Press Releases

Bendett Urges Governor to Rethink School Aid Cuts

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) issued a statement and sent a letter to the governor today expressing his deep concern over the proposed foundation aid cuts outlined in the Executive Budget proposal. The potential ramifications of these cuts,...

Assemblyman Bendett: One-House Budget Fails New York Residents

“The Assembly Majority’s One-House Budget proposal does not work for New York residents. Majority lawmakers continue to hit New Yorkers with tax hikes while failing to address the urgent need for bail reform changes. Though I am pleased to see school...

Bendett Advocates for Child Care Affordability and Access Bills

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) attended a press conference today alongside fellow Minority colleagues, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), parents and child care experts to introduce a series of bills aimed at addressing childcare...

Assemblyman Scott Bendett Joins Call for Delay to All-Electric School Bus Mandate

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) joined his colleagues in the Assembly Minority advocating for a delay to the all-electric school bus purchase mandate scheduled to commence in 2027. This mandate, a component of the controversial Climate Leadership...

Bendett Secured $20,000 in Legislative Aid for Kinderhook Memorial Library

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) is proud to announce he secured $20,000 worth of legislative aid funding for the Kinderhook Memorial Library. With this funding, the library hopes to make some much-needed green energy upgrades, including installing...

Bendett: A Reduction in Foundation Aid Would Spell Disaster for Upstate Schools and Beyond

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“It’s truly unfortunate and concerning that Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed to alter or even revoke the ‘hold harmless’ provision from Foundation Aid, which will reduce the state’s financial commitment to many schools. Taking away this provision...

Bendett: Our State Budget is All Over the Place

“There were some parts of Gov. Hochul’s budget presentation that I agree with. We need to focus more on securing our health care system and building our state reserves. However, her plan to direct billions for migrant aid in New York City seems absurd...

Bendett Inspired by State of Rensselaer County

“Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin’s State of the County address yesterday was a hopeful reminder of what is possible for the rest of our counties in Assembly District 107 and the rest of our state. Prioritizing infrastructure and roadway...

Bendett: Fentanyl Epidemic is an Out-of-Control Bipartisan Issue We Cannot Ignore

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) attended a press conference in Albany on Monday to support legislation that will help combat drug crimes as well as the raging fentanyl epidemic in New York state. Bendett is hopeful the incredible turnout seen...

Bendett: Hochul’s State of The State is a Decent Start, But Will Her Plans Deliver?

“While Gov. Hochul is on the right track with certain plans of action, we need to fill in the gaps and consider the fine details. Directing necessary spending for education, health care and small business support needs to be well-thought-out and region-specific...

Bendett: Fentanyl Epidemic is an Out-Of-Control Bipartisan Issue

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“The fentanyl epidemic stretching across our state and country is spiraling out of control, and it’s our duty to the families and children in our communities to put a stop to it. As a father, nothing is more important than keeping my children safe—with...

Bendett: Big Plans for New Legislative Session

“As we kick off the new year, I will be advocating for our families, businesses and communities in rural New York. Now more than ever, New Yorkers want their elected officials to fight for safety and affordability. The holiday season might be over but...

Bendett: Enrollment in New York’s Public Schools is Down and Test Scores Remain Low — Let’s Work Together to Find Solutions

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) was surprised to see an article by the Times Union claiming that in New York state and others across the country, public school enrollment has remained reduced even after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic that...

Bendett: Thousands of Dollars Wasted on Thrown-Away Migrant Meals — Where Will the Neglect End for New York Families?

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) was shocked by a recent article from The New York Times claiming New York City has spent tens of thousands of dollars to pay for meals for undocumented migrants through the use of DocGo, a medical services company...

Bendett Hosts Rural Equity Forum in Rensselaer County

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Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) hosted a Rural Equity Forum at the Rensselaer County Office Building in East Greenbush on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Speaking alongside him was Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) and those...

Bendett: Congratulations to All Organizations and Artists in Our District Who Received Grant Awards

“Congratulations to the amazing organizations and artists in our district who received grant awards from NYSCA. It’s great to see these funds dispersed to so many deserving awardees so doors to new creative and collaborative opportunities can be opened...

Bendett: Rainbow Bridge Explosion Is Very Disturbing

“The explosion that occurred at the US-Canada Rainbow Bridge border crossing is a truly tragic incident. We will be closely monitoring this situation as we look forward to Thanksgiving. Everyone please stay safe and look out for each other this holiday...

Bendett To Hold Holiday Toy Drive For Children In Need

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Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) is hosting a holiday toy drive from Nov. 27 to Dec. 8 for children and families in need this holiday season. This event will be a great opportunity for residents in the 107th Assembly District to spread some holiday...

Ashby, Bendett Push School Safety Bill Ahead of New Legislative Session

Sen. Jake Ashby (R,C-Castleton) and Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) are partnering on legislation (S.7237) directing DCJS to create a certification program for a new, official position at schools across the state: School Safety Specialist. School...

Bendett: Our Community Has Spoken, Closing the Burdett Birth Center is a Terrible Idea

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) asserts the Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) released by St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP) confirms what he and his fellow upstate residents have thought all along: closing the Burdett Birth Center would...