Weekly E-News: Sunday, January 9, 2022

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul laid out a bold vision for a new era in New York State during his first State of the State address, and I released a package of legislation, the Climate Action Agenda (CAA), to aggressively combat climate change during this year’s legislative session.

Take 3–5 minutes and complete my new 2022 Constituent Survey, which can be found below.

As always, read on for community updates from around the 109th District, and stay safe!

LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND PRESS

• Announcing the 2022 Climate Action Agenda (CAA). ⬇ 📢 It’s time to Look Up. The climate crisis is here — and it’s not waiting. Neither can we. This week I’ve introduced the Climate Action Agenda, a package of bills aimed at re-centering our priorities when it comes to combatting climate change. We must be aggressive and bold in our thinking. Read more here or click on the image below: bit.ly/2022caa

• New Community COVID-19 Testing Sites Open at Crossgates Mall and UAlbany’s Colonial Dining Hall. To cope with an increase in demand for testing here in the Capital Region, I’ve worked with Governor Kathy Hochul to open two new mass testing sites this week; one at the former Ruby Tuesdays location in Crossgates Mall, and one at UAlbany’s Colonial Dining Hall. Click on either of the images below for corresponding testing appointments and to make one:

• Marking the Anniversary of January 6th’s Insurrection. We must never forget the violent insurrection that took place at our nation’s Capitol — the symbol of American democracy — on January 6th. We must hold those involved responsible to the fullest extent possible under our laws, or the future of American democracy will be at risk. A week after January 6th of last year, I led the call from the Assembly in calling for the President’s removal from office as a result of those events.
• ICYMI: President Biden’s Jan. 6 Anniversary speech on Capitol Hill with powerful words reminding all we are a Nation of laws, where the rule of law must prevail despite former President Trump’s effort to undermine the election & to try to put “power over principle.”

• State of the State: Highlights and Full Statement. Please read my full statement on Governor Kathy Hochul’s first State of the State address below:
• “New Yorkers’ collective resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic continues after what’s been another tough year. With vaccination rates continuing to rise and New York State’s economy starting to rebound, there is cause for cautious optimism in our future. Governor Kathy Hochul’s first State of the State address was powerful in two significant ways; it was the first delivered by a female Governor in a glass ceiling-breaking moment, and it laid out a vision to help New York State’s families, small businesses, and workers rebuild–and I applaud her bold proposals. I particularly welcome the Governor’s announcements on key policy areas I’ve continued to champion; including investing in a new world-class campus for Wadsworth Labs in Albany, property tax cuts, making alcohol-to-go for bars and restaurants permanent, a $1B fund for small business recovery and assistance, fully funding the Foundation Aid formula, and to creating 100,000 new affordable housing units for New Yorkers and their families. Historic investments in our healthcare system and critical workforce will ensure that we respond more aggressively to the COVID-19 pandemic and expand access to care for all New Yorkers. A commitment to aggressively combatting gun violence in New York is needed and welcomed, and I look forward to partnering with Governor Hochul on expanded community-based solutions to do so. As we look for innovative and bold ways to combat the climate crisis and transition to a renewable energy grid and green economy, I welcome the multitude of approaches announced by the Governor. A commitment to $1 billion in electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption, electrification of school buses and the state fleet by 2035, $500M for offshore wind investment that will help grow hundreds of good-paying jobs at the Port of Albany locally, increased Environmental Bond Act of $4 billion, and more will ensure that New York State leads not just the nation on real and tangible climate action. Additionally, while not in today’s statement, we will still seek state funding to reimagine I-787 and reclaim the downtown Albany waterfront by working with the Governor to get it done. Although daunting, the challenges we face present unique opportunities New York must seize in this year to ensure a comprehensive, just, and effective recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul to move New York State forward and build a more prosperous future for all New Yorkers.”
• State of the State: Wadsworth Labs Rebuild in Capital Region Included.
• ICYMI: Governor Kathy Hochul included a ‘rebuild’ of the world-class Wadsworth Labs in #Albany — intended to be relocated at a new, state-of-the-art campus right here in the Capital Region.
• Let’s get it done in the budget this year! I look forward to seeing the Harriman Campus better integrated and connected to surrounding neighborhoods in Albany to maximize the economic multiplier effect and improve overall quality life as part of this project.
• State of the State: Permanent Alcohol To Go. Watch here as I speak with WTEN Channel 10 about how critical a financial lifeline alcohol to go is for our bars and restaurants, and why I’m pleased the Governor announced her support to making this provision permanent as we continue to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud to sponsor the bill to get this done; A.3116 Fahy, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for our small businesses and restaurants across the state as they seek to recover from the pandemic.
• Most American Soon Able to Receive Reimbursement for Take-Home COVID Tests. 🗞️ Most Americans will soon be able to receive reimbursement through their private health insurer, as the Biden Administration prepares rules to allow the filing of claims, to address the nationwide shortages of at home COVID-19 tests as a result of the Omicron surge. If you don’t have access to health insurance, learn more about COVID-19 coverage free of cost from the HRSA here.
• New Bill Introduction: Dark Skies Act. 🦅 This week, I introduced the ‘Dark Skies’ Act with Senator Brad Hoylman to reduce light pollution, energy usage, and deaths of migratory birds as a result of building collisions. Kudos to Audubon New York and NYC Audubon for their work on this!
• New Bill Signed Into Law! 🔖 Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation I sponsored with Senator Toby Ann Stavisky that will require the expanded collection of information and data by the New York State Education Department related to New York State’s healthcare workforce, licensed professionals, and how they practice.

