Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
May 4, 2024
1. Stopping the flow of fentanyl
The flow of fentanyl has devastated communities across New York and is responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths nationwide.
Over the past year, Kirsten has met with families of overdose victims and law enforcement fighting the fentanyl crisis across New York and she is committed to keeping deadly drugs like fentanyl off our streets.
This week, she announced the passage of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, bipartisan legislation that will help disrupt the flow of illegal opioids into our neighborhoods. The legislation, which passed last week as part of the national security supplemental, will empower the U.S. government to go after the producers and drug traffickers bringing these dangerous drugs into the country.
Learn more.
2. Standing up for women’s health
This week, Kirsten joined Halle Berry and a group of women senators to unveil the bipartisan Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act, legislation that would advance research, data, public awareness, and funding for menopause and mid-life women’s health.
Watch here.
3. Reclassifying marijuana
For decades, marijuana has been classified in the same category of drugs as heroin and a more dangerous category than fentanyl or cocaine — even though marijuana is not associated with the same health risks and potential for addiction and abuse.
Kirsten has long called on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reclassify marijuana, and this week, she applauded the DEA for answering her call and initiating the steps to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance.
Kirsten will continue to fight to fully deschedule and legalize marijuana and end the restrictive federal marijuana policy that has disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities.
Learn more.
4. Refunds for delayed flights
Flight delays and cancellations cause chaos for thousands each year, yet for years, airlines have not automatically issued cash refunds for impacted travelers.
After Kirsten called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to investigate airlines’ business practices and to hold them accountable for failing to issue proper compensation for significantly delayed or canceled flights, DOT issued a rule that will protect travelers and require airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed.
Learn more.
5. $$$ to protect New York’s wildlife
Kirsten is dedicated to bringing federal dollars home to ensure New York’s wildlife is protected.
This week, she secured $500,000 in federal funding to bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to the North Branch of the Boquet River that will help protect local wildlife species and habitats.
Read more.
6. Helping New York businesses
When a Suffolk County business needed to secure federal tax refunds for credits claimed in 2022 filings, they contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team worked with the IRS on their behalf and the business received nearly $500,000 in refunds. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
April 20, 2024
1. Supporting the police workforce
Police departments in New York and across the country are facing unprecedented workforce shortages. Kirsten is fighting for more resources to boost the police workforce and keep our communities safe.
Over the weekend, she stood alongside police leaders in New York City to announce her Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, bipartisan legislation that would help expand child care services for police officers and their families. The bill would provide $24 million in federal funding for each of the next five fiscal years to establish and operate child care services for the children of police officers that accommodate the nontraditional work hours of law enforcement, which would help retain the workforce and enhance recruitment. Read more.
2. Delivering for NY
Kirsten is dedicated to bringing federal dollars home to New York.
Just this week, she delivered:
- A historic $6.1 billion for Micron thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act, which will help create thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthen Central New York’s reputation as a global leader in chips manufacturing. Read more.
- Over $1 million for the College Of Staten Island to recruit more STEM teachers for New York City public schools. Read more.
3. Boosting senior care
Long-term care workers are essential in helping older adults and people with disabilities age and live comfortably, yet they are far too often faced with low wages, understaffing, and poor working conditions, leading to a shortage across the country.
Kirsten is working to address this shortage and ensure long-term care workers get the support they deserve to help the people they care for get the services they need. This week, she introduced the Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act, legislation that would help alleviate the nationwide shortage of long-term care workers by providing federal support to improve compensation, training, and worker protections for these essential workers so they can help seniors age with dignity.
Read more.
4. Addressing the child care crisis
High-quality, affordable child care should be a right for every family, and Kirsten is fighting to make this a reality.
This week, she announced the creation of her Child Care Working Group (CCWG) and convened the group for its inaugural meeting in New York City. Kirsten’s CCWG is made up of advocacy organizations, elected officials, and government agencies from across New York and seeks to expand child care for all New York families.
Learn more.
5. LISTEN: Kirsten taking questions from constituents
Kirsten made her monthly appearance on The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC to talk about how she is fighting to expand child care for the police workforce, the conflict in the Middle East, and much more.
