I joined hundreds of other New Yorkers at the State Capitol to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to prioritize our environment, and fulfill the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) of 2019. Politicians and organizations that are funded by oil and gas interests have been working tirelessly to attack and undercut the CLCPA, but those of us who value clean air, clean water, and a livable planet for our descendants must work even harder to protect our natural resources. 

I support changing the way Albany distributes water and sewer infrastructure funding to local municipalities from the current grant-based model to a dedicated distribution based on need.

This would immediately reduce expenditures by local governments and ensure greater fairness in how these funds are distributed, especially between urban and rural areas (smaller communities are less likely to have grant writers on staff).

Highway funds (CHIPS) are already distributed this way. Water and sewer (SWAP) should be, too.

Unions are the backbone of the American workforce. The data is so overwhelming: Union members enjoy a wage premium of almost 13% over non-unionized workers.

Unions reduce income inequality by negotiating higher wages for workers, and by establishing higher pay standards that benefit non-union workers in the same region or industry. The decline in membership across the U.S. since 1979 directly correlates to an increase in income inequality. Unions serve as a critical check and balance on greed and corporate power. I support the rights of workers to organize and I oppose tactics by employers to interfere with unions.

In Upstate New York, we are lucky to live in a beautiful environment, but climate change is altering our weather patterns, threatening our agricultural community, and harming our ecosystems. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do.

Farmers need support to adopt regenerative practices, affordable homes need to be built that use less energy, and green transportation options need to be promoted.

Where I live, in Delhi, we are part of the New York City watershed and NYC provides considerable funding for farmers to adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment and save them money. We can adapt some of those principles statewide to support growers while protecting our environment.

From our youth to our seniors, reliable transportation can make the difference between opportunity and isolation. While personal vehicles will always be important in rural communities, they should not be the only option.

We should work with state, regional, and local partners to expand practical transportation throughout our district. Whether it's better bus service, passenger rail, safe places to walk and bike, or a combination of transportation options, we should expand the choices available to residents. Reliable connections to schools, hospitals, downtowns, and major employers can improve quality of life while strengthening our local economy.

Better regional connections to Albany, the airport, and New York City can also create new opportunities. They can help residents access education, employment, and specialized health care while making our communities more accessible to visitors. Expanding transportation options can support tourism, help local businesses reach new customers, and make it easier for families to stay connected. Better transportation can create the kinds of opportunities that encourage young people to build their futures here rather than feeling they have to leave.

As part of my role on the Delhi village board, I serve on the police committee. I have the utmost respect for our police officers who protect and serve our communities in accordance with law, under the Constitution.

ICE under the current federal administration is not a law enforcement agency; they have become a lawless roving gang, terrorizing our communities. A conservative federal judge recently compiled a record of 96 court orders that ICE has illegally violated, just in Jan. 1 of this year.

Law enforcement officers must obey the law themselves, or we are not a free country. The Constitution is clear: due process is for everyone. Big government power must be limited by checks and balances, and by the rule of law. Citizens have the right to protest abuses of power,  and to record such abuses.

The massive growth of AI data centers is driving up energy prices, straining municipal infrastructure, and threatening our natural resources. This growth is being driven by a small handful of billionaires who have decided we should all be using this technology.

But as I’ve talked with people of every political stripe across the district, many people do not need or want AI in their emails, web searches or social media. That's why I'm calling for legislation requiring tech companies to allow users to opt out of AI.

I also support the one-year moratorium on the building of new AI data centers recently passed by the legislature, and I urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign it into law.

Safe, stable infrastructure underpins our quality of life. That includes housing, transportation, water, sewer, electricity, broadband internet, and education.

As Assemblyperson, I will ensure that our district receives its fair share of state and federal dollars to maintain our infrastructure, and I will seek out grants to expand broadband throughout our rural district.

Secure, affordable housing is a fundamental need for every New Yorker. I look forward to working with state and local officials, private developers and nonprofit organizations to improve our housing stock in a way that is collaborative and respects home rule.