Once again, June is here and the Assembly session has come to an end. I just returned to my home in Black River, and to my District office. As I return, I wanted to take the time to reflect on this legislative session.Over the past few months, I have worked hard to pass numerous laws that will allow our counties to thrive and prosper. My priority is allowing the people of New York to make their own decisions with as little government oversight as possible. I want to support my counties by not supporting legislation with unfunded mandates.

During this legislative session, agriculture has been one of my main focuses. I have placed an emphasis on the importance of an agricultural education, proposing a youth development agriculture technology challenge (A.1528). This competition will bring young people together who have experience in agriculture and technology, creating a scenario where those interested in agriculture can share their ideas with those interested in technology to solve issues facing agriculture and food production. I also proposed an amendment to the current Nourish NY Anti-Hunger Program that provides New Yorkers in need with access to fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products (A.9259). The amendment is responsible for including whole and 2% fat milk in the program, which will allow a more nutritious form of milk for those in need, as well as an additional market for our farms.

In addition to agriculture, I have devoted much of my time to proposals that would cut costs for hospitals in New York and reduce the burden of medical expenses. To further offset costly medical expenses, A.0219 would authorize Medicaid reimbursement to medical service agencies that provide medical services to individuals outside of a hospital. Under current law, medical service agencies must bring individuals to hospitals to receive Medicaid reimbursement. However, in some scenarios, people should be treated directly at the scene of the injury. This law will change that so these medical service agencies don’t need to waste time and can treat people directly when they need it most. Fire vehicles and ambulances must be able to get to their destination as quickly as possible, and they should not pay a fee to the state while driving an emergency vehicle which is why I introduced a plan that would ensure the Thruway Authority issues permits to ambulances and firetrucks so they can avoid tolls in times of emergency (A.6136). It is completely unnecessary. This law is helping our medical service industry be more efficient and cost-effective without cutting funding. While many great strides were made, I wish that more of the EMS bills could have been pushed through the Assembly. Unfortunately, many bills that would have helped the people of New York were thrown out for petty political reasons.

Besides agriculture and medical care, the job of the legislature needs to be the protection of the youth. We now live in a time where access to information is more readily available than ever before, and with these new technologies, there needs to be laws in place that protect our children. By passing the New York Child Protection Act, we have restricted companies from selling/utilizing data from individuals under the age of 18 in an effort to protect their privacy.

Now that the session is over, I am headed back to our communities full-time to put the rest of the work in with all of you. Together, we can make sure the North Country and Mohawk Valley are places where citizens are put first.