State Senator Pamela Helming (NY)
Recent News About State Senator Pamela Helming (NY)
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Retail Food Industry Urges Gov. Hochul to Reconsider HFC Regulations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently facing pushback from the retail food industry regarding the draft regulations that propose prohibitions on new products and equipment containing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), slated to begin on January 1, 2025. In a letter addressed to Governor Hochul, industry representatives expressed their concerns about the potential detrimental effects of the proposed regulations.Highlighting the significant impact on businesses, the letter emphasized, "These regulations, as currently written, would have...
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Support Young Leaders, Our Greatest Hope for the Future
Amidst the bustling halls of government and the academic institutions, a chorus of young voices is rising, echoing with determination and a vision for a brighter tomorrow. State Senator, as reported by the , emphasized the importance of nurturing and supporting these emerging leaders who hold the key to our collective future.The Senator expressed profound admiration for the young individuals encountered, stating, "These are hardworking kids from diverse backgrounds. What they have in common is a strong desire to make a positive difference in their communities, the...
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Senator Helming Statement on FY 2025 New York State Budget
Senator Helming expressed disappointment with the FY 2025 New York State Budget, stating, "This budget does not adequately address the concerns I consistently hear from my constituents. It does not make New York safer or more affordable. It does not safeguard the right of seniors and individuals with disabilities to be cared for in their homes. It does not help our Upstate communities expand housing or build infrastructure. It does not relieve small businesses of costly regulations or protect employers and jobs. It does not provide much-needed tax relief." The Senator...
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Senator Helming Honors Hobart College Statesmen Ice Hockey Team
Senator Pam Helming recently honored the Hobart College Statesmen Ice Hockey team for their remarkable achievement in winning the NCAA Division III National Championship. The team's 2-0 victory over Trinity College marked their second national title in the program's history.Coach Mark Taylor, who has been at the helm of the Statesmen Ice Hockey team for 23 seasons, received recognition for his exceptional leadership. Taylor's efforts were further acknowledged as he was named the American Hockey Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year for the second time....
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Senate Passes Bills to Strengthen New York’s Animal Cruelty Laws
In a move to bolster animal protection measures, the New York State Senate has approved a series of bipartisan bills aimed at fortifying the state’s animal cruelty laws. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Pam Helming, comes during April, which is recognized as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.Senator Helming expressed her commitment to safeguarding animals and holding wrongdoers accountable, stating, "Whether it’s protecting our pets or our people, I’ll always fight for common sense laws that hold criminals accountable and deter crime."Among the key bills...
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Senator Helming Calls for Moratorium and Further Review of New OSHA Regulations for Fire and EMS Services
Senator Helming of New York has called for a moratorium and further review of new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for fire and EMS services in the state. In a letter addressed to Governor Hochul, Senator Helming expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed amendments to the Fire Brigade Standard on New York's fire departments.The proposed regulations, which encompass updates to personal protective equipment, changes to first responder requirements, and additional training mandates, have raised alarms among fire departments,...
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Senator Helming warns of RAPID Act
Senator Helming issued a warning about the RAPID Act, stating, "The RAPID Act is flying under the radar in Albany but you should know about it. It stands for Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment and seeks to streamline the permitting process for major renewable energy projects. Know what else it does? It allows for private property, and conserved lands, to be forcefully taken by eminent domain for these energy facilities. This is beyond egregious and I'll keep fighting to stop it."
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Senator Helming warns of RAPID Act with Bob Lonsberry
Senator Helming has issued a warning about the RAPID Act during a conversation with Bob Lonsberry. The RAPID (Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment) Act, designed to streamline the permitting process for major renewable energy projects, is currently making its way through Albany under the radar."It allows for private property, and conserved lands, to be forcefully taken by eminent domain for these energy facilities. This is beyond egregious and I'll keep fighting to stop it," Senator Helming expressed regarding the controversial Act.The Act's...
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Senator Helming and Assemblywoman Byrnes Announce Honorees for Women’s History Month
In a recent announcement, Senator Helming and Assemblywoman Byrnes revealed the honorees for Women's History Month, selected from their respective districts. The Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan group consisting of members of the New York State Senate and Assembly, chose individuals who embody this year's theme of "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion."Senator Pam Helming's pick for honoree from the 54th Senate District is Ellen Bennett, a dedicated volunteer at Special Olympics New York. Described as an exceptional advocate for the Special...
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How NY Sen. Pam Helming's advocacy helped bring adult changing stations to Thruway rest stops
New York State Senator Pam Helming's advocacy efforts have resulted in the installation of adult changing stations at Thruway rest stops, improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their families. The initiative was sparked by a chance encounter nearly three years ago when Sen. Helming met Joanie Mahoney, the chair of the Thruway Authority's board of directors, at a diner in central New York.In an interview with The Citizen, Sen. Helming recounted how she approached Mahoney about the need for adult changing stations at Thruway rest stops, stating, "She...
