Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
November 16, 2024
1. Delivering funds to renovate Penn Station
New York Penn Station is the busiest transit hub in the nation, and it is long overdue for an upgrade.
That’s why this week, Kirsten announced a $72 million federal grant that will be used to renovate the station, including by building more aboveground entrances, escalators, and elevators, as well as an underground connection to the Herald Square subway station.
Read more.
2. Fighting for dairy farmers
All farmers deserve fair compensation.
This week, following years of Kirsten’s advocacy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) restored the “higher of” Class I pricing formula for milk, which will allow dairy farmers to earn more for their product. Read more.
3. Expanding broadband access in Upstate NY
Every New Yorker deserves affordable, high-speed internet, regardless of where they live.
This week, Kirsten joined Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul to announce $140 million in federal funding to expand public broadband infrastructure throughout Upstate New York. This substantial investment will help connect New Yorkers to remote work opportunities, telehealth appointments, and online educational programs, bringing our state one step closer to closing the digital divide once and for all. Read more.
4. $$$ for constituents
After a constituent waited nearly four months for Treasury to process a redemption of his savings bonds, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted Treasury on his behalf and, within weeks, over $40,000 in funds were released to his account.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
November 3, 2024
1. Leading the world on semiconductors
Kirsten is committed to making sure Upstate New York continues to be a hub for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development.
This week, she announced $825 million in federal funding for NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, which was also designated as the location of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator. This funding and designation will bring good jobs, scientific innovation, and economic development to the Capitol Region, cementing New York’s place as a global leader in chip manufacturing.
Read more.
2. Funding clean energy initiatives
This week, Kirsten announced a $347 million federal investment in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program. This funding will support the installation of zero-emission equipment and promote good-paying and union jobs at the Port of New York and New Jersey, helping our state combat climate change through the use of clean energy technology.
Kirsten is a longtime advocate for clean energy initiatives. She was an original cosponsor and champion of standalone legislation to create the Clean Ports Program, and she helped secure its enactment as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read more.
3. Keeping New Yorkers warm
Kirsten is dedicated to making sure all New York families stay warm during the winter.
This week, she announced that New York will receive over $360 million in federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This money will help thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems this winter. Use the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool to find out if your household qualifies for assistance.
Read more.
4. Cyber Service Academy applications now open!
Applications for Kirsten’s Cyber Service Academy scholarship program are now open! Kirsten created this program to address a widespread shortage in government cyber personnel that leaves the U.S. vulnerable to cyber-attacks by foreign adversaries. The program grants successful applicants a free college education in return for public service in a cyber-related discipline with the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC) after graduation.
Interested? Apply here.
5. Getting illegal guns off New York streets
Kirsten’s anti-gun trafficking statute in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act continues to take illegal weapons off New York streets.
This week, two traffickers pleaded guilty on charges related to illegal gun trafficking in Syracuse, and their weapons were seized by law enforcement.
Read more.
6. Supporting New York fashion designers
On Monday, Kirsten joined the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to honor those who help make New York the fashion capital of the world.
7. Delivering for constituents
When a constituent needed to urgently secure her passport in order to attend the funeral of a family member abroad, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team reached out to the passport agency and, on the same day, the constituent was able to secure an in-person appointment to get her passport.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
October 27, 2024
1. Fighting for clean water
Every New Yorker deserves access to clean drinking water.
This week, as a direct result of Kirsten’s work to pass the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured over $450 million in federal funding to replace lead pipes, improve water infrastructure, and safely manage wastewater in New York.
Read more.
2. $$$ → NY infrastructure
Kirsten is committed to bringing federal dollars home to New York to improve critical infrastructure across the state.
This week, she announced over $290 million in federal funding for various infrastructure projects, funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
These investments include:
- $215 million to replace the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge in the Capital Region. Read more.
- $48 million for improvements on the East Erie Commercial Railroad.
- $16 million to produce two hybrid battery-diesel locomotives at Alstom’s facility in Bath, NY. Read more.
Nearly $12 million for upgrades to railway infrastructure in the North Country.
3. Holding the VA accountable
Nothing should ever get in the way of veterans receiving the care that they deserve. This week, following her call for accountability after egregious failures at the Buffalo VA left veterans waiting weeks or months to receive care, Kirsten announced a nationwide evaluation of the VA’s community care referral practices.
Read more.
4. Cheering on the New York Liberty
Last week, Kirsten went to Barclays Center to cheer on the New York Liberty during their quest for their first-ever WNBA title.
