This week marked a somber and delayed start to this year’s legislative session due to the death and funeral of former Governor Mario Cuomo, an extraordinary public servant and true champion for the people of the State of New York. The State of the State address, which usually kicks off the legislative session, has been delayed until Jan. 21.

Some of the upcoming session debates will focus on changes to teacher evaluations that the Governor has proposed, in addition to infrastructure investments.

Annual Open House on Friday, January 23rd. You’re invited to join us for our annual open house on Friday, Jan. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. My staff and I look forward to this event every year and hope we’ll be able to welcome you into what is both our Legislative and District Office. You will also have the opportunity to see our most recent art exhibits. We are fortunate to have Albany photographer Mike Brown in one space and artists who participate in the Machine Creative Co-op in the other. For details and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event.

Discussing the policy response to Kenneth White murder. In response to the tragic death of Kenneth White last month, we are following up on a number of concerns raised regarding impediments in access to information for the investigation. As this research continues, I will keep you updated on our progress.

Honoring Famed Author Joseph Persico. It was an honor to join the moving commemoration for the late local author Joseph E. Persico as part of this month's Albany County Honor-A-Vet ceremony. Persico served in the Armed Forces in the early 1950s and went onto an illustrious career that included working for Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller and as an author of twelve books, many of which focused on World War II. Later in life, President George W. Bush named Persico to serve on the World War II American Battle Monuments Commission, where he visited and toured cemeteries and battlefields in Europe to pay respects for a grateful country. Among all his many words, it is Joe's seven profound words etched into the WWII Memorial that will be most remembered: "Here we mark the price of freedom."

Boots to Business program at Watervliet Arsenal. The Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership has announced “Boots to Business: Reboot,” a free, weeklong entrepreneurial training program hosted by the Michael R. McNulty Center for Veteran Entrepreneurial Activity. The program, to be held from Jan. 26 to 30 at the Watervliet Arsenal, is designed to help veterans who want to start, expand, or purchase a small business. For more information, please visit their Web site.

Appearances on Capitol Pressroom and Capital Tonight. This week, I spoke with WCNY’s Susan Arbetter on Capitol Pressroom about my legislative priorities this week. Additionally, I also appeared on Time Warner Cable News’ Capital Tonight this week, speaking with anchor Liz Benjamin about the upcoming legislative session.

Albany Police Department hiring crossing guards. The Albany Police Department is currently seeking qualified candidates interested in becoming a School Crossing Officer. School Crossing Officers work for short periods in the morning, noon, and afternoon when children are traveling to and from school. For more information, click here.

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 news 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