Monthly Newsletter
March 8, 2026

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. As we begin this month, Albany is very much in the “lion” stage of the state budget process; priorities being debated, numbers shifting, and big decisions on the table. But just as winter gives way to spring, my hope is that this budget season ends on a calmer, more hopeful note for New Yorkers.

That means delivering real relief. Lower taxes, lower energy costs, and policies that make it safer and more affordable for families, seniors, and small businesses to stay and thrive in our communities.

March is also Maple Syrup Month — a great reminder to support our local producers. I encourage you to visit a nearby sugar shack or your favorite pancake spot and enjoy one of New York’s sweetest traditions.

Wishing you and your family a happy St. Patrick’s Day — and the promise of brighter days ahead. 🍀

Warmest regards, 

Pam 

 
Fighting to Lower Your Utility Bills

New Yorkers shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes and paying their bills. That's why I sent a letter to Governor Hochul demanding immediate action to lower our utility bills. New Yorkers are paying some of the highest energy costs in the nation, and they need relief now.

My plan includes three key steps:

  1. Return the more than $2 billion sitting unused at NYSERDA directly to ratepayers.
  2. Eliminate the unfunded all-electric mandates that are driving up electric bills.
  3. Advance my commonsense legislation that lowers energy costs for everyone.

Read my full letter below:

Letter to Governor Hochul
 
Preventing Veteran Suicide

Supporting our veterans has long been one of my top priorities. I sponsored a law to improve how New York reports veteran deaths by suicide. However, the required reporting form was never created by NYS.

When the Finger Lakes Veterans Advocacy Council brought this issue forward, we took action.

I’m grateful to Wayne Thompson and the Council, as well as Dr. Stephanie Gamble of the VA Suicide Prevention Center of Excellence, Terry Haskin, NP and Ontario County Coroner, and David Terry, Director of the Livingston County Veterans Service Agency, for their leadership and partnership throughout this effort.

Our efforts delivered results. The Department of Health has now created and distributed the reporting form statewide. This long-overdue step will finally allow New York to collect accurate data, strengthen coordination, and better support veterans.

Learn More
 
WATCH: Standing Up for Rural Healthcare

Access to healthcare should never depend on your zip code. At the Joint Budget Hearing on Health and Medicaid, I raised concerns about the growing challenges rural communities face — from provider shortages to long wait times for specialists and limited access to dental and specialty care. Rural healthcare must be prioritized in the state budget so families and seniors can get the care they need when they need it.

Watch to my remarks below:

WATCH
 
Delivering for Our Region

Returning taxpayer dollars to our region is one of the most important parts of my job, and I’m proud of the progress we’re making. Since the beginning of 2025, I have secured millions in state funding for local communities — including $1.15 million for the City of Geneva and $196,500 for the Village of Avon. These investments put your tax dollars to work here at home, supporting projects that strengthen our communities and improve quality of life for everyone.

 
Farm Bureau's Farmers Voice Award

Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy and an essential part of our region’s identity. I was honored to receive the Farmer’s Voice Award from the New York Farm Bureau in recognition of my work supporting farmers and agriculture across New York. Our farmers work tirelessly to feed our state and nation, and they deserve strong advocates in Albany. I will continue standing with our farmers and making sure their voices are heard as we protect the future of agriculture in New York.

Read More
 
Cold weather, hot bills and failing state policy |
Guest Opinion

"Since passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, electricity rates have climbed sharply. Environmental goals do matter. But mandates without realistic timelines, adequate infrastructure, or transparent cost analysis strain households, small businesses, schools, and local governments — and put lives at risk."

Read my op-ed:

Read More
 
Welcoming New Businesses
Mill Creek Cafe

Congratulations to Kelly Schmidlin on the beautiful Mill Creek Cafe - a fantastic addition to Honeoye! https://millcreekcafe.com/ 

Gabriel's Italian Comfort
This Lyons family-owned restaurant is a beautiful tribute to their grandfather, Gabriel “Gabe” Vardbash, a proud WWII veteran and former Mayor of Lyons! https://gabrielsitaliancomfort.com/
 
Toddler Book Club

Storytime mornings are some of my favorite mornings. I had the joy of reading to the Infant & Toddler Book Club through Wayne County Community Schools at Lollypops & Polkadots. These little readers filled the room with curiosity, big smiles, and eager hands ready to help turn the pages. Programs like this give our youngest learners a wonderful start and help spark a lifelong love of reading.

A huge thank-you to owner Chrissy Nelson for hosting the book club at her beautiful shop. Lollypops & Polkadots is truly one of the gems of our community — a joyful, welcoming space that brings families together. I’m grateful for local businesses that open their doors and their hearts to support our youngest learners. https://www.facebook.com/Lollypopsandpolkadots

 
 Highlighting Our Future
Farmers of America

Upstate New York thrives because of our farm families, and investing in the next generation of farmers keeps that legacy alive. Watch my Senate floor comments recognizing the outstanding members of the New York FFA Association:

WATCH
 
Budget Hearings Wrap Up

The Joint Legislative Budget Hearings have officially wrapped up. I used every opportunity to advocate for what matters most: reducing the overall cost of living — from taxes to energy — and enacting policies that give families, seniors, and small businesses the security and affordability they need to grow and succeed.

