The New York state Health Commissioner recently urged residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy to be aware that carbon monoxide (CO) can result from the improper use of alternate power sources. Poisonings from CO are often caused by faulty furnaces, improperly...

New York has a new law called I-STOP that was recently signed by the Governor. I was glad to support this in the Assembly earlier this year. I-STOP is short for “Internet System for Tracking Overprescribing.” This is a “real-time” registry...

Maybe some of you have heard of Dakota Meyer. At the age of 24, Dakota Meyer became the first living Marine in 38 years to receive the nation’s highest award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor. He has written a book that is due out in September which...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease–also called cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease–is...

Late last year, I introduced legislation to ban synthetic drugs from our state after many local people were reportedly ending up in the emergency room as a result of synthetic drug use. Many reported high blood pressure, high temperatures, severe paranoia...

With August upon us, farmers' markets and local produce stands are displaying a bountiful harvest. From flowers, to peaches, to honey and all the makings for a great salad, the markets have something to offer us all. I enjoy visiting the local farmers'...

I recently had the opportunity to meet with health professionals who work to prevent cancer and help detect the disease in its early stages. I wanted to draw attention to a great program they manage available to residents in both Oswego and Onondaga...

Last week in this space, I described ways in which we can jump-start our economy and better compete with other states. Our state has a new slogan: NY Open for Business. There are nice commercials running on the airways and television stations with a...

Our state touts a new mantra and website: NY Open for Business. While this is true in many ways, we can stand to improve just how open for business we are to both existing and new businesses. I wanted to make you aware of legislation I have signed on...

A study out last week reports that prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Thankfully, this session we passed the I-STOP bill. This legislation creates the Internet System for Tracking Overprescribing (I-STOP) program. This is a “real-time” registry...

We had some fun last week in Albany at the annual Dairy Day. One newspaper quipped "Dairy Day ups Cheese Intake in the Well of the LOB (Legislative Office Building)." This was the case, though whether the Times Union meant this in more ways than one...

Much has been accomplished this session—a stark contrast to the recent past in Albany. We passed the budget on time and did not raise taxes. We expanded the DNA databank—something I’ve supported for years. We also committed to our communities...

While many enjoyed the record warm temperatures March offered, fruit farmers held their breath and wondered what this would mean as trees began to bud earlier than they could remember. Hard freezes followed in April, which irreversibly damaged this year's...

There were a number of pro-business policies enacted this year in Albany. I’m pleased to announce the Foreign Trade Zone in Central New York will expand. The Governor recently signed this legislation that I co-sponsored into law to help draw more...