Much of the news this week was dominated by news at the national level as the President and his administration were implicated in a constitutional crisis that led to the announcement of formal impeachment proceedings brought forth by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We'll continue to follow this rollercoaster as this process and events unfold. In other news, New York has officially extended the date to register to vote or change party affiliation from October 11th to February 14th before New York's Presidential primary date of April 28th, 2020. A court decision has also paved the way for the state to adopt legislation I carry for New York to adopt the nation's strongest net neutrality standards. As always, read on for more state news and community updates and events!

Small Business Forum at the New STEAM Garden: Starting, Sustaining, and Growing a Small Business

"Assemblymembers Patricia Fahy and John McDonald join Senator Neil Breslin in hosting a Small Business Forum with Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), at the new STEAM Garden incubator and co-working space on October 16th. The forum will feature a panel of entrepreneurs and small business owners speaking to their experience about what works for small businesses in starting and sustaining a business; advice to help replicate this success; and, what challenges continue to exist for small businesses in the State of New York. Members from the local and regional business community are invited to attend this free forum. Doors open at 9:30a for coffee and networking!"

You are encouraged to RSVP by registering for the event at the Eventbrite link here if you plan to attend the forum so that we may plan accordingly. All are welcome to attend regardless of RSVPing.

OP-ED: Demolish I-787 and the Capital Region will Flourish.

Please take a minute to read my opinion piece in the Albany Times Union: Demolish I-787 and the Capital Region will flourish.

“As a consequence of decades of car-centric policies, the costs of I-787 to Capital Region residents have been significant and detrimental. These costs go far beyond the projected repair estimates for the aging infrastructure – already slated at almost $900 million.”

STATEMENT

National news regarding President Trump continues to dominate the news cycle. The actions of the President and his administration justify the impeachment proceedings brought forth by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - please read my official statement below or visit this link.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & PRESS EVENTS

U.S. Appeals Court Decision Paves Way for Net Neutrality in NYS. This week's long awaited court decision means that states can now set their own net neutrality and open internet standards, regardless of the Federal Communications Commission's rollback of national standards put in place by the Obama administration back in 2017. Since that repeal, one major report has described telecommunication company data/speed throttling as 'happening everywhere, almost all the time', unbeknownst to most consumers. This ruling renews the urgency to pass my legislation next session - one of the strongest net neutrality bills in the country - to protect and provide a free and open internet for all in New York State. Read more in this City & State article, which highlights provisions of my legislation and why it's so important to have strong net neutrality standards here in New York.

Enthusiasm for Revitalizing Cap. Region's Urban Core Grows. Enthusiasm for revitalizing our core urban areas is growing at an exponential pace - with several projects underway in downtown Albany that promise to usher in long-term transformational change. Another great piece from Chris Churchill highlighting many of these projects and what it means for a more walkable and connected city. I recently sat down with Jeff Buell for a podcast to discuss what this revitalization might mean for the future of downtown Albany more generally. Listen here: "How is The Knickerbocker making news 175 years later?"

Gov. Signs New Law Extending Party Enrollment Deadlines. Voters will now have until February 14th instead of the previous, archaic deadline of October 11th to change their party enrollment status ahead of New York's Presidential primary election date of April 28th, 2020. This is a key change in our election law that will enable even greater participation in our democracy and crucially, in primary elections. I'm pleased to see this legislation signed into law alongside a series of much needed voting reforms passed this session that will continue making voting more accessible and easier in New York State. Read more by following this link!

Albany Named One of NY's 'Climate Smart Communities'. Sixteen municipalities including the City of Albany and communities throughout New York were designated as "Climate Smart Communities" by the Governor's office on Friday as part of ongoing initiative to work with local governments to achieve New York's ambitious climate goals. The municipalities that were awarded the designation demonstrated strong and bold action taken over the past year or two in relation to meeting the state's climate goals and reducing their carbon and environmental impact. Albany has taken bold and demonstrable steps towards confronting and combating climate change over the past few years through several various, effective initiatives.

