As the legislative season in Albany begins to wind down,our time is primarily filled with ensuring our local towns and communities are given final support and permissions before the next legislative cycle begins. The bills we pass often come at the request...

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) announced that his resolution (K539) officially recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week—May 18 – 25, 2025—passed the Assembly today with unanimous support. “Our EMS workers are the first to respond...

The Port Jervis Raiders, Minisink Valley Warriors and Highland Falls Raiders are not just team names—they are symbols of our history, our values and our unity. Now, however, these beloved names are under threat of being changed. This is nothing short...

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) and Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) recently introduced the “Affordable NY Act,” a bill aimed at providing tax relief for middle-class and property taxpayers in New York state. The proposal aims to...

The Assembly Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking has completed its work after gathering input from nearly 200 individuals, including survivors, law enforcement and anti-trafficking advocates. This valuable feedback has shaped a comprehensive report...

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R-Deerpark) has been promoted to Chairman of the Assembly Minority Conference’s Committee on Standing Committees, a significant leadership position within the State Assembly. In his new role, Brabenec will oversee key legislative...

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) has announced that the Ramapo-Catskill Library System has been awarded over $1.6 million in state aid for critical library construction projects. This funding includes $75,000 designated for essential improvements...

The fentanyl crisis, exacerbated by the Federal government's failure to secure our southern border, is devastating our communities. This lethal drug has flooded into the United States, leading to a sharp increase in deaths. In New York, fentanyl-related...

Following a week of late-night debates and secret backroom deliberations by the Majority Party, the 2024 Legislative Session ended with a surprising but worthwhile note: the congestion pricing proposal championed by Governor Hochul, which would have charged...

“The leadership of this government continues to meander during the legislative calendar instead of fighting for changes New Yorkers need to happen. While the disastrous congestion pricing proposal has been rightfully halted, the time spent in Albany...

“Any optimism I had that New York was preparing to turn itself around from the fiscal irresponsibility of its past was dashed after hearing our governor’s official budget proposal. I’m never one to immediately shut down conversations about boosting...

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) has partnered with colleagues in the state Assembly to push a proposal forward that would bring an end to congestion pricing, full stop, for all travelers and commuters going in and out of New York City. The proposal...

"As the governor teased her state of the state proposals throughout last week, I was optimistic about the direction she seemed to be taking. Having listened to the full presentation, I am less than enthused. While previously-mentioned initiatives, such...

Albany is alive with political activity once again. Having concluded our ceremonial start of the 2024 session last week, and at the time of writing, eagerly anticipating the governor’s 2024 State of the State address, the wheels of action in our state’s...

"There’s an excitement to returning to Albany, despite the many shortcomings of this state government’s leadership. My partners and I in the legislature have returned for another year of serving the people, and I plan to do just that; we want to ensure...

By the time you’re reading this column, Christmas will have come and gone, meaning New Year’s Day is around the corner, and the holiday lull has officially arrived. Gifts will have been opened, food will have been shared, and it was hopefully a very...

The most wonderful time of the year, indeed! Like many other Americans, Christmas is a truly special time for me and my family. It’s a time for us to put away our other endeavors, gather in the living room and celebrate each other in a season of glad...

Congestion pricing is a term we’ve heard coming out of New York City and the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) for a couple of years now, but it’s never been as real a problem as it just became this week. The MTA board has unilaterally voted to approve...

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941—a pivotal historical moment that reshaped the world. Beyond being a mere date, it serves as a poignant reminder of the past and the invaluable lessons it imparts. The devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor propelled the...

Now that Thanksgiving has ended, the real winter starts. We’ll continue to get colder weather, tougher conditions and higher energy costs to keep our homes warm. But don’t worry, there are alternative ways to help keep the house comfortable while...