By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2026 at 12:23 pm
ALBION – A Medina man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and could face up to five years in state prison when he is sentenced on July 1.
Reginald Kendrick, 50, was charged after law enforcement on Nov. 12 seized a loaded unbranded polymer “ghost” semi-automatic 9 mm pistol with an extended 30-round magazine.
He initially faced charges of second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in Orleans County Court.
Kendrick is a prior felon after being convicted of selling cocaine in October 2016. Kendrick, in court on Wednesday, admitted he had a loaded pistol.
District Attorney Susan Howard said the gun was tested by a Niagara County lab and determined to be operable.
In another case in County Court on Wednesday,
• Corey Wilson Jr., 19, of Albion was arraigned on four counts of drug charges, including three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree.
He was charged by law enforcement after a traffic stop on July 21, 2025 in the town of Gaines. He allegedly had two containers of cocaine, including one with 2.17 ounces of cocaine.
Wilson pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2026 at 10:16 am
Mayor seeks assistance from state and federal governments
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Village of Holley has made several improvements to its police station in recent years but the back wall of the village-owned building next door is in grave condition, and faces $150,000 in emergency repairs, Mayor Mark Bower said.
HOLLEY – Village officials are facing an unexpected emergency repair on the back wall of the building that is connected to the police station on Thomas Street.
Mayor Mark Bower said the entire back wall of the building that is part of the police station needs to be replaced. The village had a structural engineer and contractor look at the back brick wall and the damage was worse than expected. The extensive water damage was revealed when the beadboard and paneling were removed.
The Village Board was expecting to spend $17,000 to $20,000 on the project, but now it will take an estimated $150,000 to fix the problem.
Bower said he has reached out to offices of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Assemblyman Steve Hawley to see if the state and federal governments have any funding to help with an emergency repair. He also is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office in Batavia for financial assistance.
“Significant fractures in the brick wall and even the lintels themselves were so much worse than ever anticipated,” Bower wrote in an April 9 letter to Tenney’s office. “While we had nominally budgeted for labor and materials for the job, we are now facing more extensive repairs likely exceeding 150K.”
The police station is right next to the crumbling wall, but Bower said there is a stable wall separating the two sites and the police department should be able to continue to function at the site in the near future. However, he said the code enforcement officer would be justified in requiring the police department to vacant the premises giving the condition of the back wall to the adjoining property.
Bower said there isn’t an alternative site in the village for the police station if it was forced to leave its police station.
He would like the wall to be repaired as soon as possible. The building is from 1900, Bower said.
The village has made several improvements to the police station since 2022, Bower noted, including a new roof, gutters and downspouts, new fascia, doors and windows. The front of the building was repainted and the back one third of the property also has been repaired, Bower said.
“This is essential to the village operations due to the police station,” Bower said in stating his case for state and federal support for the repairs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2026 at 8:53 am
Photos courtesy of Tim Archer
ROCHESTER – A group of Albion High School students spent the school day on Wednesday at East High in Rochester as part of an urban/rural student exchange.
Students from East High will visit Albion on April 30 and experience some of “farm country.”
The Albion students are in the Rotary Interact Club. They were in classes at East High and students from both schools shared about their schools and lifestyles. The two schools have done this exchange for 12 years.
Emmaline Gailie of Albion, front center, and students from East High and Albion had lunch together on Wednesday.
Olivia Andrews, left, and Tra’Monie Walker of Albion, right, enjoy lunch with new friends from East High.
The students learned that despite the many outward differences, they were alike in many ways, said Tim Archer, the Interact Club advisor.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today highlighted the impact of the Trump Tax Cuts as Americans file their taxes, underscoring the significant tax relief and economic growth delivered to families, workers, and small businesses across the country.
This year, taxpayers are seeing the benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law July 4th, 2025. A family of four with two children is expected to see up to $10,900 in increased take-home pay, along with an estimated 10% increase in average tax refunds.
For many working-class families earning up to $73,000, federal income tax liability has been reduced to zero, while the average tax cut for working families is approximately $2,300.
The legislation also delivered on key promises, including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, Social Security, and auto loan interest, while permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit and standard deduction. In addition to direct relief, these policies are driving long-term economic growth, supporting more than 7.2 million jobs and contributing to an estimated $1.2 trillion increase in real GDP over the next four years.
