Every summer, we celebrate the Fourth of July by spending time with our friends and families at parades, backyard barbeques and, possibly, watching fireworks. However, while these are all important parts of this summer tradition, it also is a day when...

The 2010-2011 State Budget is now more than 80 days late and yet only about 75% of it is finished, leaving $5.5 billion of the original $9.2 billion deficit left to be addressed. With education funding comprising most of what is left in the budget, the...

Memorial Day is an important time for us to reflect on the courage and sacrifice shown by our servicemen and women across the country. On this upcoming Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, I would encourage all New York State residents take a moment and join...

After a legislative leaders’ meeting held earlier this week, it became all too clear that even after being more than 50 days late, the Majority parties in both the Assembly and Senate are not concerned about passing the 2010-2011 State Budget. Even...

I am thrilled that our state leaders are finally listening to the people of our state and the rank-and-file legislators who represent them. It is a step forward that there is an agreement to rescind the plan to require new license plates. However, as...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who participated or were involved in making our recent trip to Washington, D.C. a great success. More than 150 local veterans and their family members joined me for “Patriot Trip II,” which...

This week, I organized a rally in LeRoy to bring attention to the urgent need for our state to invest in our dairy industry. With milk prices low and costs at an all-time high, if the state does not intervene immediately, we are looking at losing this...

This year, our state faced some unprecedented challenges and changes. Coupled with the financial meltdown on Wall Street and resulting recession, New Yorkers, especially in Western New York, are particularly feeling the burn of these tough times. However,...

Dear Editor, Earlier this week Governor David Paterson began his $175 million “Back to School” program intended to help low-income families with school-related purchases for their children. The program is funded through a $35 million donation...

Letter to the Editor: The combined efforts of several law enforcement agencies on the morning of June 18 in the Village of Elba led to the swift apprehension of three armed and dangerous bank robbers. The fleeing suspects were first tracked...