Assemblymember Anna Kelles

It is always an absolute pleasure to visit The Learning Farm and none more so than today, when NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and I participated in a ribbon cutting to celebrate the construction of several cabins on the farm that will allow it to expand into overnight offerings. This infrastructure is thanks to a $200,000 Assembly Majority investment, in addition to my allocation of $450,000 which helped the farm construct a commercial kitchen to further expand its teachings on sustainable food production and the benefit of shared community meals. The construction of four cabins, renovations to the cottage and the erecting of ten high-end canvas "glamping tents", expected to be completed in the Spring of 2025, are critical to the farm's mission to provide an immersive experience on the farm. Speaker Heastie didn't want thanks, noting money being allocated is state funds, and will go directly to benefit the youth - particularly those underserved BIPOC communities that need it most.
Thank you to Christa and Pete Nunez and all the visionaries behind the Learning Farm, providing children with the knowledge and experience of sustainable farming to carry with them into the future! To read the full announcement visit this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jplXOX0rJO-hpO-5o4TO1P2Ln4VccDCjIR9vJWH_qjk/edit?usp=sharing


The Learning Farm

It was my absolute honor to announce with NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today, an investment in the beloved Greater Ithaca Activities Center, with $750,000 to expand the historic Red and White Cafe that provides employment and culinary education opportunities for teens and young adults in the community. The Assembly Majority is also seeking an award in the spring for a year-round facility that would be a major renovation for the Alex Haley pool that provides swimming opportunities to disadvantaged communities. These projects are the vision of the tireless efforts and passion of Director Leslyn McBean-Clairborne and her entire team. GIAC is dedicated to these neighborhood revitalization projects, providing a rich array of accessible, affordable amenities for our community, particularly the most vulnerable. Thank you, Speaker Heastie, for investing in these projects so our most vulnerable and under-resourced populations can enjoy access to the rich and thriving community they deserve!
To read the full press release, follow this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jplXOX0rJO-hpO-5o4TO1P2Ln4VccDCjIR9vJWH_qjk/edit?usp=sharing

Read this Cornell Chronicle article that explains the findings of the recently published white paper, "Constructing a Circular Economy in New York State: Deconstruction and Building Material Reuse." Published Oct 3, the white paper explains the many benefits of shifting to a circular economy: These include economic and environmental benefits and the savings for construction & demolition debris landfills, which are nearing their capacity.
https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/building-deconstruction-reuse-would-benefit-nys-jobs-climate

Building deconstruction, reuse would benefit NYS jobs, climate | Cornell Chronicle Transitioning to a circular construction economy in New York state could unlock economic activity, create green jobs and advance climate goals, according to a Cornell-led white paper that provides policy recommendations.

On Sept. 30th, I had the pleasure of announcing with my colleague Senator Lea Webb, $5 million in funding for the Upstate New York Alive Downtowns! Coalition, which supports historic theaters, including the State Theatre of Ithaca- which is receiving $103,000 under the allocation. We secured this funding in the 2024-25 budget. The $103,000 will help cover operational expenses for our beloved theater which serves as a cornerstone of our arts and culture. I am so glad that the State Theatre, which opened in 1928, can continue to serve this critical role for our community for generations to come.
Visit Ithaca

Downtown Ithaca
Tompkins Chamber
State Theatre of Ithaca

I attended the Ithaca Farmers Market Capital Campaign Launch party last night and enjoyed live music, appetizers and beverages from many of the market's astounding vendors and learned more about the exciting future of the parking lot improvement project. For years, I have enjoyed coming to the Farmers Market, eating the delicious food, smelling the enticing aromas and connecting with my community in this serene waterfront setting. The final project will enhance this market, with parking and paths, safe pedestrian pathways, charging stations, bike and bus access and a permeable surface to allow for drainage. Construction is slated for November into the summer of 2025.
The Ithaca Farmers Market is truly one of Ithaca's local gems, attracting visitors and promoting all the local food producers our area boasts. The campaign still has to raise $300,000 to reach their match for the grant.
Please spread the word about this important cause!
Want to learn more or get involved? Email : [email protected]