“On Tax Day, families across Upstate New York are seeing the real benefits of commonsense tax relief,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Trump Tax Cuts delivered meaningful results by lowering tax burdens, expanding the Child Tax Credit, and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. These policies are putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans, strengthening small businesses, and driving economic growth in communities like ours.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2026 at 3:08 pm
HOLLEY – The Village Board will hold a public hearing today at 5:30 p.m. on a tentative $3.6 million village budget that would increase taxes by 9.9 percent. The hearing will be in the village office in the old Holley High School.
This budget proposal follows the 2025-26 budget that raised taxes by 10.0 percent. Over two years, the budgets would represent a 20.9 tax increase or another $225,304 in the tax levy to $1,303,831.
The tax rate in the tentative budget is $21.51 per $1,000 of assessed property, which is up from the $19.54 rate for 2025-26.
The budget was brought up briefly during the monthly Village Board meeting on Tuesday. One resident, Mike Vendetti, said he is concerned about the rising taxes when residents face increases in some many other areas, including a recent jump in their electric bills.
Mayor Mark Bower responded that a village tax increase appears unavoidable.
“We absolutely do not have the revenue,” he said.
The tentative budget shows $3,601,258 in overall spending with $2,165,926 in the general fund, $983,883 in the water fund and $451,448 in the sewer fund.
Within the general fund the tentative budget shows the DPW increasing from $782,267 to $870,855; the Police Department from $406,911 to $453,973; Village Office from $299,789 to $296,729; Code Enforcement from $71,280 to $72,313; Employee Benefits from $136,030 to $199,700; and Debt payments from $75,146 to $72,710.
Here are the tax levies and tax rates in recent village budgets:
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
As the weather gets warmer, more people spend time outside. During this time, it’s common to see wild animals and baby animals in yards, parks and wooded areas.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) remind everyone to be careful around wild animals, stray pets, and even young animals. Rabies is a serious disease that can spread to both animals and people, but it can be prevented.
“Rabies usually spreads through bites from infected animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “Even though baby animals may look harmless, they can still carry rabies. Do not touch or feed wild or stray animals. If an animal looks sick or injured, call animal control for help.”
Rabies can be deadly if it is not treated quickly. If you are bitten, wash the area right away with soap and water and get medical care as soon as possible. All animal bites should be reported to the Genesee or Orleans County Health Departments.
To help prevent rabies, follow these tips:
Make sure your pets have their rabies shots and are up to date.
Stay away from wild animals, stray pets, and baby animals, even if they seem friendly or hurt. Report animals that act strange, such as being aggressive, confused, or overly friendly.
Keep your pets on a leash to stop them from coming into contact with wild or stray animals. If your pet is bitten, contact your veterinarian right away and report it to the health department.
Take steps to prevent bats from coming indoors. If you find a bat inside, safely capture it and contact the health department. Do not let it go. For help, watch the GO Health Minute on how to safely catch a bat: GO Health Minute.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of our upcoming drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in Genesee and Orleans counties, offered at no charge. Remember to bring proof of previous vaccination.
Orleans County Rabies Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)
Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 17, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 7, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Genesee County Rabies Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)
Thursday, May 14, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 13, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 8, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2026 at 12:00 pm
Ryan Armstrong gets 4- to 8-year sentence, maximum as part of plea to manslaughter
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ryan Armstrong leaves Orleans County Court this morning after he was sentenced to state prison for second-degree manslaughter.
ALBION – Ryan Armstrong was sentenced to 4 to 8 years in state prison today in Orleans County Court. He is the driver of U-Haul who led police on a high-speed chase in two counties and plunged the U-Haul into the Erie Canal, causing the death of his passenger.
Armstrong, in County Court on Feb. 11, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter for reckless conduct that led to the death Reginald Russell, 56, on Sept. 2, 2025.
Armstrong, 43, in court today said he was deeply sorry for his actions on Sept. 2 that led to Russell’s death. He apologized to Russell family. Several of Russell’s family members were in court this morning at the sentencing.
“I hope the Lord and the families involved will forgive me,” Armstrong said.
Assistant District Attorney Daniel Punch said Armstrong put “countless people at risk” in the high-speed chase from Brockport to Murray. He turned what could have been a simply shoplifting arrest into a death that has devastated the Russell family, Punch told County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Punch said Armstrong has an arrest record going back to 1999 and has chosen a life of crime with drugs, assaults and vehicle and traffic violations.
