My bill allowing bed and breakfasts to sell liquor, ciders, beer, and wine passed in the NYS Senate today. Bed and breakfasts are often locally owned businesses, and under current law, owners face unnecessary limitations when it comes to offering a beverage to their guests.
I partnered with Dapper Rascal Cortland to host Community Office Hours at the Cortland Community Center. Our teams connected with community members to offer support on a range of issues, including housing, healthcare, SNAP benefits, and utility assistance. Thank you to everyone who came.
I joined advocates in Albany for the Just Pay advocacy day. Human services workers play an essential role in caring for our most vulnerable New Yorkers, and they deserve wages that allow them to live with dignity and stability.
I joined thousands of educators and union members from across New York State at the Statewide Rally to Fix Tier 6 in Albany. I’m proud to stand with our educators and union partners as we keep pushing to get this done.
My bill requiring that the governing bodies of hospitals include at least one registered professional nurse from the community as a sitting and voting member passed in the Senate. This legislation affirms something we all know to be true: nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system.
I joined the Mount Sinai church family to celebrate Reverend Jones’ 28th pastoral anniversary. I was proud to present a New York State Senate proclamation honoring Reverend Jones for his years of faithful leadership and service.
My staff joined NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser for the announcement of Three Falls State Park, formerly Camp Barton, along Cayuga Lake. Thank you to Commissioner Moser for your leadership in investing in our region’s outdoor spaces.
My staff visited the Ithaca Chili Cook-Off this weekend. Thank you to the Downtown Ithaca Alliance for organizing this fantastic event that brings people together while supporting free community events and family programming throughout the year.
I joined members of the Broome County Muslim community, along with neighbors and local leaders, for a Ramadan Iftar dinner. Thank you to the organizers who created a welcoming space for fellowship, and connection as families and friends came together to break the fast.
It was great meeting with students and educators from Binghamton University during Community Schools Advocacy Day to discuss the importance of investing in community schools and supporting the success of students and families across our region.
It was a pleasure to join the community in Binghamton for Parade Day. Thank you to everyone who helped organize this celebration, and I hope everyone had a happy and safe day of festivities!
I joined Good Shepherd Communities, LeadingAge New York, families, and caregivers to highlight the need to invest in nursing home care. I will continue fighting in Albany to protect nursing home capacity, support our caregivers, and ensure seniors can age with dignity.
Today, I met with Family & Children’s Counseling Services in Binghamton to discuss statewide mental health and substance use challenges and the resources needed to support families across the district. It was inspiring to hear about the programs connecting communities to care.
Thank you to the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce for bringing together local employers, community leaders, and elected officials for a conversation about workforce development, small business support, and infrastructure investment.
It was great meeting with firefighters from across Broome County to discuss their legislative priorities and the issues impacting fire departments and emergency responders in our communities. Thank you for taking the time to visit Albany and share your perspectives.
My staff attended YWCA Binghamton’s Press Conference announcing the incoming Executive Director, and the retirement of their current Executive Director, Carole Coppens. Coppens led this organization for 25 years.
I spent time with members of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways. Town highway departments play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and moving every day. I appreciate the work these public servants do across the Southern Tier.
My staff joined Broome-Tioga BOCES leadership, educators, and community partners for the groundbreaking of the new Career and Technical Education expansion at the Education Center in Binghamton. This addition will expand capacity and update instructional space to support students.
Common Ground Wellness Center offers a welcoming space for adults struggling with their mental health who want to build relationships, explore work goals, and grow everyday skills. My staff attended the Grand Opening of Catholic Charities’ Common Ground Wellness Center this week.
If you know an educator who demonstrates a commitment to student success, brings innovation into the classroom, and leads with compassion and excellence, I encourage your school to submit a nomination.
Learn more and submit a nomination at the link below:
www.nysenate.gov/questionnair...
My full statement on the evacuation order of the Asteri Ithaca:
I was glad to join DASNY President Rodriguez and the team at the YMCA of Broome County to celebrate the NY BRICKS award supporting renovations at the West Family Branch in Johnson City. This investment will support important updates to the Main Street facility.
I would like to invite you to join me for “Community Office Hours” on March 10th, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Cortland Community Center. I am partnering with Dapper Rascal Cortland to provide resources to the community.
I am pleased to announce my 4th Annual Menstrual Product Drive. I am partnering with local organizations, including Binghamton Metro Doulas, Cortland County Communities of Color (C4), Downtown Ithaca Alliance, and Binghamton University Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ C-STEP Program.
My staff and I partnered with Governor Hochul’s Office, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo’s Office, and Empire State Development to speak with Binghamton University’s College of Community of Public Affairs students about careers in state government.
Read the full joint statement from Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and me on the death of Eslam Hegazy:
I met with leadership from SUNY to discuss budget priorities for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) in the 2026 legislative session. As an EOP Alum, I remain committed to supporting policies and funding that expand access to higher education.
My staff joined Guthrie leadership in Johnson City to celebrate the grand opening of the Guthrie Broome Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Center at Oakdale Commons. This new facility is a major investment in specialty health care access right here in the Southern Tier.
I met with leaders from the BOCES of New York State while they were in Albany to discuss their priorities for the year ahead. I appreciated hearing directly from our local superintendents about the needs of students, educators, and school districts in the Southern Tier.
I am proud to announce that my legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of those affected by intimate partner violence has passed in the New York State Senate.
