Since passage of NYS Budget, I’ve hosted conversations across the 109th district to discuss the impact of the budget on our communities. While the budget is an omnibus package of bills, and I have received questions on a wide range of issues with most questions on the new Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award.

FAQs on New Higher Education Scholarships. The Higher Education Services Commission (HESC) has developed helpful FAQs for the Excelsior Scholarship for SUNY and CUNY students, and the Enhanced Tuition Award for private college students, which should answer general questions. As most high school seniors need to make college decisions by May 1st, we have shared these with local school districts.

Indigent Legal Services. The Times Union this week published an article on the inclusion of Indigent Legal Services reform adopted in the budget. This language, modeled after the bill I sponsored last year with Senator DeFrancisco, will improve the quality of legal representation for poor persons accused of crimes, reduce caseloads and reimburse counties for future expenses.

Tax Day Rally. I joined this past weekend’s Tax March in Albany to discuss the T.R.U.M.P. Act I’ve sponsored in the Assembly. This legislation, which has been introduced in 27 other states, would require Presidential candidates to release their taxes before appearing on the ballot in New York.

Grant Awards

Bike & Pedestrian Infrastructure Investment. The Governor’s office announced millions in federal awards through the NYS Department of Transportation in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The Capital Region competed exceptionally well with $2 million for CDTA's new bike share program (launching this summer!), and more than $4.5m for new pedestrian infrastructure in Towns of Guilderland and Bethlehem!

Community Updates

March For Science. I'll be speaking this Earth Day Saturday at the March for Science in Albany to advocate for the environment, clean energy, and science and STEAM education. There will be rallies throughout the nation and I encourage you to join me from 1 to 4 (with remarks beginning at 2:30) on the West Lawn of the NYS Capitol!

Myers Residence Cleanup. To celebrate Earth Day, and get the Myers Residence ready for tourist season, the City of Albany, Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Nine Pin Cider will be holding a clean-up event. The cleanup will be happening Friday April 28th from 1-4pm at 25 Quackenbush Square in Albany.

Capital Region Homebuyer Fair. If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a house, make sure they attend the >annual Homebuyer Fair on Saturday, April 29 from 10 to 2 pm at the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave. It’s a great place to get all the information you’ll need and start the home buying process. Free credit reports and consultation on site.

Guilderland Library Drug Takeback. The Guilderland Public Library and the Guilderland Police Department are teaming up again for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's nationwide Drug Take-Back Day, a one-day collaborative effort between the DEA and state and local law enforcement agencies focused on removing potentially dangerous controlled substances from local medicine cabinets. The takeback will be taking place on April 29th from 10AM to 2PM at the Guilderland Public Library.

Bethlehem Waterfront Revitalization Meeting. The town of Bethlehem will be holding the second workshop for their Local Waterfront Revitalization Project on Tuesday April 25th from 6-8PM. This is an opportunity share your ideas about proposed recommendations and land uses within the waterfront revitalization area.

Personal Note on a Loss in the 109th District. It is with tremendous sorrow that I recognize the passing of my friend, Dave Bosworth, the Trustee of Guilderland Public Library. Dave was devoted to his wife, Eileen, his family, and to building a better Guilderland through democratic politics and his beloved community library.

From the moment I met with Dave when launching my first run for the NYS Assembly over five years ago, Dave took the time to help me navigate the 109th District. One rarely spoke with Dave for more than five minutes without having a great laugh and everyone who knew him had a Dave story to share. Behind the laughter, however, was a tremendous political and policy mind, with only had the best interests of promoting high quality public officials and furthering good public policy. It’s also worth noting that Dave was well ahead of his time in understanding the importance of recruiting and supporting women running for elected office. He was a true friend who will be sorely missed.

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