Press Releases

Coast Guard Announcement Terrific News for Area

“Today’s announcement by the Coast Guard is terrific news for the Hudson River and the countless community members, businesses, organizations and elected officials — of both parties — who opposed the anchorages proposal. It brings welcome relief...

Assemblymember Barrett Passes Legislation to Combat Hudson River Anchorages

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D, Columbia-Dutchess) announced legislation she sponsored to fight the Hudson River anchorages passed the Assembly A.6825-A. The US Coast Guard’s anchorage proposal has been met with widespread opposition from the residents,...

Assemblymember Barrett Stands Up for Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims

“Passing the Child Victims Act today is a long overdue step in recognizing, supporting and empowering victims of child sexual abuse. This devastating predatory and coercive behavior has no place in our society and we must do all we can to end it. I...

Assemblymember Barrett Stands Up for Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims

“Passing the Child Victims Act today is a long overdue step in recognizing, supporting and empowering victims of child sexual abuse. This devastating predatory and coercive behavior has no place in our society and we must do all we can to end it. I...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett Statement on Ride-Sharing

“The residents of Columbia County and all those using the Hudson train station have waited too long for the convenience of ride-sharing. On June 29th, ride-sharing will at last be available to Columbia County visitors and residents. While these new...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett Statement on EPA Decision

“The Hudson River is the lifeline of this region; it connects us economically, culturally, and historically. This decision by the EPA highlights how the alarming policies coming out of Washington directly impact us here in the Hudson Valley. Scientific...

New Yorkers Deserve Affordable and Comprehensive Health Care

“While Washington toys with providing affordable and accessible health care for the American people. I joined with my colleagues in the NY State Assembly to affirm that access to comprehensive health coverage is a right not a luxury. I support The New...

Assemblymember Barrett’s Bill Ensuring Tax Relief for Veterans Passes Assembly

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced the passage of legislation she sponsored that ensures veterans of recent conflicts receive the property tax exemptions to which they are entitled. The measure directs the Division of Veterans’...

State Budget Invests in Hudson Valley Farmers

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced the 2017-18 state budget includes key initiatives that will directly impact Hudson Valley farms including funding for a first in the nation carbon farming proposal that she developed, as well...

Statement on Hudson River Barge Incident

“The grounding of a barge carrying 2.5 million gallons of gasoline just below the Rip Van Winkle Bridge makes clear the inherent risks that petroleum transportation poses for our Hudson River Valley and its residents. What if this barge were carrying...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett on state budget extender

"I am enormously frustrated that after weeks of long discussions and intense negotiations we still have not come together to produce a state budget for the 2017-18 year. This is the first time we have had a late budget since I was first elected in March...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett Statement on the Clean Power Plan

“The recent Presidential Executive Order rolling back the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan and removing considerations of climate change from federal rule making demands a new call to action for states to take the lead in addressing the very...

Barrett and Serino Take Aim at Anchorage Proposal

Albany, NY – With the U.S. Coast Guard proposing to establish new anchorage points across over 90 miles of the Hudson River, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess), Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) and Scenic Hudson teamed up today...

Assemblymember Barrett Releases Booklet Celebrating Remarkable Hudson Valley Women

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) has released the fourth volume of “Women’s History in the Hudson Valley: Ten Stories from Columbia and Dutchess Counties” in celebration of Women’s History Month. The booklet shares the stories of 10 regional...

Assemblymember Barrett Introduces First of its Kind Legislation on Carbon Farming

In a win-win move for both farmers and the environment, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) opened the new legislative session with groundbreaking legislation creating a carbon farming tax credit (A3281). The plan will give farmers a welcome...

Assemblymember Barrett Votes for Measures to Improve Government Accountability

“New Yorkers should expect their public servants to represent them and not the needs of special interest groups. This week I sponsored and voted for two bipartisan ethics reform measures to deny pensions for corrupt politicians and prevent conflicts...

Assemblymember Didi Barrett Named Chair of the Assembly’s Task Force on People with Disabilities

Speaker Carl E. Heastie has named Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D - Columbia, Dutchess) to be Chair of the Assembly’s Task Force on People with Disabilities. As an advocate for the disability community, this new appointment works in conjunction with...

Hudson River PCB Statement

“The Hudson River is the lifeline of this region; it connects us economically, culturally, and historically. I commend New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos for calling on the EPA to re-examine the cleanup...

Water Infrastructure Grants Statement

"In our region we too often struggle with aging, inadequate – or in some cases no – water infrastructure. This investment by the state signifies its commitment to improving public health, the environment and the economy. These grants will help ease...

Comptroller Audit Statement

“I applaud Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for his audit identifying inappropriate Medicaid spending by the state and for putting forth a plan of action that will allow New York to recoup its overpayments. As always, our major concern is any potential impact...