Public defender Joanne Best said Armstrong and Russell were both heavily under the influence of drugs on Sept. 2.
They were stealing items from the Walgreens in Brockport at about 6:30 p.m. that day. They were putting merchandise in a U-Haul truck when law enforcement were called.
Law enforcement and firefighters check the scene on Sept. 2, 2025 after a U-Haul went into the Erie Canal in Murray, just east of Bennetts Corners Road. Reginald Russell, 56, drowned in the canal.
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies and Brockport police officers attempted to stop the vehicle once it was on the move but Armstrong refused, leading law enforcement on a pursuit throughout the west side of Monroe County and into Orleans County. Armstrong drove the U-Haul at speeds of 85 miles per hour from Clarkson into Ogden, back through Brockport and eventually onto a canal service road in Murray.
Police used spike strips in the area of Bennetts Corners Road, where one of the vehicle’s tires became deflated. Armstrong then drove onto the southside of canal pathway before driving the U-Haul into the water, just east of Bennetts Corners Road.
He then swam across the canal to the other side of the canal, and then fled on foot. He was apprehended on the northside of the canal through the aid of drone technology.
After the U-Haul plunged into the water, Russell exited the vehicle. Deputies could see he was struggling to swim. They jumped into the canal to rescue Russell, but lost sight of him when he went under in the murky water.
Best, the public defender, said Armstrong didn’t intend to cause Russell’s death.
“He has accepted responsibility because he knows his actions were reckless,” Best said. “He is very remorseful.”
She asked for the minimum possible sentence for 3 to 6 years in prison. She said Armstrong has been active in a counseling program in the Orleans County Jail and is in a much better position mentally after being off drugs for many months.
The charge of second-degree manslaughter would normally have a maximum of 7 ½ to 15 years in state prison. The plea agreement reduced the maximum to 4 to 8 years.
County Court Judge Sanford Church gave Armstrong the maximum in the plea deal. The judge noted Armstrong has a long criminal history, put many people in the danger in the high-speed chase and ultimately caused the death of Russell.
The judge also fined Armstrong $2,500 and assessed $375 in other court surcharges and fees.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently penned a letter to Amanda Hiller, the acting tax commissioner in New York state, regarding an unusual number of constituents in his district claiming they have not received their tax returns yet.
Hawley noted that this growing issue is not isolated but rather part of a broader pattern affecting hardworking families across his district who rely on timely refunds to meet everyday expenses. As the cost of living continues to rise, delays of this nature only add unnecessary financial pressure on residents who have fulfilled their obligations on time.
“We have been receiving many phone calls, emails and Facebook comments from constituents stating they have filed their tax refunds over two months ago and still have not received their state tax refunds,” Hawley said. “What makes this more concerning is most of these individuals received their federal tax refunds within 10 days after filing.”
Hawley emphasized that the disparity between federal and state processing times raises serious questions about efficiency and accountability within the state’s tax system. He called on the Department of Taxation and Finance to provide clear answers and immediate solutions to ensure taxpayers are not left waiting indefinitely.
“Citizens of New York state are expected to file their taxes by a certain date, but the state has neglected to do its part by distributing refunds in a timely manner,” Hawley added. “These delays are causing financial strain for the taxpayers.”
Hawley hopes his letter will, at minimum, facilitate communication so his constituents will have more information than what has merely been posted on the state’s website.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 April 2026 at 8:34 am
Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: (Left) Tiny shovels for young students are ready and waiting for the village of Medina’s annual Arbor Day ceremony at 10 a.m. April 24 at the corner of Gwinn and William streets. (Right) The village of Medina will plant 51 trees this year. Here, they are shown lined up at the DPW waiting for planting.
MEDINA – The village of Medina will observe Arbor Day this year with the traditional tree planting ceremony on April 24.
As in past years, the second and third grades from Oak Orchard Primary School and Wise Intermediate School will take part in the ceremonial planting of trees, beginning at 10 a.m. at Gwinn and William streets. Gwinn Street between James Street and Frank Street will be briefly closed for the occasion.
“Fifty-one trees in all will be planted this year,” said Chris Busch, Medina’s forestry coordinator. “Trees will be planted on West Oak Orchard Street, West Avenue and Eagle, Gwinn and West Center streets.”
