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...

Few know the warning signs of a stroke. Learning them and acting FAST can save your life or the life of a loved one. FAST is an acronym. It stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time. The National Stroke Association recommends performing the following...

An estimated 8.6 million households were victims of identity theft in 2010, the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports. I hear from people on a regular basis who have, unfortunately, been among those statistics. Once the theft has been...

In recent years, New York was criticized for having a low organ donation rate compared to other states. This month, the process became easier, and those who wish to donate their organs can do so online. Currently, more than 2.7 million New Yorkers...

More than 3,500 accounts of New York registered sex offenders were recently banned from online video game venues as part of “Operation: Game Over,” in participation with Microsoft, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Disney Interactive...

I was pleased to co-sponsor legislation that aims to draw more businesses to Central New York. In March, the Assembly unanimously passed legislation that will expand the Foreign Trade Zone. The Senate also passed this bill and it awaits the Governor’s...

As I write this column, we are closing out on a long week of budget talks and have just passed the state budget in Albany. I was happy with the budget process. It was done during the daylight and lawmakers had plenty of time to review the bills before...