There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an extreme toll on many aspects of our lives, including our mental health. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only one in 10 adults in the U.S. reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, but as of...

When we think of a hero, oftentimes we picture someone wearing a cape and flying around the city saving lives. But the real heroes are the ones right here in our communities who put the safety of others before their own and show a level of bravery that...

After COVID-19 forced its cancellation last year, the New York State Fair made its triumphant return and did not disappoint. From the delicious food options to various competitions, live music and shows, this beloved family tradition and tourist attraction...

When we think of education, we often tend to think of children, those who are still learning the foundational blocks of knowledge that allow us to understand and navigate the complex world around us. But often overlooked are adult students who, for various...

As the summer winds down, local farms have started to harvest their fall crops, making now a great time to visit a local farmers market. Central New York is home to a vibrant farming community and buying directly from them is a great way to support local...

Every September, we take the time to remind our kids about school safety. From properly crossing the street to confirming they have a code word in place for unexpected school pick-ups, ensuring our kids know how to stay safe when they walk out the front...

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s rise to the highest office in our state is a historic moment for New York as we’ll witness the first woman governor sworn into office. As the 57th governor of New York, it’s certainly overdue to have a woman leading our great...

The New York State Fair, one of the many cherished events that was sadly cancelled last year due to safety concerns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, will finally be returning this year! The fair, which runs from Aug. 20 through Sept. 6, brings...

Central New Yorkers have never had to look far for fresh and healthy food – from our farms to our producers, our agricultural sector is one of the strongest in the state. As a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, I’ve always fought for...

Properly disposing of old and unwanted electronic devices is a great way to have a meaningful impact, which is why I’m hosting another electronics recycling event to make it even easier for Central New Yorkers. Electronic devices have become a staple...

At the end of a long summer’s day, many people feel there’s nothing more refreshing than enjoying one of their favorite brews. From Saratoga to Buffalo, New York is home to hundreds of small, locally sourced breweries. To further support this craft...

Last week, I participated in a roundtable event with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to discuss the future of the Interstate 81 viaduct in Syracuse, a stretch...

Every year since 2007, I’ve partnered with the American Red Cross to host my annual Lifesavers Blood Drive to help counteract summer blood shortages and save lives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in need as we continue to return to normalcy,...

As we head into summer, there’s a lot more to celebrate than just the warm weather. We’ve finally turned the corner on this devastating pandemic and our lives are beginning to return to normal. After a year that kept us apart and challenged our communities...

This week marked the end of another successful New York State legislative session. Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, the legislature united under a common goal – helping families and small businesses recover from the effects of COVID-19....

There is no engine more critical to keeping New York’s economy up and running than the hardworking men and women who operate small businesses across our state. To put it simply, New York cannot thrive if our small businesses are struggling. Following...

As the stepfather of a daughter who lives at an ARC of Onondaga group home, I understand firsthand the unique challenges that people with disabilities face in their everyday lives that many of us take for granted. Especially in the wake of the unprecedented...

Local farms are crucial to New York’s food supply and economy, and it is important that they have the support they need to continue providing for all of us. New York farms produce dairy products, apples, maple syrup, wine, honey and so much more, and...

New York’s students have shown great resilience over the course of this difficult year. From mandatory shutdowns that kept our kids from learning and socializing in-person to swiftly being forced to adapt to the challenges of virtual learning, this...

Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that he sponsored and passed a bill to help small businesses stay up to date on New York State regulatory changes (A.6503). The bill builds on previous legislation similarly designed to make state resources more...