September 12, 2026
Dear Friends,
Nearly two years into Donald Trump’s second term, millions of Americans are finding themselves worse off thanks to his disastrous policies. Trump’s senseless war in Iran continues to rage on with no end in sight, causing gas prices to skyrocket and forcing families to pay higher home energy bills. Trump’s war and his reckless tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner have led to a sharp rise in inflation, causing workers’ real earnings to decline steadily since earlier this year. And the President’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — passed last summer with near-unanimous support from Republicans in Congress — has robbed millions of Americans of access to affordable healthcare, with consequences that are only beginning to be felt.
While Trump and his allies in Congress refuse to even acknowledge the mess they’ve created, I’m committed to working directly with our communities to bring relief to those who need it most. One of the pathways through which I’ve worked to deliver that support is the Community Project Funding (CPF) process — a unique opportunity that allows each member of Congress to request federal funding for a select set of locally submitted initiatives to be included in the annual budget. Each year, my team and I carefully evaluate dozens of funding requests to determine which projects will bring the most benefit to our communities — and over the past several years, I’m proud to have secured more than $52 million for a diverse group of 54 Capital Region projects.
This week, I visited Saratoga Springs to celebrate the completion of one of those projects — the RISE Housing and Support Services Homebase Clubhouse, for which I secured more than $2.3 million in federal funding. This groundbreaking new facility is the first of its kind in Saratoga County and one of the first in New York State, offering a vital “third space” where those recovering from serious mental illnesses can access wellness programming, educational opportunities, employment assistance, and meaningful social connections. I’m eager to see how this program will not only help members of our community get the support they need, but also serve as a model for mental and behavioral health support systems across our region and beyond. Innovative local initiatives like this one remind us that even when those in power in Washington turn a blind eye to the struggles of American families, we can still work within our communities to deliver the resources working people deserve.
All across our Capital Region, members of our community are doing just that — working tirelessly to help fill the gaps left by the Trump administration’s cruel policies. I saw that mobilization in action earlier this week, when I visited a clinic recently opened by the UA Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters in Latham to provide high-quality, no-cost healthcare to union members and their families. During my visit, I heard stories of members who hadn’t visited a doctor in years due to cost or other barriers and were so grateful to have this free resource available to them. As the Trump administration’s drastic cuts make healthcare unaffordable for millions of Americans, this clinic provides another community-based model for ensuring our families can access the care they need.
Throughout our history, Americans have always come together to support each other in difficult times. 25 years ago this week, after the September 11th attacks rocked our nation to its core, people from all walks of life stepped up to provide whatever assistance they could. From the first responders who charged bravely into the wreckage to rescue survivors to the countless Americans who pitched in to assist the families of those killed and injured that day, millions of people played a small part in helping our nation heal from that horrific tragedy.
Yesterday, when I joined the American Red Cross in Albany at the 9/11 Day of Remembrance Blood Drive, I was reminded that that spirit of unity and togetherness still abounds in our communities today. As I stood at the Albany Capital Center, I was touched to see so many members of our Capital Region community lining up to donate blood in commemoration of the lives we lost and the heroes who served on that terrible day 25 years ago. Today, as we face a new set of challenges, I have been profoundly inspired by the commitment of so many of my constituents who have shown up to help our neighbors in their time of need. And while there is still much work to be done to deliver the support our families need, I know that when we work together as a community, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.
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 governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program is now accepting applications for funding from communities and organizations seeking to engage adults 55 and older in tackling their communities’ most pressing needs!
- Established in 1971, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities, ranging from tutoring children and preparing tax returns to providing nutrition support, assisting victims of natural disasters, and much more.
- Applicants for funding may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and the activities volunteers can complete to address that need.
- AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:
- Supporting older adults and caregivers
- Helping older adults re-enter the workforce
- Building strong families
- Preventing and mitigating fraud and scams
- Providing housing solutions for unhoused individuals
- Supporting behavioral health initiatives
- Applications for funding are due by 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026.
- For more information about this funding opportunity, click HERE.
- If you are interested in serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer, you can learn more by clicking HERE.
