January 2020 Meeting Highlights:

Criminal Justice Reform – At the January meeting, the legislature unanimously approved a third resolution, imploring Governor Cuomo and the NYS legislature to immediately amend the 2020 criminal justice reform. The Minority office received many letters from concerned citizens and encourages its constituents to reach out to their NYS Assemblyperson and Senator as a crucial step in seeing modifications being implemented to the criminal justice reform.

Health – The legislators authorized a renewal agreement to purchase vaccines for the in-house health clinics the department offers. The flu season is peaking and tends to last into spring; therefore we encourage anyone who has not received a flu shot, to do so now, there is still time.

The Legislature also voted unanimously to fill a long standing empty legislator seat on the Health Board. Minority Leader Cynthia Doran was elected to fill the vacancy!

Mental Health – The Legislature approved an increase in state funding that the Mental Health Department receives to expend on clients with severe emotional disabilities. This funding is used for YMCA membership, helping clients to maintain physical and emotional wellness. This program has been very successful in keeping clients from being institutionalized, or out of the judicial system.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, February 11, 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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