Albany became a bit quieter this week – especially with an “extraordinary” end to session last week, and the long holiday weekend.

Major General Harold Greene Street Naming. I am pleased to report that Governor Cuomo signed my bill naming a portion of Route 20 in honor of the late Major General Harold Greene of Guilderland. Greene, who grew up in Guilderland, was the first military officer to be killed in a combat zone since the Vietnam War in 2014. He spent a 34 year career serving in the US military. He joined the ROTC while studying at RPI to fulfill a physical education requirement, but quickly took to military life, eventually achieving the rank of Major General. I was honored to sponsor this legislation in his memory.

Healthcare & Faso-Collins Amendment Looms Over NYS. I spoke this with Capital Tonight’s Nick Reisman this week about the looming threat of the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA) currently being debated in Washington. This legislation, particularly a portion known as the “Faso-Collins” Amendment, presents a unique threat to New York State. While I have supported legislation to lower property taxes and shift unfunded mandates placed on counties to the State in the past, the health care bill shifts an enormous financial burden onto the states —and risks the loss of health care coverage for over one million New Yorkers, while potentially devastating the Upstate economy.

End of Session Discussion on In Focus With Solomon Syed. I joined Spectrum News’ Solomon Syed to discuss the end of this year’s legislative session. We covered important accomplishments in this year’s session including ride hailing, the Excelsior Scholarship, and indigent legal services reform. We also discussed issues that remain to be resolved next year, such as closing the LLC Loophole, and especially addressing climate change by passing the Community and Climate Protection Act. The program will air on Spectrum at 10:30 on Sunday and again at 3:30 on Sunday.

State Announces $27 Million Investment in Capital Region Roads. Good news for long overdue repairs in the Capital Region Governor Cuomo on Thursday announced $27.8 million for projects to pave and repair 134.2 lane miles of state roads across the Capital Region this summer and fall. The projects will be completed this year. Of particular interest in the 109th Assembly District are 2.5 miles on Route 85A between Route 156 in Voorheesville and New Scotland Road (Route 85) in the town of New Scotland, and 11.6 miles on Route 443 between Chrysler Lane in Berne and Tarrytown Road in Clarksville in the towns of Berne and New Scotland.

Community Updates

Mini Golf at the Bethlehem Public Library. For one afternoon, the Bethlehem Public Library will transform into an 18-hole miniature golf course. On Sunday, July 9, from 1-5 p.m., golfers of all ages, from pros to duffers, can enjoy this favorite family pastime inside the library’s delightfully climate-controlled environs. The best part? There are no greens fees. Keep score or just keep it casual; when there’s miniature golf at the library, everyone’s a winner. Regular library services will be limited.

READ & Prevent the Summer Slide! Kids do better in school when they read over the summer — even if it’s for just 10 minutes a day! To combat the “summer slide,” there are library events throughout the Capital Region including the Albany Public Library, Altamont Free Library, Bethlehem Public Reading, Guilderland Public Library, and Voorheesville Public Library.

New Skateboard Park in Washington Park. This Friday will mark the opening of the new Skateboard Park in Washington Park in Albany – free for all skateboarders in the region! This project has been in the works for years, and I’m proud to have secured a $100,000 capital grant and to join Senator Breslin to help fund this youth project. The new park is located on the site of the former underutilized tennis courts.

New Capital Region Bike Share. CDTA, in partnership with CDPHP, plans to roll out “CDPHP Cycle” by the end of July or early August. This is a bike-sharing program that will bring short-term rental bicycles to the Capital Region. Last month, they announced the initial locations of bike rental stations, which can be found here.

Park Playhouse Presents Ragtime. The Park Playhouse in Washington Park will be presenting “Ragtime” with free admission 8 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays through July 29th. Ragtime is a soaring, epic and culturally-important musical based on E.L. Doctorow's award-winning novel, which chronicles the lives of three different families from three different worlds at the start of the 20th Century in pursuit of the American Dream. I will be attending the show on Wednesday the 12th, and encourage you to say hello!

Breastfeeding Donation Drive. Whitney Young Health’s WIC office is currently one of the highest breastfeeding initiation rates in the Capital District. This year, in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, Whitney Young Health WIC will be hosting a health fair for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to assist them in getting more resources and goods to be successful! To secure these items, we need your help! From Monday, July 3rd to Friday, July 7th, WIC will have a “Sprinkle Before the Shower,” where those who want to donate items baby items and breastfeeding supplies.

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.