“I applaud Governor Cuomo’s leadership demonstrated in his seven point plan. It underscores the need to defeat COVID, get everyone vaccinated, evaluate the long-term impact of the virus on our economy and help us jumpstart it to deal with our short-term financial crisis. We need the federal government to increase the amount of vaccine New York is getting so we can vaccinate everyone as quickly as possible. We have expanded the number of vaccination sites and are going mobile to distribute the shot into the arms of our most vulnerable who don’t have transportation or a way to get to a point of dispensing site. It’s about fair distribution and equity.

“The same is true of the governor’s plan to make broadband access affordable. When the pandemic started, we knew our families in the Hilltowns were at a disadvantage with limited internet access. That’s why we established a partnership with Hudson Valley Wireless so internet access would be expanded and wouldn’t present an undue financial burden. 

“I also support the governor when it comes to mental health outreach and support of local police agencies responding to 911 calls. Albany County has offered Crisis Intervention Training to law enforcement agencies since 2016. Over 300 officers have been educated and informed around issues related to mental illness, de-escalation techniques, officer wellness and community resources. Additionally, our Mobile Crisis Team has been working closely with law enforcement calls involving psychiatric distress to divert individuals from hospitalization and/or incarceration whenever possible.

“I look forward to the governor releasing other details in the days and weeks to come.”