As a physical therapist who has worked as a traveling in-home caregiver and who now works in a hospital setting, I believe that all New Yorkers deserve affordable healthcare, close enough that we can access it. Unfortunately, in many parts of our rural 102nd district, that is not the case. In Delaware County, where I live, women have to leave the county to have a baby. Greene County has no hospital at all. We have an aging population, and access to urgent care, hospitals, rehab centers, and home care are all critical infrastructure to allow seniors to age in place with dignity. There are solutions, and I have the experience and tenacity to see them achieved. These include: passing the New York Health Act to ensure universal healthcare for all New Yorkers; expanding school-based health centers; funding for nurse educators and supporting local programs that train providers; supporting successful healthcare training programs like those at SUNY Delhi and Hartwick College; subsidizing retention programs that repay a portion of student loans if providers stay in rural health for 3-5 years; expanding broadband access to enable appropriate telehealth visits; and more. A healthy population is fundamental to a successful economic system. 

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

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 from EVs to bicycles need to be promoted. Where I live, in Delhi, we are part of the New York City watershed. Because the city wants to protect its water supply, they provide considerable funding for farmers to adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment and save them money, such as manure storage, fencing and watering solutions. We can adapt some of those principles statewide to support growers while protecting our environment.

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. 

Recently, there has been significant political theater regarding a NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) report, published February 26. The report suggests staggering costs for New York households to meet the requirements of the CLCPA 2019. While some are using this report to scare New Yorkers into inaction, as a candidate for New York Assembly District 102 and as a human, I have always strived to form my opinions and make decisions based on facts. Here are the facts:

What are the CLCPA targets?

• 70% renewable energy by 2030.

• 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040.

• 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Who is NYSERDA?

NYSERDA is a "public-benefit corporation," but we must look at its funding. It is primarily funded by surcharges on our utility bills and assessments on gas companies. In our current political environment, this makes them less of an independent watchdog and more of a voice for the gas and utility companies. Their funding structure does not incentivize a rapid decrease in fossil fuel dependence.

A "Modeling Exercise," Not Reality

The most egregious flaw in this report is that it was merely a "modeling exercise." This means the output was entirely determined by the assumptions plugged into the computer. Experts have noted that NYSERDA used a "worst-case vacuum" scenario:

• Gross vs. Net Cost: They ignored billions in rebates and tax credits, like the Sustainable Future Fund. For example, households switching to heat pumps can see a cost savings of $1,500 with existing rebates.

• Artificial Price Hikes: The model assumed a "Cap and Invest" carbon price five times higher than what is actually being proposed by the Governor or the Legislature. This aggressive pricing assumption now serves as political fodder to delay climate mandates.

• Insulting Upstate Intelligence: The model assumed upstate families would do nothing to modify their energy use—keeping old, inefficient boilers and gas-guzzling cars. Our neighbors are more intelligent than that; we know that weatherization provides an 8:1 savings-to-cost ratio.

The High Cost of Inaction

The report's worst assumption is that there is zero cost to doing nothing. We see the reality: more severe storms, frequent flooding, and smoke from wildfires. NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research Group, a non-profit and non-partisan advocacy organization) estimates that climate-related damages could cost New York taxpayers $2.2 billion, with billions more in healthcare costs due to pollution-related respiratory disease. As pointed out by NYS Senator Pete Harckham, even Texas—a deep-red state with no climate mandate—has outpaced New York in switching to renewable energy infrastructure because they understand the economic benefits.

Why are we behind?

Our lack of progress isn't due to the goals themselves, but to unforeseen disruptions (like COVID-19 and supply chain issues) and funding cuts, regulatory rollbacks, and permitting delays — at both the state and federal level – many of which are direct actions taken by those who wish to keep us dependent on global oil markets that are growing more volatile by the day. 

A Path Forward

To my neighbors in upstate New York: NYSERDA's quoted $4,100 cost increase is purely hypothetical. We must raise our voices to dispel these mistruths. Over 99% of scientists agree that climate change is caused by human activity and is harming our planet. To ignore this reality is to abdicate our responsibility to each other and to the earth. Our vote is the most powerful tool we have to protect our environment, our economy, and our neighbors.

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 since 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.