This week, Governor Cuomo announced the New NY Broadband program, which will expand broadband service to underserved communities in Upstate New York, while increasing speeds for existing customers.

This cannot come soon enough, as households and businesses even in the Capital Region – including those in my district – do not have access to high-speed internet. More often than not, data transferring over cables and through the air is increasing in size, in which the need to build or increase capacity remains a priority.

By not having access, this puts residents and businesses at an unnecessary disadvantage to be able to fully engage the twenty-first century economy.

Read more from the announcement.

Topping off ceremony for the Albany Capital Center. I attended the topping off ceremony for the Albany Capital Center. The state-of-the-art convention center in the heart of Albany’s downtown is a transformative project that will spur economic growth and attract more visitors to New York’s Capital City. As someone who lives and works in Albany, I look forward to The Albany Capital Center’s completion and the revitalization it will bring to the area. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his vision in investing in the core of our region with this project.

Tartan Stone. I was pleased to join Assemblymember Marc Butler in welcoming stone carver Frank Maurer to donate his New York Tartan Stone at the New York State Museum. Frank has carved dozens of these stones for other states across the country and we’re delighted to have him craft and share one for the Empire State.

Albany County Honor-A-Vet. It was my honor to join fellow electeds and the family of deceased U.S. Army Korean War veteran, Corporal Joseph Newhart Bevins in commemorating his military service. Corporal Bevins saw combat and earned the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, a Merit Unit Commendation, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

And here are highlights from across the 109th:

International students from Bard visit the Capitol. Great visit from Bard College’s Summer Institute of Foreign Policy students. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to discuss New York State policy with this international group.

Story time at the Albany Public Library. I was pleased to join Assemblymember John McDonald at the Albany Public Library's Washington Avenue branch for story time. It was a nice surprise to reconnect with Melissa, the librarian who assisted my children when they were younger at the School 19 Library. We're fortunate to have such quality libraries and programs throughout the district,

Epilepsy Foundation “Winning Kid” stops by the Capitol. I was delighted to meet Molly Foote and her family of Guilderland. Molly is this year's "Winning Kid" and selected by the Epilepsy Foundation for her tremendous spirit and courage in dealing with her challenging condition. Congratulations, Molly – you are a true inspiration to us all!

St. Margaret’s employee honored. I was honored to present the LeadingAge NY Employee of Distinction Award to Odessa Mitchell, CNA, for her contributions to St. Margaret’s Center. Thanks, Odessa, for all you do for St. Margaret's Center.

Job Opportunities: New York State has setup a new job portal entitled Jobs Express, where thousands of private and public sector jobs are listed. Visit jobs.ny.gov for more information on how to apply for these opportunities.

As always, for the latest news or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, on Twitter, or my Times Union blog. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note.

Sincerely ---

Pat