More revelations and news relating to the Schoharie limo case were released this week, including that the Mavis shop which performed a state inspection on the limo involved in the crash falsified invoices. This upcoming week, Senator Neil Breslin, Assemblymember McDonald, and I will host a Small Business Forum (see below) to explore what's worked and what hasn't for small business start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures here in the Capital Region. As we move further into Autumn, check out what's happening around the district and as always read on for more updates!

New Recycling Mandate Legislation Introduced

Click here to follow this link for a good read on legislation I introduced this week to require any single-use beverage container manufactured or sold in the state to contain a minimum of 75% recycled content. Not only will this legislation help combat the growing plastic pollution crisis and curb plastic related emissions, it will provide a much needed boost to U.S. recycling markets hit-hard by China’s announcement earlier this year that it will stop importing most of the world’s recyclables.

INVITE: 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!" Please RSVP by registering for the event at the Eventbrite link here if you plan to attend the forum so that we may plan accordingly. It is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & PRESS EVENTS

Schoharie Limo Crash Anniversary and Mavis Revelations. Just over a year ago from last Sunday, 20 innocent lives were tragically and needlessly lost in the Schoharie limousine crash, leaving unimaginable amounts of grief and loss in its wake. We remember and honor those lost and their families as we continue to take action to prevent tragedies like this one in the future. Sadly, as we've now learned thanks to impeccable reporting from the Times Union, not only did the Mavis shop perform an illegal inspection on the Schoharie limo; records were falsified to show they replaced a brake part that was never actually put in. The same brakes that were the primary factor in what led to the horrific crash just over a year ago. This is unacceptable and more limo safety legislation is needed at the state level - including legislation to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with greater oversight of these inspection stations.

In Focus w/ Solomon Syed Segment - Sunday. I appeared on Solomon Syed's 'In Focus' to discuss breast cancer awareness month in October, and what women can do to reduce risk and what we can all do to raise awareness and support survivors, and what the legislature is doing to protect and advance women's health when it comes to preventative care.

CDTA Electric Buses to Hit the Road. I was happy to join Congressman Paul Tonko to tour the newest additions to CDTA's fleet - electric buses! Transportation is the largest contributor in terms of carbon emissions and reducing our carbon footprint wherever possible makes serious gains in lowering our region's collective carbon footprint.

Senator Gillibrand Introduces Federal 'Build Local, Hire Local' Legislation. On Thursday of last week, I was proud to stand with Daniel McCoy - Albany County Executive, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and local elected officials today at the District Council 9 IUPAT’s Local 201 headquarters to support U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s new legislation, the ‘Build Local, Hire Local’ Act, to prioritize union and local labor from surrounding communities on key infrastructure projects. I applaud Senator Gillibrand for introducing this legislation and the potential benefit it could bring to the Capital Region economy.

NYS Fallen Firefighters' Names Added to Memorial. Earlier this week, I paid tribute to 23 New York State firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duty. These 23 names were added to the NYS Fallen Firefighter's Memorial and the MacBoston 18 Truck NYS Fallen Firefighter Memorial. We remember their sacrifice today and everyday whilst keeping us and our loved ones safe.

Albany County Honor a Veteran Ceremony. Last week at Albany County's monthly Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony, I celebrated and honored the life and family (pictured in this link) of Albany native Joseph G. Rhatigan (1949 - 2015), who served in the Vietnam War and then as a firefighter with the Albany Fire Department following his deployment for 32 years until his retirement. I joined Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Daniel McCoy - Albany County Executive, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to honor his life of service.

Albany's Sister City: Nijmegen, Netherlands. This past week I welcomed Dutch high school students to the Assembly chamber from our sister city; Nijmegen, Netherlands. I was happy to explain the legislative process and answer many of the students' questions about American institutions and the New York State legislature. Apart from Albany, New York's deep Dutch roots from our colonial past, Albany residents also sent Nijmegen a ship stocked with 300 tons of goods and supplies following the end of World War II. We then became sister cities in 1947. Albany-Nijmegen Friendship website: http://www.stichtingfan.nl/

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Become An Orgon Donor Today. 10,000 New Yorkers are in current need of a live-saving organ transplant. To learn more about becoming an organ donor and what your donation could mean for someone, please visit this link.

Last Surviving WWI Veteran Medal of Honor Recipient, Selkirk Native, Passes Away. This week, we mourn the passing of veteran Francis S. Currey, a Selkirk, New York native and NY's last surviving World War II veteran to receive the Medal of Honor, for valor displayed at Malmedy, Belgium in the Battle of the Bulge. A community treasure and American hero by all accounts, my thoughts are with his loved ones during this tragic time.

Traffic Advisories for the Weekend. Motorists are advised that the Interstate 90 westbound Exit 6 off-ramp to Route 9 south, Henry Johnson Boulevard, Arbor Hill in the city of Albany will be closed nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Tuesday night for bridge repairs. The closures are scheduled nightly through Saturday night, Oct. 19. Depending upon the pace of work and weather, additional work may occur during weekend day times. Motorists will be directed to northbound Route 9 at Exit 6, where they can follow the detour signs to Northern Boulevard. Turning left at the traffic light onto Northern Boulevard, motorists can travel south to connect to Henry Johnson Boulevard and Route 9 at Livingston Avenue. Motorists are urged to slow down and safely move over when approaching roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.

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.

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

13th Annual Simple Giving Day. Grassroot Givers, a nonprofit organization providing impoverished Capital District residents with household necessities, new or like new stylish clothing, and over 290,000 books for children and adults, hosts its 13th annual Day of Simple Giving, a joyful community service celebration, on Saturday, November 16th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Sophia's Greek Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany. 300 eager volunteers from all walks of life, from preschoolers to seniors, work side by side assembling over $30,000 worth of practical gifts and holiday treats for neighbors in need. They decorate cookies, concoct 10-bean soup mix, craft beautiful jewelry, assemble toiletries and book bags, pack shampoo in warm socks for the homeless, send gift bags and handwritten notes to our troops, and more. $5 donation. Volunteers should RSVP at info@grassrootgivers.org or (518) 599-5157

Albany Pine Bush Smokey Bear Day. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its annual Smokey Bear Day on Monday October 14, 2019, 10am – 2pm at the Discovery Center. All ages are welcome. The event will be held rain or shine at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany. This is a free event. While reservations are not required for special events, knowing how many people are coming helps us to plan, so please let us know if you plan to attend! Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details and to make reservations, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events or call 518-456-0655.

Capitol Building Haunted Tours! Visit the New York State Capitol building on the Empire State Plaza to take a Haunted Tour with the family or friends! Read more about these creepy, historical, and fun tours more here!

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! For more information visit its website.

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. For more information visit its website.