Today, as in every year, we gathered at the NYS Police Officers Memorial on the Plaza to reflect on those we've lost, both in the line of duty and to Ground Zero-related illnesses. Sixty-eight names have been added to the wall. Now etched in granite, they will not be forgotten.

Today the Assembly welcomed guest Rosario Dawson, here in Albany to advocate for my colleague Assemblymember Dr. Anna R. Kelles' Fashion Act, a bill I co-sponsor and which aims to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. (My kids will be excited to see I met Ahsoka!)

Proud to co-sponsor this resolution, celebrating the educators 'who fill many roles such as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators and mentors; and who continue to influence their students long after the school days are only memories.' Happy #TeacherAppreciationDay , all.

When it comes to NY's climate goals, stakeholders must be assured that our switch from fossil fuels will be safe. That the tech is readily available, reliable, and affordable. Insisting on aggressive transition deadlines is not the way to calm concerns.
buffalonews.com/news/local/edu…

The Town of Tonawanda Youth, Parks & Recreation team told me recently that they'd nominated me for New York State Recreation & Park Society's Elected Official of the Year Award - and that I'd won! I was speechless. I'm always sharing my passion for parks and rec, which I consider the lifeblood of any community. This honor means a lot.

Let's applaud artist Matt Duquette on his new addition to the Town Aquatic & Fitness Center! As with our exterior mural, I secured the funds to commission the project, and it came together with the invaluable support of Arts Services Inc. (ASI), @tonawandaYPR and the Town Board. Great work, Matt.

Don't forget, our recycling event is this Saturday!

Coming up at North Park Branch Library. Hope to see you there! I'm still trying to pick the right children's book. 🤔

Had to mark the completion of this long-awaited safety enhancement at Ellicott Creek Road and Thistle Avenue. The Parkview community has been advocating for warning lights at the crossing that leads to the park, so I was happy to secure state funding for the Town to get it done.

Don't forget to vote today in the special election for the 26th Congressional District! Polls are open until 9 p.m.
Erie County: elections.erie.gov
Niagara County: elections.niagara.ny.us

Thank you, Kenmore Fire, for inviting me to last night's officer installation. And thank you, members, for your service. You sacrifice time with family, tending to others' loved ones in their times of greatest need. You are remarkable.

Had the pleasure today of speaking to the Kenmore Staff Development Policy Board. The executive budget cut millions for professional development hubs like this one. Happy to share that with my colleagues' support, we got a final budget that restored Teacher Centers' full funding.

The budget added $50M to Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding - the first increase since 2012. That means the Twin Cities, the Town, Kenmore, and Buffalo will have more state help managing expenses. We also increased CHIPs by $60M, to help with local road repairs.

Spent my morning at Kenmore West, for the Counseling Center's Career Expo. This is a great event offering an array of opportunities, from the private and public sectors, unions, you name it. I fielded some truly sophisticated questions about government. Always fun to visit West!

In this week’s The Kenton Bee 🗞️:

It's always a pleasure meeting with GiGi's Playhouse Inc Buffalo Executive Director Emily Mondschein, who visited my office today to discuss how I as a lawmaker can best support individuals with Down syndrome. She is just a tireless advocate for the families she serves.

I must also share, the new state budget includes $3.5M in restored and additional funds for veterans' programs. The figures: $8M to fully fund the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program, nearly $5M for the State Veterans Cemetery, and $500K for the care of homeless vets.

I fought hard this budget for a COLA for the Direct Support Professionals who care for our I/DD community, and a rate increase for Early Intervention services. The outcome: a 3.2% COLA for DSPs, and a 5% raise for EI, plus 4% more in high-need areas. We'll keep advocating. 💪

Warm wishes for a blessed and joyous holiday.

Another budget highlight: an additional $55.7M to increase the TAP income limits (e.g., from $80,000 to $125,000 for dependent students) and raise the minimum award from $500 to $1,000. TAP was a lifeline for me as a young adult, so I'm especially proud of this one.