The last place a child should ever feel threatened is at school. Our schools should be safe and intellectually nurturing, but tragedies in places like Parkland, Florida, make it clear that we’re not doing enough to make this a reality. While outlandish...

It’s been nearly 100 years since women gained the right to vote, and this month is devoted to honoring women who have fought to enact change. Yet, we’re still fighting for full gender equality. That’s why I helped pass the Equal Rights...

It’s tax season and with federal tax changes in effect, it’s important that Central New Yorkers know where to go for help when filing their state and federal income taxes. There’s a lot of uncertainty about how the federal Tax Cuts and...

March is just around the corner, and that means it’ll soon be Women’s History Month – a time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of women as well as recognize the individuals who are making a difference today in our community....

Every child deserves to feel safe and welcome in school. The sad reality, however, is that all too many kids suffer physical or emotional abuse at the hands of their peers on a day-to-day basis. Further, in many cases, this torment follows children and...

With this year’s legislative session underway, state budget negotiations aren’t far behind. The budget determines how New York invests taxpayer dollars back into our communities – from strengthening small businesses and local farms to funding...

Common Core testing has been a hot-button issue here in Central New York, with many parents opting their kids out of state tests in record numbers. North Syracuse alone had an average opt-out rate of 30 percent last year.[1] It was clear we needed to...

Voting is the cornerstone of our republic, allowing citizens to create a government that embodies the will of the people. Yet for far too long, New Yorkers have had to navigate a burdensome and inconvenient voting process. This week, my Assembly colleagues...

Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) was recently named the 2018 Farm Family Advocate of the Year by NY FarmNet, an organization which helps local farmers and their families thrive by providing free, confidential consulting services. “New York’s...

We’ve had a beautiful summer here in Central New York. But now, as August turns to September, it’s that time of the year when parents are sending their children off to school. As they do, it’s critical that we remind ourselves about the importance...

Every day, Central New Yorkers from all sectors of the workforce enable our economy and our communities to grow through their hard work and dedication. From manufacturing workers and teachers, to emergency responders and health care workers, everyone...

Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that legislation he authored to allow the North Syracuse Central School District to submit its final cost reports for past approved school capital improvement projects without penalty was signed into law by the...

Nearly a century ago, the 19th Amendment was ratified allowing women to access our most sacred democratic institution – the right to vote. It marked a major turning point in American history, finally tackling one of the many injustices faced by women...

August is here, which means it’s almost time for this year’s New York State Fair. Every summer I look forward to making it out to the fairgrounds to enjoy great food, live music and captivating exhibitions with family and friends. The New York...

August is National Water Quality Month, an important time to remember what we can do to protect ourselves from harmful toxins that can compromise the quality of our drinking water and natural resources. By being proactive, we can keep ourselves safe from...

While many of us take time to relax this summer, remember that local farmers are hard at work providing our families with the fresh and locally sourced products we rely on. Their dedication helps fuel the local economy year-round. The...

After 12 years, my annual Lifesavers Blood Drive is still going strong, and it’s thanks to the efforts and generosity of Central New Yorkers. With your help, we were able to have our most successful drive to date, with a record 182 units of blood donated...

The heroin epidemic continues to cut promising lives short and tear families apart across our nation. Sadly, New York State is far from immune to the scourge of opioid addiction. From 2015 to 2016, our state saw a nearly 30 percent increase in the number...

Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that he will be hosting his 12th annual Lifesavers Blood Drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, July 17, from noon to 8 p.m. at Driver’s Village, 5885 E. Circle Drive in Cicero. “Donating...

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to take advantage of all our local parks have to offer. Whether it’s walking scenic trails, visiting waterfalls, canoeing, camping or fishing, Central New York’s parks offer recreational activities...