Christopher W. Eachus

As Hanukkah begins tonight, may the warmth of the candles fill your home with peace, love, and happiness. Hanukkah Sameach!

Join me for a festive evening at my upcoming fundraiser on Tuesday, December 19th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Jorge’s Kitchen & Bar (34 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley)! Let's enjoy good food and great company as we bid farewell to the year.

RSVP now: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/eachusholidayfundraiser

This year, together, we've achieved remarkable victories for the Hudson Valley—historic school funding, protecting the Hudson River, expanding Universal Pre-K, and much more. But our successes are a collective effort, and it's your support that empowers me to serve the 99th Assembly District.

Come celebrate real representation and join the fight for the Hudson Valley's future! Your presence makes a difference.

See you there!

Join us in honoring our local heroes at the 2023 Veterans Award Ceremony!

🎖 This year, we proudly recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of John F.M. Flynn, Ja'eed "Ty King" Mustafa, and Louis O'Neill. Their dedication to service deserves our heartfelt gratitude.
📅 Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023
🕒 Time: 3 pm - 5 pm
📍 Location: Orange County Veterans Center, 30 Lawrence Ave, New Windsor, NY 12553
📩 RSVP: Visit tinyurl.com/District99VeteransAward2023, email [email protected] or call 845-469-6929.
🍰 Light refreshments will be served as we come together to express our appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed for our community and country.

I hope to see you there!

Last week, I spoke to seniors at Monroe-Woodbury High School about the role of our state government, and why it’s so important for people of all backgrounds to get involved in politics. Our government works best when we consider the perspectives of all. That’s why I make a point to listen to as many in my district from as many different communities as I can: from our High School seniors to our senior citizens!

I’m very appreciative that so many interested students came out this Wednesday. Thank you to Mr. Verboys and the MWHS Youth and Government club for hosting!

Thank you to those who joined me at my most recent science program at the Cornwall Public Library this week. The kids had a fun and enriching experience learning about gravity and energy - and as a former teacher myself, I’m always happy when I see kids eager to learn about science and the world.

To learn more about my series of RCLS library programs, please check the following article.

https://www.thephoto-news.com/entertainment/nys-assemblymember-christopher-eachus-to-present-educational-program-at-woodbury-public-library-AM2835057

New Windsor Elementary School holds an annual “Patriotic Reading Day”, where local veterans and lawmakers come to read a book to a classroom, and talk about why it’s so important to recognize those who gave to our Nation. Although I am not a veteran myself, I serve on the Assembly committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and hold a great respect for all those who have served.

I was invited to read to a 4th Grade class, and I chose The Wall - a book about the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington which lists the names of the thousands of servicemen and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. I have made many trips to the monument in person, so I’m especially glad I had this opportunity.

I also had the chance to take questions from the kids about what we do in Albany, and why it’s so important we honor our service members. Thank you to Ms. Kennedy’s class for having me!

My next “Coffee with Chris” event, where I meet with community members to talk about state and local news, will take place at 9:30AM Monday, November 20th at 2 Alices Coffee in Cornwall. If you want to learn more about what my office can do for you, hear what’s been passed this year in the State Government, or just pop in and share your thoughts, this is a great chance to do so!

Please click the link to RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/CoffeewithChris2023 or contact my office at 845-469-6929 or [email protected].

Keep an eye out for upcoming Coffee with Chris events in your vicinity, as I look forward to bringing this interactive session to more locations soon!

The Hudson Valley is a beautiful place. I’ve known it all my life, and I want nothing more than to preserve its natural wonder. That’s why I was proud to organize and join dozens of volunteers to plant 100 saplings recently at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. We planted shrubs like elderberries and witch hazels, alongside trees like maples, pines, and oaks - all specifically chosen with the help of a local arborist to best suit the region’s soil.

While my office and I were deeply involved, this project really took off because of the dedication and support of several groups coming together. I’d like to thank our two volunteering organizations ASEZ WAO and Cornwall Cleanup Crew for their hard work and enthusiasm, the NYS DEC for helping us procure the saplings, and the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for their accommodation and assistance.

At the Ida Cornell branch of the Woodbury Public Library in Central Valley, I had the chance to talk with kids about physics and solar power. As a physics teacher of 40 years, this is a subject near and dear to me.