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Senate Republicans Recommend Legislative Action to Combat Antisemitism
The Senate Republican Conference announced the creation of an antisemitism working group in February 2023 to address the threat of antisemitism in New York State. On March 27, 2024, Senator Helming joined the working group as it released its antisemitism report and sent a letter to Governor Hochul and Legislative Majority Leaders recommending legislative action to combat the increase in antisemitic hate crimes and incidents in New York.New York State, with the largest Jewish population in the U.S., is facing a rise in antisemitic incidents. In response to this concerning...
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Senator Helming and Senate Republican Conference Unveil Legislative Package to Expand Availability and Access to Affordable Housing
Senator Pam Helming, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development, along with Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at enhancing homeownership opportunities and improving access to affordable housing options in New York.Leader Rob Ortt emphasized the importance of addressing housing affordability, stating, "Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing our state." He highlighted the conference's plan to revitalize existing housing stock and create incentives for...
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Senator Helming and Thruway Authority Announce First of Five Adult Changing Stations at Service Areas
Senator Pam Helming and the New York State Thruway Authority made an announcement regarding the opening of the new Warners Service Area, which includes an adult changing station. The station is the first of five select service areas aimed at improving accessibility for motorists.Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare expressed his gratitude towards Senator Helming, stating, “Adult changing stations provide those with special needs a safe and secure space for caregivers to provide assistance. We thank Senator Helming for her collaboration in this...
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Business Leaders in Upstate New York Express Concerns Over State of Business Conditions
The Siena College Research Institute recently conducted its 17th Annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey, with nearly 600 participants sharing their insights. State Senator, who remains unnamed in the article, expressed disappointment at the results, stating, "Although I am disappointed with the results, I am not surprised. They are consistent with what I regularly hear from our local CEOs, Main Street business owners, and farmers."According to the survey results, a significant majority of respondents, 67%, believe that business conditions in New York State are...
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Senator Helming Honors Retired Wood Library Children’s Librarian Mary Ferris with NYS Senate Commendation Award
Senator Pam Helming recently presented Mary Ferris with a New York State Senate Commendation Award in recognition of her 50 years of service to the children and families of the greater Canandaigua community as Wood Library Children’s Librarian. The Commendation Award honors an individual who exemplifies the spirit of community, philanthropy, and leadership.Senator Helming's commendation of Mary Ferris highlighted the librarian's dedication to children and families, emphasizing her unique storytelling abilities and creative approach to engaging young minds through various...
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Senator Helming Statement in Support of Family Farms on National Agriculture Day
Senator Helming highlighted the crucial role of family farms in the economy, stating, "Farming is as vital to our economy as food is to our families. One does not exist without the other." She emphasized the significance of supporting family farms, noting, "The recently-released USDA Census of Agriculture is a reminder of the importance of supporting our family farms and ensuring their success."The Senator also addressed the challenges faced by farmers, pointing out that New York State has lost nearly 2,800 farms and 364,000 acres of farmland since the last Agricultural...
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Senator Helming Recognizes 24 Students with Youth Leadership Recognition Award
Senator Helming presented 24 outstanding juniors from 22 school districts with her 2024 Youth Leadership Recognition Award at a ceremony on March 8. The award program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and achievement in academics, athletics, music, arts, and/or community service. Students were nominated by local educators and community members.“Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. Our region is home to so many outstanding students who serve as role models to their peers. The Youth Leadership program...
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Senator Helming Celebrates Agriculture Literacy Week with Livingston and Monroe County CCE
Senator Helming joins Livingston County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to celebrate Agriculture Literacy Week. To help celebrate, Senator Helming met with and read a book to two second-grade classrooms at Geneseo Elementary School and a first-grade classroom at Lima Primary School.In a statement, Senator Helming expressed her gratitude towards the two organizations, saying, "I would like to thank Livingston County CCE and Monroe County CCE for their invaluable work teaching our youth about the importance of...
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Senator Helming Meets with Finger Lakes Community Health in Albany
Senator Helming met with Finger Lakes Community Health in Albany to discuss important legislative priorities. During the meeting, Finger Lakes Community Health advocated for their interests, as reported by the organization.Senator Helming has been actively supporting various initiatives to benefit community health centers and healthcare providers. In their own words, Senator Helming stated, "Senator Helming has been advocating to expand billable services for our community health centers, increase Medicaid reimbursement rates, and address the workforce recruitment...
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Senator Helming Statement on Illegal Immigration Crisis
Senator Helming is calling for passage of legislation (S.8533) she co-sponsors that today was named “Laken’s Law” after the horrific murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia. The suspected murderer is a Venezuelan who entered the U.S. illegally and had previously been arrested and released in New York City. Laken’s Law would allow local law enforcement to work with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and require law enforcement and courts to notify ICE of the arrest or conviction of non-citizens.Senator Helming expressed her...