This past week, the Assembly passed the Fair Elections Act, which establishes optional public financing of elections, creates a new enforcement agency for Fair Elections, and increases disclosure of independent expenditures. While this bill will address some but not all of the recent campaign abuses, it is still a major step forward in making our election process more transparent and accountable to New York voters and hopefully will be a start in restoring the confidence that has been lost by too much abuse in the current system.

All levels of government are working hard to do more with less due to increased operating costs. Local governments, in particular, need to find new ways to generate revenues at little or no cost. Thus, I am pleased that a bill I sponsored, and that passed the Assembly, will allow for the Albany Common Council to set the fees for these vital records that puts such a decision back into the hands of local government.

School districts across the region are feeling the strain of limited federal and state funding, a complicated funding formula, and increasing state and federal mandates. To give voice to these concerns, I will join a few Capital Region legislators in hosting a local education forum on the Impact of State Mandates and Testing on K-12 Studentson Wed., June 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in room 711-A in the Legislative Office Building on State Street in Albany. The forum will provide an opportunity to hear from urban, rural, and suburban school districts on these challenges and all are welcome to attend.

Here a few more community highlights and upcoming events of interest:

• The sixty-fifth Tulip Festival takes place in Albany’s Washington Park this weekend. From local vendors selling handmade crafts, to musicians and live entertainment, and delicious food, Albany’s signature spring event is something not to miss. More information can be at the Albany Events Web site.
• On Saturday, the Bethlehem Historical Association will be hosting a history hike around the town of Bethlehem. Find out about the Adams Hotel, Paddock Place and the passenger station on the old D&H Railway. The route is level on the sidewalks of Delaware, Kenwood and Borthwick Avenues. The hike is free and starts at 9:30 a.m. For more information, click here.
• Also on Saturday, the Workforce Development Institute will present “On Her Shoulders,” a play based on nine extraordinary women veterans performed by local high school students. There are two opportunities to check it out – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Steamer 10 Theater. For reservations, please call (518) 272-3500.
• The Albany Public Library has such a wonderful summer reading program series they put on each year. This year, the theme is "Dig into Reading." Assemblymember John McDonald and I made a stop over at one of their branches this week to promote the program and to read to local children. Take a look here.
• Ahead of next Friday’s “Bike to Work” Community Coffee at the Hudson River Coffee House from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Albany Common Council has put forth a resolution that makes May Bike Month for the City of Albany.

On May 31, our next “Community Coffee” will take place at Bruegger’s Bagels at Hannaford Plaza on Central Avenue from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.