Listen here.
6. Meeting New York’s letter carriers
Kirsten has long supported New York’s letter carriers, and this week, she met with the New York State Association of Letter Carriers in Washington to discuss their top issues and her legislative efforts to support them.
7. Getting 9/11 survivors the care they deserve
When a 9/11 survivor needed help to confirm health care coverage for a procedure related to a condition certified under the World Trade Center Health Program, she reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team confirmed her procedure would be covered, providing assurance during her time of need.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
April 13, 2024
1. Boosting Upstate New York’s economy
The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a federal-state partnership that funds local projects and creates jobs across Upstate New York.
The NBRC’s statutory authority expires on September 30th and Kirsten is determined to make sure the Commission can continue to boost the Upstate economy. This week, she announced that key provisions of her bipartisan Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act have been included in the bipartisan Economic Development Reauthorization package. Reauthorizing the NBRC would unlock critical federal resources for Upstate communities and create jobs.
Learn more.
2. Expanding child care
With a shortage of affordable child care, too many families must choose between going to work and taking care of their kids.
Kirsten is committed to expanding affordable child care. In the recent government funding bills, Kirsten secured $1.2 million for DAY ONE Early Learning Community in Poughkeepsie, and this week she visited the preschool to highlight how the funding will help expand low-cost early childhood education to families in the Hudson Valley.
Read more.
3. Supporting cutting-edge research
This week, Kirsten visited Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island to highlight the $8.24 billion for the Department of Energy in the recent government funding bill to advance cutting-edge research at Brookhaven National Laboratory and other national laboratories across the country.
Read more.
4. New York chip manufacturing
Corning Incorporated’s Canton Advanced Optics plant is helping make New York a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing. This week, Kirsten toured the facility to learn about how the plant is producing components needed to make the world’s most complex microchips.
Read more.
5. Groundbreaking drinking water standards
Kirsten has long fought to protect New York’s waterways from being contaminated by dangerous PFAS chemicals.
As a result of Kirsten’s relentless advocacy, this week the Environmental Protection Agency announced that they have finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS, a major victory in the fight to combat water contamination.
Read more.
6. $$$ → New York infrastructure
Kirsten is dedicated to bringing federal dollars home to New York.
Just this week, she delivered:
- $33.2 million to strengthen the resiliency of the 6 line train in New York City by installing a complete storm water drainage system at Westchester Yard where the subway trains are stored. Read more.
- $15 million to replace the 121-year old Grand Street Bridge in Brooklyn, which was severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy. Read more.
7. Helping veteran families
A World War II veteran’s surviving wife asked Kirsten’s office for help when she needed help to secure Survivors Pension benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Kirsten’s team contacted the VA on the constituent’s behalf and going forward she will receive monthly benefits payments of $700.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
8. Catching the solar eclipse
Finally, Kirsten viewed the solar eclipse while visiting Corning Incorporated’s Canton Advanced Optics plant.
April 6, 2024
1. Protecting historic student loan relief
Kirsten is committed to fixing the student loan system and has a strong record of working to make higher education accessible to all.
This week, she announced the Codifying SAVE Plan Act, legislation that would protect President Biden’s income-driven repayment program for student loans. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan is the most affordable student loan repayment plan in history and has lowered monthly payments for millions. Borrowers can apply for the SAVE Plan to lower the cost of their student loan payments here.
Learn more.
2. Fighting for efficient mail delivery
After advocating alongside Majority Leader Schumer for Postmaster General DeJoy to keep USPS processing operations in Buffalo, Kirsten delivered for Western New York.
Thanks to their efforts, this week USPS announced that it would cancel its plan to move certain mail processing operations from Buffalo to Rochester, keeping postal jobs in Buffalo and ensuring that Western New Yorkers get their mail on time.
Read more about Kirsten’s advocacy.
3. Bringing $$$ home to New York
Kirsten is dedicated to bringing federal dollars home to New York.
Just this week, she delivered: $5.6+ million for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to strengthen environmental protection and restore ecosystems for underserved communities in Western New York. Read more. $1.2 million to expand high-quality, affordable child care for families in Dutchess County. Read more.
