Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series. In this week’s episode, Gray discusses his enthusiasm to be back in Albany to work for the people of New York state, and emphasizes the high-priority issues he aims to address this year.

“It has been a privilege to travel throughout the district for the past six months, engaging with the communities, meeting residents, listening to your concerns and witnessing the spirit of each community. However, the time has come to roll up our sleeves and get to work in Albany as our legislative session begins.

As we move forward, I am committed to advocating vigorously for public safety, ensuring that our streets and homes remain secure for every family. I recognize the importance of health care and will continue to push for improvements across a variety of measures, striving for a system that is both accessible and effective for all. Affordable housing remains a critical issue, and I will fight tirelessly to ensure every resident has access to safe, affordable living spaces. Education at all levels is the key to success for our future generations, and it depends heavily upon the success of our schools and higher education systems, which I will continue to fight for this session.

Additionally, I stand firmly against overbearing mandates that do not serve our community’s best interests, and I am dedicated to upholding our shared values that reflect the spirit and will of all North Country residents. Let us work together for a prosperous, safe and healthy future for our district. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and rest assured, I am here to represent your voice in Albany. Let’s make this session count!”

Assemblyman Gray has worked on numerous bills over the fall, including:

• A.7972, requiring solar facilities to post safety data sheets in areas that may be accessed by emergency responders in case of emergency
• A.8069, prohibiting vaping in educational institutions and requiring educational institutions to educate communities about health risks associated with vaping
• A.8072, requiring municipal corporations to approve any facility intending to house asylum seekers
• A.8161, establishing the Ammunition Purchase Certification Act
• A.8187, designating the bridge crossing over the Chaumont River as the “Michael J. Finerson Memorial Bridge”
• A.8200, prohibiting roadside signage for the sale of cannabis
• A.8226, requiring an annual inventory of short-term rental locations and capacities and monthly utilization data
• A.8251, establishing the SUNY Excess Building Asset Inventory and Repurposing Act
• A.8252, establishing the crime of theft of an impounded vehicle
• A.8254, enabling a taxing jurisdiction to opt out of the exemption from taxation for certain energy systems
• A.8255, mandating pre-trial detention of a principal who stands charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell
• A.8376, establishing a premises license for businesses retailing certain smoking products and paraphernalia

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/vWiOCGXFpjQ?si=lZBwSE2ic30TlSmV