The signs of the end summer are all around us this week; the NYS Fair opened this Monday, and school is starting back up. I spent the latter part of this week dropping off my daughter, Eileen, for her first year of college and my son, Brendan, for his return to college! My husband, Wayne Bequette and I are now empty nesters and mystified at where the years have gone!

NYLCV Releases Legislative Scorecard. Last week the New York League of Conservation Voters released their first ever Legislative Scorecard. I’m proud to have been recognized along with my colleague Senator Neil Breslin with the distinction of being the only two upstate lawmakers to receive a 100% rating. As federal leadership on environmental and climate issues is increasingly absent, it is imperative for the states to address these problems and promote environmental justice and conservation. Climate change, water-sewer infrastructure and the dangers of oil-by-rail all require serious legislative attention. I’m proud to have partnered with Senator Breslin to address these issues through transit-oriented development, natural resource protections, and renewable energy and recognize much more needs to be done.

Schumer Calls to Protect Voting Rights. In the aftermath of Charlottesville, Sen. Charles Schumer is calling for an end to the assault on voting rights. Specially, the Senator is calling for an end to the President’s Election Integrity Commission. I’m committed to protecting voter rights here in NYS, and support measures put forward by Attorney General Schneiderman to protect voters.

Governor Signs Bill Targeting Unscrupulous Pet Dealers. Last Tuesday, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to regulate pet dealers and crack down on unscrupulous practices in this industry. The bill requires incorporated animal shelters, rescue organizations and other non-profit entities that transport or offer animals up for adoption in New York State to register with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, subjecting them to state regulation for the first time.

Concerns over National Grid Rate Hikes. WTEN news reported last week about concerns over proposed rate hikes for National Grid customers here in the Capital Region. I echo the concern over these potential rate hikes, which stand to disproportionately impact seniors and those living on limited incomes. I will continue to advocate on behalf of National Grid customers to ensure they are paying a fair rate for their energy and heating.

Community Updates

New Outdoor ‘Gym’ at Elm Avenue Park in Bethlehem. Spotlight News reported this week about a new addition to Elm Avenue Park in Bethlehem. Last year, I helped secure capital grant funds for the construction of an outdoor ‘gym,’ that will be open for public use. The new additions will include equipment for upper and lower body training, as well as cardio exercise!

Capital Region Chamber Executive Mentorship Program. The Capital District Chamber of Commerce Executive Mentorship Program connects ambitious young professionals with experienced, high-level business leaders to support each other's professional and personal development. The program begins in January 2018, and applications are due by October 27. The application can be found here.

Whitney Young Health Launches "Whitney on Wheels" at North Albany Academy. Last week, Whitney Young Health Center announced their new partnership with North Albany Academy to provide a mobile clinic at the school. A child’s education always comes first, and their time in the classroom is essential. Having a new mobile health unit serving students will ensure more consistent well-visit checkups and minimize time out of the classroom. I’m excited about the further development of this program in the Capital Region.

CDTA Receives National Recognition. CDTA was recognized last week as the best mid-sized transit system in the United States. Transit-oriented development is instrumental in creating a green future, and with their recent launch of CDPHP Cycle!, CDTA has shown enormous ingenuity in serving the people of our region. Congratulations!

All Over Albany Startup Grant. This fall All Over Albany will again be awarding $2,500 in cash to help a new local project get off the ground; or take an existing small business project to the next level. This year's grant is sponsored by CDPHP, CDTA, the College of Saint Rose, Nine Pin Cider, and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. The contest is also an opportunity to get a look at some of the good ideas circulating just below the radar in our region and shine some attention on them.

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.