4. Helping constituents with Medicare
When an FDNY retiree needed help to correct his Medicare enrollment or risk improper coverage for hospital visits, he reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the Social Security Administration, and he was fully enrolled to cover any surprise medical bills going forward.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
5. Honoring war heroes in Vietnam
While Kirsten was in Vietnam leading a bipartisan congressional delegation trip earlier this week, she took a moment to pay her respects to the late Senator John McCain and reflect on his service and sacrifice.
6. Getting ready for the solar eclipse
And finally, as millions of New Yorkers prepare for the solar eclipse, here are a few tips on how to safely watch it:
- Wear approved eclipse glasses, and don’t look directly at the sun without them.
- View the solar eclipse from a safe location.
- Follow local alerts and road closures.
For more information about the solar eclipse, visit iloveny.com/eclipse.
March 30, 2024
1. Standing up for women’s reproductive health care
Kirsten is committed to protecting access to mifepristone and reproductive freedom.
This week, as the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could limit access to the safe and effective drug mifepristone, Kirsten joined her colleagues in submitting an amicus brief asking the Court to reject this politically motivated attack on women’s reproductive health care.
2. Delivering big for New York
Kirsten has been one of the most successful senators in securing federal investments for their state in recent years.
In this year’s government funding process, Kirsten secured $375 million for 197 important local projects across New York State that will reinforce critical infrastructure, improve health and public safety, and support local communities, including:
- $90 million to rehabilitate the historic Lexington Armory National Guard Readiness Center to support the readiness and training of Army units. Read more.
- $8 million to improve pedestrian safety and install new sidewalks in the Town of Ramapo. Read more.
- $7.5 million to restore Barcelona Harbor and boost tourism in Chautauqua County. Read more.
- $4.5 million to build a new state-of-the-art emergency services facility for first responders in the Village of Saranac Lake. Read more.
- $3 million to build a new facility to fight hunger and meet growing needs in Western New York. Read more.
… and many more.
3. Stopping preventable fires
Low-quality lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, and other devices have been responsible for hundreds of fires and dozens of deaths. Kirsten is committed to stopping that.
To prevent fires and save lives, Kirsten is leading the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act to create new safety standards for these batteries. This week, she was able to secure bipartisan support for the bill, an important step to stop preventable fires in New York and across the country.
Read more.
4. Free tax filing
Are you a New Yorker who still needs to file taxes?
You may be able to do it for free online through IRS Direct File – all thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Visit DirectFile.IRS.gov to see if you’re eligible and get started.
5. Getting constituents their money back
When a federal employee needed assistance receiving reimbursements for doctor’s visits from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, she contacted Kirsten’s team for help. Kirsten’s office worked with the agency, and the constituent was able to receive a reimbursement check for her out-of-pocket expenses.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
6. Strengthening partnerships in Asia
This week, Kirsten led a bipartisan congressional delegation visit to the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan to meet with our allies and partners to discuss ways to strengthen key relationships in the Indo-Pacific and to meet with U.S. service members and diplomats abroad.
March 23, 2024
1. Fighting to expand Social Security
Social Security is a lifeline for millions of older adults, but with the rising cost of health care, many are struggling to afford the basics.
Kirsten is fighting to expand Social Security benefits for older Americans. This week, she announced the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act, legislation that would help make sure Social Security benefits keep up with rising health care costs. The bill would adjust Social Security benefits to better reflect older adults’ true cost of living and help them to retire comfortably. Read more.
2. Hosting African American faith leaders in D.C.
Kirsten is committed to uplifting communities of faith and making sure their voices are heard in D.C.
This week, she convened over 100 African American faith leaders from across New York State in Washington to talk about their most pressing issues, meet with members of Congress, and learn about federal resources available to them.
3. Fighting for working families
The Child Tax Credit is a lifeline for working families, and expanding it could save thousands of New York families hundreds each year.
Over the weekend in New York City, Kirsten stood with advocates to call for the passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which would save the average family close to $700 a year.
