Op-Ed: 2021 can be a year of opportunity, tremendous progress

I want to begin by thanking the people of New York’s 60th State Senate District for entrusting me to be your representative. Throughout my time in the state Assembly, and during my campaign in the last year, I have always made the pledge that no one will work harder than me, and I continue that pledge as your state senator.

The last year has been very difficult. Thousands of families have lost loved ones to this terrible virus. Families have fallen into poverty. Small businesses have closed up, leaving unemployed workers struggling to make ends meet. These are indeed very trying times. As we see our healthcare workers, seniors, nursing home residents, and essential workers getting those first doses of the vaccine, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel – but we must continue to remain vigilant. Together we will defeat this virus, we will rebuild our economy, and we will get back to a sense of normalcy. There are still many difficult months ahead, but I have faith in our future.

I am optimistic about the year ahead, and I know 2021 can be a year of opportunity. I was elected to the state Senate alongside many new colleagues who represent communities across upstate New York. With many members of the new state Senate majority representing upstate communities like Tonawanda, Orchard Park, Fairport, Greece and Auburn, I know we will work tirelessly to bring upstate priorities to the table. I am proud to be part of a new state Senate majority that represents the diversity of our great state, and will prioritize the needs of hard-working families every single day.

With a new administration in Washington, we have even more opportunity to chart a new course and put Western New York, our state, and our nation on a better path forward for economic and social progress. We can get this virus under control, ramp up vaccine production and distribution, create good-paying jobs, protect and expand healthcare access, clean up our environment, help the most vulnerable, and tackle so much more. We need Washington to work for Western New York and deliver much-needed aid for unemployed workers, small businesses and state and local governments. It must be the top priority. The economic fallout from the pandemic reminds me of when Bethlehem Steel closed down, leading to a lot of uncertainty and many dark days. We have been through many struggles here in Western New York – but we have always fought back. If we do what is right and focus on results, 2021 will be a tremendous year of progress. There will be better days ahead. We will get back to normal life. We will put an end to this terrible pandemic. The work ahead will be difficult, and there will certainly be setbacks, but we will come out of this stronger than ever before. Let us look forward to better days ahead. Go Bills!