This weekend celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and holds a particular resonance as we mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Dr. King’s life and legacy serve as an enduring reminder of the importance in confronting injustice and using nonviolent protests to continue to speak out and stand up for what is right and just. These upcoming MLK celebrations are all the more important in light of the President Trump’s disgraceful comments about immigrants from Haiti and Africa. As the daughter of immigrants from a country that was once treated by some in a similarly negative fashion, this weekend’s celebration of MLK’s life is an especially good opportunity to reflect on how our diversity has helped fuel the strength of our nation. Many strides have been made in creating a more just society these last 50 years, and we must strive to do more despite the negativity from the Oval Office.

Governor Cuomo to Present Executive Budget Tuesday. Governor Cuomo is scheduled to present his Executive Budget Tuesday at 1 PM at the New York State Museum. I look forward to seeing the Governor's plan for 2018 and look forward to advocating for the Capital Region in the coming negotiations.

Kick off to Legislative Session. The Assembly took its first vote of the 2018 legislative session on Monday, and Speaker Carl Heastie laid out his priorities for the coming year. Big agenda items include the budget, tackling the implications of the new federal tax plan, addressing climate change, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, as well as passing my bill to ban bump stock devices in New York. I’m looking forward to a productive session working on the issues that impact the Capital Region.

Bump Stock Ban Takes Center Stage. Bump stock devices are used to turn semi-automatic weapons into full-fledged machine guns and after one was used in the largest massacre in American history this fall in Las Vegas, I introduced legislation to ban the possession of these devices in New York. I’m thankful to Speaker Heastie for highlighting the need to ban these devices in New York and appreciate the Governor’s office recognizing the need to strengthen our gun laws to prevent similar incidents from happening here.

Update on My Net Neutrality Legislation. More and more states are moving to protect Net Neutrality on the state level, and I’m proud to be pushing hard to enshrine these protections in New York. My bill was highlighted in a New York Times piece this week noting a diverse group of states working to keep these principles in place - despite the FCC's ruling. I’m thrilled that my legislation has gained the support of the New York State School Boards Association, recognizing that the repeal of net neutrality has serious implications for students.

Hearing of Assembly Library Committee. Wednesday marked the first hearing of the Assembly Committee on Libraries in 2018. Libraries are often the center hubs of local neighborhoods communities, and I was impressed to learn that more than 10 million New Yorkers are library card holders! Looking forward, I remain committed to supporting our libraries and to hold them up as a model of shared services.

Community Updates & EventsNYS Writer’s Institute Releases 2018 Lineup. One of my favorite gems in the Capital Region is the NYS Writer’s Institute at UAlbany. The Institute released their lineup for the upcoming season earlier this week. Highlights include Joachim Frank, former UAlbany faculty and winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, award-winning author Salman Rushdie and Broadway star Patti LuPone.

Fahy Office Annual Open House in the LOB. Mark your calendars! I will be hosting my annual office open house on Friday, January 26th from 8:30-10:00 AM in room 452 of the Legislative Office Building. This annual event is an opportunity to see my office in action and view work by amazing local artists. Light refreshments will be served.

Albany Institute Offers New Mobile Phone Tour. I joined my colleague Assemblyman John McDonald this week for the launch of Albany Institute of History & Art’s new Family Discovery Tour. This is the first in a series of tours that will encourage visitors to explore New York’s oldest museum using modern technology. I’m glad to see this investment in new technology bring new life to the second oldest museum in America!

Albany Marks MLK Day with Memorial and March. Please join me at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Observance on Monday, January 15, at the Empire State Plaza. Immediately following the observance, join the Beloved Community March from the Madison Avenue Concourse doors to the Lincoln Park Dr. King Memorial. This annual event, which includes inspiring live music, begins at 9 a.m. and the March begins just before noon.

Sad Note on the Passing of John Abbuhl Pine Hollow Arboretum. I’m saddened to share the news of the passing of John Abbhul this past Saturday. John was the founder and creator of Pine Hollow Arboretum in Bethlehem and was a visionary and inspiration to many. He left a mark on the Capital Region and his love of nature will leave an enduring legacy.

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, or give us a call at (518) 455-4178.