According to the New York State Maple Producers Association, New York is home to the largest source of tappable maple trees in the U.S., making New York an ideal producer of maple syrup. Maple syrup production has been steadily increasing since the late 1990s. In 2016, New York ranked 2nd in the nation, producing more than 700,000 gallons of syrup and second only to Vermont in terms of production.
Across our state, and right here in our region, women are reaching new heights. Whether it be making career advancements or giving back to their community, the impact that women have is tremendous. To celebrate their contributions, I am again accepting nominations for the New York State Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program.
The unfortunate stories of Flint, Michigan, and the lead contamination of its water supply and here in New York in Hoosick Falls with the contamination of their water with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) illustrate that we need to do a better job on both the federal and state level to assist localities to maintain and upgrade their water and sewer systems. Upgrading this infrastructure will not be cheap.
In recent weeks, my colleagues and I have been hard at work crafting a new state budget that will help meet the needs of our state, and create new and better opportunities for all New Yorkers. Just last week, the Senate approved its 2017-18 one-house budget.
March is Women’s History Month and this year marks the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in New York. Many of the early crusaders who fought for the right to vote for U.S. women lived in Upstate New York.
Libraries are more than just places to find books. They are centers of learning, culture and entertainment that exist in communities across our state. As the new chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, I am doing my part to support local libraries and ensure that they can continue to provide the vitally important services countless patrons depend on.
Over the last few weeks, certain self-proclaimed environmental groups have begun an all-out effort to convince the legislature to overturn New York’s newly adopted Clean Energy Standard. The CES is a landmark policy adopted last year by the NYS Public Service Commission with the support of Governor Cuomo, various state legislators (including myself), business groups, environmentalists, and labor organizations.
Every March, people across our country come together to celebrate “Women’s History Month,” a time to recognize the contributions of women to American society. The United States began officially observing Women’s History Month in 1987, and since that time it has served as a way to celebrate the role of women who through their achievements have changed our country for the better.
According to the Healthcare Association of New York State, New York is facing a doctor shortage and that shortage is likely to intensify over the next decade. This is especially problematic for rural and low-income communities where there are even fewer doctors and a particular shortage of primary care doctors.
There is only Earth, and as such, we all have a responsibility to protect it, not only for today, but also for future generations. One of the most important ways we can safeguard our planet, is by teaching young people the importance of taking steps to preserve it. This month, I am again launching my annual Earth Day Poster Contest.
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