It’s a treat for the kids too, because they all went home with working model solar cars that they made themselves!

Thank you to the Ramapo Catskill Library System - and the wonderful librarians at the Woodbury Library - for their help organizing last night. Our next science program will take place at the Cornwall Public Library at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, November 14th.

For more information, click below:

https://www.thephoto-news.com/entertainment/nys-assemblymember-christopher-eachus-to-present-educational-program-at-woodbury-public-library-AM2835057

This weekend, I began the first of my series of science programs for kids in collaboration with the Ramapo Catskill Library System. First stop was Rose Memorial Library in Stony Point to talk about Chemistry principles like states of matter and boiling points. The kids had a lot of fun making slime, too!

Thank you to the librarians at the Rose Memorial and RCLS staff for helping arrange this wonderful and engaging program.

To find out more about our upcoming events in Woodbury, Cornwall, and Highland Falls, please go to the following new site: https://www.thephoto-news.com/entertainment/nys-assemblymember-christopher-eachus-to-present-educational-program-at-woodbury-public-library-AM2835057

My office will continue our "Coffee with Chris" series at the Woodbury Diner this Thursday, November 9th at 9:30AM!

This will be an opportunity for constituents to gather and engage in meaningful discussions about the services our office can provide. During our meeting, we will also cover the recent legislative session in Albany, and what we can get done during the next session starting in January. I'm eager to hear your concerns, suggestions, comments, and thoughts on the issues that hold the greatest significance in your life. Let's have an open and fruitful discussion!

Please click the link to RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/CoffeewithChris2023 or contact my office at 845-469-6929 or [email protected].

Keep an eye out for upcoming Coffee with Chris events in your vicinity, as I look forward to bringing this interactive session to more locations soon!

Four weeks ago, a bus carrying the Farmingdale High School Marching band to a Band Camp in Pennsylvania slid off the road into a ravine in Orange County. It was a tragedy that shook the core of our region, with a loss of life that shall never be forgotten.

I joined Governor Hochul and the other elected officials of Orange County to recognize the rapid response of our local EMS and police departments. In a moment of crisis, they acted swiftly and without hesitation to save the dozens of children aboard. To all our first responders, we applaud your diligence and dedication to the safety of our neighbors, answering the call of duty wherever and whenever it is needed.

As a teacher of 40 years, there’s nothing I love more than getting back into a classroom.

I had the chance to talk with students of North Rockland High School’s Public Policy class, which is a college-level course offered through Syracuse University. I spoke about my background as a legislator, the lawmaking process up in Albany, and what it takes to be an effective advocate. Civic engagement is something I believe in strongly, and I was glad to see so many caring students ask me informed and interested questions.

A big thank you to Mr. Denmead’s second and sixth period classes for having me!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in recognition I joined Fearless Hudson Valley’s annual “Clothesline Project” on Wednesday.

Held outside the County Government center in Goshen, this display features over 600 t-shirts with messages from victims and their families - many of which are heartbreaking to read. And while I’m proud to say that I’ve attended every clothesline event since the organization’s inception, it is never an easy event as each new story is added.

I have much respect for Fearless and their organizers, who have done a great deal to raise awareness of this tragic issue, and I will continue to stand with them in the fight against domestic violence.

See my statement on the developing crisis in Israel below.

I hope to see you all tonight!

Join me at the kickoff fundraiser for our campaign!
This Thursday, September 28th, 2023
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Temple Hill Tavern
🏠 Address: 171 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553
To secure your spot or to donate please visit: tinyurl.com/Eachus2024
Don’t forget to mark your calendars and invite your friends!

Earlier this month, I sent a letter to Governor Hochul outlining the desperate need for our district to receive more funding in light of the potential for FEMA Individual Assistance funds to be declined. Unfortunately, the worst prediction has come true today.
I am incredibly frustrated that FEMA has denied recovery funds for my constituents who have suffered extensive damage to their homes after the devastating storms in July.

This is an absolutely unacceptable outcome that leaves countless families, both homeowners and renters, without any recourse to rebuild their lives. These are families who lost everything, both essential and personal, and have taken a heavy emotional toll over the last few months striving to recover. This announcement today from FEMA puts a nail in the coffin for many of my constituents, who currently do not qualify for any of the funding made available by the state or local non-profits.

