With summer almost upon us, I am happy with the amount of progress that has continued this week both in Albany and the 98th Assembly District.

As we approach the end of the Legislative Session it is critical that we continue to work diligently. This is why I have once again called for a vote on a bill, A.5657a, which would provide more oversight, transparency and auditing of how New Yorkers’ tax dollars are being spent on poor-performing state economic development programs such as the Buffalo Billion and START-UP NY. We must stop wasting valuable taxpayer dollars and seek other ways to make economic development in New York a success.

I am excited to kick off my third year of involvement with the Assembly’s Summer Reading Challenge and enjoyed meeting so many enthusiastic young readers during my trip to Minisink Valley Intermediate School this week. I believe encouraging our youth to read during the summer months, and not just when school is in session, is crucial to making sure their minds stay sharp and continue to develop in a healthy way. Please call my district office at (845) 544-7551 for more information or to get a brochure.

It thrills me to announce the passage of a Resolution, which declares September 17 – 23, 2017 as Constitution Week. This year marks the 230th anniversary of the Constitutional Convention, the foundation of our country’s government. I was pleased o sponsor the resolution.

In addition, I am co-sponsoring a bill, A01652, which would classify certain offenses against police, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel as a hate crime.

Though session may be winding down there is always more we must work on, such as cutting taxes, controlling government spending, ethics reform and working on programs that will actually create jobs and not just empty promises.

Please feel free to contact my office with questions, concerns or ideas while we work towards finishing our business to wrap up the 2017 Legislative Session.