Op-Ed: Reflecting on 2021 and looking forward to year ahead

Each year, as I prepare for the holidays, I like to look back and take stock of the year that was. In 2021, Western New York faced many challenges as our local, state, and federal governments worked tirelessly to address the continued impact of COVID-19.

At the state level, that meant passing a budget that prioritizes New York’s economic recovery. What we have done this year in the state Legislature is create a blueprint for economic progress, with a job market that pays workers family-sustaining wages. And while we all continue to see higher prices at the gas pump and the grocery store due to the pandemic, I am hopeful the year ahead will bring progress for our local, state, and national economies.

On a personal level, I sponsored several bills that were signed into law this year that will help communities throughout the state and address the issues facing Western New York. We passed legislation that clears the way for Amigone Funeral Home to move its crematory to a non-residential neighborhood in Tonawanda – a significant win for clean air. In addition, last month Gov. Kathy Hochul signed my bill to help libraries in rural and economically distressed areas secure more state construction aid.

I hope to build on our progress of 2021 to meet the challenges of 2022. In recent weeks, I hosted a roundtable to assess the state of water quality in the 60th District and embarked on a statewide tour to learn about the priorities of our New York’s libraries. Much like the broadband roundtables I hosted in the Adirondack region in October, each event provided valuable insight into things we can improve in the upcoming year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many disparities in our state. As work, school, and health care went virtual this year, we saw more than ever before that broadband internet access is no longer a luxury, but rather an essential service for the public good. I have proposed a bill that would regulate broadband as a utility in New York, giving the Public Service Commission the same oversight it already has over other necessities like gas and electricity. This bill has bipartisan support in the Legislature and the potential to improve broadband internet access and affordability across the state.

The year 2022 can also be the one in which we can take a big step toward eliminating our lead poisoning crisis. Nearly 90% of homes in our state were built with lead paint, and much of our tap water runs through lead lines. This has caused dire health problems for many, particularly among children. The major federal investment in infrastructure will help address this problem, but we must take steps at the state level to make sure that investment is not squandered.

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, I hope you and your family enjoy the holiday season. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to represent the people of the 60th District.