It's been an unusually busy couple of weeks here in the Capital Region — from an update in the Schoharie limousine crash story, to the new roll-out of the state's license plates that have dominated the news cycle lately. As always — read on for legislative and community updates.

Happy belated Labor Day - this Labor Day, we remember more than ever the contributions of countless American workers and the labor movement for earned benefits such as; the weekend, an 8 hour workday, unions, collective bargaining, and much more. With worker’s rights under attack throughout the country, we must remain vigilant in our defense of the American worker.

Gun Violence. With regard to the latest mass killing in Texas, I issued the following statement:

"Another weekend with more violence, more gun madness. How many innocent lives must be shattered before Congress acts on commonsense gun legislation? More and more Americans recognize this is not the way to distinguish ourselves as leaders of the free world. In New York State, we've taken commonsense measures most other developed nations have implemented to good effect. The nation should follow suit. Enough is enough."

Passing of Senator Bill Larkin - An American Hero. From soldier to Senator - a true life-long public servant - and always a gentleman and statesman. It was an honor and privilege to have known former NYS Senator Bill Larkin.

NEW PODCAST EPISODE

Tune in for a new episode of The Fahy Files, and another in our 'Unelected Changemakers' series with Jeff Buell, Principal at Redburn Development, who are involved in rehabbing a number of historic properties and otherwise throughout the Capital Region.

We sit down to answer the question; "How is The Knickerbocker still making news 145 years later?"

To listen to our other episodes in the Unelected Changemakers series, just follow this link.

SUMMER 2019 NEWSLETTER & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

You should have received our Annual Legislative Newsletter Update in the mail last week! If not, just follow this link to view an electronic version (also downloadable) on my official Assembly website.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & PRESS EVENTS

Families of Schoharie Limo Crash Victims Sue Mavis Inspection Shop. I introduced legislation following the tragic Schoharie limo crash last November (A.4782) that would have prevented this Mavis shop from issuing the limousine involved in the crash a new inspection sticker. Incredibly, the shop knew its employees were not legally or New York State Department of Transportation certified to complete an inspection of the limo, informed the Hussains of the serious defects requiring immediate repair - yet issued the sticker anyways. My legislation authorizes the state to revoke Mavis' inspection station certificate, impose fines and penalties, and helps prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future.

Automatic Expungement of Marijuana Records to Begin. As one of the first NYS lawmakers to call for automatic expungement of criminal records for those with low-level marijuana offenses, this is encouraging news. Individuals should not have to bear the economic burden of attorney fees to simply clear their records in accordance with the new law. Records will be automatically erased for those convicted of low-level marijuana offenses beginning next Monday, August 26th. On that date, those records will also stop showing up in employer background check searches. Expungement of all records will take up to a year for DCJS to complete. For more information, please click on this link.

New York League of Conservation Voters Scorecard - 100%! Proud to have received a 100% score on the New York League of Conservation Voters's voting scorecard from this year's session. Passing the strongest climate legislation in the country and continuing to preserve NY's natural resources reflect a legislation session that prioritized protecting our environment.)

New License Plate Roll-out. If current New York State license plates can be read by E-Z pass scanners, why a “mandatory” replacement and an extra charge to keep your plate number? The Department of Motor Vehicles needs to rethink these fees and their impact on the taxpayers of New York.

Vacant and Abandoned Building Legislation Signed Into Law. Proud to join a push this morning on Delaware St. to urge enactment of my colleague Assemblymember John McDonald’s legislation to cut the state’s timeframe for tax redemption on vacant and abandoned properties. This measure goes a long way towards reducing the number of red ‘X’ placards that are common in too many neighborhoods, helping them retain greater collective property value, and attract new investment. Key housing reform that is needed to address blight found throughout Upstate NY’s communities.

Hudson River Cleanup Update. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's own reports, we cannot scientifically conclude without an additional several years of data that the dredging conducted in the Hudson River adequately has protected this fragile ecosystem from PCBs. Decades after GE’s pollution of New York’s mightiest river, communities throughout the Hudson Valley are still coping with the environmental and economic consequences. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has stated that PCB contaminant levels in the Hudson River remain too high for sediment dredging to completely cease. I applaud the decision announced today by New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Andrew Cuomo to sue the EPA over their premature and unwarranted decision.

