This October, as we mark National School Lunch Week, we are celebrating the historic rollout of universal free school meals for all 2.7 million students in NY. Thanks to NYS investment in universal free school meals, every child now has barrier-free access to breakfast and lunch at school.

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced a public open house on the future of the I-787 corridor, to be held Tuesday, October 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. www.governor.ny.gov/news/governo...

What is important to note is that these surgeon generals served under every President from George HW Bush to current President Trump (Term 1). Their willingness to speak out in bipartisan manner speaks volumes. www.axios.com/2025/10/08/s...

This past week, I joined Senator Fahy at Maria College to celebrate the Caring Gene project, alongside many of the hardworking nonprofit organizations in the Capital Region that care for our most vulnerable populations.

Today marks two years since the tragedy of October 7th. We remember the victims and continue to pray for peace for all people around the world.

Did you know you might have unclaimed money waiting for you? Visit the NYS Comptroller's unclaimed funds website and see if anything’s under your name. You might be pleasantly surprised. www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-fu...

Today we recognize Gold Star Families Day, a time to honor and remember the families who have lost a loved one in service to our nation. On this day, we pause to reflect on their courage, their sacrifice, and the families who continue to carry their memory forward.

Today was Bring Your Dad to Work Day! If you see dad around today be sure to wish him a happy 95th birthday! He had the honor of meeting with the Gov and the DOT Commissioner, who presented him with a Distinguished Career Award recognizing his 37 years of service with the DOT.

Governor Hochul announced that up to 8.2 million New York households will automatically receive checks up to $400 this fall — no application needed. - Checks are being mailed now through November. - Eligible filers will receive $150–$400 based on income. Learn more: www.tax.ny.gov/pit/inflatio...

Enjoyed visiting The Pines at Heartwood in Troy for their Fall Festival on the first day of autumn. It’s always a pleasure to connect with constituents in a social setting, many of whom I’ve known for years.

Fall is here in New York! Governor Hochul has announced the start of the 2025 fall foliage season. Weekly foliage reports are back every Wednesday at iloveny.com/foliage From colorful leaves to festivals, apple picking, hikes, and more there’s nothing like fall in New York.

Today I was proud to join local leaders and law enforcement in Cohoes, Watervliet, and Troy to announce more than $500,000 in funding to expand and upgrade citywide security camera systems.

As we mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, may this season bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones. Shana Tova!

Want to avoid construction zones and get real-time traffic updates? Just visit 511ny.org for the most up-to-date travel info!

It was great to participate in The Reconnect the Empire State Plaza Public Workshop earlier this week! Thank you to the New York State Office of General Services for hosting this first public workshop and offering the opportunity for comments through the survey as well.

A pleasure to speak to the hard working DME (Durable Medical Equipment) suppliers across NYS yesterday at the North East Medical Equipment Providers (NEMEP) annual meeting.

Please take a few minutes to watch this video about some thoughts I've had in the interest of achieving the goal of civility: bit.ly/47HGzWi

Today is Voter Registration Day! Register to vote today and make your voice heard. You can register online, in person or by mail. Learn more about qualifications and how to register here: elections.ny.gov/voter-regist...

From the pandemic to rising costs and devastating tariffs, small businesses have been hit hard. That’s why the we spearheaded efforts to eliminate nearly $7 bil in UI debt and raise unemployment wages, providing relief for businesses and workers. assembly.state.ny.us/Press/?sec=s...

The New York State Office of General Services is inviting community members to participate in the first Reconnect the Empire State Plaza Public Workshop. This is an opportunity to share ideas on how to strengthen connections between the Plaza, downtown Albany, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Today on the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks we remember those who lost their lives that day and those who have lost their lives since due to health effects. It is a day of solemn remembrance for America, 1/

McDonald Statement on New York Executive Order Expanding Access to COVID Vaccines

It was a pleasure to join Senator Senator Patricia A. Fahy, Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero, and many other community leaders for the ribbon cutting at Albany High School.

Today we honor the workers who built our communities, fuel our economy, and keep New York moving forward every day. In 2025, we retired NY’s unemployment debt, lowered costs for small businesses, and increased unemployment benefits for workers.

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a true game changer for our legacy cities. I’ve been proud to support Albany, Cohoes, and Troy in their successful awards, and I’m excited to be working with Watervliet and Rensselaer as they apply this year.

