June 21, 2025
Dear Friends,
Like so many of you, I was horrified by last week’s targeted shootings of multiple Minnesota State legislators and their spouses in their own homes — which killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in critical condition.
There is absolutely no place for political violence in our nation. None. My heart goes out to the loved ones, families, and communities shattered by this attack.
This is a frightening time in America. Threats and acts of violence are on the rise. Extremism is growing. The pillars of our democracy are being tested daily.
In the face of this fear and turmoil, now it is more important than ever to stand up, speak out, and be the change you wish to see in this world. That is why I was deeply moved by the millions of Americans this weekend — including thousands here in our Capital Region — who came out to protest peacefully against this administration that has made violence and lawlessness its hallmarks.
And on Monday this week, I was privileged to be joined by hundreds of you at my most recent town hall in Troy, where our Capital Region neighbors shared their questions, insights, fears, and hopes with me. To those who attended Monday night, and the thousands more who have attended previous town halls, contacted my office, and raised their voices, thank you. You are heard. Your words are powerful, and I encourage you to continue sharing them with myself and my office.
So many of you spoke of your dismay over the actions of this administration to stoke the flames of fear and chaos, and what we as citizens can do about it. When the federal government fails to protect our communities, it becomes even more vital for us to protect and look out for each other. That means organizing locally, supporting grassroots movements, volunteering with advocacy groups, helping your neighbors, and building networks of mutual aid. It could look as simple as attending a community meeting, checking in on a friend, or calling my office to share your story.
I understand that this doesn’t feel like enough: not when people are being taken from streets and locked in detention centers without due process, or when elected individuals are being detained for voicing their opposition to this administration.
But history shows us the success of non-violent protest when we are guided by desire for peace, grace and compassion for our neighbors, and an unbroken belief in justice. I am reminded of the words of one of my heroes, Senator Robert “Bobby” Kennedy. On April 4, 1968, following the assassination of another one of my heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Senator Kennedy addressed a crowd in Indianapolis during a similarly tumultuous time for the American people.
“In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the United States,” he said, “it is perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in.”
Senator Kennedy had an answer to that question. “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country.”
As your representative in Congress, my pledge to you is to always work on behalf of our communities, our nation, and the American people. Because I still have hope for this country and its future. What we must never forget is that we are stronger when we stand together.
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, announcements, and recommendations from governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- June marks National Homeownership Month! In conjunction with that month, Buffalo Housing and Urban Development Office will be hosting a free virtual homebuying informational webinar in collaboration with the Philadelphia Homeownership Center, the Office of Housing Counseling and the NYS Housing Finance Agency.
- The virtual webinar will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
- The presentation will offer information to educate participants on Single Family Programs, the FHA Resource Center, Types of Housing Counseling Services, and First-time Home Buyers' programs through SONYMA.
- To register for the webinar and learn more about homeownership CLICK HERE.
- Once you register, an email invitation to join the meeting will be sent to you.
