This week marked the beginning of the fall and the week ended on a somber note with serious charges lodged against some top state officials and developers. I am troubled by these accusations and support corrective action going forward while working to ensure we do not lose ground in Capital Region economy. I issued the following statement on Thursday with regard to these federal and state charges. The charges reported Thursday, if true, are quite disturbing. As I have said before and will continue to say, corruption in state government must be eliminated. This is just another unfortunate chapter on why the influence of money in politics must be quashed and ethics and transparency in public service given the utmost priority.

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

Groundbreaking for new facility for Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Congratulations to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society on the groundbreaking of a new shelter. I am pleased to have joined with Assemblymember John McDonald to help secure funding for the project. This new $7.2 million facility will expand and improve animal care services to the entire Capital Region.

Recognized for the Library Advocacy Award. New Yorkers for Better Libraries, New York’s leading library advocacy organization, announced that I am a recipient of this year's “Library Champion Award." This award is reserved for state legislators who advocate and stand up consistently in the interest of New York’s libraries.

I was surprised and truly grateful for this recognition of my work to support libraries given my belief that they are such tremendous community assets. I also look forward to joining more supporters Saturday evening at the Guilderland Public Library Foundation event, ‘A Novel Affair at Albany Country Club.’

Capital Milestone Child Care Center at the Harriman Campus. Investing in our children is an investment in our future. Many thanks to the Governor and OGS Commissioner RoAnn Destito for prioritizing the complete renovation of Building 3 for the Capital Milestones Child Care to provide needed high quality day care for over 200 children - including for after school care, and even summer programs, which are so essential for families. It is also exciting to see the continued revitalization of the Harriman campus.

Rivers Casino job information session. Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady will be holding an informational vendor/employment session that will held next Monday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Albany Public Library.

New area code. The Public Service Commission has announced the new overlay area code will be 838 This will mean everyone who lives in the 518 area code will now have to dial 10 digits vs. seven. The new area code is projected to last approximately 49 years. The transition is not immediate, as some exchanges still have limited availability of 518 numbers.

LarkFest. The 35th annual LarkFest street festival will take place in Albany’s Center Square neighborhood on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. With more than a dozen performers and bands performing on three stages, along with over 100 vendors, there is something for everyone at this annual fall festival. For road closures, parking restrictions, and event information, visit the Lark Street Web site.

ICYMI: Summer 2016 newsletter. My office recently 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