Visited the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum in Auburn for its 50th anniversary. Every time I go, I discover a fascinating exhibit that highlights the rich history of agriculture in New York. Congratulations to everyone at the museum, and thank you for preserving our history.

Shanah Tovah! Wishing everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah a wonderful time with loved ones! May the New Year be sweet!

The INSPYRE Innovation Hub is a major milestone for CNY, strengthening our reputation for innovation while creating jobs and boosting the local economy. I’m proud of the CNY legislative delegation who helped secure funding, and thank you to everyone who worked hard to bring this project to life.

As we mark 24 years since the tragic 9/11 attacks, let’s honor those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93. Let’s also recognize the bravery of first responders and everyone else who rushed to help others that day.

My bill, the Freedom to Read Act, affirms that every student in New York should have access to big, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate library collections, and that our certified librarians should be trusted to curate them professionally and responsibly.

The ICE raid in Cato does not make our communities safer. It does not help our local economy. It leaves lives shattered, traumatizes an entire community, and tells a very dark story about who we are in America today. My full statement is below.

The Syracuse Regional STEAM school will be a transformative opportunity for students, providing a direct pathway to a career. I’m proud to have led the effort in Albany to secure funding for this first-of-its-kind school in CNY. I am grateful to everyone who made this project a reality.

We’re helping fund the replacement of the boardwalk on the Lake Loop Trail at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, making it easier for more people to safely enjoy Central New York’s natural beauty for many years to come.

Van Duyn residents have endured deplorable and dangerous conditions for years, leading the facility to be ranked among the worst. Now, a victory for the residents, as Van Duyn is required to make improvements. Thank you to AG James and her office for all the hard work to get this win.

Last week, we celebrated the DreamBuildHer program, which offers opportunities for teen girls to grow their creativity and entrepreneurial skills. Honorees Ismahan and Lesly developed a business plan to support teens in their community. Thank you to YWCA, Spectrum, and everyone who made it happen.

It’s that time of year when CNY hosts the biggest party in the state! The 2025 New York State Fair has officially started. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for kicking it off with us. It was wonderful to have you here for this exciting day

On World Photography Day, I honored two exceptional photographers for their contributions and dedication to our community with the NYS Senate 2025 Empire Award. Thank you, Michelle and Mike, for your outstanding and important work.

I was honored to give the keynote address at today’s white robe ceremony for Le Moyne’s PA class of 2025. Le Moyne’s reputation for student-centered learning was evident in every speaker’s comments and the camaraderie among the entire class. **Pictured with class president Anthony Westmiller.

Playgrounds help kids learn cooperation, coordination, and how to make friends while having fun. So, I’m excited about the improvements at Sankofa Park Playground, which will provide a safe, well-maintained space for our community's kids. I’m happy my office could help bring this project to life.

Teaching fire safety saves lives. My office helped fund a fire safety classroom on wheels for the Syracuse Fire Department, offering residents hands-on learning and engaging them in real-life scenarios to teach how to survive a fire. Thank you to SFD for all you do to make our community safer!

Visited Pete’s Treats in Union Springs to present them with the New York State 2025 Empire Award! I appreciate their commitment to being an excellent business and all the fantastic things they do for the local community.

It’s not too late! You can still apply for summer food assistance. Provides a $120 grocery benefit to eligible school-aged children. Apply by September 4. Click link for application: otda.ny.gov/programs/sum...

As Trump and the Republicans prepare to gut Medicaid, we must speak out about the terrible consequences of doing so. This program is vital to so many in our community. On its 60th anniversary, we came together in Syracuse to call on our representatives to defend and strengthen Medicaid.

We must defend the right to read now more than ever. We are dealing with an administration trying to silence free speech and ideas, while states across the country are banning books. I had the opportunity to talk about my bill, the Freedom to Read Act, on Capital Tonight.

I had a great time at the arts and crafts festival in Downtown Syracuse. The highlight was presenting the Downtown Committee of Syracuse with a proclamation to celebrate 50 years of advocacy and efforts to revitalize Downtown Syracuse. Congratulations on your success, and thank you for all you do!

I got the fantastic chance to tour the historic New Hope Mills and explore the surrounding area on Skaneateles Lake. Learned more about the local history and the region’s potential for economic development. Thank you to everyone who showed me around.

Toured Devin’s Rec Room, which is a fantastic and essential service. It’s a place where individuals working on their sobriety can find friendship and better health. I was glad my office was able to secure $75k for renovations, giving them a beautiful space to support even more people in our area.

Congratulations to Corey Mosher, the outstanding director of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, for receiving the RSA Leader of the Year award. As LCRR Senate chair, I’ve seen him unite people and organizations statewide to support rural communities. The award is very well-deserved.

Honored to receive the SUNY Upstate Exemplary Service Medal as part of the CNY delegation’s support for the hospital, including securing $450 million for a new emergency room. This funding will enable the hospital to provide modern, life-saving care for years to come. Proud to be part of it.

