Temperatures are finally warming up, and the Assembly is engaged in a number of legislative initiatives including the passage of important environmental legislation as well as legislation to protect crime victims. Below is more on these bills as well as a highlight of a number of events!

NY Joins Gun Violence Research Coalition. New York this week joined the nation’s first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, a key initiative of the historic “States for Gun Safety” coalition between New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Puerto Rico. The consortium brings the thought leaders and top researchers from partner states together to undertake significant new research on all manners of gun violence, data collection, and analysis across multiple disciplines. This unprecedented effort will provide the public, including policymakers, with new information to ultimately reduce the scourge of gun violence.

Assembly Crime Victims Legislative Package. The Assembly on Tuesday passed a package of legislation to aid victims of crime. We must do all that we can to ensure victims are treated with compassion and dignity, as well as have access to the resources they need to move forward with their lives. The package improves procedures for identifying trafficked persons, allows courts to direct all or a portion of anti-trust fines to the Office of Victim Services, creating another revenue source to fund its victims’ assistance and victims’ award programs, and mandates training of hospitality workers to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

Assembly Passes Earth Day Legislation. The federal administration has made clear that slashing regulations to appease big business is more important than safeguarding the health and safety of everyday Americans. On Monday, the Assembly passed a package of environmental legislation in recognition of Earth Day, including my bill to require oil trains to carry adequate insurance to cover derailment disasters. Whether from train derailments or leaking storage facilities, oil spills threaten the health and safety of New York residents, our land, and our wildlife and it can take years to remediate any damage. To better protect communities from being burdened by a costly cleanup, the Assembly legislation includes a measure to institute financial surety measures for owners of petroleum storage facilities, vessels, and railroads.

8th Round of Regional Economic Development Competition Announced. Governor Cuomo on Thursday launched Round VIII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off the 2018 competition for more than $750 million in state economic development resources. The Consolidated Funding Application will open to applicants on May 1st, enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for assistance from dozens of state programs, through a single application, for job-creation and community development projects.

Community Updates & Events.

Event: Run, Bike, Hike: Capital Region Trails Summit. Run, bike or hike: unprecedented trail development in New York means soon you’ll be able to get to destinations throughout New York on two feet or on two wheels. The Capital Region’s rapidly growing network of multi-use hiking and biking trails are attracting tourism and economic development, while more sidewalks and bike lanes are increasing the walkability and interconnectedness of our cities and towns.

You’re invited to join us on Thursday, May 10 for the Run, Bike, Hike: Capital Region Trails Summit, at the NYS Capitol – Assembly Parlor, Room 306, 8:00 to 10:30 AM. The program begins promptly at 8:30 AM, coffee and check-in at 8:00 AM.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

Join myself and Assemblymember John McDonald and Senator Neil Breslin, and panelists ranging from Parks and Trails New York to the Center for Economic Growth. Highlights include walking and biking trail expansion and development across the region, including the Empire State Trail, Albany County Rail Trail and numerous on and off-road bike and pedestrian paths in between! Trails are more than recreation: panelists will discuss the serious business and economic impact; tourism; health benefits; financial and regulatory barriers; and promote the innovative efforts underway.

Albany History Fair at Historic Cherry Hill. Don’t miss Albany’s big history day on Sunday, May 6th! Join the Albany History Fair at Historic Cherry Hill and Living History Day at Ten Broeck Mansion from noon to 4 PM. On the grounds, there will be reenactors, crafts, trivia games, period music, period-inspired food, and much more! The fair is free and open to the public. This event is supported by a grant from Humanities New York.

City of Albany Electronic Waste Drop Off. Household hazardous & electronics Waste drop-off days Thursdays, for Albany residents will be held on May 3, May 17, June 7. Everyone must pre-register here or at (518) 434-2489. These drop off events are an opportunity to safely dispose of items like electronics, paint, batteries, chemicals and certain lawn care and pesticide products.

AACCCR First Friday Event. Join the African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region for a first Friday event celebrating Broadway star Alan Weeks on May 5th from 6:00-8:30 PM. In 1985, Alan Weeks was director of Student Theatre Outreach Program (STOP), headquartered in a studio at The Egg in Albany. STOP used African drumming, dance and theater performance in classes and programs for at-risk youth. He was not only a previous Broadway and film star – he made a difference in our community. The exhibition will include a film about his life, pictures, performances and music.

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