• Albany High Champion Swimmer a Trailblazer. Huge congratulations to Albany City Schools student Anna Flanders for becoming the first-ever #Albany City Schools competitor to win the New York State Diving Title! 🏊 Your community is proud of you!
• 12- to 15-Year Olds Eligible to Receive Booster Shot. 💉 12- to 15-year olds are now able to receive their booster shots. To schedule an appointment visit: ny.gov/booster | For #Albany County clinic times and to make an appointment, visit: bit.ly/albanycountyclinics

2022 CONSTITUENT SURVEY

• Complete My 2022 Constituent Survey. As we approach the 2022 legislative session, it is important to hear from you on policies and issues affecting you and the communities of the 109th Assembly District. Your perspective on the complex issues facing our state and nation helps inform my work and helps prioritize what matters most to my constituency. Please take the brief 3 to 5 minute survey to provide your feedback. Your information will be confidential and not shared.

ICYMI: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• ICYMI: New York State Homeowners’ Assistance Fund Launches. 🏠 Homeowners who are behind on their mortgage and may be facing foreclosure due to COVID impacts are able to access the NYS Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) to get help staying in their homes! Visit www.nyhomeownerfund.org or call 1–844–776–9423 to apply.

• ICYMI: Important SNAP Program Changes. 🥫 New changes to NY’s #SNAP program include providing a new one-page application form, allowing older NYers to recertify their benefits for 36 months instead of 24 months, and eliminating the interview requirement for recertification. Learn more and apply for SNAP here.

COMMUNITY EVENTS + RESOURCES

• ‘Piece Together’ Art Exhibit at Pine Hills Library. Make sure to stop by the Albany Public Library’s ‘Pieced Together’ art exhibit at the Pine Hills branch, a collection of artwork that transforms cut and discarded paper into new creations!
• All New Yorkers 12+ Now Able to Receive COVID-19 Booster Shot. 💉 All New Yorkers aged 12+ are now eligible to receive their #COVID19 booster shot. Capital Region — get yours today at Crossgates Mall in the old Lord & Taylor store or find a community clinic here: www.bit.ly/albanycountyclinics
• Applying for Heating Assistance (HEAP) This Winter. 🏠 The winter months are approaching fast, so make sure you take advantage of New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application window and see if you’re eligible for financial help with heating costs. Apply here now.

• New York Small Business Recovery Grant Program Reminder. 📣 New York’s small business recovery grant program is open for applications to help cover COVID-19 pandemic-related expenditures. For more information and to apply, visit: www.nysmallbusinessrecovery.com

PODCAST: The Fahy Files: What Makes the NY Capital Work (Or Not!) — Connecting in a Time of Chaos

• To highlight some of the individuals in the Capital Region who exemplify what it means to remain connected within our community and cope with the chaos of the past year, I’ve launched a new series of my podcast The Fahy Files, ‘Connecting in a Time of Chaos’.

Listen to our first 6 (3 of these are featured below) episodes from this year so far on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

If you know someone who might be interested in signing up for our weekly e-newsletter, forward them this e-mail or click and copy and paste the link found here.

For more on my work in the state legislature, please visit my official Assembly website, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, or Medium to stay updated in 2021 and beyond! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns during this time at fahyp@nyassembly.gov or (518) 455–4178.

Sincerely,

Pat