Gray Area This Week

Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) noted a busy week in Albany as budget negotiations continue, with increased activity across several committees. He serves as the ranking Minority member on the Assembly Energy Committee and also the Assembly Tourism Committee.

As part of that work, Gray raised concerns about legislation related to utility rate increases, arguing it fails to address the real drivers of rising costs.

“This is a legislative solution looking for a problem. Rate increases don’t happen unless they’re approved, so we should be focused on lowering costs, not pretending to fix something that isn’t broken,” Gray said.

He also pointed to proposals such as floating solar programs, which are funded through ratepayer dollars and raise both costs and environmental concerns.

“People are already paying for these programs through their utility bills,” Gray said. “At a time when families are already overburdened, we should be returning that money to taxpayers instead of spending it on projects like floating solar panels.”

Later in the week, Gray joined colleagues for a press conference highlighting ongoing staffing shortages in state correctional facilities, noting that facilities remain below full staffing capacity and are becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous to operate. He called on the state to address workforce gaps and restore stability within the system.

Gray also met with stakeholders, including the Alliance for Clean Energy, and he reiterated support for an all-of-the-above energy approach that includes natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind and solar, while emphasizing that projects should reflect the needs and support of local communities.

In the district, he attended a flag-raising ceremony in Watertown celebrating Irish heritage and community unity and will close the week with West Point Day in Albany, a visit to Akwesasne to discuss future energy development and meetings with local officials in Massena.

“As always, it is an honor and a privilege to serve you, and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact my office.”