Trump Admin. Rollback of Auto Emission Standards. Kudos to the State of California for insisting on stricter car emission standards - despite the #Trump administration’s effort to roll them back and ignore the growing crisis of climate change. Even major automakers know that a split car market with different emission standards is simply bad for business. This is exactly why the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation mirrors California’s car emissions standards here in New York.

Trump Admin. Rollback of Methane Regulations. Here we go again with more environmental rollbacks (84 and counting!) by the Trump Administration - with serious long term consequences for the air we breath, the ozone, and climate change - just for starters.

NY Times Op-Ed on Electric Bikes and Scooters. More on the merits of electric bikes and the options it opens up for aging baby boomers, veterans with disabilities and more, as well as helping to grow tourism and access to jobs.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Albany Stratton VA Medical Center Visit. It was great to speak with veterans last week at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center to pay tribute to those who’ve served as part of their commemoration of Women's Equality Day. Thank you to all those members of the military currently serving and to those who have served our country in the past.

2019 Albany Latin Fest. It was great to join the community for the celebration of Albany's Latin Fest 2019! Check out photos from the event here - and great to speak alongside UAlbany President Havidan Rodriguez!

Updated Albany Bike Map! The Albany Bicycle Coalition has updated their 'BikeAlbanyMap' for the Capital Region and details some of the improvements underway around the area in the way of bike trails and bike lanes. Check it out and acclimate yourself to any new changes in the trail system.

Women's Equality Day 2019. Happy (belated) Women's Equality Day 2019! The 19th Amendment, extending American women the right to vote, was ratified and added to the United States Constitution just over 99 years ago. Today, 1/4 of Congress is female, and 32% of New York State legislators are women.

Apply to Work With the 2020 U.S. Census. The 2020 U.S. Census is fast approaching and it is essential that Albany and the Capital Region receive an accurate count. The Census determines our area's share of federal funds that help create opportunities and help to repair our transportation infrastructure - as well as New York's Congressional representation in the House of Representatives. For more information and to help ensure we receive an accurate and fair count in 2020, 'like' and follow the Albany Counts page linked here for updates. A link on my official Assembly website is also available for your resource.

Myrtle Avenue Fire Disaster Relief. My thoughts are with the victims of last week's tragic fire on Myrtle Ave in Albany. Many thanks to the first responders and to the American Red Cross Eastern New York for their quick response that prevented any casualties. I applaud the coordination of City and County agencies in order to provide comprehensive disaster relief to victims, and I thank the community-at-large for coming out in strong support of our neighbors who have had their lives turned upside down.

Empire State Plaza Modern Art Collection. Wonderful to have joined Fabienne Powell, Assistant Curator of the Empire State Plaza Art Collection, along with constituents and visitors from California (who came to Albany just to see the collection!) yesterday, for a tour of the country’s largest public modern art collection. Thanks to all who joined us! Tours of the collection begin every Monday at 1:00p in the Corning Tower concourse level lobby, and can be made by appointment at (518) 474-2418.

Albany County Rail Trail Updates. Exciting updates and news on the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail this week from Town of New Scotland Supervisor Doug LaGrange - read this Altamont Enterprise article to read more!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

League of Women Voters Public Forum. The League of Women Voters of Albany County is holding a public information seminar on September 8th, 2019, at B'Nai Sholom Reform Congregation to discuss what the series of new voting reforms means for voters in upcoming elections, and to answer any questions you may have. Come learn about new early voting, party enrollment deadlines, expanded polling hours, and more!

CCE's Family Farm Day. Join the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County at Two Rock Ranch in Berne, on Sunday, September 8th, from 10 - 4 PM for a hands-on farm experience for the whole family with outdoor activities and food for all!

Washington Park Farmer's Market. The Washington Park Farmer's Market will again be held this Saturday and every other Saturday in August and September, starting at 10 am. Stop by for some incredible local produce.

USS Slater Events. Check out the USS Slater's website for more information on events and tours that are featured during the month of August - save some time to visit this national treasure right here in the heart of downtown Albany and the Capital Region.

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