Senator Peter Harckham

SENATOR PETE HARCKHAM'S COMMUNITY BULLETIN

January 2020

Keeping you informed on 40th Senate District happenings


 

Welcome to 2020, a year of many challenges and opportunities. There will be much work to be done in Albany, as we face a possible $6 billion deficit in the state budget, including a huge gap in Medicaid funding.  My priorities this year will include Indian Point decommissioning, helping to fund needed local infrastructure, passing STAR legislation, supporting law-enforcement, helping schools, addressing the opioid crisis and the scourge of vaping, protecting our environment and drinking water, as well as helping veterans and seniors secure their benefits. Whether I am in Albany or in our District, you are my top priority. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact me or one of my team. Thank you for your continued support. See my legislative calendar.


JOIN US FOR THE VETERANS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING IN YORKTOWN

Please join us for the next Veterans Advisory Council meeting, Thursday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. at the Yorktown American Legion Post #1009, 235 Veterans Road, Yorktown Heights. RSVP: 845-225-3025 or jhardy@nysenate.gov.


MEET ME AT MY NEXT COFFEE & CONVERSATION IN YORKTOWN

Join me for my next Coffee & Conversation, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, February 8, John C. Hart  Memorial Library, 1130 E. Main St., Shrub Oak. I will be glad to answer your questions and address your issues. The coffee is on me.


NEW LAW HELPS RETIREES SERVING IN LOCAL POLICE, SCHOOLS AND MUNICIPALITIES

Governor Cuomo recently signed into law legislation that I co-sponsored that lifts to $35,000 the cap on how much retirees under 65 can earn annually in public employment without affecting their pension benefits. This makes it easier for smaller municipalities to hire retired police officers, school resource personnel and village clerks, many of whom are willing to continue to share their expertise on a part-time or per diem basis. Read more.


ALMOST HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR CARMEL CENTER

Thanks to the $450,000 of state funding I secured, the newly renovated Friendship Center in Carmel reopened its doors to serve senior citizens with nutrition and adult day care services. I was pleased to be able to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.


$200,000 FOR CORTLANDT TOWN PROJECTS

I recently announced $200,000 in funding for the Town of Cortlandt for the construction of walking trails, completion of site amenities and new landscaping at Cortlandt Waterfront Park, as well as for fire safety improvements to Cortlandt Town Hall. Read more.


LONGTIME PLEASANTIVLLE FIRST RESPONDERS RECOGNIZED

A group of first responders with a combined 90 years of service at the Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps were recently recognized for their dedication to the community. In gratitude for their longtime service, I presented New York State Senate proclamations to Gregory “Greg” Wind, Manuel “Manny” Pinto, George Smith Jr., Marc Kearney, Jon D’Addesio, and Nicholas D'Addesio Sr. Congratulations - and thank you.


"LOVE WINS! NO ROOM FOR HATE" EVENT IN PUTNAM COUNTY

On January 12, I participated in the "Love Wins! No Room for Hate" gathering at Chamber Park in Mahopac. This interfaith event was hosted by two Mahopac clergy members, Rev. Casey Carbone from the First Presbyterian Church and Rabbi Sarah Freidson from Temple Beth Shalom, to express the community's solidarity with its Jewish neighbors, who have experienced recent acts of anti-Semitism. 


TIP OF THE HAT TO PEEKSKILL’S HAT FACTORY

With Ben Green owner of the Hat Factory business park.

The resurgence of Peekskill is evident in the Hat Factory business park, which houses many important businesses, including Alchemy Post Sound, the Peekskill Clay Studios, and Hudson Cabinetry Design. Thanks to Hat Factory owner Ben Green for showing me around recently. While on the tour, Ben discussed potential plans for a downtown Media and Arts Center on N. James Street and shared a rendering and floor plan of the proposed structure.


EAGLE SCOUTS FROM LEWISBORO, SOMERS AND VISTA RECOGNIZED

Lewisboro
Somers
Vista

I was pleased to be a part of three separate ceremonies to celebrate the hard work of several new Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to the scouts from Lewisboro, Somers and Vista, who have earned the highest level of distinction in the Boy Scouts of America.


SLEEPY HOLLOW COP RETIRES AFTER ALMOST 40 YEARS

After 39 years of service, Lt. Frank Hrotko retired from the Sleepy Hollow Police Department.  His dedication to his community includes longtime service with the fire department and ambulance corps. He joined the Marine Corps in 1976, and he is currently Vice Commander of the Hawthorne American Legion Post 112.  I presented him with a New York State Senate Proclamation at a recent dinner at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1042.


HONORING STATE TROOPER IN PUTNAM COUNTY

New York State Trooper Melissa Pappas is one of the longest serving woman police officers in Putnam County with almost 15 years on the force. I was proud to present her with a New York State Senate Proclamation to honor her achievements and hard work through the years.


VISITING “MY BROTHER VINNY” IN YORKTOWN

It was great to tour My Brother Vinny in Mohegan Lake in December. This organization distributes furniture, housewares, food and clothing to U.S. Armed Services veterans, outreach groups, shelters and families in the Hudson Valley.


SPEAKING TO SENIORS IN HERITAGE HILLS

I was happy to have the opportunity to speak with the members of the Heritage Hills Senior Men's Club about the work I have done this past year and hear their concerns and comments.


LAYING A WREATH IN PUTNAM COUNTY IN MEMORY OF FALLEN HEROES 

The Wreaths Across America event with the Putnam County Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol was truly special. The ceremony is part of a nationwide event, with more than 2 million volunteers. It was a privilege to honor the men and women who fought bravely for our country. 
 



 

Albany Office:
812 Legislative Office Bldg
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-3111
District Office:
1 Park Pl, Suite 302
Peekskill, NY 10566
914-241-4600
Satellite Office:
40 Gleneida Ave, 3rd floor
Carmel, NY 10512
845-225-3025
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