Reflections on the 2020-21 New York legislative session By Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon
Throughout the pandemic, Mohawk Valley families faced unprecedented challenges that disrupted our lives and brought immense loss. During the 2021 state legislative session, building our communities back stronger than before was my top priority and, fortunately, we were able to achieve several victories that will help our families and small businesses recover.
I helped pass several pieces of legislation to support our communities throughout the public health crisis, including a bill I sponsored to direct the state Department of Health (DOH) to study the use of solid antimicrobial materials for touch surfaces in public buildings (A.998-A). I also helped pass two bills that would set enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals and nursing homes across the state (A.108-B and A.7119). Understaffing has been a persistent issue at our health care facilities for years and has only worsened during the pandemic. Having enforceable standards for staffing will help ensure our dedicated nurses are not overworked and emotionally drained and improve the overall quality of care.
Rebuilding the Mohawk Valley’s economy following mandatory shutdowns is essential for our hardworking small-business owners to thrive and to improve the quality of life for families. As the chair of the Assembly Export Trade Subcommittee, I authored the Marketing and Expanding Export Trade New York (MEET-NY) bill to assist businesses with expanding or entering the export market (A.1177). This bill would establish a program providing assistance to export trade development projects and encourage companies to conduct export trade regionally and globally. The Assembly passed another bill I sponsored to allow Vernon Downs Casino Hotel to use a percentage of the facility’s revenue currently earmarked for capital awards, as well as revenue retained by the New York State Gaming Commission for administration, for operating purposes (A.7572). This legislation supports a critical component of our community that provides jobs to Mohawk Valley residents and protects the harness racing and breeding industry in our state. Lastly, I helped repeal the governor’s extensive emergency powers and some far-reaching executive orders issued over the past year. These restrictions and regulations put in place, such as the requirement that food be served with drinks at restaurants or bars, only hindered our recovery process and burdened already struggling businesses.
Photo from Assemblyperson Buttenschon
Fighting for the brave men and women who serve our country and their families will always be a priority for me. I sponsored legislation to classify spouses or dependents of active-duty service members stationed out-of-state following an assignment in New York as in-state residents for SUNY tuition rates (A.6249-A). Another bill that I helped pass this year would expand the number of veterans treatment courts statewide (A.5719-A). This legislation also would allow a criminal case against a veteran in a county without a veteran’s treatment court to be transferred to an adjoining count that has one. As a member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’ll continue working to ensure the heroes here in the Mohawk Valley have all the support and resources they need.
Following the tragic murder of Utica resident Bianca Michelle Devin in 2019, I crafted legislation to establish criminal and civil penalties for unlawfully disseminating a personal image (A.1121). Bianca, a 17-year-old, was murdered after attending a concert with her attacker, who then posted photos of her body on social media. Her family learned of her murder through social media posts and has been continuously harassed by these images. No family should ever have to experience what Bianca’s family faced. This bill, named in her honor, will help bring more survivors the justice they deserve.
Another bill I sponsored would ensure access for services will not diminish for those with an intellectual or developmental disability (A.1153-A). The legislation would establish the Office of the Independent Intellectual and Developmental Disability Ombudsman Program to ensure individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities receive adequate coverage from managed care organizations that meet their specific needs.
Protecting the Mohawk Valley’s natural resources is essential for future generations to thrive. In honor of Earth Day this year, I passed legislation that promotes the use of renewable energy and reduces harmful pollutants, contaminants and emissions (A.903, A.3976, A.4302, A.5082). I also partnered with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County to host the Maple Experience at three Mohawk Valley schools this spring, which taught students about the history and science of New York’s maple production industry.
Lastly, I fought for a state budget that lays a solid foundation for the Mohawk Valley’s recovery and invests in our future. It includes $50 million for Nourish NY, which connects residents in need with fresh, healthy produce from farmers; $32 million for addiction treatment, prevention and recovery services; $531 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) to improve roads and bridges statewide; $150 million for PAVE-NY to repair and improve local infrastructure; $800 million for the Small Business Recovery Grant Program; and $25 million for the Restaurant Resiliency Grant Program. In addition, I was able to support local projects through Executive Budget Aid to Localities and Priority Funding.
As vaccination rates continue to climb and new cases drop, it’s clear we’ve made significant progress on reopening our economy and getting back to normal. I look forward to seeing everyone face-to-face again and working together to overcome any challenges on our path to recovery. I’ll continue listening to your concerns and working to achieve the best results for Mohawk Valley families.
Marianne Buttenschon represents New York’s 119th Assembly District
Special thanks to The Genesis Group for facilitating this article. The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites Business and Community Leaders working to advance regional Economic, Social and Cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York. For more information on this type of analytical and analysis and data collection technologies, please visit the Genesis Center for Analytical Analysis website at TheGenesisGroup.org