Needless to say, I will not let this stand. I will work diligently with my counterparts in state and federal government to get my constituents the recovery funds they need in light of this news. FEMA may have left the Hudson Valley behind, but the fight is not over yet.

Join me at the kickoff fundraiser for our campaign!
This Thursday, September 28th, 2023
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Temple Hill Tavern
🏠 Address: 171 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553
To secure your spot or to donate please visit: tinyurl.com/Eachus2024
Don’t forget to mark your calendars and invite your friends!

After this July’s flooding in the Hudson Valley, many residents of Cornwall and Highlands were left without access to food, water, or shelter. American Legion Post 633, under the guidance of Post Commander John Flynn, took action immediately. Post 633 was manned 12 hours a day, offering potable food and water, toiletries, and respite from the elements. What’s more, they acted out of love for their community, and an unbreakable resolve to preserve it - even through hard times.

It was my great honor to provide a citation on behalf of the New York State Assembly to Post 633 last night.

At the Newburgh American Legion Hall last week, I proudly recognized five cadets of the Civil Air Patrol for their promotions, three of whom will receive the Billy Mitchell Award. This decoration honors a fearless pilot of the first World War, and indicates a cadet excels in leadership, fitness, and character.

Congratulations to the honored cadets - Angelina Victoria Figueroa, Logan Frankenberger, Joel Andrew Racite, Juliza Eliana Nieves, and Eva Sophia Duran!

Hispanic Heritage month is a time to celebrate the unique contributions of Hispanic Americans to our national community. These contributions in music, food, art, and culture make us a more vibrant and beautiful nation.

To all, I wish a happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

To all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, “L ‘shana tova tikatevu”.

After the school year began with an expired contract, I joined hundreds of Newburgh teachers on Tuesday at a walk outside the city Board of Education in protest. As a former teacher at Newburgh Free Academy, I am well aware of the unique struggles the district faces.

Teachers are our lifeblood. They have the unique power to raise up a new generation, and they deserve a fair contract. I will always stand with the fine educators of New York State - at home, and in Albany.

Join me at the kickoff fundraiser for our campaign!

📅 Date: Thursday September 28th, 2023
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Temple Hill Tavern
🏠 Address: 171 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553

To secure your spot or to donate please visit: tinyurl.com/Eachus2024

Don’t forget to mark your calendars and invite your friends!

22 years ago, New York experienced a life-changing shock. An act of terror which was felt around the nation.

Today, we continue to be eternally thankful to the first responders who risked their lives to save others, with many making the ultimate sacrifice. Those who, in a time of total chaos, acted out of sheer heroism. 22 years later, we are resilient, we are united in remembrance of those who lost their lives, and we will never forget.

We are now two months out from the catastrophic flooding sustained among Orange and Rockland communities. I applaud the Governor’s rapid response with her announcement of flood relief funding for affected individuals.

However, after speaking with countless locals, it is clear to me that more is needed. That’s why I’ve written to urge the Governor’s office to raise income thresholds and infuse the relief fund with additional funding. I will not stop fighting until everyone gets the help they need.

See my full statement here.

Orange and Rockland residents face a heavy financial burden in service of the MTA. Despite our contributions, we are provided little in return. Our commuter service is spotty, we lack a one-seat ride into the city, and the MTA doesn’t even operate our rail lines.

At our joint conference in Harriman last week, I joined Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski, Mayor Giacomazza, Supervisor Burke, and Dan Ortega to present a step towards closing the value gap. We successfully fought to freeze any increases to the MTA Tax burden for Orange and Rockland County in this year's budget, and The Port Jervis line will receive $100M to widen rail passings, greatly boosting daily train capacity in Orange.

I’ll keep fighting to bring our transit system in line with our needs, while keeping costs down for west of Hudson commuters.

I am proud to announce my office and I will be partnering with a local volunteering group, the WeLoveU Foundation, to give backpacks and school supplies to over 100 students. This wonderful event will take place from 1PM to 4PM this Sunday, August 27th. In addition to the supply giveaway, there will also be face painting, indoor and outdoor games, and other activities for kids.

Please see the attached flier for more information!