“As Chair of the Assembly’s Economic Development Committee, I understand that to move our state’s economy forward, especially following the pandemic, we will need to embrace the emerging green technologies. This will include a continued investment in programs such as the Golisano Institute of Sustainability at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) that is providing the research and technical innovations necessary for a sustainable future. New York State must lead the way in developing solar and wind projects that will support green jobs and small businesses in our communities. This will put our state on track for a cleaner and healthier future, while also combatting the ever-present threat of climate change.

The surest way companies are going to grow and succeed, is for the state to re-invest in our infrastructure. This investment is long over-due in many regions, including Monroe County, and will allow us to ensure our roads and bridges are in the condition to service our community for decades to come. We need to connect future facing jobs with a solid foundation, and this infrastructure investment is essential to moving New York’s economy forward.

I applaud the Governor for putting a greener more sustainable economic development agenda forward in his “State of the State” address. I look forward to proposals that offer not only better jobs for our families, but greener jobs for our environment.

Finally, working with my partners at City Hall and colleagues in the Legislature, the ROC the River project has proven to be an exciting regional approach to economic development. I will continue to help advance this project so that future generations of Rochesterians can appreciate the beauty and endless recreational possibilities of the Genesee River. 

This legislative session, our state is facing significant challenges, but I am committed to doing what is best for all the families of our community and across New York State.”