This week saw quite a bit of legislative action as we continue to work tirelessly on the budget. One of my top priorities this session is working to reduce carbon emissions in New York; in that vein, I’m working on legislation to promote the use of electric vehicles by ride-sharing companies(such as Uber and Lyft):

Assembly Passes Gun Package, Bump Stock Ban. The Assembly on Tuesday passed legislation to help prevent and reduce gun violence in New York. The legislative package includes measures that would prevent individuals determined to be a danger to themselves or others from possessing or purchasing firearms, establish a longer waiting period before delivery of a purchased firearm to a person who has not cleared a background check as well as my bill to ban devices that turn legal firearms into machine guns, commonly referred to as "bump stocks." I'll be joining students at a "March for Our Lives" rally on Saturday, March 24th at 10:00 AM in West Capitol Park in Albany. I'll also be joining students at Albany Academy at as they demonstrate at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 14th. Students at St. Rose, Bethlehem High School, and Bishop Maginn High School will also be walking out at that time.

Assembly to Announce One-House Budget Resolution. The Assembly on Wednesday will adopt its one-house budget resolution. Important items to look out for include the millionaire's tax and a reformed internet sales tax.

Electric Vehicle Legislation. I introduced legislation this week (A10019) to incentivize the use of electric and hybrid vehicles by Transit Network Companies (TNCs) companies such as Uber and Lyft. The state legislature is considering revenue-raising measures to help repair and strengthen public transit and transportation infrastructure around the state. The bill would discount any increased state fees or revenue raised for public transit systems for electric vehicles operated by TNC companies. Electric vehicles constitute less than .6% of new vehicle sales in New York, and this bill would be part of a multi-pronged approach to curb carbon emissions by incentivizing ride-sharing companies to purchase electric vehicles.

Albany Receives Funding for Skyway Park. Governor Cuomo announced on Tuesday $3.1 million in funding for the Albany Skyway to help transform the underutilized Clinton Avenue ramp off northbound Interstate 787 and Quay Street into an elevated, linear park. Once complete, the Albany Skyway will expand recreational opportunities in the City of Albany and provide a new, safe way for pedestrians and cyclists to reach the Corning Riverfront Park on the Hudson River waterfront. I’m proud to support this project, which signals a new era for dramatically bolstering Albany's connection to the Hudson waterfront.

Capitol Women’s History Exhibit. The opening of the Women's History Month exhibit in the New York State Capitol was announced on Monday. The exhibit, "1918 | The New Day for New York Women," celebrates and recognizes the contributions made by 25 New York women pioneers and trailblazers, each who achieved a "first" for women in the state, and champions the century of progress since women's suffrage was passed in New York State in 1917.

Governor Announces Decarbonization Advisory Panel. Governor Cuomo and Comptroller DiNapoli announced on Wednesday the members of the state's first-ever Decarbonization Advisory Panel, which was initially proposed by the Governor during his 2018 State of the State address in January. The panel will advise the Comptroller, as trustee of the $209.1 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund on how best to mitigate investment risks stemming from climate change and maximize opportunities from the new, low-carbon economy.

Community Updates & Events

Tonight: Irish Legislators Society Award. I’m honored to join Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul for this year’s American Irish Legislators Society as this year’s Charles Stewart Parnell Award recipient. The dinner will be held on Monday, March 12th at 7:00 PM at the Hibernian Hall at 375 Ontario Street in Albany. A traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served, along with customary Irish beverages, music, and Irish entertainment. Proceeds from the event and contributions to the Society support charitable and cultural activities, including those of American-Irish organizations around the state. Please call my office if interested in buying a dinner ticket.

Gaelic Football League. The Albany Rebels Gaelic Football Club is gearing up for their new season, and practice is open to interested participants. The Rebels practice indoors once a month during their offseason. All sessions will be 7:00-8:30 P.M. at Afrim's on 636 Albany Shaker Road in Colonie.

‘Hamilton’ Gives Albany High Student a Shout-Out. Albany High School sophomore Lee Reh recently got a shout-out from "Hamilton: An American Musical" for his December cover of the song "My Shot" accompanied by the Albany High Advanced Orchestra. His performance was shared on the musical's Facebook page. Congrats Lee Reh!

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.

Pat