October 2021 Meeting Highlights:

Opioid Settlement – After declaring the opioid epidemic a public health crisis, Rensselaer County in concert with other Counties initiated a lawsuit against three opioid distributors. An agreement for settlement was reached 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 PCR Covid-19 testing machines, printers and testing kits for 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.

Education – The legislature supported the funding of design and engineering costs for a Hudson Valley Community College expansion project. This project proposes to build an Applied Technology Education Building (ATEC) in order to support and expand the training for needed skilled and technical trade jobs in the manufacturing industry.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, November 9, 2021 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 518 270-2890.

www.rensselaercounty.org    &    follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature – Democratic Team”