Throughout our communities, veterans have answered the call to serve in times of war and peace, helping protect the freedoms we cherish. As we mark our nation's 250th anniversary, it's especially meaningful to honor the men and women whose service and sacrifice have defended those freedoms.

I invite you to help us recognize a veteran from the 54th Senate District at my annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony on October 23 at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua.

Anyone may nominate a veteran who lives within the 54th Senate District, which includes Ontario, Livingston and Wayne counties, along with the Monroe County communities of Chili, Churchville, Honeoye Falls, Mendon, Riga, Rush, Scottsville and Wheatland.

To nominate someone, please complete the form, accessible using the link below, by Thursday, September 10.

Because the information will be used in a commemorative booklet, we ask that the "Nominee Information" section be completed by the veteran whenever possible. Posthumous nominations are also welcome. In those cases, please complete the form as best you can with the information available.

After listening to Sam Nordquist’s mother speak about her son, and after personally meeting with parents of other children who were brutally murdered, I am left with one unshakeable conviction: when a judge sentences someone to life without parole, those words must mean exactly that. No exceptions. No second chances.

And yet, Albany is moving in precisely the opposite direction.

Sam Nordquist was 24 years old when he was brutally murdered. Prosecutors say he endured weeks of torture. His body was found in a field.

In Ontario County Court, Precious Arzuaga recently pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and related charges for Sam's torture and killing. She is expected to be sentenced to "life without the possibility of parole" in early September. For a crime this monstrous, nothing less is imaginable.

But legislation already introduced in Albany raises serious concerns about whether that sentence would remain permanent.

The Elder Parole bill, supported by 32 Senate Democrats, would mandate parole hearings for any convicted criminal who has served at least 15 years and reached age 55. Its sweeping "notwithstanding" language carves out no exceptions, leaving open the chilling possibility that even the most depraved convicted criminals could one day walk free.

A second bill, the Second Look Act, goes further still. It would allow any convicted criminal to petition a judge for a reduced sentence after serving just 10 years, regardless of what they did or whose lives they destroyed.

Making matters worse, New York's own Chief Judge has repeatedly championed the Second Look Act, going so far as to call our current sentencing system "stupid" at a public forum.  

When a judge sentences someone to “life without parole,” should that sentence ever be revisited? I believe the answer is an unequivocal no.

Victims' families have already endured more than anyone should ever have to bear. When they leave a courtroom after sentencing, they walk out carrying one thing they didn't have before: certainty. The certainty that justice will hold. That the monster who shattered their lives will never have the opportunity to shatter another.

The family must not be robbed of that. "Life without parole" must mean life without parole.

Exciting things are happening in Livingston County! The Livingston County Historical Society recently broke ground on the second phase of an ambitious expansion and renovation project set for completion in 2027. It was a wonderful occasion, with Livingston County Administrator Shannon Hillier, Chairman of the Livingston County Board of Supervisors David LeFeber, Museum Director Anna Kowalchuk and Board President Sue Conklin all on hand to celebrate, and joined by several town supervisors, generous donors, and other government officials.

Once complete, the project will give this beloved 1838 landmark new gallery space, modern facilities to protect and preserve its collections, and improved accessibility so that everyone can explore more than 200 years of history from all 17 towns of Livingston County. It's a wonderful investment in preserving our region's heritage for generations to come.

Wallington Engine Co. in Sodus recently celebrated the dedication of their long-awaited fire station expansion. The $425,000 project was made possible in part by a $200,000 grant I helped the department obtain through the state's Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) grant program. Now the Wallington crew no longer has to store one of its trucks at another department's station.

As a strong advocate for local fire departments, I also supported legislation passed by both houses this session to quadruple the state tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS, taking it from $200 to $800 for individual filers and from $400 to $1,600 for married joint filers. This bill continues to await the Governor's signature.

Our first responders do so much for our communities. This tax credit is the right thing to do for them, and I urge you to join me in calling on the Governor to sign this bill into law.

Some of the biggest changes in American medicine started right here in our community. During a South Bristol Town Board meeting I presented Dr. Wende Logan Young, founder of the Elizabeth Wende Breast Care Clinic, with the New York State Senate Commendation Award, honoring a career that has spanned decades and saved countless lives.

The Commendation Award is among the highest honors a state senator can give, reserved for individuals whose leadership and lasting commitment have left a meaningful mark on their community.

Dr. Logan Young earned that recognition many times over. In 1975, she opened the nation's very first dedicated breast clinic, a decision that would reshape how breast cancer is diagnosed across the country. At the time, patients were routinely routed through surgeons and left waiting for answers.

Half a century later, the Elizabeth Wende Breast Care Clinic is an internationally recognized leader in breast imaging, intervention, and research. It stands as one of the largest freestanding breast imaging centers in the United States, the largest single-site center of its kind in New York State, and has since grown to offer services such as bone density screening.

One of my favorite parts of the summer is getting out to see so many of you across our communities. From the midway rides and 4H competitions at our county fairs to the marching bands and firefighters of our hometown parades, this is the season when we come together to celebrate everything that makes our region special.

I'm grateful for every handshake, every conversation, and every chance to share in the pride and joy on display. Here are just a few moments from the fairs, carnivals, and parades I've had the honor of attending. Take a look, and see if you can spot a familiar face or two!

Several student financial aid programs have deadlines this month. Don't miss out! Check out the links below to learn if you qualify.

One of my priorities is hearing directly from the people I serve. That’s why I
continue to host mobile office hours across our district to discuss the issues that matter most to you.

My Mobile Office hours are an opportunity to meet one-on-one with me to ask questions, share concerns, and receive assistance with issues involving state agencies, programs and services.