It was an absolute honor to celebrate my allocation of $66,900 to the Finger Lakes Library System at a ceremony at Groton Public Library on Sept. 19th. The funding directly benefits eight local libraries: Groton Public Library, Cortland Free Library , Ulyssis Philomathic Library in Trumansburg, Southworth Library in Dryden , Lamont Memorial Free Library in McGraw, Lansing Community Library , Tompkins County Public Library and Newfield Public Library. The money will help the libraries improve and expand upon both outward facing community programs and internal professional development opportunities for staff. Some examples of how the funds will be used include Cortland Free Library enhancing its digital collections, Lansing Community Library expanding its teen programming, and Ulysses Philomathic Library buying more accessible tables for its community room. In Groton, the library is using the funds to address food insecurity through inter-generational community cooking classes taught by a professional chef. Events like these are the highlight of my service to my district. Thank you to all who participated in this moving and joyful event today! To read the full press release from the event follow this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1baP7PgMB6QMbzoaN_j2JqFL6q_eVLmgB2Do99RQqmSE/edit?usp=sharing

Cortland Free Library
Bank of the Southern Tier

I had such a good time celebrating with Cortland ReUse at their grand reopening celebration Saturday. This organization promotes the importance of refurbishing and reusing items, rather than throwing them away and filling our already maxed-out landfills. In its third year at its new location at 186 Homer Ave, Cortland ReUse accepts everything except clothing and partners with community organizations like Catholic Charities and DSS, to help people who are just starting out in new housing arrangements by providing them vouchers for household items. Cortland ReUse also promotes the arts, through upcycling and a weekly creative writing class it offers Sundays. Thank you Cortland ReUse for all you do for the community, the economy and the environment!

Thank you to Kim Maercklein for all the information you shared with the public at Cinemapolis and Cortland County Community Action Program during today's Consumer Fraud Protection seminars. Participants walked away knowing more about how to recognize common scams, strengthen their online privacy settings and keep their private information secure. We look forward to hosting more of these informative sessions in the future so stay tuned!
New York Department of State
Department of State .U.S

Today, I honor and reflect on the tragedy of this day, 23 years ago, when thousands of people lost their lives. For those who risked and gave their lives to save everyone they could during the crisis, we are forever in your debt. For those who died working in those buildings you are loved and remembered. And I acknowledge the lasting generational trauma and health consequences from that day and will never stop fighting for you to get the resources and help you need.

Last week I stood with my colleague Senator Michelle Hinchey , representatives from Firefighters Association of the State of New York and New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association - Pulse Check and EMS workers from across the region at a press conference in Hudson, NY. We called upon Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign our Treatment in Place (TIP) and Transportation to Alternative Destination (TAD) legislation, A9102. This would enable emergency responders to use their discretion on scene in providing the proper treatment necessary for patients under their care, allowing treatment in place or transfer to a nursing home or other destinations besides emergency rooms. It is critical this legislation is signed before Sept 30.
To read the full press release on the event, follow this link: https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/michelle-hinchey/hinchey-kelles-ems-and-fire-coalition-urge-governor

I stand in solidarity with the workers at BorgWarner, fighting for adequate benefits and a true living wage. View my joint statement withSenator Lea Webb here.
Teamsters

Please share this far and wide! And join us for an informative and engaging conversation with a Consumer Fraud expert on Sept. 13. Choose from one of two sessions, in Ithaca in the morning or Cortland in the afternoon. Register by calling 607-208-2024, emailing [email protected] or copy and paste this link into your browser to fill out a google form: https://forms.gle/ZEMQtj9jC4EAJsTn7

Cinemapolis Cortland County Community Action Program

I had a blast at The Great New York State Fair last week, with my fellow assemblymembers, celebrating the incredible businesses, farmers and people that make New York the place we all love to call home. We had the opportunity to connect with so many of our esteemed colleagues in state government, saw a show from one of Ithaca's favorite street performers, Hilby, visited the astoundingly detailed butter sculpture, treated ourselves to delicious Perry's ice cream at the dairy building and were joined by Governor Kathy Hochul for lunch! Thank you Speaker Carl Heastie, for arranging this spectacular day!