This flag indicates Medina has been designated a Tree City USA for 2026.
The ceremony, presented by the village of Medina Municipal Tree Board, will also feature the Oak Orchard Glee Club, directed by Andrea Busch.
Special guests welcomed to the ceremony include mayor Deb Padoleski and village trustees.
“We’d like to give an enormous thank you to School Superintendent Mark Kruzynski for Medina CSD’s continued participation in our annual Arbor Day celebrating, and for providing Mrs. Andrea Busch as a school-based resource,” said Mary Lewis, chair of the Tree Board. “The schools have been an important part of Medina’s Arbor Day tradition for more than 17 years. These young students are the stewards of tomorrow’s urban forest.”
The Tree Board’s focus continues to take a three-pronged approach – main arteries and central business district area/parks and high-need residential areas, according to Chris Busch.
“Though we’ve been planting trees for more than 17 years, the need for plantings in all of these areas continues,” Lewis said. “As old trees come down, new trees are planted. The new trees we’ve been planting in our parks are having a beautiful impact, and we’re beginning to make headway on our neighborhoods. There’s still much to be done. We wish we could do more.”
Science shows that trees in neighborhoods have a real and measurable impact in so many ways, Lewis continued.
“We have tons of feedback constantly from citizens about how much they appreciate the beauty of our tree-lined streets,” she said. “We get similar feedback from out-of-town visitors, too. It’s very gratifying.”
Medina’s urban forestry program is once again a Tree City USA, recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation, Busch said. The annual Tree City award honors Medina’s commitment to community forestry, he said.
The Tree City USA Program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, and the USDA Forest Service. Tree City USA is awarded annually to those communities who qualify and is a national designation.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies on the impact of neighborhoods with street trees show multiple positive benefits, including increased property values, slower/safer traffic patterns, lower air temperatures and absorption of harmful pollution. The studies also show tree-lined streets in neighborhoods lower blood pressure and improve overall emotional and psychological health, according to Lewis.
“Gifts and contributions from individuals and businesses are essential to our work,” Lewis said. “We’re deeply grateful for this support. It’s crucial to sustaining our future. Medina’s tree-lined streets are a big reason people choose to live or open businesses here, and those donations are what make it possible for us to continue our efforts.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made any time for general tree planting, memorial trees or for “trees on your street,” according to Lewis.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2026 at 4:45 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Village Board members meet in a conference room at the Shelby Town Hall for a workshop meeting followed by budget discussions on Monday evening. Pictured from left and going clockwise: Trustee Scott Bieliski, Trustee Mark Prawel, Mayor Debbie Padoleski, Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess, Trustee Jeff Wagner and Trustee Jess Marciano.
MEDINA – The Village Board faces a tall task of trying to pare down expenses and find more revenues before a final village budget is adopted on April 27.
The board held a public hearing on Monday evening on the tentative budget which shows a 22.5 percent tax increase.
Mayor Debbie Padoleski, who campaigned on a more affordable Medina, said the board has more meetings with department heads to try to bring down the tax increase. Padoleski was elected on March 18.
A year ago, the board was in similar predicament with a big tax increase in the tentative budget. Padoleski was a village trustee then and the board would eliminate four full-time firefighter positions, while not filling a vacancy in the DPW and cutting the K9 program.
Padoleski said there aren’t similar cost-savings to cut this time because those cuts were already made.’
The tentative $8,189,601 budget represents a $466,305 more in spending or a 6.0 percent increase from the $7,723,296 in the 2025-26 budget.
The tax levy, what property owners pay in taxes, would increase by $880,423 or 22.5 percent from $3,910,344 to $4,790,767. The tax rate would increase by $3.19 from $13.995 to $17.189.
“This is just the tentative budget,” Padoleski said Monday evening during a public hearing on the budget. “There is still quite a bit more of cutting to do.”
Part of the increase is an additional $139,225 for the first bond payment for a new ladder truck. The board is working to sell that truck, and it’s possible the sale could exceed what the village owes at $1.8 million. There could be some unanticipated revenue from that truck, Padoleski said.
The budget shows a $340,020 increase in salaries (from $3,210,661 to $3,550,681); $5,000 increase in equipment reserve (from $50,000 to $55,000); $17,700 more for capital projects (from $1,756,548 to $1,837,899).
Total revenues are down by $414,118 from $3,812,952 to $3,398,834.
