Monthly Report – July 2025

HVCC Budget – The legislators unanimously approved the $111,593,770 budget for the 2025-2026 school year.  While this is a 5.2% increase from last year’s budget, it keeps the tuition at the same rate as last year’s, and part-time students will still pay $211 per credit hour.

Water Quality Month Legislators also unanimously approved a resolution declaring August as National Water Quality Month.  Similar to last year, this was done in the hope of spreading awareness about the pressing issue of water quality.  By practicing more environmentally friendly habits, such as choosing nontoxic household items, avoiding pouring expired medicine or other items down the drain, and more, our water quality can drastically improve, which in turn improves our overall health.  Please help keep our water safe, and Happy National Water Quality Month!

Resolution P/294/25 – A resolution urging Governor Hochul to reverse her decision to allocate $50 million on legal fees for those currently facing deportation unfortunately passed 11-6 along party lines. It is important to note that the resolution’s phrasing is not accurate. In the resolution, it is stated that “the primary responsibility of government is to protect the safety, welfare, and interests of its law-abiding citizens…” However, this goes against the Constitution and its emphasis on protections for all persons in America, whether or not they are documented or non-law-abiding citizens. Due process and representation are fundamental rights in our justice system and as such, they should remain a guarantee to all people.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, August 12, 2025 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located at 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY.

PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, August 6, 2025 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