I’m pleased to report that late last week; the legislature passed an on-time budget. While every state budget has serious tradeoffs, this is a solid, forward-looking spending plan that invests in New York’s future:

State Budget Passes. See the links below from press reports, as well as the Speaker’s Office. I will be including further budget highlights in upcoming email newsletters along with an updated PowerPoint. Early Saturday morning, the legislature passed the $168 billion 2018-19 budget. The budget plan includes $26.7 billion for K-12 education, new state tax options in response to the recent federal tax reform, as well as new measures to prevent sexual harassment, and remove guns from domestic abusers. School aid runs are linked here.

I’m also proud to share that $12 million was secured in the final version of the budget to close the City of Albany’s budget gap. Press releases from the Speaker and the Governor explain the spending plan in greater detail. Again, more to come on highlights of the budget as well as the programs that did not make it!

Governor Announces Economic Development Funds for Capital Region. Governor Cuomo announced on Monday that more than $11 million has been awarded to 10 Capital Region municipalities through Round 5 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative. Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts by awarding funding for capital projects to generate new economic opportunity. I’m particularly excited about a $1.8 million investment for the renovation of 251 North Pearl Street, a vacant industrial building in Livingston Square, into the new and permanent home of the Capital Repertory Theatre.

Excelsior Scholarship Applications Open. The application for the Excelsior Scholarship for new applicants in the 2018-19 academic year is now open. SUNY and CUNY students whose families make up to $110,000 annually can now apply for tuition-free college. The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other aid programs, allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year colleges tuition-free. Please pass the word!

Story on Child Victims Act. I spoke with news 10 ABC’s Lexi Nahl to discuss the story of a local woman who was sexually assaulted by her teacher at a local private school. Kat Sullivan is using her story to push for the passage of the Child Victims Act. While it appears that the Child Victims Act, which provides greater legal protections to victims of childhood sexual abuse, will likely not be included in this year’s adopted budget, I assume it will be revisited later this session.

Tesla Pushes to Expand Upstate. I joined legislative leaders from around the state on Tuesday to push for an expansion of Tesla showrooms in New York. Currently, the company is only permitted by state law to have five showrooms in New York, none of which are Upstate. Electric vehicle sales make up just over .5% of new vehicle sales in the state and New York does not even crack the top ten states for electric vehicle ownership. I will continue to push this legislation to ensure New Yorkers have better access to green transportation options.

Plaque Commemorating Samuel Abbott. I joined legislative leaders to unveil a plaque in the New York State Capitol that honors Samuel J. Abbott, a Civil War veteran who lost his life while serving as a night watchman during the Capitol fire of 1911. Over 100 years ago, his heroic actions saved extensive archives about the history of our state. The sole casualty of the Great Fire of 1911, Abbott was dedicated to his job as a night watchman and spent many years in service to the Capitol. This fire and the Triangle Factory fire in Chicago launched efforts to pass some of the most notable workplace safety laws of that era. I am proud to have sponsored legislation in the Assembly to permanently memorialize Samuel Abbott's heroism with a plaque near his post in the Capitol.

Community Updates & Events

Guilderland Public Library Announces Plans for Renovation. The Guilderland Public library has announced exciting plans for a $6.9 million expansion in 2019. Talks are in the works for a new children’s room and enhanced street access. There will be a public presentation on the planned library renewal on Wednesday April, 11th at 7:00 PM in the library meeting room.

Bull Moose Club Opens in Albany. I joined local entrepreneur Tom Nardacci on Tuesday to tour the facilities for the new Bull Moose Club in downtown Albany. The co-working space and event facility is located just a block away from the Capitol and taps into the creative economy and spirit of innovation driving many new developments in Albany.

April is Donate Life Month. The need for organ donors continues to be an issue in New York, as the state ranks last in percentage of donors, yet has the third-most people awaiting a transplant procedure, accounting for nearly 10,000 of the 120,000 people in the United States. As a result, a New Yorker dies every 18 hours waiting for an organ transplant that never comes. As New Yorkers, we take pride in protecting our own, yet only 30 percent of state residents are registered organ donors, ranking far below the 54 percent national average. This April, consider registering as an organ donor and give the gift of life.

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