New York is one of the most populous states in the nation, yet we continue to have one of the lowest rates of registered organ donors. April is Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a registered organ donor. The number of people on the waiting list in New York can be reduced if more people registered to become an organ donor.
From fighting on the front lines in dangerous conflicts to spending long periods of time away from their loved ones, the sacrifices made by veterans are many and it’s because of those sacrifices that we have our freedom. Every year, I honor veterans from right here in our region through my “Veterans Hall of Fame” program.
State park attendance increased 5% from 2014 to 2015 bringing the estimated number of visits to 65.3 million in 2015. The state has invested in our parks for the past three years to improve everything from, entrances, barbecue pits, campground sites, playground equipment and bathroom facilities. For each $1 invested in parks, there is a cost benefit to the economy of $5.
A few short months ago, we set out to create a new spending plan for New York State that strengthens the middle class, grows our economy, creates brighter futures for students and increases, as well as improves, opportunities for people here in our region, and beyond. I’m pleased to report that we succeeding in achieving those goals.
In effort to provide the Governor and Legislative leaders the political victory of claiming the budget was passed on time, both the State Senate and Assembly worked all night on Thursday in effort to get it passed. However, due to the sheer size of the budget, its complexity and the complete lack of transparency during budget negotiations, it took the Assembly until 8 p.m. April 2 to pass the final budget bill.
Each and every day, libraries across our region, as well as our state, open their doors and invite patrons into a world of knowledge, learning and entertainment. From April 10 to 16, we recognize libraries for the tremendous services they provide to our communities, as well as promote their use through “National Library Week.”
March is Women’s History Month and many of the early crusaders who fought for the right to vote lived in Upstate New York. Men and women helped this cause but three Upstate women in particular, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Matilda Josyln Gage, are credited with shaping the national conversation in the mid and late 1800s, which led to Women’s Suffrage in 1920.
Just recently, I hosted “10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” at the State Capitol to raise awareness about the important role Fort Drum and its soldiers play in our region, state and nation. This special event, which has taken place five years in a row, helps to teach my colleagues, legislative staff members and visitors to the Capitol about the mission of the 10th Mountain Division and the positive impact Fort Drum has on our region, as well as our entire state.
With less than two weeks to go before the state budget is due, one of the most contentious issues remaining is whether the state’s minimum wage should be increased to $15 an hour. This issue does not have to be included in this year’s budget, but rather could be accomplished in a standalone bill.
With less than a month to go before the April 1 state budget deadline, state legislators, party conferences, interest groups and other constituencies are making a final push to influence what is included in this year’s state budget. Topics like a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave and so-called ethics reform have dominated state news.
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