Monthly Report – March 2022

Environment – The Minority Office submitted a resolution supporting the NYS Expanded Bottle Bill (A8668), which was first introduced 40 years ago, to include additional beverage containers, such as sports drinks, iced teas, wine and liquor, as well as dairy products. The resolution was rejected by the Republican Majority.

The Bottle Bill has had a tremendous and positive effect on the environment and modernizing and expanding the Bottle Bill will further reduce litter, increase recycling rates, reduce carbon emission and bring jobs to NYS.  

Opioid Settlement – After declaring the opioid epidemic a public health crisis in 2018, Rensselaer County in concert with other Counties initiated a lawsuit against three opioid distributors. An agreement for settlement was reached with a second manufacturer and the legislature unanimously approved a resolution to accept funds from this lawsuit as restitution for its expenses resulting from the opioid epidemic. This litigation is by no way final, as other distributors may still be litigated.

Health – The legislature authorized the Health Department to purchase and replenish PCR Covid-19 testing kits for 58 county school buildings to assist in the rapid identification and monitoring of Covid-19. This purchase is 100% grant funded and will help schools maintain in- person learning and support prevention strategies to curtail the spread of Covid-19.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, April, 12, 2022 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.

PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

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

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