The Peru Gazette

Senator Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) today said in reaction to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address that the focus needs to be on resetting New York’s economy to create economic activity, jobs and revenue to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

To do that, Stec said the State Legislature needs to begin convening legislative session in-person to start a dialogue among lawmakers.

“Schools and businesses and many other organizations are ‘in-person’ and so, too, should our state government,” said Stec.  “The governor outlined his agenda today.  Members of the Legislature have a lot of ideas and their own goals as well.  But we have to meet.  Working remotely had its time and place but it isn’t an effective way to govern.  We need to  work together safely by following guidelines and come up with solutions.”

Stec said he has heard from constituents frustrated by the slow and confusing roll-out of the COVID vaccines.

“People, especially older and vulnerable residents, should have access to the vaccine.  The state had months to get ready for this.  The state taking it over initially, instead of working with our counties who prepare every year for this kind of exercise, has been a mistake.  It looks like the message is finally getting through but time is of the essence.”

Stec said he is interested in the governor’s proposal to expand telehealth, which has seen much greater utilization during the health crisis.

“Our hospitals, clinics, doctor offices and mental health providers have all done a tremendous job,” said Stec.  “The use of telehealth is very valuable and improving it makes sense.  Along with the ideas the governor has, he has to recognize that we need better broadband to ensure that everyone can make use of this technology that can help keep them well.”