Assemblymember Phil Steck

I’m looking forward to seeing all the trick-or-treaters out and about tonight. Enjoy the candy, the costumes, and the community spirit that makes this such a great time of year.

Have a happy Halloween, and stay safe out there!

Governor Hochul Awards Additional Funding for Community Prevention Coalitions in High-Need Areas of the State During National Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month Governor Hochul announced that New York State is awarding nearly $1 million in funding from the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund to providers in high-need areas to assist with implementing variou...

It’s encouraging to see these funds going directly to providers rather than being delayed by a lengthy approval process. As we continue to address the opioid crisis, it’s critical that resources reach those on the front lines as quickly as possible.
www.governor.ny.gov/news/governo...

I would like to thank Chair Woerner for her partnership in holding sports wagering platforms accountable and for helping to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of gambling addiction.

I will review the testimony of each witness and introduce legislation based on their policy recommendations. In the meantime, I will continue advancing commonsense legislation to expand access to problem gambling services and establish guardrails on sports betting platforms to protect users.

Additionally, the Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission provided testimony outlining the legal and regulatory process a sports wagering site must go through to operate.

We heard expert testimony from professors who have studied this issue, individuals with lived experience of gambling addiction, and representatives from organizations pursuing policy changes.

Yesterday, I held a joint hearing with Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, Chair of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, to examine the dramatic rise in gambling addiction resulting from the proliferation of online sports betting.

Want to avoid construction zones and get real-time traffic updates? Just visit 511ny.org for the most up-to-date travel info!

Their stories are a testament to the power of opportunity, mentorship, and determination. Thank you to Jennifer Lawrence and the entire SEAT Center team for your dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders. The work you do truly changes lives and strengthens our community.

This funding will support wraparound services, workforce development, and leadership training that prepare students for high-demand careers. It was wonderful to hear directly from students about how YouthBuild has changed the trajectory of their lives and set them up for success.

YouthBuild Schenectady SEAT Center provides young people ages 16–24 with the education, job training, and leadership development they need to build successful futures while giving back to their communities.

This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting SEAT Center in Schenectady to present $75,000 in state funding for their incredible YouthBuild Schenectady program.

Earlier this evening, @governor.ny.gov allocated $41 million to help bridge the gap created by this loss of federal SNAP funding, and a restored stock transfer tax could provide a sustainable, long-term source of revenue for situations such as this in the future.

If reinstated today, New York would not have to be dependent on the federal government to address issues of food insecurity in our state.

When FDR began tackling the Depression here in New York, he had revenue from the stock transfer tax he could depend on. New York foolishly repealed that one-tenth of one percent tax in 1981.

By majority vote, they could reopen the government tomorrow. This has nothing to do with Democratic objections to the Republican budget.
On the Democratic side, we love to praise the job FDR did when he was Governor.

It is essential that the government take action to address the cessation of SNAP benefits to millions of Americans who depend on this program for food to avoid malnutrition. On the Republican side, people need to be reminded that the Republicans control both houses of Congress and the Presidency.

For more information:

Albany County Board of Elections (www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/...)

Schenectady County Board of Elections (www.schenectadycountyny.gov/elections/ea...)

Make your plan to vote early. Democracy works best when everyone participates.

Schenectady County Early Voting Locations:

• Glenville Senior Center – 32 Worden Rd., Glenville
• Niskayuna Town Hall – 1 Niskayuna Cir., Niskayuna
• South Schenectady Volunteer Fire Department #6 – 6 Old Mariaville Rd., Schenectady
• Hon. Karen B. Johnson Library – 99 Clinton St., Schenectady

• Pine Grove United Methodist Church – 1580 Central Ave., Albany
• Boght Community Fire Department – 8 Preston Dr., Cohoes
• Guilderland Public Library – 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland

Albany County Early Voting Locations

• Albany County Board of Elections – 260 South Pearl St. Albany
• East Berne Volunteer Fire Company – 792 Helderberg Trail East Berne
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Parish Hall) – 85 Elm Ave.
Delmar
• St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church – 440 Whitehall Rd. Albany

I voted early today at Boght Community Fire Department and it was quick and easy!

Early voting for the 2025 General Election runs from Saturday, October 25 through Sunday, November 2 in both Albany and Schenectady counties.

New York Secure Choice can help bridge the retirement savings gap. New York Secure Choice expands New Yorkers’ access to retirement savings and helps businesses stay competitive by offering access to a great benefit for employees.

Through automatic payroll deductions, and at no cost to employers, this simple program helps New Yorkers build long-term financial security and keep more of what they earn. To learn more, visit: www.newyorksecurechoice.com

Working at a job that doesn't have a pension or 401k? The Secure Choice Savings Program can help New Yorkers save for the future!

The NYS HOPEline is available 24/7 and provides free, confidential support to those struggling with gambling addiction. If betting is becoming a problem, call or text 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369).

Football season is in full swing! There's nothing better than spending time with family and friends while rooting on your favorite team. But with all the excitement comes real risks, like problem gambling.

It was great to sit in on one of their classes and watch how this program is bringing people together through understanding and collaboration. I’m proud to continue supporting Bring on the Spectrum as they lead the way in creating a community where everyone feels valued and included.

I had the pleasure of visiting Bring On The Spectrum and seeing the impact of their incredible work firsthand. Earlier this year, I secured $30K in state funding to support their new A.D.A.P.T. program, an initiative that helps youth and community groups learn about neurodiversity.

If you are a veteran who is encountering a disruption in services, please call my Legislative Director Dylan MacQuoid at (518) 455-5934.

It is time to call the House of Representatives back into session and for him, the President, and the Senate Majority Leader to engage in serious negotiations with Democrats to reopen the government. It is inexcusable that they are lying to our veterans while impacting the services they are owed.