Senator Michelle Hinchey Hosts Ulster Faith Leaders Roundtable

Kingston, NY...Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) hosted a virtual roundtable meeting yesterday with Kingston area faith leaders to discuss local issues and legislative priorities. Nearly a dozen leaders of faith-based organizations representing diverse constituencies shared their perspectives on policies and community-level action that will help area residents.

The conversation focused on the need for continued rent relief to individuals who have endured COVID-related economic hardship, efforts to support workforce development — with a focus on green jobs in Upstate New York — and the need to connect Ulster County households and school communities to high-speed broadband access. Senator Hinchey outlined the support her office can provide to area residents through their constituent services operation and upcoming community outreach plans. 

“Our faith leaders are the people setting the example of unity and love in our communities, and they are also brilliant advocates for the needs of their congregants,” said Senator Hinchey. “I was honored to sit down with these community leaders to hear their priorities firsthand, which will help inform my work at the state level. It’s clear that COVID-19 has exposed systemic failures in our society, and we must take this moment to create a more just and equitable community for all who live here. I look forward to turning our discussions today into state-level action.”

Roundtable participants included representatives of the following faith-based organizations serving the Kingston area:
 

• New Progressive Baptist Church
• Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Episcopal Church
• St. Johns Kingston
• Old Dutch Church
• Rondout Bruderhof Community
• Iglesia Evangélica Amigos
• Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills
• Woodstock Sufi Center
• Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Vida Real Kingston