This past week was a busy one here in the Assembly, with the passage of significant legislative reforms and protection in three key areas, including:

• Strengthening laws to combat domestic violence and to assist victims. The impact of domestic violence can be profound – and wreak havoc physically and psychologically on families and communities. The long term effect of violence creates a debilitating situation for victims and their families.
• Commemorating National Crime Victims Week with the passage of a package of legislation this week that aims on expanding eligibility for crime victims’ compensation, increased reporting requirements, and additional reform to increase support services and safeguard victims and their families.
• Earth Day was this past Tuesday, with the Assembly passing a number of environmentally-friendly pieces of legislation that aim on keeping our air and water clean, while protecting children, families, and communities from pollution. Although it is celebrated once a year, each of us every day can make a small effort to make our communities more sustainable.

Below are more community highlights and upcoming events that may be of interest:

• This Saturday, the Affordable Housing Partnership will host the 2013 Capital Region Housing Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Albany Public Library's main branch at 161 Washington Avenue. Learn the process of buying a home, fixing your home, and making your home more energy efficient. Details can be found here.
• Go Green Day will take place on this Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland. This family-friendly event will include a “recycling extravaganza,” a Chefs Consortium Food Tent, and much more.
• On Monday, April 29, Senator Breslin, Assemblyman Steck, and I will participate in a “Meet the Legislators” night hosted by Rockefeller College at the University at Albany’s uptown campus (Campus Center Room 375). The event is free to attend and starts at 7 p.m.
• It’s not too late to sign up for summer camp for your kids. The Capital District Child Care Council has an excellent guide and directory of more than 150 summer camp and enrichment programs in not only Albany County, but the greater Capital Region.

Please join me on Friday, May 17 in biking to our next “Community Coffee” event in Albany at the Hudson River Coffee House (227 Quail Street, Albany), which is also National Bike to Work Day. These events are an outstanding way for me to interact with you in your respective neighborhoods. More information can be found here.