$20 Million Released from State VW Settlement for Electric Vehicles. The Governor announced on Thursday that more than $20 million would be made available to help increase the number of electric vehicles - namely, diesel trucks and buses - and help support the transition away from fossil fuel infrastructure. The funds are a part of the Volkswagen settlement which provided millions in dollars of funding for states seeking to curb the largest source of carbon emissions - the transportation sector - and increase electric vehicle ownership.

NYS to Partner with Denmark and Ireland re: Clean Energy. New York State will partner with Denmark and Ireland in an effort to improve the state's clean energy efficiency standards and ensure the new offshore wind project is as efficient as possible in terms of delivering power to where it's needed most on the grid. I'm pleased to see the state working with two countries who have been revolutionary in leading the way on incorporating clean and renewable energy sources into their power grid.

MyPayrollHR CEO Arraigned in Court. Encouraging to see there are consequences to the actions of MyPayrollHR - the Clifton Park payroll company that left tens of thousands of workers throughout the U.S. without paychecks or even took money from their accounts on payday. I've introduced legislation that would provide greater oversight authority to the Department of Financial Services when it comes to other companies similar to MyPayrollHR. I'm pleased that those workers affected will have access to financial restitution in the future.

Register to Vote Online and National Voter Reg. Day. National Voter Registration Day was this past week - and the state's new online voter registration tool will allow New Yorkers to register to vote completely online - a resource that will help drive even more to register to vote. These days, your vote matters more than ever. It is our most basic, fundamental right in a democratic society. If you need to register to vote for the first time or update your information - please do so online (new!) at this link by clicking on this link.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Albany County Land Bank Seeking Community Input. The Albany County Land Bank Corporation is seeking feedback from developers and community stakeholders on the redevelopment potential of three clusters of properties in the City of Albany, New York; Cluster #1 in the South End, Cluster #2 in Arbor Hill/West Hill, Cluster #3 in Beverwyck on Ontario Street. Please take the time to give community feedback by the deadline of October 15th.

Women's Club of Albany Gets Makeover via DASNY Grant. The front porch of the Women's Club of Albany on Madison Avenue will be renovated thanks a grant secured by the Women's Club through my office - read more about it here!

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. You may also visit 2020census.gov/jobs to view the list of available positions.

Albany Pine Bush - New Interactive Website! The Albany Pine Bush Preserve announced the launch of its new website over the last few weeks, which you can visit by clicking on this link and use to help plan your visit to the Pine Bush before winter!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Food Pantry at St. Vincent's Fundraiser. The Food Pantry at St. Vincent's will host a 'Brunch and Art' sale at the Hibernian Hall on Sunday, October 27, from 11:30 to 1:30, featuring local artists' work that have been generously donated. Please consider supporting the Northeast Regional Food Bank at this event.

Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy - Map Your Visit! The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy released a new mapping tool available online and through the mobile app store that allows hikers to map their visit at any of the MHLC's preserves and the Albany County Rail Trail. Use it to plan your next visit!

The Fix Bakery and Cafe Grand Opening. Check out the newest small (and women-owned) business addition to the Pine Hills Neighborhood this Saturday at 12 PM for their official ribbon cutting; The Fix Cafe & Bakery!

Community Loan Fund Annual Celebration. Please join the Community Loan Fund for their Annual Community Loan Fund Celebration. There will be food, festivities, and presentations from our borrowers. The event will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 5pm-7pm at the Washington Park Lakehouse. RSVP at Eventbrite by clicking on this link or by calling (518) 436-8586. Since 1985, the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region has made 900 loans, totaling nearly $56 million, and leveraging an additional $262 million. Those projects have resulted in more than 2,580 jobs created or retained. The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region is creating a skilled worker pipeline and a more inclusive workforce. Last year alone, 575 individuals graduated from their trainings and workshops.