After a few intensive weeks and exhaustive discussions about what is best for the future of the Assembly and the strength of the institution, on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd, the Assembly Majority elected Bronx Assemblymember Carl Heastie as the new Speaker with...

The Assembly Majority will meet again as a conference at noon today. We cannot afford to delay the business of the people, nor can it be compromised during a time when we face such critical budget and policy negotiations. After difficult and frank...

Much has been said about the incredible impact that the “Buffalo Billion” economic development package has had on Western New York. This week, Governor Cuomo proposed a new competition to encourage new private development in Upstate New York - which...

This week marked a somber and delayed start to this year’s legislative session due to the death and funeral of former Governor Mario Cuomo, an extraordinary public servant and true champion for the people of the State of New York. The State of the State...

Earlier this week, the Times Union published my commentary, “Invest $5B to build on essentials,” which outlines my recommendations for how the state’s recent $5 billion in settlement funds should be used for infrastructure with an emphasis on jobs...

As we head into the beginning of the holiday season, it's a good time to reflect and to remember to give thanks for our many blessings. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving. Heroin forum. Earlier this month, in response...

With increasing concern about crude oil transportation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent a letter to North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple, urging the State of North Dakota to support increasing regulations for oil transport....

A special congratulations this month to Voorheesville Elementary School on being named as an Exemplary High Performing Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education! Only 337 public and private schools across the country were recognized...

Upwards of 200 volunteers were present on Thursday for a day of service to commemorate the anniversary of September 11th at Lawson Lake. I joined Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk, and Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple at the...

As summer winds down and families are preparing for the start of the new school year, it's been particularly bittersweet for me as my oldest has departed for college and my house seems so much quieter. While I am proud of him and all his classmates as...

Conservation easement exemptions for Bethlehem landowners has now been signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The bill, sponsored by Senator Breslin and myself, allows for the Town of Bethlehem to provide for a substantial property tax exemption for landowners...

Summer is in full swing with numerous activities and events, which may be of interest to residents in the 109th District. This week has ended on a sad note with the tragic death of General Harold Green of Guilderland, the highest ranking military serviceman...

I am pleased to report that legislation I sponsored in the Assembly was signed into law by Governor Cuomo this week! Earlier this week, I appeared on Capital Tonight to discuss these measures, which include: Increased penalties for public lewdness...

Summer is here and I wish all a safe and relaxing weekend as we celebrate Independence Day. With legislative session behind us, I wanted to brief you on some of the highlights from this year. I’m incredibly pleased that we were able to accomplish a...

Session is winding down, with a flurry of legislation in both the Assembly and the Senate. Since there will be quite a bit more information once the dust settles, I wanted to inform you of some of the progress that we have been making so far. Bethlehem...

We’re nearing the final few days of this year’s legislative session and there are still a number of big-ticket issues that remain for debate. I remain committed to moving forward legislation that puts the needs of our residents first and will continue...

This week, Senator Grisanti and I have introduced legislation to require appropriate financial insurance for crude oil facilities. This legislation (A.9926) would ensure that crude oil storage facilities must meet increased financial criteria and requirements...

This week, I introduced legislation to require appropriate financial insurance for crude oil facilities. This legislation that would ensure that crude oil storage facilities must meet increased financial criteria and requirements to prevent taxpayers...

For some families, college has become unaffordable and a huge financial burden for others. A new piece of legislation, Tuition-Free NY, would provide an incredible opportunity for students where a college education could be just out of reach. Considering...