Opinion Piece on I-787, Hosting a Small Business Forum, Protecting Net Neutrality
Much of the news this week was dominated by news at the national level as the President and his administration were implicated in a constitutional crisis that led to the announcement of formal impeachment proceedings brought forth by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We'll continue to follow this rollercoaster as this process and events unfold. In other news, New York has officially extended the date to register to vote or change party affiliation from October 11th to February 14th before New York's Presidential primary date of April 28th, 2020. A court decision has also paved the way for the state to adopt legislation I carry for New York to adopt the nation's strongest net neutrality standards. As always, read on for more state news and community updates and events!
Small Business Forum at the New STEAM Garden: Starting, Sustaining, and Growing a Small Business
![Starting, Sustaining, and Growing a Small Business](/write/upload/postings/2019/photos/20191007_0089164.jpg)
"Assemblymembers Patricia Fahy and John McDonald join Senator Neil Breslin in hosting a Small Business Forum with Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), at the new STEAM Garden incubator and co-working space on October 16th. The forum will feature a panel of entrepreneurs and small business owners speaking to their experience about what works for small businesses in starting and sustaining a business; advice to help replicate this success; and, what challenges continue to exist for small businesses in the State of New York. Members from the local and regional business community are invited to attend this free forum. Doors open at 9:30a for coffee and networking!"
OP-ED: Demolish I-787 and the Capital Region will Flourish.
Please take a minute to read my opinion piece in the Albany Times Union: Demolish I-787 and the Capital Region will flourish.
STATEMENT
National news regarding President Trump continues to dominate the news cycle. The actions of the President and his administration justify the impeachment proceedings brought forth by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - please read my official statement below or visit this link.
![Statement on the Formal Initiation of Impeachment Proceedings](/write/upload/postings/2019/photos/20191007_0089164a.png)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & PRESS EVENTS
U.S. Appeals Court Decision Paves Way for Net Neutrality in NYS. This week's long awaited court decision means that states can now set their own net neutrality and open internet standards, regardless of the Federal Communications Commission's rollback of national standards put in place by the Obama administration back in 2017. Since that repeal, one major report has described telecommunication company data/speed throttling as 'happening everywhere, almost all the time', unbeknownst to most consumers. This ruling renews the urgency to pass my legislation next session - one of the strongest net neutrality bills in the country - to protect and provide a free and open internet for all in New York State. Read more in this City & State article, which highlights provisions of my legislation and why it's so important to have strong net neutrality standards here in New York.
Enthusiasm for Revitalizing Cap. Region's Urban Core Grows. Enthusiasm for revitalizing our core urban areas is growing at an exponential pace - with several projects underway in downtown Albany that promise to usher in long-term transformational change. Another great piece from Chris Churchill highlighting many of these projects and what it means for a more walkable and connected city. I recently sat down with Jeff Buell for a podcast to discuss what this revitalization might mean for the future of downtown Albany more generally. Listen here: "How is The Knickerbocker making news 175 years later?"
$20 Million Released from State VW Settlement for Electric Vehicles. The Governor announced on Thursday that more than $20 million would be made available to help increase the number of electric vehicles - namely, diesel trucks and buses - and help support the transition away from fossil fuel infrastructure. The funds are a part of the Volkswagen settlement which provided millions in dollars of funding for states seeking to curb the largest source of carbon emissions - the transportation sector - and increase electric vehicle ownership.
NYS to Partner with Denmark and Ireland re: Clean Energy. New York State will partner with Denmark and Ireland in an effort to improve the state's clean energy efficiency standards and ensure the new offshore wind project is as efficient as possible in terms of delivering power to where it's needed most on the grid. I'm pleased to see the state working with two countries who have been revolutionary in leading the way on incorporating clean and renewable energy sources into their power grid.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Albany County Land Bank Seeking Community Input. The Albany County Land Bank Corporation is seeking feedback from developers and community stakeholders on the redevelopment potential of three clusters of properties in the City of Albany, New York; Cluster #1 in the South End, Cluster #2 in Arbor Hill/West Hill, Cluster #3 in Beverwyck on Ontario Street. Please take the time to give community feedback by the deadline of October 15th.
Women's Club of Albany Gets Makeover via DASNY Grant. The front porch of the Women's Club of Albany on Madison Avenue will be renovated thanks a grant secured by the Women's Club through my office - read more about it here!
Apply to Work With the 2020 U.S. Census. The 2020 U.S. Census is fast approaching and it is essential that Albany and the Capital Region receive an accurate count. The Census determines our area's share of federal funds that help create opportunities and help to repair our transportation infrastructure - as well as New York's Congressional representation in the House of Representatives. For more information and to help ensure we receive an accurate and fair count in 2020, 'like' and follow the Albany Counts page linked here for updates. A link on my official Assembly website is also available for your resource. You may also visit 2020census.gov/jobs to view the list of available positions.
Albany Pine Bush - New Interactive Website! The Albany Pine Bush Preserve announced the launch of its new website over the last few weeks, which you can visit by clicking on this link and use to help plan your visit to the Pine Bush before winter!
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Food Pantry at St. Vincent's Fundraiser. The Food Pantry at St. Vincent's will host a 'Brunch and Art' sale at the Hibernian Hall on Sunday, October 27, from 11:30 to 1:30, featuring local artists' work that have been generously donated. Please consider supporting the Northeast Regional Food Bank at this event.
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy - Map Your Visit! The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy released a new mapping tool available online and through the mobile app store that allows hikers to map their visit at any of the MHLC's preserves and the Albany County Rail Trail. Use it to plan your next visit!
The Fix Bakery and Cafe Grand Opening. Check out the newest small (and women-owned) business addition to the Pine Hills Neighborhood this Saturday at 12 PM for their official ribbon cutting; The Fix Cafe & Bakery!