The end of legislative session is near, and late night sessions are beginning as the legislature tries to push through its priorities for the year. Politico New York published an informative write-up earlier in the week of what to watch for these final weeks of session.

One priority the Assembly has taken action on is legislation to close the Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) loophole in the state’s campaign finance laws in order to bring greater transparency and accountability to elections for public office in New York State. The bill, which passed the Assembly Tuesday and awaits action in the Senate, corrects a provision in the law that treats LLCs as individuals, which has been exploited in ways that have virtually directed a limitless amount of campaign contributions to candidates. I was proud to support this measure to bring greater accountability to elected officials in New York.

Assembly Passes “Boss Bill,” Protecting Health Privacy. The Assembly passed legislation on Tuesday that would bar employers from discriminating against an employee on the basis of the individual’s or their dependent’s reproductive health decision making. I supported this legislation, known as the "Boss Bill," because this measure would prohibit employers from accessing an employee’s personal information regarding reproductive health decision making or imposing any requirements that would obstruct an employee’s ability to exercise their right to make these decisions and access related health and medical services. The bill awaits passage in the Senate.

Master’s in Education Teacher Incentive Bill. One of my top priorities for the end of session is passing my bill to allow Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program to be used at private colleges and universities. The scholarship offers awards in amount up to the annual tuition charged at a state university of New York State-operated institution for 500 New York State residents seeking to become masters' educated teachers. Currently, these award recipients must enroll in full time study in an approved master’s degree in education program at a SUNY school of higher education. My bill, which has passed the Senate and awaits passage in the Assembly, would allow this scholarship to be used at private colleges, which grant 2/3rds of graduate degrees in NYS.

NYS Bar Association Award for Indigent Legal Services Reform. I was so honored last week to be awarded the “Excellence in Mandated Representation” award for my effort to pass Indigent Legal Services Reform, which was included in this year’s budget. The bill, which was designed to shift the burden of indigent legal services from the counties to the state, was passed unanimously by both houses of the legislature in 2016. When the bill was ultimately given a midnight veto on the last day of 2016, I made it a priority to include the full implementation of Gideon V Wainwright in the adopted budget, ending the county-to-county patchwork system of justice in New York State.

Statement from State Legislators Supports Paris Climate Accords. I have signed on to a statement by state legislators from across the county sponsored the National Council of Environmental Legislators committing to the Paris Climate Agreement. The statement signals a commitment “to work with our legislative colleagues, our governors, and our constituents to ensure that we continue this country's leadership role to build a 21st Century clean energy economy and that we meet or exceed all of the deliverables in the Paris Agreement”.

Community Updates.

“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” Screening Attracts Huge Turnout, 19 Women NYS Legislators. On Tuesday, I was joined by filmmaker Mary Dore and 19 women NYS legislators for a viewing of “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry,” a film that resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971. Some of the battles these trailblazing women fought, such as protecting reproductive rights, funding childcare and afterschool programs, and curtailing domestic violence remain unfinished today. The national political climate, especially remembering NYS’s progressive history on women’s issues, necessities that New York women must lead now more than ever. “She's Beautiful When She's Angry” serves as an exceptional reminder of what leadership looks like, and is available through the Upper Hudson Public Library System, and for viewing on Netflix.

Assembly Recognizes Ancestor Appreciation Day, Marks Historic African Burial Site in Menands. I was humbled to stand with Assemblymember John McDonald and my New York State Assembly Majority colleagues to declare June 17 Ancestor Appreciation Day. This comes before the dedication this Saturday marking the African Burial Ground at Historic St Agnes Cemetery site in Menands- where the 200 year old remains of 14 African Americans were finally properly buried after being discovered in 2005.

New York Landmarks Conservancy Secures Grant for Westminster Presbyterian. The New York landmarks Conservancy shared late last week that they have authorized a matching grant to a landmark religious property in Albany, Westminster Presbyterian Church. The gift was made available through the Conservancy's Sacred Sites Program. The church was awarded a $30,000 Sacred Sites Challenge Grant toward steeple restoration. The Conservancy, a private, nonprofit organization, offers financial and technical help to owners of landmark properties. Its Sacred Sites Program works with congregations of all denominations throughout New York State to ensure the continuing use of their buildings.

What Just Happened? Post Legislative Session Recap Event. I’ll be joining a bipartisan panel of lawmakers later this month to discuss what was accomplished in this year’s legislative session, which ends on June 21. The panel will be held on Tuesday, June 27 from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the Hearst Media Center. Read here for more information.

Autonomous Vehicle Tested at Capitol. Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul said she “felt like she was driving into the future” at the first test drive of an autonomous vehicle in NYS at the Empire State Plaza on Tuesday. A driver manually operated the vehicle from State Street to I-90 where Audi Highway Pilot technology was then initiated; enabling automated driving for approximately 6.1 miles before a safe return to the Empire State Plaza. Two trained engineers were present in the vehicle at all times to monitor the system and ensure safety.

Former Obama EPA Official to Address “Save the Pine Bush”. Judith Enck, former Regional Administrator of the EPA under the Obama administration, will be the speaker at the Wed, June 21 monthly dinner of Save the Pine Bush. The dinner will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church Albany, 85 Chestnut Street. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 7.

Juneteenth Celebration. Don't miss the 2017 Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 18th, in Capital South Campus Center, 200 Warren Street in Albany. Juneteenth is a celebration where the whole family can enjoy great music, entertainment, educational information, free food and beverages, giveaways and more. Juneteenth has long been a celebration of freedom, as the date represents the time when the last slaves in America were freed after emancipation.

Destroyer Escort Day. The third Saturday in June is recognized and celebrated nationwide as Destroyer Escort Day in honor of the Destroyer Escort sailors killed in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War years and the ten Destroyer Escort ships lost in action. There will be a ceremony to honor and remember Destroyer Escorts and their Sailors on Saturday, June 17, beginning at 9 a.m. at the USS Slater, a National Historic Landmark and the last DE afloat in America. The USS Slater is located at 1 Quay St in Albany.

Job Opportunities: New York State has set up 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.