Today began the start of the 2022 legislative session with Governor Kathy Hochul giving her first State of the State address, the first woman in New York to ever do so. Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was pleased with many of her proposals and the tone of her speech.

“During the upcoming legislative session, I plan to continue to address issues impacting the residents of the North Country,” said Jones.“I welcome Governor Hochul’s spirit of collaboration that she showed toward the Legislature today and look forward to working with her on proposals that will benefit the North Country”

Throughout the North Country too many communities lack the access to reliable internet service. Investment to continue to buildout in rural areas is needed and the Governor’s proposal to streamline the process is much-needed as well. Additionally, Assemblyman Jones supports increased investment in infrastructure and upgrading our roads and bridges and increased CHIPS funding to help our local municipalities with important repairs.

As a former dairy farmer, Jones supports Governor Hochul’s proposal to help the agricultural workforce through various grant programs and by expanding the Agribusiness Child Development Centers as well as improving the food supply chain to ensure all New Yorkers have access to fresh local food. “This is first time I have seen agriculture so prominent in any State of the State. It’s refreshing to see farmers prioritized,” said Jones.

Assemblyman Jones was also relieved by the Governor’s promise to invest in workforce development. “Workforce shortages have been a major obstacle for our businesses, and our economic outlook will not be where it needs to be unless we address it,” said Jones. Governor Hochul plans to address it by bringing educational institutions, workforce training organizations, and employers together to break down silos and to address workforce shortages.

In addressing workforce shortages, Assemblyman Jones has heard from folks throughout the North Country about the need for investment in childcare and education and he looks forward to working with Governor Hochul on these proposals, including her proposal to expand the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to part-time students. Assemblyman Jones additionally believes the Governor’s commitment to increase pay and remove bureaucratic red tape for healthcare workers will help address healthcare workers shortages in rural areas. An increase in home health care workers will allow New Yorkers to age in place, a priority for Assemblyman Jones. The Governor also is planning a commission to investigate repurposing shuttered state prison facilities, one of the assemblyman’s priorities since he took office, which will help communities that have struggled with these closures.

“With rising inflation, the Governor’s proposed middle-class tax cuts and property tax relief will provide some financial assurance to many struggling North Country families. Additionally, the proposed $100 million tax relief for small businesses and tax credit for COVID-19 related expenses will allow our businesses to maintain operation after months of regulations that cut at their bottom line,” said Jones.

“Governor Hochul made it clear that creating a more open and transparent government is a top priority,” continued Jones. “For people to have faith in their legislators, they must be aware of what is going on behind the scenes, and I applaud the governor for her commitment to accountability changing JCOPE to a true independent watchdog with real teeth.”