Didi Barrett

“The New York State budget that we have laid out and passed is one that substantively addresses many of the policies I’ve pushed for since I took office. It includes a tremendous investment in education with over $24 billion in aid – a more than 6% increase over last year. We listened to the frustrations of students, parents, teachers, and administrators, who felt the brunt of years of unpredictable funding and under-funding, and eliminated the GEA once and for all while also substantially increasing foundation aid.

Girls growing up today have to look hard to discover the stories of women and girls who came before them. Often primary research is required — seeking out long hidden diaries and well-creased letters, interviewing elderly relatives and neighbors, sleuthing over the handwritten notes on the backs of fading photographs. Women’s stories of bravery, dedication and triumph may be shared in family lore, but they rarely make it into history books and official records.

"Our communities are reeling from the impact of heroin and opioid abuse and there is a desperate need for the resources and ongoing services to confront and curb this epidemic. The Assembly’s proposal significantly increases funding to provide treatment and preventative services and expands access to underserved areas. This funding is an important step and should be a part of the 2016 budget. We must do whatever we can to provide a path to recovery for those devastated by addiction.”

At a recent Assembly Economic Development Committee hearing on providing affordable and high quality cable, broadband and telephone service, I expressed to industry leaders what I think is the frustration of many Columbia County residents: I can't even travel between my Albany and Hudson offices without losing calls multiple times. Everyone in the county is tired of the constant rate at which cell phone calls are dropped and the lack of high speed broadband. These issues are fundamental to living in 2016. Columbia County is already behind the eight ball on these issues; and the longer we go without, the slower we will see real economic growth. Without 21st century telecommunications throughout the county we simply won't attract new businesses, entrepreneurs or young families to put down roots here.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced the Assembly passed legislation she sponsored to implement paid family leave benefits for injury or sickness, pregnancy or to care for a new baby or an ailing family member (A.3870-A). The bill will allow workers to receive some income during a brief period of leave to help prevent families from falling into financial disaster.

Marking significant progress in efforts to break down barriers to women’s equality, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced that a number of important bills passed last year take effect today.

“All my life I have fought to ensure women and girls have equal rights and equal opportunities in our society,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “Whether it relates to their professional career, family life or personal health care decisions, women must be allowed an even playing field.”

Committed to facilitating an open dialogue with constituents and at the same time showcasing great local businesses, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) is again bringing her office to local diners as part of her annual “Diner Stop Tour.”

“Since first elected, I have fought for a farm vehicle tax credit to bring relief to our farmers who must travel to markets on costly toll roads. Today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo is welcome relief to the farmers of the Hudson Valley,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D – Columbia, Dutchess).

“For more than two years I have joined with many members of the Hudson Valley to fight this proposal because we have grave concerns about the negative impact monster power lines will have on our region. Today’s ruling by the PSC is counter to scientific evidence showing no need, it displays industry biases, and it will likely result in an expensive and litigious process that will cost Hudson Valley ratepayers dearly.

“I have devoted my life to fighting for the rights of women and girls in this state and with the passage of these new laws New York can celebrate a step towards ensuring equality for all women. While today we took steps in the right direction, essential work remains. Across the country a woman’s fundamental right to control her own health care decisions is under attack and I will continue to fight to ensure women and girls are empowered to dictate their own future.”