Summertime will keep state lawmakers busy
Now that the state Legislature has ended its session, constituents in local Assembly and Senate districts are likely to see more of their representatives.
That’s because, many of them say, the time they spend leading up to next year’s session will be at neighborhood events, district office meetings, public hearings, researching issues, and helping other candidates for local offices get elected.
“Over the next six months, I’ll be holding office hours in both district offices, hosting mobile
office hours in every corner of the district, attending roundtable discussions, and hearing from constituents about what’s working and what we can improve,” said state Sen. Jen Metzger, D-Rosendale, who represents the 42nd Senate District. “I’ll use all of that input to prepare for next year’s legislative session.”
Metzger says she plans to sponsor a number of local events and activities.
“My office would also like to invite constituents to join us in early August for several days of biking, hiking and kayaking through the district — folks can join for all or part of it,” Metzger said.
State Sen. George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, says he’ll be out and about. Amedore represents the 46th Senate District, which includes the city of Kingston.
“Now that the legislative session had ended, Senator Amedore will continue to travel throughout the five counties of the 46th Senate District to meet with and hear from constituents,” a statement from his office said. “He also has a busy schedule attending and hosting various community events throughout the district.”
State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, says he’ll be busy, too.
“Suffice to say, there is much to do,” said Cahill, who represents the 103rd Assembly District. “As chair of a key Assembly committee, we continue to do business yearround, tracking passed legislation, preparing memoranda to accompany it when sent to the governor for his consideration, reviewing those proposals that did not advance this year and much more on the legislative side.”
Cahill said “non-session” time is the season when “in-depth hearings and roundtables” may be scheduled.
“I have already committed to further examination of the pooling of municipal health insurance, for example,” Cahill said. “We may take up other issues for study and investigation.”
From time to time, Cahill said, he is called to do official ceremonial acts that “technically keep the Legislature from falling into the complete control of the governor.”
“Most importantly, I will be in the communities I serve, attending events, visiting with local organizations and officials, keeping appointments and conducting meetings in the district office and elsewhere,” he said.
Cahill added that he will also help his brother Brian get elected to the Ulster County Legislature, and fellow Democrat David Clegg, who is running for Ulster County district attorney.
Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, a Columbia County Democrat, says off-session time is packed with activity. Barrett represents the 106th Assembly District.
“One of my office’s most important responsibilities is to help constituents solve problems, and these issues can range from potholes to pensions,” Barrett said. “We will continue our regular Diner Stop Tour throughout the summer to meet with residents all across the district, while at the same time supporting wonderful local businesses.”
State Sen. James Skoufis, D-Woodbury, says he will be out and about in neighborhoods during his “Skoufis On Your Street” events. Skoufis represents the 39th Senate District.
“This summer, I plan to be out and around in the district as much as possible,” Skoufis said.” ”I look forward to having more time out of Albany to visit with constituents, local businesses and the communities at large, all while continuing our constituent services, work as chairman of the Senate’s Investigations Committee and helping resolve nonlegislative local issues.”