This week, Governor Cuomo announced winners of the sixth round of the Regional Economic Development Council awards and I’m proud to say Capital Region won big this year, being named as a “Top Performer” with $83.1 million in funding.

A few highlights of these Capital Region REDC projects include:

+ $5 million for the Port of Albany;

+ $2 million for UAlbany’s bioscience expansion;

+ $650,000 to connect the Hudson-Helderberg Bike Trail with the Hudson-Mohawk Bike-Hike Trail (and provide critical linkage to the Albany waterfront);

+ $375,000 for a feasibility study for the Albany Skyway Project;

+ $1.1 million to the Albany Water Board for the Tivoli Lakes Project.

The entire list of award winners and funding amounts can be accessed here.

Special session on ethics reform, legislative salaries, and more. As of this writing, rumors abound on the possible return of the legislature later this week to address what could be a host of unfinished business, including: additional ethics reform, pension forfeiture, pay raises and outside income caps, as well as housing agreements, ride sharing (Uber/Lyft) legislation, criminal justice reform, which may include an agreement to sign the Indigent Legal Services bill I sponsored with Senator DeFrancisco. Please note, there is no official notice nor any word on three way agreements at this time.

With regard to the pay raise, we have little information regarding current negotiations, so I am sharing excerpts of comments I submitted in response to a Times Union survey earlier this fall. While at that time, I stated I anticipated supporting the recommendation of the Pay Commission, which was created with the intent to objectively examine multiple pay structures (i.e., for state administrative and legislative salaries) outside the political realm. Since then, the Pay Commission ended without a recommendation.

Presently, there is much uncertainty about whether there will be a pay raise recommended and, if so, what the level will be, as well as what type of reforms (noted above) may or may not be included in a legislative package. In the meantime, I want to reiterate that I ran for the Assembly knowing the salary and not anticipating a raise, nor seeking one. Whereas, in the Capital Region and in many parts of Upstate New York the pay is not as significant an issue; for members downstate and in New York City who may be in single-income households, the pay is a challenge. Many members have gone without a pay increase for almost two decades (the pay has remained the same since 1999) and are often managing on a single income household similar to many hardworking New Yorkers.

I will continue to keep you apprised of a possible late session and will continue to review any packaging of proposals. That said, I will continue to aggressively advocate for the Governor to sign the ILS NY reform bill, and I have expressed strong support for adopting compromise legislation on ridesharing, as well as the need for critical supportive housing agreements to be finalized this year.

Coalition lends support for Indigent Legal Services Legislation. Advocates for the indigent legal services legislation I sponsored with Sen. John A. DeFrancisco boosted support for the bill last week in a press conference with strong support from both sides of the political aisles. Read more via Albany Times Union.

Bipartisan legislative coalition sends letter to Momentive to urge Resolution. Senator Marchione, Senator Breslin, Assemblymember McDonald and I sent a letter to Momentive Performance Material regarding the ongoing strike. We expressed our serious concern about families and workers who are presently on strike, and the long-term impact the impasse could have on the community, as well as Waterford facility’s short and long-term viability. We urged all parties to return to the negotiating table and to a timely solution to the outstanding unresolved issues. Read the letter here.

Upstate public transit hearing. I participated in a public hearing held here in Albany focused on the impact of the 2016-2017 state budget on public transit systems, particularly in relation to Upstate. It presented me an opportunity to promote the critical funding needs of our regional transit systems as well as local economic development benefits bike and pedestrian infrastructure investments. Watch a portion of the hearing here.

National Caucus of Environmental Legislators conference. I joined fellow New York state lawmakers at a conference hosted by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in Washington, D.C. More than 30 legislators from Great Lakes states participated in the two-day forum that highlighted water-related issues and threats to the Great Lakes, such as nutrient pollution, invasive species, and lead contamination.

Albany High students named as U.S. Presidential Scholars nominees. I could not be more proud to have nominated and to see Albany High School students Jacob Citone and Santos Otero recognized as Presidential Scholars nominees. Jacob is an exceptionally well-rounded student who participates on the Varsity Tennis and Cross Country teams, in addition to being a percussionist. Santos, as a third-year career and technical education student, has been diligent in the craft of carpentry and is focused on improving his community. I commend both of these students and wish them every success in their future endeavors.

Profiling a “Smart City.” Last month, I hosted a forum with NYCOM on smart cities and the innovative ways use cutting edge technology to save local taxpayers funds while increasing safety and improve our environment. One of the local cities that has been at the forefront of this effort in Schenectady. In the latest American City and County magazine, Mayor Gary McCarthy speaks of his city’s efforts. Read here.

Below are a few other notes and highlights that I’d like to share with you.

Tree lighting in Bethlehem. Last week, I was on hand, along with town officials in Bethlehem, to help light their annual holiday tree to usher in the holiday season.

Capital Holiday Lights in the Park. The Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) is running their annual Holiday Lights in the Park event in Albany’s Washington Park. This annual, fun event – which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year – runs nightly through Jan. 2. More information can be found here.

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.