As the end of the year approaches, I’ve been thinking back on 2024. My team and I have traveled from one end of Orange County to the other and back again. And again . . . and again. We’ve toured farms and apple orchards, cut ribbons on new businesses, commemorated anniversaries and new memorials, presented awards – and, of course, fought tooth-and-nail for our priorities in Albany. It’s been an incredible year, and it’s all because of you. It’s the people that make Orange County such an incredible place to live and work, and in this season of gratitude, I am grateful for the chance to serve you all.
This year, my constituent services team took on nearly 500 cases from around the county, ranging from unemployment concerns, utility billing or delivery, issues with agencies and municipalities, and many others. My office hosted 20 new members of our Youth Advisory Council, 24 blood drives with the New York Blood Center and American Red Cross, and 11 of our Senior Road Trips, where I had an opportunity to meet with seniors all around the district. We hosted an inaugural Women’s Recognition Night, two senior picnics, and Project Red, White, and Blue, where homes flying the American flag were recognized for their patriotism and support.
During the legislative session, I introduced 103 new pieces of legislation, with 88 bills passing the Senate, the highest number by any lawmaker in New York. 29 of those bills have been signed into law, and I am hopeful that number will increase by the end of this year. I voted against 27 tax increases, and broke from my party 127 times – the most of any Senator – as I fought for what was best for Orange County.
My office secured $10.86 million in grants to local projects, including over a million for first responders and violence prevention, nearly two million for schools, libraries, and youth programming, almost four million for community pools and splash pads, and three million for additional amenities and projects within Orange County’s villages, towns, and cities. I presented well over 200 awards, citations, commendations, and certificates of recognition this year. I released an independent tax audit, held hearings, and wrapped up an environmental investigation. It was a busy, stressful (in a good way!), productive year . . . and I’m already looking forward to the hard work in 2025.
Happy New Year, Orange County!
