December 9, 2023

Dear Friends,

The guiding principle throughout my years in public service has been the desire to enact meaningful legislation that improves the lives of those I represent. More often than not, the effort is an uphill struggle. Countless obstacles stand in the way of advancing legislation, but the impact of achieving that goal is unlike anything else. The ability to celebrate with the advocates who were with me every step of the way and to know that lives will be made better because of that legislation is my greatest pride and deepest honor working in Congress.

This week, I was able to celebrate the successful advance and progress of a couple of key priorities I have pushed for, including seeing the real-world benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and advancing legislation that finally establishes a national plan to address Parkinson’s disease.

Often, I have spoken about the significant benefits delivered to our workers and communities through investments in the Inflation Reduction Act. But far more significant than the words or statistics that I or any member could share on this legislation are the insights and experiences shared by the workers reaping the rewards of these investments. This week, I had the pleasure to speak with several of these workers on the frontlines of our clean energy transition about how this law is influencing job growth in their communities and about the economic benefits of growing out our middle class with a clean economy.

Two of the panelists I spoke with this week were from our very own Capital Region. Eric Romero Sr. and Eric Romero Jr. are residents of Schenectady and union members of the IUE-CWA Local 301. Earlier this year, I had the honor to meet both father and son during a discussion with their union chapter on Biden’s Investing in America agenda. They spoke about the huge progress that has been made thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and demonstrated how this law bolsters not only growth and jobs for the current workforce, but also for the workers of the future. As one panelist speaking to the Romeros astutely pointed out, “It’s impacting generations…[the Inflation Reduction Act] is going to ensure that his children and his children’s children will have sustainable jobs in the clean energy industry.”

As our communities continue to benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act, I know that the hard work on behalf of the American people is far from complete, and I’m continuing to push for legislation that tackles the many challenges we face. One such issue that I was thrilled to make key progress on this week was the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act.

Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease and is unfortunately growing fast. Currently, more than one million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, and there are no treatments to cure, prevent, or significantly slow down its progression.

Earlier this year, I introduced the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act alongside my Republican colleague Gus Bilirakis to unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson’s disease and alleviate the financial and health burdens it places on American families. I was so proud to witness its passage through the House Energy and Commerce Committee alongside my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Rep. Wexton was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) this year, which she describes as a kind of “Parkinson’s on steroids.” Since that devastating diagnosis, she has not only joined our push to advance this legislation, but has also became one of the most vocal advocates fighting for the Parkinson’s community.

She attended the committee mark-up, and she received a much-deserved standing ovation for her advocacy and her courage. I cannot begin to express the power of that moment and my gratitude to be able to work alongside her in this effort to bring hope to the millions living with Parkinson’s.

Oftentimes this job is a challenge. Things never seem to move fast enough, and too often progress feels like taking one step forward and then three steps back. But seeing the positive impact of our legislation on the lives of others will always outshine the failures and frustrations. It is why I will never stop working on behalf of the American people.

As always, thank you for reading.

Your friend,

DID YOU KNOW?

My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from state and federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:

• This week we observed National Influenza Vaccination Week, and, unfortunately, New York State is grappling with an increase in flu cases.
  • Flu cases in New York have risen by 25% over the last week, with hospitalizations increasing by 30%.
• Medical professionals are urging everyone who is able, to get vaccinated, especially considering the heightened risk to children.
• If you haven’t already, consider getting your flu shot as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.
• Remember, the flu vaccine is your first and most important step in preventing flu illness and its potentially serious complications.
• Further, everyone over the age of 6 months is able to receive a flu vaccination.
• Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you.
• Let’s stay informed and protected this flu season!