Congratulations to Manory's on receiving a $50,000 historic preservation grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more than a century, Manory’s has been a cornerstone of our community, serving generations of families, friends, and visitors.

It was a pleasure to join new HVCC President Michael Brophy, County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Chairperson Kelly Hoffman, and members of the Rensselaer County Legislature to kick off the newly funded Rensselaer County Educational Incentive Program.

For too long, the Central Warehouse has stood as a symbol of blight in the City of Albany. Having worked on this project for many years, I know the determination and collaboration it has taken to reach this moment. I have been proud to continue supporting the funding needed to make this day possible

Did you know there are nearly 8,000 New Yorkers waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant? And that registering as an organ and tissue donor takes just minutes and saves up to eight lives? Visit here to learn more and register: donatelifenys.org

Flooding can happen at any time. Being prepared can help keep you and your community safe. For more details on how to prepare in the event of a flood, visit dhses.ny.gov/flood. To sign up for NY Alert, visit alert.ny.gov/sign-up-ny-a...

This week essential changes to New York's Discovery Laws took effect. These commonsense updates to New York’s discovery laws strike the right balance by preserving due process while giving prosecutors the tools they need to protect public safety.

Gov Hochul announced a $46M investment by Garonit Pharmaceutical to build a manufacturing facility in New Windsor This project will create 100 high-skilled jobs, support 150+ construction jobs and will partner with SUNY Orange for workforce training www.governor.ny.gov/news/governo...

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. Check out some events happening in the 108th Assembly District!

Congratulations to Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center on this effort to increase access to services for community members by bringing College Parkside Pharmacy under WYH. I appreciate the honor and recognition during National Health Center Week

Families are feeling the burden of rising costs for goods and services, but despite difficulties affording basic necessities, many New Yorkers do not qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or other forms of public assistance. 🔗 Learn more: dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program

Nitazenes are the newest fatal drug in the battle against illegal drugs. A reminder how drug dealers do not verify their supply from China. Best defense is avoidance, then test supply and have Naloxone on hand. www.wsj.com/health/healt...

☀️ With the heat rising over the next few days, don’t forget there are splash pads and pools open across the 108th district to help you and your family stay cool! Stay cool, everyone!

Great to join Congressman Paul D. Tonko in welcoming distinguished Member of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons Gurinder Singh Josan, MP to the New York State Capitol.

Redistricting happens within the 1st two years of a decade after the census. To revisit without court direction is political and will inspire other states. Texans, Democrats condemn GOP redistricting plans at first public hearing www.texastribune.org/2025/07/24/t... via @texastribune.org

Join the Capital Region Transportation Council - formerly CDTC, for a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, August 5 from 5:30–7:00 PM to discuss proposed transportation safety improvements in your community.

Water safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. Whether you’re at the beach, pool, or lake, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure we all have the tools to stay safe this summer. For more water safety tips, visit: www.redcross.org/get-help/how...

In the coming weeks, School Tax Relief (STAR) checks will be sent to eligible homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September. Visit ny.gov/star to enroll in direct deposit and/or see the delivery schedule. www.governor.ny.gov/news/money-y...

Governor Hochul has announced the launch of NYSIF’s Extreme Heat Equipment Credit — a pilot program helping small businesses keep their workers safe during dangerously hot weather. Learn more & apply: agriculture.ny.gov/news/governo...

This message from a constituent is not only a great testimonial of the constituent services provided by Tess in our office, but also a good reminder to utilize the EBT Freeze Card feature to protect your card. More info on the NYS OTDA website here: otda.ny.gov/programs/pub...

I’m proud to share that Bella Napoli has officially been added to the New York State Historic Business Registry—a recognition I was honored to nominate them for!

The grand opening of the NSTC EUV Accelerator at the Albany NanoTech Complex marks a historic moment not just for the Capital Region, but for all of New York. This investment in advanced semiconductor research and manufacturing strengthens our local economy and creates high quality jobs

The transformation of the Griswold Heights complex is a great investment in Troy’s future. This project keeps homes affordable for local families while celebrating the history of this building. I am happy to support Gov Hochul’s continued commitment to housing equity across the Capital Region!

Great to attend today's ribbon cutting at Northern Rivers’ new Family Resource Center! This new space offers services that help families grow and thrive. From career readiness and youth development to food access, creative workshops, and more, this is a true community hub!