Expanding the Child Tax Credit would help ease financial burdens for working families across New York – making it easier for low-income families to qualify for the credit, adjusting the credit for inflation, and helping lift children out of poverty.
Learn more.
4. $$$ → Griffiss International Airport
Kirsten is dedicated to bringing federal dollars home to New York.
This week, she secured $1.2 million to rehabilitate and modernize the 40-year-old control tower at Griffiss International Airport to improve the safety and reliability of the airport.
Read more.
5. Judicial nominations
Earlier this year, Kirsten recommended Jeannette Vargas, a longtime federal prosecutor and an expert in civil litigation, to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This week, Ms. Vargas was officially nominated by President Biden.
Read more.
6. ATTN: Small business owners
Next week, on Tuesday, March 26th at 3:00 PM, Kirsten’s office will hold a virtual workshop to discuss opportunities for government support available to small business owners.
Representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency and Empire State Development will be on hand to discuss their respective resources and funding opportunities.
Interested small business owners can RSVP here.
7. Helping constituent families
When a New Yorker needed to secure a Consular Report of Birth Abroad to prove his daughter’s U.S. citizenship, he emailed Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team worked with the U.S. Department of State across multiple embassies to coordinate an appointment so that he could secure this important document.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
8. ICYMI: POTUS on Kirsten’s military justice reforms
And finally, in case you missed it, President Biden applauded Kirsten for her hard-fought military justice reforms that allow for sexual assault cases to be investigated outside the military chain of command by independent, trained professionals.
Watch here.
March 16, 2024
| 1. Fighting to keep public broadcasting alive |
Kirsten is committed to making sure this doesn’t happen. This week, with federal funding for PBS eliminated in the proposed House funding bill, she’s leading a bipartisan push to secure $575 million in the upcoming government funding package to make sure these important programs remain on TV.
2. Fortifying our health care system
Following the devastating cyberattack on Change Healthcare, the largest health care payment system in the country, Kirsten is working to prevent attacks like this in the future.
This week, she called on the Department of Health and Human Services and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to develop a plan to address this attack and prevent future cyberattacks on our health care system. Read more about Kirsten’s push here.
Kirsten has been a fierce supporter of strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity. To boost our national defense, she created the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, which grants students free college in exchange for public service in the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community. Learn more about the program here.
3. Meeting with NY leaders
Kirsten met with members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who came to D.C. from all across New York State, and thanked them for their partnership in advocating for economic, societal, and racial justice for all.
4. Bringing federal $$$ home to NY
Kirsten is dedicated to bringing federal dollars home that better New Yorkers’ quality of life.
Just this week, she delivered:
- $180+ million for Syracuse’s I-81 project to reconnect communities and bring critical neighborhood infrastructure upgrades. Read more.
- $117+ million for the NYC Parks QueensWay project to build a new park, create active transportation options, and reconnect communities in Queens. Read more.
- $100+ million to create a new, affordable rapid bus transit line and modernize Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. Read more.
- $16+ million to reconnect New Rochelle communities by constructing bike lanes, a lush green space, and modern safe streets. Read more.
- $13.6 million to fund critical infrastructure upgrades at Erie County Medical Center, including the purchase of emergency generators to ensure the lights stay on during any extreme weather event. Read more.
| 5 Conversations with clergy. |
| 6. Helping constituents with Social Security |
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
7. Pic of the week: SOTU selfie
And finally, here’s a selfie of Kirsten with President Biden at the State of the Union.
March 9, 2024
| 1. State of the Union |
Joining Kirsten as her guest was tennis legend and equal rights advocate Billie Jean King. Throughout her life, Billie Jean King has been a groundbreaking leader in advancing equal rights for women, and to honor her, Kirsten recently introduced legislation to award her the Congressional Gold Medal.
| 2. Fighting fentanyl |
This past weekend, she visited Long Island, Utica, and Poughkeepsie to call for passage of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, bipartisan legislation that would crack down on drug traffickers and help disrupt the flow of illegal opioids to our neighborhoods.
