This year, we have experienced a slew of complex and unprecedented national defense challenges, from high-altitude Chinese balloons entering U.S. airspace to an immigration crisis at a level never before seen in New York. Some of our greatest adversaries,...

National Pet Fire Safety Day is coming up on July 15. With the hot weather that’s been sweeping in this week, it’s crucial to be aware of the hazards that may arise with dry weather. Be sure to adhere to established safety protocols and conduct regular...

As a lifelong resident of Black River and the representative for the North Country, I understand the hardships that come with living in a rural community. Rural suicide rates continue to be a pressing concern, highlighting the need for increased awareness,...

This week, the budget process in Albany continued as both the state Senate and Assembly released their ‘One-House’ proposals. Think of these proposals as counter offers to the governor’s budget proposal that she rolled out last month. Now that the...

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is full speed ahead on the ‘Advanced Clean Car II’ regulations that would require all passenger cars and trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. I have expressed serious concerns with...

“I was proud to once again join my colleagues and highway superintendents from around the state to call for increased funding for our local roads, bridges and culverts. Our North Country and Mohawk Valley roadways take a beating from the harsh winter...

With under a month to go before the final state budget is due, it is important to remind the governor and my colleagues in the Majority about the importance of funding our local roads. Since the governor rolled out her budget proposal a little over a...

The topic of Medicaid funding has been relatively alarming lately, as it is crucial for many families throughout the state. Medicaid is an important health care option for pregnant women, single individuals, low-income families or individuals who are...

In past columns, I spoke about the importance of including ‘biomass’ under the renewable energy umbrella. Albany Majority lawmakers who continue to push their radical climate agenda have failed to recognize the need for bioenergy and biomass, especially...

Earlier this week, Gov. Hochul delivered her annual budget address laying out her priorities for the upcoming year and how she plans to fund them. While not shocking, but still disappointing, the total price tag of her plan set another record high, coming...

“Gov. Hochul’s budget proposal is another bloated, unmitigated disaster for New York taxpayers that yet again totals well over $200 billion. This budget does not accurately reflect the financial struggles New Yorkers are facing as they continue under...

Earlier this week, our Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences hosted a press conference at the Capitol renewing our call for increased public safety measures and a repeal of previously-passed bail laws. We were joined by family members of crime victims,...

The governor delivered her annual State of the State address earlier this week and spoke about the issues of crime, affordability and the continued exodus of residents, but she gave little to no detail on how we will make substantive changes. While we...

“Today, Gov. Hochul delivered a State of the State address that wasn’t rooted in reality. Unfortunately, single-party rule is failing New York residents. Look no further than a recent Times Union report detailing another 180,000 people leaving our...

Christmas is right around the corner, and I hope that you and your families are taking advantage of all the great holiday events happening in the North Country and Mohawk Valley. With Christmas comes a new year, and with a new year comes a new legislative...

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation (S.8726A/A10024-A) that will rename State Route 283 in Jefferson County after Col. (Ret.) Michael Plummer. The legislation was sponsored by state Sen. Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush. Before...

Recently in the news, we have seen there is a kerosene shortage effecting both retailers and customers. This news comes on the heels of National Grid telling its customers to brace for substantial rate hikes on their energy bills this winter, up to 39%...

In past columns, I have warned of the dangers of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and its ambitious goals at making New York a zero-emissions state. Many deadlines within the plan are not too far in the future, so not only is...

I want to thank and show my support for members of the Jefferson County Legislature who passed a resolution protesting New York’s latest round of restrictive gun laws. Back in June, Gov. Hochul rushed lawmakers back to Albany to push her latest round...

The Farm Laborer Wage Board is set to make a final recommendation on the overtime threshold for farm workers on Sept. 6. I want to begin by thanking all the North Country and Mohawk Valley residents who have called into the wage board, the governor and...