Padoelski said she met last week with the leaders from the towns of Shelby, Ridgeway and yates to request more money from them than the current $35,000 each annually towards the ambulance services in Western Orleans County. She said she sensed resistance to a higher amount from Yates and Ridgeway, while Padoleski said Jim Heminway, Shelby town supervisor, is open “to a new way of doing things.”
Padoleski said the fire department with 17 career firefighters is operating at a deficit of about $1.6 million.
“We’re obligated to come up with a tax rate in the next two weeks,” Padoleski said about a final village budget for 2026-27. “Honestly, right now I don’t know what that looks like.”
Here are the village tax levies and tax rates in the past seven budgets:
2025-26 tax levy, $3,910,344; tax rate, $13.995
2024-25 tax levy, $3,903,200; tax rate, $13.97
2023-24 tax levy, $3,786,964; tax rate, $21.16
2022-23 tax levy, $3,296,140; tax rate, $18.95
2021-22 tax levy, $3,259,119; tax rate, $18.77
2020-21 tax levy, $3,197,059; tax rate, $18.46
2019-20 tax levy, $3,138,059; tax rate, $18.32
The mayor also said the village faces costly upgrades in the near future at the sewer plant and replacing very old waterlines. Those undertakings will likely result in higher sewer and water bills for village customers, although she said Medina would be pursuing grants to hep offset the costs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2026 at 10:00 am
Provided photo: This photo from December shows Medina’s new ladder truck. The quint truck has a 100-foot ladder and many other capabilities. Medina Fire Department officials visited the truck manufacturing site in Appleton, Wisconsin.
MEDINA – Village officials will soon be putting together a package for prospective buyers of Medina’s new ladder truck.
A new administration on the Village Board, led by new mayor Debbie Padoleski, wants the ladder truck sold soon.
The truck is currently in Tonawanda where is waiting for a part, the cover for a metal box for tools. The truck hasn’t been put into service and the letters haven’t been put on that says it is a Village of Medina Fire Department truck.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mayor Debbie Padoleski said she wants the village to push to sell the new ladder truck. Trustee Mark Prawel is at right.
“I’m hoping we can move forward with a sale,” Padoleski told other Village Board members during Monday’s board workshop meeting. “I want to keep this ball moving.”
Before she was mayor, Padoleski was on the board as a village trustee. She led a majority that included Mark Prawel and Scott Bieliski to vote on Feb. 9 and declare the truck surplus and begin the process for selling it.
Padoleski campaigned that the truck is unaffordable for the village. Besides buying the truck at $1.7 million, Medina would likely need to put an addition on its fire hall to house the truck. The current fire hall only has 10-foot, 6-inch clearance. The new truck can’t fit in the fire hall.
The truck with the addition could put the village on the hook for up to $4 million, Padoleski has said.
She wants to sell the truck at a minimum bid to pay off the loan, which is close to $1.8 million. The first of 20 payments at $139,225 is due in the village’s 2026-27 budget. That budget needs to be approved by the end of the month.
The Village Board needs to determine a minimum bid for the truck because there could be other costs, including a broker’s fee. The board could settle at a $1.9 minimum, Padoleski said.
The truck is expected to be back in Medina today. The village will take photographs of the truck, and prepare precise specifications for interested buyers. The potential bidders will likely want to come see the truck in person.
The mayor, who took office last week, said the truck could be sold through a sealed bid or an RFP (Request for Proposals).
Trustee Scott Bieliski said many fire departments have shown interest in the truck, including nearby Brockport and departments in other states. The village could sell the truck for more than $2 million, making a profit on the sale. Similar new ladder trucks are now $2.4 million at the time of the order with a wait from the manufacturer that could be three to four years.
Bieliski said Medina could work out a deal with Brockport and avoid needing a broker. A broker would charge a 1 percent fee and likely make about $20,000.
Village attorney Matt brooks said the Village Board is obligated to try to maximize the sale price. That could mean utilizing the services of a broker.
Bieliski said he would work to put together a bid package and reach out to brokers to help with the potential sale. In the meantime, the truck is expected to be stored in the DPW facility when it’s back in Medina.
Provided photo: Pictured form left include Zachery Freas (Lyndonville), welding teacher Verenice Bragg and Renzo Tomasi (Albion).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Two Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) welding students brought how two of the top three medals from the 2026 AWS (American Welding Society) Weld Off competition.
