Monthly Report – August 2022
HVCC Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) – The legislature unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the county to provide in-kind contributions for the construction of the ATEC at the college. HVCC has long been a gem of the county, as well as the entire region, and the county is proud to provide it with support as it evolves and continues to provide accessible education opportunities for many in our community.
Substance Abuse Prevention in Schools – The legislature unanimously passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with several school districts in the county to provide substance abuse prevention staff and services for the 2022-23 school year. It is crucial to keep harmful substances from getting out of hand in our schools, and it is good to see the county contribute to this cause.
Overtime Threshold for Farmworkers – New York State intends to lower the overtime threshold for farmworkers from 60 hours to 40 hours. This initiative would at first be subsidized in part by the state, and would be fully phased in over the course of ten years. In response, the legislative majority, led by local dairy farm owner Ken Herrington of Herrington Farms, submitted a resolution opposing this new initiative, claiming that it would cripple the local agricultural industry and cause farmworkers to seek employment elsewhere. The minority legislators expressed support for the state’s initiative, citing rising personal expenses for farmworkers and affirming their belief that everyone is entitled to a living wage, while stating that the state subsidized wage increases would instead entice farmworkers to stay in New York. Regardless, the resolution passed in the legislature, with all minority legislators voting against it.
NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.
PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.
www.rensselaercounty.org & follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature – Democratic Team”