Politics

Nearly 12 years ago, when the Thousand Islands-Seaway Wine Trail was created, many wondered how wineries, and in particular the grapes, would survive our harsh weather, our winters.

From the up-close look at the latest in military technology to the incredibly inspiring speech from new 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Commander Major General Brian Mennes, I could not have been happier with the impact my eighth annual ‘10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ at the State Capitol had on my colleagues.

Recently, a group of students from the Phoenix Central School District came to Albany for a very special visit. These students, led by their teachers Carol Blackburn and Colleen Longley, had earlier come up with an idea to better help young people discuss, understand and even cope with mental health issues they may face.

Recently, Robin Phillips, the mother of a high school student in Oswego County called my office, upset with the fact that the new New York State budget eliminated $1 million in important funding to fight Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. As someone who has fought for years for support that has helped fight Lyme disease and raise awareness, I share her frustration.