, hire, and thrive. In this budget I worked successfully to remove the burden of Unemployment Insurance debt, and ended the liquidated damage loopholes that have allowed for frequency-of-pay lawsuits to devastate small employers. I listened to the businesses in my district and was able to secure further funding to expand high speed internet. In addition, I strengthened funding for agriculture.
To the hardworking families of the Mohawk Valley, know this: I see you, I hear you, I am always fighting for you. You remain my main priority.”
DISTRICT OFFICE: Room 401, State Office Building, 207 Genesee Street, Utica, New York 13501 • 315-732-1055, FAX: 315-732-1413
