Politics

There are many kids in our area who wish to improve our communities and our state. I recently had the privilege to meet with a group of them at the APW School District. The group is interested in changing state laws and learning how our government works.

Domestic violence is a widespread problem across the nation and in New York. According to the State Office of Court Administration, in 2016 more than 28,000 domestic assaults were reported to police agencies outside of New York City. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a reminder that this type of abuse is prevalent and that educating the public on this important topic can help save lives.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 15,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and almost 2,600 women die from the disease each year in New York State. Early detection, however, has played a tremendous role in saving lives and allowing many people to live cancer free for years after initial diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 90 out of 100 women survive breast cancer for five years or more after being diagnosed thanks to early detection.

Too often it goes unrecognized, but New York state is a leader in agriculture. The farmers in our state grow and produce a diverse range of commodities and Upstate’s nutrient-rich soils give way to some of the best products in the nation. Year after year, New York farms produce award-winning dairy products, wines, and apples that we can be proud to call homegrown.