Albany Booster Club

10th annual ABC Falcon 5k Register NOW zippy-reg.com/online_reg/?e=… Thanks to these amazing sponsors @HoneywellLaw @StewartsShops @PriceChopper @CDPHP @DCsPizza @ualbany @HWFC @BSNSPORTS @sagecollege @SALON_248 And private donations from members of our community

📲 Glad to join @CNBC to talk right to repair on everything from farm equipment to iPhones, as more and more Americans gain the right to repair. Making our electronics, equipment, and appliances easier and cheaper to repair has widespread, bipartisan support.

🎉 Proud to join Mayor Dr. Applyrs and Downtown Albany BID to announce this year’s 518 Day! A full day of local food, culture, and community. From Albany to the Adirondacks, there’s no place like the 518.

🌎 This Earth Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots from around the 46th District. Upstate New York is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and ecosystems in the country, and we’re lucky to have a few of those right here in the Capital Region.

🚨 I will not stand idly by while this federal administration targets Capital Region immigrants who are playing by the rules, building lives in our communities, working for our small businesses, and paying taxes. Now, Donald Trump wants to revoke birthright citizenship.

💐This Women's History Month, I was honored to recognize outstanding women from across the 46th Senate District, including Beverly Ivey, Linda Jackson-Chalmers, Migdalia “Micky” Jimenez, Joyce Love, JoAnn Smith, Nell Stokes, Arlene Way, and Maeve O'Brien. All of these women are passionate about one thing: giving back to the communities they call home and making a difference in the lives of those around them. For that reason, our Capital Region is a better place because of them. Congratulations to all of our honorees. A grateful community humbly thanks you.

The Capital Region hasn’t labored under a king for more than 250 years, and we sure as hell aren’t going to start now. To the thousands of you who showed across the area today: thank you. You are the change we seek and your voices were heard all the way to the White House. This is what democracy looks like. And we aren’t going away. #NoKings

On Episode 28 of Chat with Pat, I sit down with @AMRomero109 to discuss the State Legislature's impending immigration package, including the MELT Act, NY For All Act, and the NY Civil Rights Act. Tune into the full episode below, or, as always, catch it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

🎨 I was proud to present the Brendan Fahy Bequette Fund Award in honor of my son, Brendan, at the Albany Center Gallery’s Regional High School Exhibition. This event recognizes the importance of supporting young artists and their voices. It was great to meet with these students, especially those from schools right here in our district, who are expressing themselves powerfully through their art.

Proud to stand with Senator Patricia Fahy @PatFahy46, Jon Rivera, and refugee organizations from across New York calling for a $15 million investment in the New York State Enhanced Services to Refugees Program in this year’s state budget.

📲 Please see my full remarks from the State Senate floor below, marking the passing of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson.

🎓 For too many New York students and their families, the cost of a higher education has gotten further and further out of reach. At yesterday’s Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Higher Education, I emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in NY's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to lower tuition costs, and addressed the ongoing need to fund building maintenance backlogs. Students should be able to afford their higher education regardless of background, and have safe and modern facilities on our @SUNY and @CUNY campuses. Keeping campuses state-of-the-art helps to boost enrollment, maintain retention, and improve the quality of life for thousands of students. Additionally, the Governor's proposed funding for Career Connects will support students who are searching for internships or employment post-graduation, which has been a long-term priority of mine. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the need to fully fund our SUNY and CUNY colleges and universities while keeping them affordable for working families.

No matter what happens in Washington, I will always will defend reproductive freedom and access to reproductive care in New York. I am committed to protecting the fundamental right to make your own personal health care decisions without interference from your government.

Forever remembering and honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson, a pioneer of the civil rights movement and a beacon of hope for all Americans in the pursuit of equality.

📲 As part of Black History Month in the Capital Region, today I'd like to recognize James Campbell Matthews, who was the first Black graduate of Albany Law School and the first Black Judge in New York. Matthews was born in New Haven, CT, and moved to Albany with his family as a child. After his parents passed away in 1861, he was raised by two anti-slavery activists, Lydia Mott and Phebe Jones, before being adopted by Francis Van Vranken in Albany. After starting a successful law practice in Albany, he sued the Albany School Board on behalf of William Dietz, forcing Albany public schools to desegregate. Moreover, he lobbied for a bill to protect African American teachers, which was later signed into law by Governor Grover Cleveland. Later in his life, Matthews was elected as Judge of Albany’s Recorder’s Court in 1895. Judge Matthews is a reminder of how Albany's Black communities and trailblazers have continued to lead the national fight for progress and equality to this day. His former home can be found in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood, complete with a historical marker installed just 2 years ago.

Stonewall Inn and New York State are the birthplace of the gay rights movement. Our gay community was here long before that, and they will endure long after this decision. To our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and New Yorkers: I stand with you, today and everyday. Period.

💵 Thrilled to be able to provide a $25,000 Senate grant to Grow Amsterdam NY Inc. so they can launch Amsterdam's new Farmers Market this upcoming June! This is a win-win for our local family farms and working families struggling to access fresh, nutritious food. Looking forward to visiting vendors and enjoying warmer weather with our community when it launches! Read more here from the Amsterdam Recorder: dailygazette.com/the_recorder/g…

Honored to be among caregivers, families, DSPs, and New Yorkers living with disabilities this week as we fight hard for a 2.7% inflationary increase this year. When I look out at this room, I see families and folks who are passionate about caregiving and what they do. It’s time our state budget reflects the needs of New Yorkers living with disabilities. Our message was clear: New York must fully invest in our I/DD service system and the workforce that makes living with independence and dignity possible. As Chair of the Disabilities Committee, I’m glad to be in this fight with you.

Starting this year, Albany High seniors with a 3.0 GPA and who have taken a specific math course will be guaranteed admission to @ualbany under a new agreement. When we talk about making college more accessible for Capital Region kids, this is what we mean. Opening doors to higher education starts right here at home. Thrilled to see how this agreement will benefit our students and community in the years to come, and kudos!

💌 This Valentine's Day, join me in showing our appreciation for our seniors and veterans. Drop your self-created Valentine's Day cards addressed to either seniors or veterans off at my office, Legislative Office Building, Room 708, in Albany by the end of the day on Wednesday, Feb. 11th, and we will take care of the rest. First, check in with your student's school to see if they are already participating. If not, have them create a card and drop it off at our LOB office by Wednesday, February 11th. If you'd like pre-created cards, please reach out to my office. If you have any questions, please reach out to my office at fahy@nysenate.gov or (518) 455-2225.

Introducing two incredible additions to our team this legislative session. Session Intern Adrian Cummings, a proud UAlbany student, and Fellow Amalini Fernando, joining us through the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society’s Fellowship on Women & Public Policy! Both have already jumped in with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service.