Monthly Report – February 2023

 The Minority legislators submitted a resolution P/45, Urging NYS lawmakers to support, commit and build upon the promise of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York. The NYS Senate in January passed key voting rights and board of elections reforms, which they also passed in 2022. The Assembly has yet to do so. The resolution failed in the Rules Committee by a GOP ‘naye’ vote from Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman and Legislators Robert Bayly and Robert Loveridge.

 The Minority legislators also submitted and voted on a resolution recognizing March 12-18, 2023 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 and void of the dangers of secrecy. The free flow of information from government to the people instills trust and confidence in our democracy.  Now, more important than ever!

In 2017 Rensselaer County decided to commence litigation against opioid supply chain participants and seek reimbursement for its expenses resulting from the opioid epidemic. One of the defendants sued, offered a settlement agreement and pay the County a one-time sum in the amount of $ 710,623.31. These funds are assigned certain parameters and will be used for prevention, treatment, training and research.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located at 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY.

PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.

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