February 2020 Meeting Highlights:

The Minority legislators submitted and voted on a resolution recognizing March 15 – 21, 2020 as Sunshine Week in Rensselaer County.  This national initiative promotes the importance of open government and the free flow of information from government to county citizens, ensuring that our government is accessible, accountable and open.

The Legislature also recognized March as American Red Cross (ARC) Month. We would be amiss not to extend our gratitude to the thousands of volunteers, who so willingly assist after a disaster hits. The blood donor program provides nearly half of the United States needed blood supply and encourages everyone to donate, if possible. The ARC also offers training classes in water safety and first aid, as well as youth programs and elder care to name a few. We encourage you to look into the opportunities to get involved at:  https://www.redcross.org/

STOP-DWI – A grant from the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation was rolled over into the 2020 budget for the Rensselaer County Special Traffic Operations Department, in order to expend any left-over monies to keep cracking down on drivers under the influence.

Mental Health – The Legislature renewed a contract for a bi-annual survey mandated by the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to perform a critically important survey in the county’s school districts and therefore develop strategies to prevent and reduce underage drinking and drug use.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.

Residents are welcome to contact our office at 270-2890.

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