The legislature is away from Albany this week, but work on the budget and other pressing issues facing New York has continued on at full speed.

Op-Ed on Wadsworth Health Lab Consolidation in Albany. I have an op-ed in the Times Union this week highlighting the importance of keeping Wadsworth and other state health labs in the core of the Capital Region. I fully support the Governor’s proposed $750 million investment into these vital public health and life science lab facilities and contend that in order to grow our region’s scientific ecosystem, the labs - and jobs - need to be in Albany near UAlbany and Albany Med.

Capital Tonight Piece on Banning Bump Stocks & Gun Control. I joined Capital Tonight this week to discuss my thoughts about the President’s move to ban bump stock devices. While I am pleased to finally see some movement on this common-sense measure, I will continue to fight for stronger background checks, a ban on assault weapons and extreme risk protection orders to keep guns out of the hands of the violent individuals or those most at risk of violence.

FCC Officially Repeals Net Neutrality. Thursday marked the official implementation of the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality! The loss of these critical protections for entrepreneurs and students could seriously impact growth opportunities for small businesses and undermine educational quality for students. While I am hopeful for action on the federal level, I will continue to push my legislation calling for all public entities in New York to only contracts with internet service providers that abide by net neutrality principles.

Community Updates & Events

Underground Railroad Project and LWV Host Nell Stokes at St. Rose. What do we learn from looking back at history? Nell Stokes, a long time fixture in Albany civic life and an active participant in the American Civil Rights Movement will be joining the League of Women Voters and the Underground Railroad History Project to present on black history this Sunday, February 25th. The event will be held from 3:00- 5:00 PM at 432 Western Ave in Albany.

Vote for New Bike Share Locations. Vote online for new Capital Region bike-share stations. CDPHP Cycle! BikeShare is looking for your suggestions on where to place 20 new stations for the 2018 delivery of 160 more BikeShare bicycles. Don’t miss your chance to have your say in one of the most innovative programs to come to Albany in recent years.

Upcoming Steamer 10 Theatre Events. Albany’s Steamer 10 Theatre has extended their run of their production of ‘The Never Ending Story,” and will be performing on March 3,4,10 and 11th at 3:00 PM and on March 9th at 7:00 PM. The theatre has many other family-friendly events upcoming, find a full list on their website.

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.