Discussing issues affecting Internet users last year outside Best Buy in New Hartford.
Recently supporters of Net Neutrality joined me at the ThINCubator in Utica, where I announced my sponsorship of legislation to require Internet Service Providers to follow Net Neutrality guidelines in order to receive contracts from state and local governments and school districts. The bill was introduced following the FCC's decision last December to end Net Neutrality. This means ISP's can now slow down or speed-up Internet traffic to certain websites, and prioritize the websites showing up in searches. I am sponsoring an online petition in support of restoring Net Neutrality. If you'd like to sign it, simply click on the link, and you'll be directed to the petition.
Announcing funding for major improvements to Bellamy Harbor Park last year with Mayor Izzo
I was pleased to announce recently I have secured $125,000 in state Capital Project funding for the City of Rome that will help enhance public safety and health, and reduce costs for city taxpayers. Among the projects funded through this grant: a renovated interrogation room for the Police Department; an EMS ATV vehicle first responders can use to access the city's recreational trail system; technology improvements to City Hall; and storage improvements for the City's Public Works and Wastewater Treatment departments. For more information, please use the link below.
Applications for the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators annual scholarship for students attending college in 2018-19 are again available from my office. This year, the winners of four $3,000 scholarships--two athletic scholarships and two academic scholarships--will be announced in May. To receive an application by email or regular mail, simply call or email my office. There's more information on the scholarship through the link below.
Joined by Whitestown officials and reps. of the Whitestown Senior Center
Whenever I visit the Whitestown Senior Center, I am always impressed by the large number of older adults who attend its programs, which boost socialization and education. I was pleased to secure a $10,000 legislative grant for the center to fund the purchase of equipment for programs and activities there. Some of the funding will be used for a new sound system that has been long overdue at the center.
CNY Drones, The Jewish Community Center, and the Model Aviation Student Club at SUNY Polytechnic Institute are teaming up to host informational meetings about Rig Rescue, the Mohawk Valley's first open team drone competition. The public is invited to learn more about the event, pick up information on starting a team, or register a team. Informational meetings take place Friday, February 16th and Friday, March 16th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 2310 Oneida Street, Utica. This is an exciting opportunity that will tie together area drone education programs and the region's employment pipeline. For more information, go to
www.cnydrones.org or email CNYDrones@gmail.com.
