I am pleased to report that legislation I sponsored in the Assembly was signed into law by Governor Cuomo this week! Earlier this week, I appeared on Capital Tonight to discuss these measures, which include:

Increased penalties for public lewdness offenders. Indecent exposure or public lewdness - especially on repeated occasions or in the presence of children – is an unacceptable act that requires a tougher criminal response. This is an issue that is important to me not just as a legislator and a New Yorker, but as a mother, and I am proud that the Governor is standing with us and signing this bill into law It is my hope that this new law will serve as a deterrent and I am confident that it will ultimately help protect New Yorkers and lead to safer communities across the state.

Renewal of Albany’s residential permit parking system. The Governor also signed the renewal of the two-year old residential parking system for the City of Albany. This allows for further review of the program's success in alleviating parking problems for Albany residents who live within a one-mile radius of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza.

Pilot program for red light cameras at Albany city intersections. The Governor signed legislation that I sponsored which allows for the City of Albany, should the Mayor and the Common Council approve the measure, to adopt a local law establishing a five year demonstration program for red light cameras in Albany. The bill authorizes Albany to install and operate traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring devices at no more than twenty intersections.

I spoke with Capital Tonight’s Liz Benjamin about these pieces of legislation. In case you missed it, visit their Web site link to view the interview.

Events in and around the 109th:

Helderberg Theatre Festival. The Classic Theater Guild, in conjunction with Indian Ladder Farms, are presenting ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Pinocchio’ as part of this year’s Helderberg Theatre Festival. Free to attend. For more information, visit Indian Ladder Farms’ Web site.

Shakespeare in the Park. Steamer No.10 Theatre will host Albany’s Shakespeare in the Park, taking place in Lincoln Park. Shows will be performed on a newly created stage on the East lawn of the Sunshine School (116 Delaware Avenue, Albany.) The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged and revised) will be performed on August 8 at 6 p.m. and August 9 at 1 p.m., with performances using natural light. Admission is free. For more information, visit Steamer No. 10's Web site.

100th Anniversary of World War I. 100 years ago this year marked the beginning of World War I, a global event that marked seismic changes in warfare, diplomacy, technology, economics, and so much more around the world. On August 4 at 5:30 p.m., a ceremony will be held at the corner of Madison and Western avenues in Albany to commemorate this anniversary, followed by events and activities to mark the occasion. Presented by Tierra Coffee Roasters/Madison Theater and Price Chopper Supermarkets. More event information can be found here.

National Night Out. This year’s National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 5. Communities and neighborhoods throughout the 109th will be hosting events. For more information about National Night Out, visit their Web site.

Celebrate Summer Reading in the 109th. Public libraries, through their summer reading programs are the best antidote for the ‘summer slide’ in children’s reading achievement, putting books directly in the hands of children. It is estimated that school summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected. I’ll be visiting Albany, Bethlehem, and Altamont throughout the summer to promote summer reading.

+ Wednesday, July 30 at 10:30 p.m. (Altamont Free Library) – Story Time

Job Opportunities: New York State has setup a new job portal entitled Jobs Express, where thousands of private and public sector jobs are listed. Visit jobs.ny.gov for more information on how to apply for these opportunities.

As always, for the latest about my office’s happenings or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, on Twitter, or my Times Union blog. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note.

Sincerely ---

Pat