WATCH
 
VIDEO: Honoring Our Veterans 
Annual Bronzed Boots
Hockey Game

I was honored to share a video message welcoming our veterans and their families to the game — a night dedicated to celebrating their service. A special thank-you to David Terry and his outstanding team at the Livingston County Veteran Services Agency for the hard work they put into this event and for everything they do year-round to support veterans across our region. Their recognition as the 2025 Best of the Best is a testament to the positive impact they make every single day.

Watch my video message below:

WATCH
 
Celebrating the Dansville Ambulance Company

The dedication of the EMS professionals at the Dansville Ambulance Company is truly remarkable. Their call volumes are higher than ever, yet they continue to serve the community diligently. Their extensive training and commitment are evident in everything they do. I was especially inspired to see how many junior members are stepping up to join this important work.

The 2026 Annual Banquet celebrated that spirit of service. Congratulations to Rebekah Schrier, proudly named Member of the Year — an extraordinary achievement and a testament to her commitment and skill. I also want to congratulate Coralyn Griese, who was honored as Junior of the Year.

Years of Service Awards:

  • Rebekah Schrier — 0–5 years of service
  • Kelly Mychalishyn — 6–10 years of service
  • Larry Brockington — 11+ years of service
 
Scholarship Opportunities
FASNY Volunteer
Scholarship
High school seniors who are members of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York are eligible to apply. Children of members who actively volunteer are also invited to apply for the Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Memorial FASNY Volunteer Scholarship.
 
Applications are due Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Click to Apply
NY Conference of Italian American Legislators Scholarship
The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for two $3,000 scholarships — one academic and one athletic. Eligible students must be New York residents who live in the 54th Senate District. Students do not need to be of Italian American heritage.
 
Application deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
Click to Apply
Agricultural Youth Scholarship 

High school seniors interested in pursuing a career related to agriculture can apply for New York Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Youth Scholarship.

Eligible students can use the financial award for college or advanced training in the skilled trades.

Applications are due Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Click to Apply
 
Large Scale Wind & Solar Permitting
Make Your Voice Heard
New York’s green energy mandates are supposed to protect the environment.
Yet families, seniors, farmers, and small businesses are paying higher utility bills to comply. At the same time, they have less input in the approval of large scale solar & wind projects. Why?
Because the Governor and some in the legislature have given ORES the unilateral authority to speed up these projects by overriding local regulations and streamlining the permitting process. In the Town of Rush, drilling conducted by a developer for a large-scale solar project hit an aquifer. The drilling flooded the surrounding property and raised serious concerns for area residents.
 
We are told these energy mandates and permitting changes are necessary to protect the environment. But when costs go up, oversight is rushed, and local voices are sidelined, that is not protection. We can pursue clean energy without increasing costs and weakening safeguards at the same time.
 
Local voices deserve to be heard, and I will always support local decision making.
If you share my concerns about rising energy costs, reduced local control, and weakened environmental oversight, contact the Governor’s office and make your voice heard:
 
Governor Kathy Hochul
Phone: (518) 474-8390
Online contact form: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Mail: NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224
Learn More
 
Business Spotlight: JRLON, Inc

Family-owned manufacturers like JRLON create good-paying careers, drive innovation, and showcase world-class products made right here at home. JRLON represents the very best of New York manufacturing and reminds us why it’s so important to keep opportunity and investment in our state. I remain committed to advancing policies that help manufacturers grow, compete, and succeed for generations to come.

LEARN MORE
 
Supporting Local Job Creators

When our small businesses and family farms succeed, our whole region grows with them. That was the focus of my remarks during the legislative panel hosted by the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce.

I highlighted solutions to lower taxes, make energy more affordable, and strengthen the local employers who anchor our communities. 

 
Protecting Our Natural Resources

The health of the Finger Lakes is essential to our environment, our economy, and our way of life. That includes every lake in our region. I am committed to securing the resources and policies needed to protect water quality, strengthen local watersheds, and ensure our lakes remain clean and vibrant for generations to come.

 
Celebrating Caledonia
Firefighters

Caledonia is fortunate to have firefighters who show up for their neighbors at moments when it matters most.

Recognizing the dedicated members of the Caledonia Fire Department with Senate Citations gave me the chance to thank not only the honorees, but the entire department for their unwavering service and commitment to protecting our community.

Past Chief Leonard Ranous — recognized for 60 years of remarkable service. His recent passing has deeply touched our entire community. We remember him with heartfelt gratitude for his decades of leadership, his steady presence, and the countless times he answered the call to keep his community safe. Caledonia is better because of the life he lived and the service he gave.

Special Congratulations to:

  • Kevin Letson — Fire Police Service Award
  • Ezekel Buckley — Junior and RAM Service Award
  • David Neale — 50 years of service
  • Robert Jake — 6 to 20 years of service
  • Cameron Countryman — 1 to 5 years of service
  • Jackie Kolb — 1 to 5 years of service