When the last-minute Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) transition proposal was rushed into the state budget, I raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency, accountability, and the potential for disruption in care for thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers.

Despite calls to pull the proposal, the measure passed. The consequences have been exactly what we feared. Mismanagement and confusion have left many program participants and caregivers without the care and compensation they rely on. This is unacceptable. 

Read my letter calling for an investigation. People deserve answers and more importantly the care they rely on to live comfortably and as independently as possible.

As a State Senator and as a member of a military family one of my priorities is to recognize the brave men and women who served our country. Since 2017, I’ve had the privilege of honoring hundreds of local veterans through my annual Veterans Recognition Program.

Nominations are now open for this year’s ceremony, which will take place on October 30th at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua. If you know a veteran who lives in the 54th Senate District, including Ontario, Livingston, Wayne Counties, and the Monroe County towns of Mendon, Rush, Wheatland, Chili, or Riga, I hope you’ll consider submitting their name.

Let’s come together to celebrate our veterans and thank them for their service.

Team Helming had the pleasure of attending fantastic community events recently: the Geneva Firemen’s Parade, the Rush Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Parade and the Phelps Sauerkraut Festival!

It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate the service and dedication of our local fire departments.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support these great traditions. A special thank you to all of our incredible firefighters and emergency personnel for your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Everyone who took part in this year’s Family Promise Bed Race at the Ontario County Fairgrounds was a winner because supporting families in need is always a victory.

This fun, family-friendly event brought the community together to raise funds for Family Promise’s latest project: creating the first home for families experiencing homelessness, in partnership with the Molly and Ed Shill Care Foundation.

Thank you to Executive Director Todd Bernhardt, Board President Dave Sahr, the volunteers, sponsors, partners, and creative racing teams who made it all possible.

Congrats to the teams:

• Noah’s Ark – St. John’s Lutheran Church (Victor)

• Presbyterian Pirates – The Presbyterian Church (Geneva)

• Stomp Out Hunger – Victor/Farmington Food Cupboard

• Wise Builders – First Congregational Church (Canandaigua)

• Charlies – Charlie’s Restaurants

• Seager Marine – Seager Marine

Recently joined members of the Livingston County Historical Society and Museum and American Rock Salt Company, LLC to celebrate the launch of a capital campaign for the Museum’s latest building enhancement project.

The expansion will provide much-needed additional space and feature a new permanent exhibit titled “Salt Mining from the Ground Up.” This dynamic, interactive exhibit will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience what it’s like inside a working salt mine—right here in the Genesee Valley.

Special thanks to Joe Bucci, Sr. for sharing the fascinating history and regional significance of salt mining, and to Museum Director Anna Kowalchuk for an engaging and informative presentation.

Another successful electronics recycling event! With the help of Creation Technologies and Sunnking Sustainable Solutions we collected several tons of used electronics! Thank you to the hundreds of people who participated.

Missed this event? Don't worry! I will be hosting another E-recycling opportunity on September 13th at the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. Stay tuned for more details!