Small businesses need workers and workers need housing. But new housing in my district and many parts of Upstate is on hold because we don't have enough electric capacity to build new homes.

Why is there this massive rush to retire existing power sources?

What's included in this budget to make energy more affordable for ratepayers?

Housing was the main topic at the Mortgage Bankers Association of Greater Rochester's annual Economic Forecast. I was on a panel discussing solutions to facilitate housing development in our communities, including workforce housing, and get people into homes they can afford.

It's all about affordability. The state can help by reducing mandates and red tape, speeding regulatory approvals, having realistic energy policies and timelines, and creating an environment that encourages, not stifles, local investment.

Some of my legislative proposals:

• S.849 USDA construction tax credit
• S.852 home renovation property tax exemption 
• S.850 first-time homebuyer tax credit
• S.851 housing infrastructure tax credit
• S.576 manufactured housing tax credit

Thanks to the work of many dedicated professionals, including Executive Principal Matt Flowers, Jerry Jackson and the late Floyd Sick of Dansville Ambulance Company, and Livingston County, Genesee Valley BOCES launched its new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at the Mount Morris Career and Technical Education Center.

The program trains high school students for careers in emergency medical services, helping to ensure our communities have the dedicated first responders they need.

It was an incredible honor to be a small part of this team. Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with the inaugural graduates and present NYS Senate certificates for their achievements. Thank you to Instructor Alyssa Baker for her leadership.

Instead of pushing out the implementation date for its new refrigerant rules, or aligning with federal EPA rules - as our businesses were reasonably asking - the state DEC dropped its refrigerant regulations on December 23, giving businesses like our small grocers and convenience stores a whopping 17 days to comply, over the busy holiday season. 

During the budget hearings, I questioned DEC leadership on a number of issues important to our local communities, including:

• Infrastructure funding for upgrades to aging wastewater treatment plants
• Help for volunteer fire departments dealing with PFOA contaminated soils
• The money owed to our community land trusts for conservation efforts.

Advance Circuit Technology in Chili, Monroe County designs and manufactures advanced hybrid circuits and pressure plates for aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets.

These circuits are so powerful they can withstand extreme heat, extreme cold, and even the vacuum of space!

Thank you to General Manager Zack Kajfasz, Sales Rep Doug Doyle, and Program Manager Jeff Rider for sharing the company's innovative work.

Ray Welker Jr. of Walworth is my latest recipient of a NYS Senate Commendation Award, recognizing his 70 years of dedicated service with the West Walworth Volunteer Fire Department in Wayne County.

Ray became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

This proud legacy of service continues today, as Ray's two sons, Lawrence and Thomas, and his grandson Joshua, actively volunteer with the department.

Here are some of the local projects recently awarded state funding:

Monroe County

• Stever Locke, Inc., Honeoye Falls, Manufacturing Facility Upgrades, $150,000
• XLI Manufacturing, Chili, Equipment Purchases and Manufacturing Facility Expansion, $250,000
• The Arc of Monroe, Ballantyne Day Services Capital Improvement Project, $85,041

Wayne County

• Village of Clyde, Glasgow Street
  Water Infrastructure Improvements for Commercial
  Development, $1,500,000
• Town of Macedon, Gravino Park Accessible Playground, $150,000
• Town of Ontario, Business
  Improvement District
  Revitalization, $350,000

Ontario County

• Town of Phelps, Public Sewer System Extension, $4,953,448
• City of Canandaigua, Water Treatment Plant Critical Infrastructure Improvement Project, $1,500,000
• Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District, Naples Creek Streambank Restoration Project, $50,000

Livingston County

• Village of Geneseo, Wastewater
  Treatment Plant Improvements, $3,913,000
• Town of Geneseo, Long Point
  Stormwater Management
  Improvements, $536,800
• Village of Dansville, Mill Creek
  Streambank Stabilization Plan, $20,502

You can see the full list of local projects here.

The Lowe's Hometowns grant program is accepting applications through February 18, 2025.

• Safe and affordable housing facilities such as shelters or transitional living facilities
• Community resources such as senior citizen centers, first responder facilities, food pantries or youth clubs
• Outdoor community spaces like parks, gardens, and playgrounds
• Cultural preservation such as theaters or memorials
• Facilities dedicated to skilled trades education

Apply at Lowes.com/Hometowns.