The Timbuctoo Institute brings together high school students from NYC to learn about environmental science and outdoor activities. I met the group as they visited ESF in Syracuse, where they toured and learned about the massive I-81 Viaduct construction project.

New York is committed to increasing housing across the 48th Senate District. Thanks to $1 million in state funding for infrastructure, Auburn can now provide 70 much-needed new housing units, helping more people find a place to call home.

Today in Syracuse, we celebrated the ADA with a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This transformative legislation gives people with disabilities greater access to society, including employment, education, transportation, and much more.

It’s an exciting upgrade for an essential service in Auburn! The Unity House, which offers many excellent programs for the community, looks much better after more than $100,000 worth of improvements. I’m glad my office was able to help secure funding for this wonderful transformation.

New York State is investing in the future of dairy farming. With funding for seven dairy farms in Cayuga County and four in Onondaga County, we’re helping these local farms to modernize their operations. This funding will help ensure a thriving and sustainable dairy industry for years to come.

Congratulations to the White Branch Library on 100 years! A century of providing a place for learning, creativity, and community.

Over the years, the Auburn Public Theater has played a significant role in creating a vibrant arts and theater scene in Auburn, and now it’s taking the next step with a new community event space. I was glad that my office was able to secure state funding to help make this project happen.

Thank you to everyone who came out to my town hall at the Sterling Nature Center in Cayuga County last night. It was wonderful meeting all of you, and I truly appreciated the great questions and meaningful discussion.

It was a pleasure to spend the day with JoDee Kenney from Spectrum News, discussing key issues in the 48th Senate District, including water protection, lead in homes, housing affordability, and reducing poverty. We also got the chance to talk about our fantastic arts scene.

Happy Juneteenth! I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the day and celebrate with their loved ones.

Mary Kuhn was an inspiration and role model. A fighter for justice and a mentor to younger activists, she was also a loving friend. Mary’s laughter could brighten any room, and she was always there to support her friends. I truly don’t know what we will do without her.

Congratulations to the Nottingham Mock Trial Team and coaches for winning this year’s state championship! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of you, and it was a pleasure to present you with a Senate Proclamation to recognize your fantastic achievement.

Proud to pass my Sustainable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act, a major step to align our housing permitting process with our environmental and affordability goals. This bill will help build affordable housing, reduce harmful emissions, and build walkable, transit-friendly communities!

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) threaten New York lakes each season, posing risks to drinking water and recreation. My HABMAP Act legislation passed the Senate, which will help state and local governments identify and manage these threats, benefiting the health and quality of life for residents.

Let's protect our tower technicians in New York, who service the cell phone towers we rely on, including those that support 911 emergency services. My bill (S2709) to provide them with the safety protections they deserve while performing this important role passed the Senate.

I’m proud to share that, after years of work, my bill to make arts and music education a permanent part of New York’s K–12 curriculum has passed the Senate!

We're entering the harmful algal bloom season, which threatens New York lakes each year, impacting drinking water and recreation. Got the chance to talk about what we learned at last month’s Senate HABS hearing on The Capitol Pressroom.

Supporting the NY Heat Act is so important as energy prices rise. This legislation caps utility costs, provides financial relief, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s pass this bill for lower costs and a sustainable future.

It was great to recognize our dairy producers at Dairy Day in Albany. We got to sample some of the best products that New York has to offer, celebrate investments like Chobani’s new plant being constructed in Rome, and chart a path forward to support our farmers and the markets for their products.

Thank you to the students and teachers at C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville. I had a wonderful time discussing what it's like to be a New York State Senator with the students and answering their great questions.

Today, we celebrated the beginning of Pride Month with a flag-raising ceremony at the NYS Fair. As bigotry against LGBTQ+ communities rises across the country, we must continue our efforts to uphold New York’s legacy as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.

American producers and retailers must take responsibility for their product packaging and its huge contribution to the waste stream. Senator Harckham’s “packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act” is a good first step to reduce the amount of waste we’re sending to landfills.

U.S. Army Major (Ret.) Kevin Swab served with distinction for 24 years in both the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. Thank you for your years of service; it is my honor to induct you into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame.

Today, we honor the brave service members who sacrificed their lives for our country. Their courage and dedication to our freedom will never be forgotten.

Toxic algal blooms threaten NY lakes each season, impacting drinking water and recreation. The HABS Senate hearing in Albany was a significant step forward, providing us with valuable testimony about the problem and potential solutions. Thank you to Senator Harckham for hosting this hearing.

We must protect our freedom to read now more than ever, as states across the country ban books. The Senate has passed my two bills to ensure New Yorkers have access to a wide range of books in school and public libraries. ✅ The Freedom to Read Act (S.1099) ✅ The Open Shelves Act (S.1100)