Dutchess Legislator Meetings
During March, Dutchess members continued their relationship with Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr., Assembly District 105 and Senator Rob Rolison, 39thSenate District by meeting to discuss state and local issues of importance to the League. We had productive discussions covering environmental issues like the Bottle Bill, the Packaging Bill, and the Dutchess County Incinerator; public protection focused on the Fishkill Correctional Facility issues and thes tate-wide jail strike, as well as jail voting and polling sites; election integrity and reform focused on the SAVE Act and future impacts to the state, county and local budgets, funding to county boards of election needed to safeguard the electoral process, Election Registration Information Center(ERIC), and campaign finance reform.
Submitted by Fay Casatuta
Ulster County Executive Meeting
LWVMHR Meeting with UC Executive 3/11/2025 Ulster County Legislative Bldg, Kingston
2 pm- 3pm
In attendance:
Ulster County Executive Jennifer Metzger Deputy County Executive Johanna Contreras Chief Diversity Officer Esi M. Lewis
League members – Dare Thompson, Cindy Lanzetta, Deborah Marr & Emilie Hauser
Introductions were made. League members explained what the League of Women Voters mission is and the kind of work they do.
There was a discussion about the League’s role in local Naturalization ceremonies. The League members and the County Executive and staff also spoke about a number of other issues:
- Registering voters in the Ulster County jail and working with the Sheriff’s department and the Ulster County Board of Elections
- The National “SAVE ACT” and issues associated with Federal requirements for Voter Registration, Real ID, Driver’s Licenses, and the possible impact of Federal National ID registration
- Questions came up concerning vaccinations and the County’s role in promoting good health practices, especially in rural areas
- There was a lengthy discussion on Solid Waste and how there might be more coordination within the County (with the UCRRA) and regionally. The County has made a strong commitment to divert and reprocess as many materials as possible before the need to dispose of items in a landfill. To that end they are purchasing a property near the Kingston Bridge to sort and reuse materials. The County is also hopeful to work with UCRRA to expand the diversion of organics to increase commercial composting in Ulster County.
As we neared the end of our meeting we asked the County representatives what role the League could have in helping good government? It was noted that “Objective nonpartisan information is needed now, more than ever”.
It was an extremely friendly meeting and the League members look forward to a continuing dialog with the County Executive and her staff.
Submitted by Cindy Lanzetta
Orange County
Orange County members met with State Assemblyman Christopher Eachus (NY 99) on March 21, 2025 to review League priorities. In addition to our requests, the Assemblyman provided much information on the transition plan for home healthcare clients and works that will impact upwards of a quarter-million New Yorkers. This is an important issue that we should be following in detail.
Submitted by Leslie Simons