April 27, 2024
Dear Friends,
After a busy week in Washington, I always cherish the opportunity to return to our district and engage with constituents, organizations, and communities across the Capital Region. These engagements and conversations fuel my resolve to deliver for our communities. This week, I was thrilled to take part in a number of events, including the groundbreaking of an innovative new project for which I helped secure funding and an opportunity to hear from patients and providers about the importance of accessible, affordable fertility treatments amidst right-wing attacks.
An innovative solar project for Cohoes
Over the years, I’ve been thrilled with the successes we’ve celebrated through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process. This initiative brings key federal investments for worthy local projects that help drive economic growth across our district and deliver support to those in our communities who need it most. One such project in Cohoes sought to make use of the city’s reservoir to install floating solar panels, an effort that would generate 3.2 megawatts of clean energy — enough to power nearly 2,500 homes. In addition to its environmental benefits, this project will save the city and its consumers thousands of dollars in energy costs.
From the moment I was approached by local leaders about this project, I saw it as an incredible opportunity for our region to be a trailblazer on clean energy solutions that benefit our planet and our communities. After months of advocacy, I was able to secure $3 million for Cohoes to implement this pioneering project. And this week, I was proud to celebrate the project’s groundbreaking alongside those local leaders — a truly fitting celebration for Earth Day!
This first-of-its-kind project will set a powerful blueprint for other cities across the nation to follow. Going forward, I’m more committed than ever to continuing this pursuit of leading by example, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability one transformative project at a time.
Standing against attacks on reproductive care
During National Infertility Awareness Week, and amidst an onslaught of far-right attacks on reproductive care, I took time on Tuesday to visit a local fertility clinic to hear firsthand from patients, staff, and providers about the critical care being delivered there, and about why it must be protected. On Tuesday, I toured the impressive facilities of CNY Fertility Albany and spoke with patients and families about how in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments at the clinic have changed their lives for the better. Their powerful, personal insights have only strengthened my resolve to preserve safe, affordable access to reproductive care against the ongoing threat from extremist courts and legislators.
With the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments on a case that could decide whether states can prevent pregnant people from accessing emergency, life-saving abortion care, and with lawmakers across the nation pursuing a barrage of restrictive bans, I believe it is more important than ever to bolster access to this essential care. That’s why I’m a proud cosponsor of legislation like H.R. 7056, the Access to Family Building Act, which would enshrine protections for this care into federal law. I’ll keep working alongside my Democratic colleagues to protect reproductive freedom and keep fertility treatment safe, accessible, and affordable here in our Capital Region and beyond.
Supporting our courageous firefighters
Our first responders put their lives on the line day after day to keep our families safe, and it is our responsibility as leaders to make sure they are properly equipped to safely face the challenges of their jobs. That’s why I’ve strongly advocated for the delivery of federal funding to our local firehouses through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and other grant programs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These programs offer critically needed funding to update old equipment, provide training, and support recruitment and retention efforts, ensuring that our brave firefighters have the resources they need to serve our Capital Region safely and efficiently.
Last year, the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District No. 1 was awarded more than $300,000 to secure 35 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), or air packs. This week, I visited their station to see how this federal funding is assisting their operations and keeping their firefighters safe and healthy while they work to protect our communities.
The bravery and dedication of our emergency responders are an inspiration to me and so many others, and I’ll keep doing all I can to support their lifesaving work.
Next week, I’ll return to Washington newly inspired by the insights and conversations I’ve had with you. Please know that it is my highest honor and deepest privilege to represent our great Capital Region. Now and always, I will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday folks across our Capital Region and our nation.
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 federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- This week, I announced the submission deadline for Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests.
- The CPF process enables local initiatives to apply for funding included in the federal budget that supports our communities. For the past few years, I have facilitated this process and successfully secured funding for dozens of local projects (including the Cohoes Floating Solar project that I highlighted above)!
- The deadline for submitting project requests to my office is Monday, April 29th at 6:00 PM.
- As in previous years, Community Project Funding is only available to local and state governments and non-profit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible.
- The application form, information on funding availability, and instructions on how to submit requests can be found on my website HERE.
- I encourage all interested, eligible applicants to apply!
