State Senator Pamela Helming (NY)
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About State Senator Pamela Helming (NY)
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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...
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Senator Helming Hosts Rochester School for the Deaf in Albany
Senator Helming met with students and staff from Rochester School for the Deaf in Albany to discuss legislative and budgetary priorities. The meeting included Superintendent Antony McLetchie and student representatives advocating for the school's needs.During the encounter, Senator Helming expressed gratitude towards Superintendent McLetchie for his ongoing advocacy efforts. In a statement, Senator Helming said, "Senator Helming thanks Superintendent McLetchie on behalf of his continued advocacy for 4201 schools that serve students who are deaf, blind or have severe...
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Senator Helming Meets with Adventures in Recovery
Senator Helming met with Adventures in Recovery (AIR) of Dansville, NY in Albany as part of 'NY Stand Up for Recovery Day'. The organization, a Recovery Community Organization (RCO), advocates for its legislative priorities by providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals to connect with peer support through adventure, wellness, and exciting events.During the meeting, Senator Helming expressed her support for the organization's mission, stating, "Adventures in Recovery is truly making a difference in the lives of those in recovery by empowering them to find their...
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Senator Helming Hosts Local Members of Future Farmers of America in Albany
Senator Helming recently played host to students from Marcus Whitman, Marion, and Lyons Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters in Albany. The gathering aimed to facilitate discussions on FFA and agricultural issues. During the meeting, the students had the opportunity to share insights into their involvement in the program, highlighting the classes they are taking in Animal Science and Environmental Science.As the week of February 17-24, 2024, marks National FFA Week, the event in Albany served as a fitting occasion to promote values such as citizenship, volunteerism,...
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Town of Macedon Awarded $4.5 Million from NY Forward Program
On February 20, Governor Hochul announced that the Town of Macedon has been awarded $4.5 million in state funding from the NY Forward program to revitalize its downtown area and pursue new opportunities for growth.Senator Pam Helming expressed her excitement about the investment, stating, “I’m thrilled to see another 54th District community selected for this state investment. Supervisor Kim Leonard and her team have done amazing work to improve the Route 31 corridor, attract new businesses, expand access to healthcare, and position the town for additional growth. Macedon...