On Sunday, the team won the championship game, bringing home the title to New York. Go Liberty!
Facts matter, and Kirsten is proud to be included as a factual example in the Washington Post’s misinformation quiz.
Test your ability to separate fact from fiction here.
6. Helping New Yorkers with Social Security
A constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for help with his Social Security Disability appeal. After 10 years and two federal remands, an administrative law judge awarded him a fully favorable decision. However, he never received an award letter, nor were his benefits released.
After Kirsten’s team contacted the Social Security Administration, the constituent’s benefits were reinstated back 10 years, and he received over $250,000 in retroactive benefits payments.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
October 20, 2024
1. 140 illegal guns off of Buffalo’s streets
Kirsten visited the Buffalo Police Department to discuss the success of her anti-gun trafficking statute in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. In Western New York alone, the statute has already been used to prosecute 6 alleged traffickers and has gotten at least 140 illegal guns off the streets. Learn more.
2. Fighting for LGBT service members
Kirsten led the charge to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and in the years since, she’s been pushing to make sure that veterans who were forced out of the military under the policy can get their discharges upgraded.
This week, the Pentagon announced that 96% of these LGBTQ+ service members have been granted an honorable discharge, ensuring that they can receive the same benefits as any other veteran.
Read more.
3. Supporting clean energy on Staten Island
Kirsten is committed to securing investments in clean energy infrastructure to protect our planet and boost our economy.
This week, she visited May Ship Repair on Staten Island to see firsthand how large infrastructure and green energy investments are helping New York lead the way in building America’s clean energy future.
4. Delivering for New Yorkers
Just this year, Kirsten’s office has opened over 7,400 constituent cases and secured $1.7 million in refunds and benefit payments for New Yorkers.
This week, when a constituent needed help recovering over 10 years of retroactive Social Security Disability Insurance benefit payments, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team worked with the Social Security Administration until he received over $250,000 in retroactive payments that he was owed.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
October 5, 2024
1. Growing the upstate economy
Kirsten joined Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyamo to announce over $9 million in federal funding to grow New York’s semiconductor industry. The funding will support small businesses involved in manufacturing and help create good paying jobs upstate.
Read more.
2. Supporting the medical community
Kirsten stopped by the Montefiore Nyack Hospital in Rockland County for a tour of their Emergency Department and Extended Care Unit and to thank their health care staff for their incredible work in the Hudson Valley.
3. Meeting with AAPI leaders
Kirsten joined AAPI small business owners and community leaders in Flushing to discuss pressing issues facing the community.
4. Celebrating labor leaders
Kirsten attended Amsterdam News’ 10th Annual Labor Awards to celebrate two powerful voices for our nation’s workers: President of the NYS AFL-CIO Mario Cilento and President of New York City Central Labor Council Vinny Alvarez.
5. Sunday Services
And finally, Kirsten attended Sunday Services at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of NY in Queens to celebrate the church’s 190th anniversary.
July 14, 2024
1. Supreme Court reform
Concerning allegations of misconduct by Supreme Court justices, including lavish gifts, luxury trips, and private jet travel, have intensified the need for more oversight and transparency on the court. Kirsten is committed to holding Supreme Court justices accountable.
This week, she announced her support for the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act and the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, bills that would reform the court by creating better ethics and transparency requirements and setting term limits for Supreme Court justices.
Read more.
2. Millions for New York
Kirsten is committed to bringing federal dollars home to New York.
Just this week, she secured:
- $18.1 million to bring critical upgrades to the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s electric bus facility and add three new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses for Rochester-area riders. Read more.
$8.9 million to bring up to 7 new electric buses to Broome County and create a cleaner commute for millions of riders in the Southern Tier. Read more.
3. Fighting for paid leave
Without universal paid leave, millions of Americans must choose between their livelihood and the health and well-being of themselves and their families. Kirsten is fighting for paid leave for all.
This week, she joined advocates and lawmakers to advocate for and highlight the milestones in the fight for national paid leave.
4. Beacon of Hope
This week, Kirsten visited the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid to attend the ribbon cutting of the “Beacon of Hope” sculpture honoring Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy.
5. Commemorating Stonewall
On the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, Kirsten visited the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center to announce its grand opening and celebrate its significance.
The SNMVC officially opened on Friday, June 28, and entry for the public is free of charge. For more information on hours and the visitor experience, visit stonewallvisitorcenter.org.
6. Helping constituents with Social Security benefits
Two years after President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, over 2,700 illegal guns have been taken off our streets thanks to Kirsten’s provision that made gun trafficking a federal crime.