After passing in the Senate, the legislation is currently stalled in the House, and Kirsten is urging Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans to pass the bill immediately to protect our communities from these devastating drugs.
| 3. Protecting IVF access |
This week, in the wake of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling on in vitro fertilization, Kirsten stood with advocates in New York City to fight for passage of the Access to Family Building Act. This bill would federally protect access to IVF and other fertility treatments, protect doctors from legal action for providing these treatments, and safeguard insurers who cover them so women can make their own decisions about how and when to start a family.
| 4. Millions of $$$ for NY |
This week, she secured over $328 million to fund nearly 150 important local projects across New York State in the bipartisan spending package for Fiscal Year 2024.
| 5. ATTN: Veterans |
If you were exposed to toxins while serving at home or abroad, apply now at va.gov/PACT.
Having trouble with your application? Contact Kirsten’s office for help here or by emailing casework@gillibrand.senate.gov.
More information on the PACT Act is available here.
| 6. Getting constituents the benefits they deserve |
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
March 1, 2024
| 1. Standing up for reproductive rights |
Kirsten is committed to making sure access to reproductive health care is protected.
She is fighting to pass the Access to Family Building Act, legislation that would federally protect access to IVF and other fertility treatments, protect doctors from legal action for providing these treatments, and safeguard insurers who cover them so women can grow their families without government interference.
| 2. Connecting with the New York agricultural community |
This week, Kirsten hosted her virtual Farm Day, where she spent the day connecting New York farmers with federal agencies and representatives to find ways to continue working together.
| 3. Strategic plans to help older adults |
Kirsten is introducing legislation to incentivize and support states’ efforts to create these strategic plans. Her Strategic Plan for Aging Act would create a new, nationwide grant program to help states develop their own strategic plans on aging – ensuring older adults can live where they want with dignity and financial security.
| 4. Millions of $$$ → NY |
$82+ million for water infrastructure improvements to bring clean water to rural communities across New York State. Read more.
$23 million to clean up chemical contamination at Onondaga Lake. Read more.
$14.6 million for Erie County Medical Center to reimburse the hospital for the life-saving care they provided Western New York residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
$10+ million for Cayuga Medical Center to fund critical infrastructure updates to keep the lights on during extreme weather events.
| 5. LISTEN: Kirsten on The Brian Lehrer Show |
| 6. Helping veterans find solutions |
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority.
If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
Feb 25, 2024
| 1. Standing up for reproductive rights |
Following reporting that Donald Trump supports a national abortion ban, Kirsten joined Governor Hochul to stand up for reproductive freedom and remind New Yorkers that reproductive rights are at risk.
Kirsten is fighting to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment to enshrine women’s equal rights in the Constitution and protect every American’s right to bodily and reproductive autonomy.
| 2. Weekend with NY legislators |
| 3. Supporting New York’s kids |
This week, she visited the South End Children’s Café in Albany to see how the program for at-risk kids is addressing youth hunger and keeping kids engaged in afterschool activities.
| 4. ATTN: Government and nonprofit leaders |
Ahead of the fiscal year 2025 appropriations process, she’s soliciting input from New York government and nonprofit leaders seeking funding for their projects.
Appropriations requests can be submitted here until Wednesday, March 13 at 11:59pm ET.
Questions? Contact appropriations@gillibrand.senate.gov
| 5. ATTN: New York Ag Community |
The virtual Farm Day will offer firsthand experience as to the vital role our farmers play in shaping policy and how the 2024 Farm Bill will benefit New York farmers. Attendees will have the chance to engage with other farmers, learn a brief history of the Farm Bill, interact with high-level USDA officials, and learn more about what Kirsten is fighting for in the 2024 Farm Bill.
Interested in participating? Click here to sign up.
Questions? Email Farm_Day@gillibrand.senate.gov
| 6. Passports for New Yorkers |
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
Feb. 18, 2024
| 1. Protecting internet access |
Ahead of a funding cliff, millions of low-income families who rely on the Affordable Connectivity Program for low-cost internet are at risk of losing access.
Kirsten visited Buffalo, Rochester, and Long Island to talk about the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, legislation that would provide $7 billion in federal funding for this critical program and make sure that the more than 1.7 million New York households that rely on it can continue to work remotely, attend online classes, and access telehealth appointments.
Learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program here.
| 2. Demanding a cleanup of the Hudson |
Decades after General Electric dumped over a million pounds of PCBs – dangerous, carcinogenic chemicals – in the Hudson River north of Albany, and after extensive cleanup efforts, PCB concentrations in the river still haven’t reached safe levels. That puts New Yorkers at risk.
Kirsten is demanding action.
This week, she’s calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to do more to clean up this pollution for good and protect the health of New Yorkers and our environment.
Read more.
| 3. $$$ → NY airports |
This week, Kirsten delivered millions for New York airports, including:
- $10.6 million for infrastructure improvements at Albany International Airport, including adding two new passenger boarding bridges and expanding hold room capacity. Read more.
- $4.4 million to modernize and rehabilitate facilities at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Read more.
| 4. ATTN: New York fire departments |
On Wednesday, February 21st at 3:00 PM, Kirsten’s office will host a virtual workshop to prepare New York fire departments for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period, which ends on March 8, 2024.
This workshop will help potential applicants understand the purpose of the AFG program, funding priorities, and award evaluation, and it will include a brief description of other AFG funding opportunities such as SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) and FP&S (Fire Prevention and Safety). The webinar will also provide information regarding the application process and general assistance in writing a competitive narrative.
Interested fire departments can register HERE.
| 5. Getting New Yorkers health care |
When a constituent’s Medicare plan was changed in error and she feared she could not continue to see her regular doctors, she reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, who fixed the issue and reinstated the constituent’s Medicare coverage without interruption.
Feb. 10, 2024
1. Expanding a lifeline for New York families
Kirsten is fighting to pass the Tax Relief for American Families Act and expand the Child Tax Credit for New York families, which would save the average family close to $700 a year.
Expanding the Child Tax Credit would help ease financial burdens for working families across New York – making it easier for low-income families to qualify for the credit, adjusting the credit for inflation, and helping lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
Read more.
2. ICYMI: Kirsten’s op-ed on protecting your online privacy
In case you missed it, The Hill published Kirsten’s op-ed on how she’s fighting to protect personal data and her efforts to create a Data Protection Agency – a federal agency dedicated to protecting your personal data.
Read her op-ed here.
3. $$$ → flood prevention
Kirsten is committed to bringing federal dollars back to New York.
This week, she delivered over $1.3 million to improve flood infrastructure in the City of Auburn and protect residents from future extreme weather events.
Read more.
WATCH: Fighting to bring hostages home
For the 11th time since the October 7th attack, Kirsten delivered a speech on the senate floor to tell the stories of the innocent hostages being held by Hamas and fight to bring them home. Watch here.
5. ATTN: New York Ag Community
On Thursday, February 28th, Kirsten will be hosting her virtual Farm Day. The event is a unique opportunity for New York farmers/ranchers/growers/producers/vintners/brewers to connect with USDA officials and members of Congress.
The virtual Farm Day will offer a firsthand experience of the vital role our farmers play in shaping policy and how the 2024 Farm Bill will benefit New York farmers. Attendees will have the chance to engage with other farmers, learn a brief history of the Farm Bill, interact with high level USDA officials, and learn more about what Kirsten is fighting for in the 2024 Farm Bill.
Interested in participating? Click here to sign up.
Questions? Email Farm_Day@gillibrand.senate.gov
6. Securing VA benefits for New Yorkers
When a recently married constituent needed to update his status for VA disability compensation, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs, who updated his benefit rate and secured the constituent retroactive compensation.
Feb. 3, 2024
Calling for marijuana legalization
Marijuana is currently classified in the same category of drugs as heroin and a more dangerous category than fentanyl or cocaine — even though marijuana is not associated with the same health risks and potential for addiction and abuse. People of color are also more likely to have criminal records for marijuana possession, leading to significant barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
Kirsten is calling on the Biden administration to deschedule marijuana completely and end the restrictive federal marijuana policy that has torn apart lives, primarily in Black and brown communities.
One fun thing: Seth Meyers gave Kirsten a shout-out in his monologue.
Read more.