Sen. Metzger to Participate in State Legislature’s Joint Hearings to Address the Impact of COVID-19 on Important Local Issues

Hudson Valley and Catskills, NY...The New York State Senate and Assembly have announced a new series of joint legislative hearings to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on higher education, residential care facilities and hospitals, jobs and employment, the veteran community, and elections—all areas of major concern to communities in Senator Metzger's district, which includes Sullivan County and parts of Orange, Ulster, and Delaware Counties.

“This pandemic affected every aspect of our society and economy, from healthcare and education to workplace safety and how we vote, and it is important to take stock of our experiences to date, learn from them, and chart a path forward that will make New York stronger and more resilient,” said Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42). “The State Legislature is proactively investigating these issues to best prepare our communities as we continue to fight this virus and reopen our economy.”

In May, Senator Metzger co-chaired the first-ever virtual joint hearing of the State Legislature on the federal response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on small businesses across the state. In her role as Senate Agriculture Chair, Senator Metzger questioned the agricultural panel about small-farm assistance, potential expansion of Nourish NY and other state programs, and strengthening New York’s regional food systems during the hearing’s federal assistance for farms section.

Senator Metzger released a statement on the upcoming hearings on residential care facilities, specifically, earlier this week. A complete list of the Legislature’s joint hearings taking place in the coming weeks is available here.

Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees. 

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