May 9, 2026
Dear Friends,
My top priority as your representative in Congress is supporting our local communities and helping our region grow and thrive.
One of the pathways through which I’ve delivered critical funding and support for our Capital Region is the Community Project Funding process. This unique opportunity allows each member of Congress to request federal dollars for a select set of local initiatives to be included in the annual budget. Over the past several years, I am deeply proud to have secured more than $52 million for a diverse group of 54 Capital Region projects.
Every year, my office is flooded with applicants seeking funding for their worthy projects, and this round was no different. Following a rigorous selection process, I chose 20 projects which have the potential to collectively invest $26 million directly into our region. This week, I was joined by the committed leaders who brought these critical initiatives to my attention. Together, we outlined what these projects would do and how they will meet the needs of our community. These 20 impressive projects address a wide range of issues across our Capital Region, including:
Community Safety & Development
Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region’s Bridges to Transformation Initiative would expand work supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration while also investing in youth leadership and workforce development. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local programs, the project would reduce recidivism, expand economic mobility, improve quality of life, and strengthen community reintegration across the Capital Region.
The City of Rensselaer’s Hollow Preserve Trailhead Connection project would be used to develop trailhead infrastructure for the Rensselaer Hollow Trail, implementing on-road improvements, and increasing connectivity with regional trail networks. It would boost public access to ADA-compliant, walkable transit infrastructure and recreational outdoor opportunities while promoting safety for residents.
Public Health
St. Mary’s Hospital’s Expanding Access to Rural Healthcare with (Otolaryngologists) ENT Services project would be used for a larger, state of the art space for ENT services on the main campus of the hospital. The project would help expand and recruit specialty care providers and services for patients and serve to keep care local, preserving the financial stability of independent, rural health care.
Infrastructure
The Town of Niskayuna’s Route 7 Safety Improvements project would fund a comprehensive suite of highway improvements, including the installation of a continuous raised median and ADA-compliant pedestrian walkway reconstruction. As a major regional commuter artery, these improvements would benefit thousands of daily travelers from across the Capital Region, providing a safer commute for our district's workforce.
The Town of Malta’s Water District #1 Water Storage and Quality Improvement project would fund the construction of a new water storage and pumping facility. This new construction will replace concrete storage tanks that are reaching the end of their useful life. New storage facilities will also mitigate additional existing issues, including inadequate water storage — which raises the risk of reduced water pressure and flow — increased infrastructure stress (pump failure), fire safety risks, and potential service interruptions.
The full slate of those 20 projects and more information on how they’ll benefit our region can be found on my website HERE.
With a combination of visionary leadership and sound investment, we can unleash untold potential across our Capital Region in ways that will support our residents, strengthen our businesses, and revitalize our communities. Next week, I will return to Washington filled with resolve to secure funding for this slate of projects in the federal budget and to continue working to ensure our communities receive the investment we deserve.
I’ve said time and again that a budget is a statement of our values. When we focus on our local needs with a drive towards community improvement, the benefits speak for themselves. Now and going forward, I’ll be working tirelessly to deliver that kind of investment through our federal budget.
At the same time, I’ll be in the thick of the fight to oppose more funding to continue Trump’s destructive agenda, from his disastrous war of choice with Iran to his $70 billion blank check to allow ICE to continue terrorizing our communities. And I’ll never support using taxpayer dollars to finance Trump’s $1 billion ballroom, as Republicans are seeking in their latest budget push.
In the coming weeks and months, as Congress hammers out a federal budget, know that I will be fighting every day to prioritize the needs of our Capital Region, not the greed of the wealthiest and most powerful.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
As we enter the warmer months and prepare for wildfire season, I'm highlighting resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on how to keep you and your family safe. To do that, follow these steps:
S - Stay informed: Use AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and other resources to know when a wildfire occurs
M - Minimize exposure: Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency HVAC filter to filter particles from smoke out of the air
O - Optimize your system: Know how to adjust your HVAC system or air conditioner to keep smoke out
K - Keep supplies on hand: Gather emergency supplies, including extra air filters and N95 respirators
E - Establish a clean room: set up a clean room to keep levels of smoke and other particles as low as possible. The How to Create a Clean Room at Home fact sheet provides more information about setting up a clean room
Learn more about what to do before, during and after a wildfire smoke event to ensure your family is protected from exposure to smoke and ash indoors.