Happy Labor Day to all! We hope you have time to relax and reflect today on the importance of your contributions to the workforce.

Join us for an informative and engaging conversation with a Consumer Fraud expert on Sept. 13. Choose from one of two sessions, in Ithaca in the morning or Cortland in the afternoon. Register by calling 607-208-2024, emailing [email protected] or copy and paste this link into your browser to fill out a google form: https://forms.gle/ZEMQtj9jC4EAJsTn7

Cinemapolis Cortland County Community Action Program

I was so happy to attend the Cortland County Senior Picnic in Dwyer Park on Friday, an event that celebrates seniors and their multiple, important contributions to our community. I also presented an Assembly Citation to Senior of the Year Anne Baird, who was presented this honor because of her selfless dedication to others for over 3 decades through her various volunteer efforts.
In the morning, everyone enjoyed some lawn games and a nature walk, before the presentation and awards. Thank you seniors for all you do, and thank you to the Office for the Aging, for including me in this fabulous celebration!


Senator Lea Webb

Attending community conversations like this one in Ithaca's West End yesterday, are some of my favorite ways to stay grounded in my district off-session. With representation from Brooks for Legislature , Robert Gesualdo Cantelmo , business owners and residents, this conversation highlighted ways we can unite to make the vibrant West End more safe and attractive for all who live and work there. Thank you, Tompkins Chamber for hosting this productive and engaging conversation.

Join us for an informative and engaging conversation with a Consumer Fraud expert on Sept. 13. Choose from one of two sessions, in Ithaca in the morning or Cortland in the afternoon. Register by calling 607-208-2024, emailing [email protected] or copy and paste this link into your browser to fill out a google form: https://forms.gle/ZEMQtj9jC4EAJsTn7

The work never stops when it comes to making our communities safer, but we’re making progress. Shootings with injury are down 29% statewide, continuing the rapid decrease in crime since the pandemic ended. More info here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-29-decline-shootings-communities-across-new-york.

Yesterday I was so happy to announce a $150,000 grant for Lifelong, the vibrant community center for adults 50 and over, serving Tompkins County since 1952. These funds will allow Lifelong TCSCC to continue its support of older adults in aging with dignity. The grant will allow Lifelong to renovate and enhance its community center by improving energy efficiency with new windows and LED lighting. It will also enable Lifelong to update its phone server, enhance accessibility at the front entrance, replace outdated computers, and significantly upgrade the audio-visual system to better support programming needs. We all hope to age with dignity and in good health, and I am so happy I got to be part of helping an agency committed to that mission. To read the full press release from the announcement, follow this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oLGsGT8W_4guJk1shc_jOecMcrz7dt0KngBHEAJuhZQ/edit?usp=sharing

Join us for an informative and engaging conversation with a Consumer Fraud expert on Sept. 13. Choose from one of two sessions, in Ithaca in the morning or Cortland in the afternoon. Register by calling 607-208-2024, emailing [email protected] or copy and paste this link into your browser to fill out a google form: https://forms.gle/9qBxUCoEHh4Ku6cF6

We are seeking dynamic and motivated interns to join our district offices. Interns can be tasked with a variety of duties, from special projects and research assignments, to social media support or help with constituency issues. To apply, enter this into your browser:
https://forms.gle/BiFWQ7p9Td14r5zM9 or click on my member page link.

Thank you to all humanitarian aid workers fighting to ease suffering worldwide.