“The New York State budget that we have laid out and passed is one that substantively addresses many of the policies I’ve pushed for since I took office. It includes a tremendous investment in education with over $24 billion in aid – a more than...

“My no vote on the legalization of MMA-- in committee and on the floor-- reflect the position I have held since I was first elected to the Assembly. I cannot support a brutal sport that promotes misogynistic behavior or one that has the potential to...

Girls growing up today have to look hard to discover the stories of women and girls who came before them. Often primary research is required — seeking out long hidden diaries and well-creased letters, interviewing elderly relatives and neighbors, sleuthing...

"Our communities are reeling from the impact of heroin and opioid abuse and there is a desperate need for the resources and ongoing services to confront and curb this epidemic. The Assembly’s proposal significantly increases funding to provide treatment...

At a recent Assembly Economic Development Committee hearing on providing affordable and high quality cable, broadband and telephone service, I expressed to industry leaders what I think is the frustration of many Columbia County residents: I can't even...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced the Assembly passed legislation she sponsored to implement paid family leave benefits for injury or sickness, pregnancy or to care for a new baby or an ailing family member (A.3870-A). The bill...

Marking significant progress in efforts to break down barriers to women’s equality, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced that a number of important bills passed last year take effect today. “All my life I have fought to...

Committed to facilitating an open dialogue with constituents and at the same time showcasing great local businesses, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) is again bringing her office to local diners as part of her annual “Diner Stop Tour.”...

“Since first elected, I have fought for a farm vehicle tax credit to bring relief to our farmers who must travel to markets on costly toll roads. Today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo is welcome relief to the farmers of the Hudson Valley,” said...

“For more than two years I have joined with many members of the Hudson Valley to fight this proposal because we have grave concerns about the negative impact monster power lines will have on our region. Today’s ruling by the PSC is counter to scientific...

“I have devoted my life to fighting for the rights of women and girls in this state and with the passage of these new laws New York can celebrate a step towards ensuring equality for all women. While today we took steps in the right direction, essential...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced a $60,000 economic development grant has been awarded to Hudson Opera House to help promote tourism in the region. The grant is part of Governor Cuomo’s $16.7 million in funding...

Continuing her tradition of enjoying an open dialogue with constituents over a good cup of coffee, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) has extended her 2015 Diner Stop Tour to include four more stops. The tour allows constituents to speak...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D – Columbia, Dutchess) attended the 170th Annual Dutchess County Fair with New York State Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and his wife, Shirley, on Saturday, August 30. The group was guided by General Manager...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced legislation she authored that ensures aging farmers have the support they need to continue their businesses has been signed into law. Specifically, the bill would require the state to evaluate...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D- Columbia, Dutchess) announced the procurement of state funding for improvements to the Poughkeepsie Public Library District (Boardman Road Branch Library) and the Hudson Area Association Library. The funding was included...

For the Hudson Valley to grow smartly and attract the people and businesses to build a strong 21st century economy, it is essential that everyone have access to fast and reliable Internet. Simply put, now more than ever, innovation, education and commerce...

“Today’s recommendation to increase the minimum wage for workers in the fast food industry is a step in the right direction. However, our focus must remain on providing financial relief to all workers instead of singling out a particular industry....

The just completed legislative session may have filled headlines with the drama of arrests and changing leadership, but for me and most of my colleagues the focus remained on fighting for our districts and passing good laws to benefit the people of New...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced that legislation she authored and passed in the Assembly for three consecutive years has passed the Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature. The legislation will help local farmers...