This week saw yet another senseless mass shooting, this time in Las Vegas. My thoughts have been with the victim’s families this week. We should all be concerned with how we can stop this from happening again.

Gun Violence. America has a unique gun problem that requires legislative action. That’s why on Thursday I proudly introduced bipartisan legislation in the Assembly to ban ‘bump-stocks’ and similar devices semi-automatic weapons, functionally making them machine guns. A current loophole in state law bans the use of these attachments but still allows them to be purchased as standalone items. We cannot be vigilant enough on these matters and must shut down every loophole to prevent gun violence! I could not be more pleased to have true bipartisan support on this bill and thank Senator Lanza (R-Staten Island) for his leadership.

Governor’s Counsel Expresses Broadband Concerns about Charter Communications Business Practices. Alphonso David, Counsel to Governor Cuomo, on Tuesday sent a letter to Public Services Commission (PSC) Chair John Rhoades outlining concerns surrounding the business practices of Charter Communications. David raised concerns that Charter is not providing broadband service to areas without access, which appears to violate the essential terms and conditions of Charter and Time Warner Cable's merger agreement with NYS. Additionally, Charter represented to the PSC that it would maintain its skilled and experienced customer-facing workforce. However, David noted that as a result of a current strike, Charter's employee workforce has been diminished in size and skill, leaving customers vulnerable to poor service.

Potentially Devastating Impacts of Federal Budget on NYS. Governor Cuomo on Tuesday outlined four major federal cuts, totaling more than $21.2 billion annually, that are part of policies targeted to directly hurt NYS- devastating state and local governments, straining public and not-for-profit hospitals, and jeopardizing quality healthcare for more than 3 million New Yorkers. Moreover, the cuts to NYS are disproportionate to the rest of the country - even as New York is the number one state contributor to the federal government, sending $48 billion more to Washington each year than is returned. Given the devastating impact of the federal government's reckless policies, Governor Cuomo mobilized a coalition to work with New York's Congressional Delegation to fight back and stop the cuts.

Guilderland Business Awarded State Recognition. The "Carey Gabay Excellence and Innovation Awards for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises" awards recognize a select number of MWBEs for their entrepreneurial spirit and achievement in New York State contracting. This is the second year of honoring MWBEs that have built successful businesses due to their commitment to innovation and strengthening their communities. Guilderland resident Girish Bhatia, owner of GCom Software, was a recipient of this year’s award. Congratulations Girish!

Community Updates

Guided Hike at Thacher Park. This Saturday, October 7th, the staff at Thacher Park at 1 Hailes Cave Road, Voorheesville, will be offering a guided hike on the Long Path from Beaver Dam Road to Old Stage Road. This is a varied hike through woodlands and open spaces. Total distance is 8 miles. Bring appropriate clothing for the autumn weather, good trail boots, trail lunch, and rain gear if appropriate. Meet at 9:00 am at the Nature Center. Contact leaders Jim & Bonnie Schaller at 518-861-7452 for more information.

Free Columbus Day Admission to Albany Institute. The Albany Institute of History and Art will be open to the public this Monday, October 9th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This local cultural gem is currently featuring a worthwhile exhibit on the anti-women’s suffrage movement in Albany.

Smokey the Bear Day at Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its annual Smokey Bear Day on Monday, October 9, 2017, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Rd #1 in Albany. Visitors will learn how the Commission uses prescribed fire to keep the Pine Bush Preserve, listed as a National Natural Landmark, a healthy habitat for the unusual species of plants and animals that thrive there. Smokey Bear and a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Ranger will make appearances throughout the day, and Commission Fire Management and Education staff will be on hand.

“Stick it to Hurricane Maria” Event for Puerto Rico. On Sunday, October 22nd from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm the Marketplace in Troy between Washington and Liberty Street, the Friends of Little Italy will be hosting an old-time event with music, food, and stickball to collect supplies for Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico. They will be collect batteries, flashlight, portable lanterns, diapers, baby wipes, cases of water, and feminine hygiene products. Contact Rocca DeFazio at rdefazio66@gmail.com for more information.

Vanderheyden Oktoberfest Event. Vanderheyden is a local organization that cares for children with special developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs. They offer residential services as well as other support tools for Capital Region families in need. They will be hosting their annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser at Brown Brewing Company at 417 River Street in Troy on Thursday, October 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The event will feature open taps, a silent auction, and tours of the brewery. Tickets are available on their website.

NYS Capitol Haunting Tours. One fun NYS Capitol fall tradition is the Capitol Haunting Tour. The tours explore some of the lore and mythologies of our state’s beautiful Capitol Building and highlight some spooky secrets. Tours start daily on weekdays at 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays at 12 noon. Booking information is available here.

Understanding Medicare and EPIC Event for Seniors. On Thursday, October 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, the Albany Guardian Society will be hosting an “Understanding Medicare and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program” event for seniors. The forum will provide an overview of the Medicare program and coverage options, including: Medigap/Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage/Medicare Health Plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. In addition, an overview will be provided of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program which assists over 310,000 income-eligible seniors ages 65 and older in supplementing their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs.

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.