This week, Governor Cuomo signed legislation I sponsored with Senator Amedore to allow New York State farm cideries to be able to serve wine, beer and spirits by the glass.

Previously, farm cideries would have to apply for a separate farm brewery, winery, or distiller license in order to serve by the glass. Whereas a cidery can sell beer, wine, and spirits by the bottle for retail, a consumer could not consume by the glass.

The growth of New York's burgeoning craft beverage industry is a direct result of Governor Cuomo's leadership in promoting New York agriculture and small businesses. Allowing farm cideries to serve and sell New York made beer, wine, and spirits, dramatically expands the potential for collaboration between local producers -- and reinforces New York as the leader of the craft beverage revolution. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation and Senator Amedore on his partnership on this bill.

Read more about this important development via the Governor’s newsroom.

Joint water quality hearing. The quality of drinking water is such a pressing issue for our region, our state and our nation. At the joint legislative hearing on water quality, I've inquired about the estimated costs for infrastructure upgrades to ensure that our citizens are protected from water contamination.

Water contamination in communities across the State has highlighted the need for a thorough review of water quality issues. The Albany Times Union in an editorial calls on the federal government’s EPA to be more responsive and faster in identifying drinking water contaminants.

Pilgrim Pipeline Project to be further scrutinized. I am pleased to report that due to concerns that the pipeline poses "significant risks," the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Thruway Authority have determined that the Pilgrim Pipeline Project must undergo a full review for any environmental impacts and cited 20 areas of concern, including the potential impact on agriculture and the possible contamination of water sources.

The proposal, by Pilgrim Pipeline Holdings LLC, calls for two parallel pipes to run between Albany and Linden, N.J., largely along the New York Thruway corridor. One pipe would carry Bakken crude oil from the Port of Albany.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the City of Albany and the Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans are hosting a very moving exhibit - the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Washington Park until Monday, Sept. 19.

This powerful exhibit is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. There are daily activities – more information is available at the TCCVEV Web site.

September 11 commemoration. Fifteen years ago, New York, America, and the world were forever changed by the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This past weekend marked this solemn anniversary.

It was a true honor to help kick off a moving tribute for Governor Cuomo’s motorcycle memorial ride, in which over 200 bikers left Albany that linked up in New York City for memoriam services.

Duck Derby to benefit Sponsor A Scholar. Join in the fun this Saturday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. by adopting a duck for $5 and racing it across Washington Park Lake while giving local students the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Visit the Duck Race Web site for more information.

Albany County senior housing repair assistance. Albany County announced that applications are being accepted for Community Development Block Grant funding for a housing rehabilitation program targeted to seniors.

The applications will be accepted by the Albany County Rural Housing Alliance and funding can be used by homeowners on home repairs and upgrades such as roof replacement, new windows and doors, upgrades to electrical wiring and plumbing, as well as repair to foundations.

The program funding is only available to owner-occupied homes and applicants must be residents of areas of Albany County outside of the City of Albany and the Town of Colonie.

Albany High Falcon 5K Run/Walk. Join hundreds of students, parents and families at Washington Park on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m. for the fourth annual Falcon 5K Run/Walk and one-mile Fun Run. This event is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new, healthy and productive school year. Online registration closes Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

Guilderland Recycling Extravaganza. Guilderland will be hosting their 12th bi-annual Recycling Extravaganza at Farnsworth Middle School on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guilderland Shredding event. The Town of Guilderland will hold a document shredding event from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Guilderland Highway Department Garage, located at 6338 French's Mill Road in Guilderland Center. Participants are welcome to shred up to four boxes of documents and records without any charge at the event.

ICYMI: Summer 2016 newsletter. My office has published our Summer 2016 Legislative and Community Report, outlining updates that have taken place at the Capitol and throughout the 109th District over the past few months. Read and download the report 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.

Sincerely ---

Pat