"The devil is in the details, and we’ll be reviewing the Governor’s full budget when it's released next week, but a few topline proposals stand out for the Hudson Valley. Getting the state to true Universal Childcare is an exciting and vital proposal, but as the details stand right now for communities outside New York City, there is a lot more that needs to be done in order to make that a reality. We will be fighting through negotiations to make this work for upstate and to help solve the childcare crisis in a truly universal way. 

I’m thrilled to see that the Governor included my bill - the Vaccine Integrity Act - which will lead the state’s public health discourse with science instead of conspiracy. And for years, we’ve been advocating for expanded investment in industrial hemp manufacturing as a tool for economic development and a way to support our farming community. The Governor’s commitment to creating a consortium dedicated to hemp advancement is incredibly exciting and one that will pay dividends across the state while moving us closer towards a sustainable future. 

Skyrocketing utility costs have been front and center across the Hudson Valley, and I commend the Governor for taking this fight head on in her budget proposal. There are still things left on the table, like our bill requiring the PSC to use affordability for ratepayers as a determining factor in every rate case, and we’ll be advocating for the inclusion of that and more over the next few months. 

We’ve also seen the terror inflicted on our communities and across the country by rogue ICE agents at the behest of the Trump administration. New York must stand up to protect our residents and ensure our state is a safe place for all people who call it home. I’m proud that Governor Hochul is committed to this fight and that soon we will end unnecessary and dangerous cooperation with ICE and provide recourse for those who have been harmed in the process.

I look forward to digging into the rest of the proposals spanning AI protections, expanded educational opportunities, emergency management support, increased water infrastructure funding, agriculture investments, and many others to ensure we have a budget that supports and strengthens all of our New York communities."