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...

Because the holiday is later in the week, you’d think I’d want to save my thoughts on this year’s Thanksgiving for next week as a wrap-up to what we’ve enjoyed. But the Brabenecs have long enjoyed lively and exciting Thanksgivings in our family,...

This past weekend, Americans worldwide honored our men and women who served with Veterans Day. I, myself, consider Veterans Day to be very important, not only because my father was a Navy veteran and the day gives me an opportunity to remember him intentionally...

As a political representative, I feel comfortable saying that for many of us in this line of work, Abraham Lincoln is a figure we stride ourselves to live up to. His poise, his confidence, his command of the English language, was the right combination...

Fall is in full swing, and it’s been a pleasure to see it in the Hudson Valley. We’re uniquely situated in one of the most gorgeous areas of the state and blessed to see the changing seasons unfold around us. The beautiful fall colors have exploded...

Throughout the month of October, non-for-profits and the people who make them up have been spreading awareness and providing resources in the continuing fight against breast cancer in New York. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second-most common...

Throughout the chaos engulfing New York during the migrant crisis, numerous pressing issues demand resolution. These challenges, from the mismanagement of the registration system to the shortage of housing for migrants, have been exacerbated by political...