Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series. In this week’s episode, Gray discusses his opposition to the anti-Semitic bill that was introduced in the Assembly recently known as “Not On Our Dime!” Gray also discusses the wrap-up of the session next week and subsequently announces his upcoming statewide Tourism Tour.

Gray attended a press conference in the Capitol on Wednesday, May 31, to contend the anti-Semitic legislation “Not On Our Dime!” (A.6943, Mamdani), which seeks to penalize non-profit entities that have an affiliation with the state of Israel. The controversial bill has brought Albany legislators together to urge Gov. Hochul to publicly denounce the legislation.

“This bill, 6943, would penalize not-for-profit businesses and organizations for simply exercising their freedom of association and expression, which goes against the very principles of our republic,” said Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst).

“It was my pleasure to stand with my colleague and friend, Ari Brown, to say no to this anti-Israel, anti-Semitic bill which is highly offensive and discriminatory to all of our Jewish friends in the state of New York,” Gray said.

Also this week, local bills are being pushed through the pipeline as the session is set to conclude next week. Assemblymembers will then be back in their districts for the remainder of the year. As ranking Minority member of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, Gray is sponsoring a statewide Tourism Tour this summer that will go through the Thousand Islands Region, Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, Western New York, Long Island, New York City and the Capital Region to showcase what makes the Empire State so unique. The 11-leg tour will be spread from June to September, with the first stop at the Clayton Riverwalk Pavilion in Frink Park on Friday, June 16 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The second stop will be at the Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego on Tuesday, June 27 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. All local and state government officials and agencies are welcome to join, and the tour is open to the public. More locations and dates to follow.

“Throughout New York state, you can find the tallest skyscrapers in the country, a rich history of farming and agriculture, award-winning wineries and vineyards, warm beaches and plenty to do outdoors in the Adirondacks. There is something for everyone to enjoy in New York—every region has its own unique geography, economy, influence and history reflecting the diversity of the state as a whole. On each leg of the tour, we’ll take a look at the beauty and distinctive story the region has to tell. Look out for upcoming details so you don’t miss it,” Gray said.

“This week we had the pleasure of welcoming members of the 10th Mountain Division command team. It was a great day hosting Fort Drum Day in the Capitol to highlight the economic and cultural significance Fort Drum has on Northern New York. On Tuesday morning, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush and I hosted a breakfast for the advocates of Fort Drum. Thanks to all who came to have productive conversations over breakfast at the Capitol.”

“Look out for upcoming episodes of The Gray Area as we begin the Tourism Tour and update you on what you care about. As always, I look forward to seeing you in Albany and back in the district. Don’t hesitate to call my office staff with questions, comments or concerns—it is our privilege to serve you,” Gray concluded.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/LCgG0cekulY

For a laugh, check out the outtakes of this week’s episode: https://youtu.be/z8147C2Nie4