Their teacher, Verenice Bragg, is proud to announce that seniors Zachery Freas (Lyndonville) took first place and Renzo Tomasi (Albion) placed third. Renzo also received a $1,000 scholarship that he will use when he attends Alfred State College this fall.
The competition was held on March 28th at the Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo. It was free to all participants and each BOCES and/or technology school is allowed to send two seniors and two juniors. First place winners receive a $200, second place $150 and third place is a $100 prize. They also receive a prize pack from the American Welding Society.
Zachery’s first place win and Renzo’s third place win qualify them to attend the Thruway Cup in Albany in May.
Photo courtesy of Gillibrand’s office: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks during a new conference in Washington on Monday.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a press conference with several of her Senate Democratic colleagues on Monday to announce a new wave of War Powers Resolutions that can be used to force a vote to stop President Trump’s reckless and unconstitutional war in Iran, which is endangering American troops, jeopardizing national security, and raising costs for New York families.
Specifically, Gillibrand’s resolution directs the president to remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities with or against Iran unless military force is explicitly authorized by Congress.
War Powers Resolutions are privileged, meaning they can be brought to the Senate floor for a vote by any senator ten days after they are filed. Gillibrand joins Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) in putting forth these new resolutions, which come in addition to those filed over the past several weeks by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
“President Trump chose to start a war knowing it was going to raise gas prices on Americans already struggling to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The president, and his party, just don’t care about anyone other than themselves. They lie, cheat and steal to enrich themselves and leave regular folks with the bill. It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to stand up and do their job.”
Senator Gillibrand has long advocated for ending unauthorized forever wars and reasserting Congress’ responsibility over the use of military force. In 2019, Gillibrand introduced the War Powers Reform Resolution, which would require the president to provide Congress with a clear objective for military action, as well as evidence that the use of the United States’ armed forces is necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the mission; a finite list of adversaries; and the names of the countries where the U.S. military will deploy.
Since President Trump began his reckless war of choice in Iran in February, Senator Gillibrand has repeatedly called for an end to the war and highlighted the harm it has done to the American people.
“As the administration’s reckless war of choice spirals further out of control and Americans face even greater costs here at home, the need for the Senate to do its job and stop this war is intensifying,” said Senator Booker. “I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in this effort to use every tool at our disposal to uphold our constitutional responsibility, check a power mad president who has plunged our nation and world into chaos, and stop this unconstitutional war.”
ALBANY – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul once again calling for decisive action and a full investigation following a second troubling incident involving protesters at the New York State Capitol.
In a letter sent this week to Gov. Hochul and the New York State Police, Hawley detailed an encounter on April 1 in which he was aggressively confronted while trying to enter the Assembly Chamber on the third floor of the Capitol. The incident mirrors a similar situation that occurred just a week earlier on March 24, when he was prevented from entering the building by protestors.
According to Hawley, a large group of individuals were inside the Capitol under the pretense of an organized protest, only to become disruptive and confrontational. As he attempted to enter the Chamber, Hawley was surrounded and physically impeded by individuals attempting to force him to answer questions and engage on their terms.
“After just weeks ago experiencing a similar situation outside the capitol, I was once again prevented from freely entering the Assembly Chamber,” Hawley said. “The protestors also prevented an individual in a wheelchair from entering. This type of behavior is unacceptable. No elected official—nor any staff member or visitor—should feel intimidated or unsafe while conducting business in the Capitol.”
Hawley also raised concerns about security protocols and the handling of protest activity within the building. He noted that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, the line was crossed when individuals disrupt operations or threaten the safety of others.
“I will always support the right to protest, but when that right is abused to harass, intimidate or obstruct, it becomes a serious security issue,” Hawley added. “The Capitol must remain a place where public servants and visitors alike feel safe.”
In his letter, Hawley urged state officials to conduct a thorough review of both incidents and to implement stronger safeguards to prevent future occurrences. He specifically called on the New York State Police and Capitol security to reassess procedures and ensure accountability.
“New Yorkers expect their government to function in a safe and orderly manner,” Hawley said. “It is imperative that immediate steps are taken to ensure this never happens again.”
Hawley has received comment from the New York State Troopers but has not received a response from the governor at this time. He has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting both the integrity of the legislative process and the safety of all who work in and visit the Capitol.
