Here is this week's WGXC Congressional Report, tracking the votes, statements, positions, and campaigns of the representatives and candidates for the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Congressional seats in New York. Democrat Pat Ryan is representing the 18th Congressional District, Republican Marc Molinaro represents the 19th Congressional District, Democrat Rep. Paul Tonko represents the 20th District, and Republican Elise Stefanik represents the 21st District. Click here to listen to this report.

Tyler O'Neill is reporting for Spectrum News Democrat U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan was appointed January 27, to the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, his office said. Ryan represents the redrawn 18th Congressional District. The Armed Services Committee handles defense policy, military operations, and the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy. Ryan served on this committee during his previous term. "I maintain my commitment to ensuring our service members and military families are properly supported to preserve and promote America’s security, prosperity and values both at home and abroad," he said. Ryan served in the U.S. Army as a combat intelligence officer from 2004 to 2009, including two tours in Iraq. The Congressman will also serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees all modes of transportation nationwide. "Whether you take Metro-North to New York City, travel Route 17 through Orange County or need improved broadband in Dutchess County, I will fight every day to make sure that funding comes right back here to the Hudson Valley," Ryan said in a statement. Read the full story at spectrumlocalnews [dot] com.

Patricia R. Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro has introduced a bill that would create a comprehensive database of agencies that provide support services and resources available to individuals with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. The Red Hook Republican said on January 31, the “Think Differently Database Act,”  would offer “a single point of access” for individuals and families in need of those services and resources. Molinaro said in a press release, “Currently, many individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers don’t know what services are available to them.” He said those seeking services are forced to navigate “a confusing patchwork of federal, state, and local resources to find and access the services they need.” The bill, co-sponsored by New Jersey Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherril would provide “a one-stop shop for locating resources that support and empower individuals with disabilities.” The measure would require the secretary of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive website that includes federal and state resources available for those with disabilities, resources that connect individuals, families and caregivers with healthcare, mental health and other community-based services within state Medicaid programs and a zip code feature to help individuals locate resources in their community. One of Molinaro's children is on the autism spectrum and as a result, he devoted his efforts as Dutchess County executive to changing the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to those with special needs through his “ThinkDifferently” initiative. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Mid-Hudson News reports that Congressperson Pat Ryan went on the floor of the House of Representatives on Feb. 1 to call for the CEO of Central Hudson to resign. PLAY OR DOWNLOAD EXCERPT OF RYAN'S SPEECH ON THE HOUSE FLOOR. Ryan also listed several other specific examples of people facing giant, irregular bills from Central Hudson. The company is currently under investigation for its billing practices. Central Hudson spokesperson Joe Jenkins wrote in response to Ryan’s remarks saying the utility, “continues to apologize for the unfortunate impacts that implementation of the new system has had on our customers and key stakeholders. Our number one priority has been and remains resolution of issues with the system, and we continue to make progress. We continue to make enhancements to resolve any remaining issues.” Jenkins also said said Central Hudson wants to meet with Ryan and, “is working to ensure that customers who received bills requiring an adjustment have been made whole. We are 100 percent committed to rebuilding relationships with Congressman Ryan and all our stakeholders and to resolving any remaining issues with the system expeditiously.” Read more about this story at Mid-Hudson News.

On Feb. 2, three local Congressional representatives voted for a bill "denouncing the horrors of socialism." House Resolution Nine is deeply ridiculous legislation. It was a show vote in a country with many socialist policies, such as the collective funding of the military for national defense. The bill passed 328-to-86, with Democrat Pat Ryan and Republicans Elise Stefanik voting for the resolution, and Democrat Paul Tonko voting against. The resolution only said, "This concurrent resolution denounces socialism and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States." It has little chance of passing the Senate nor being signed by President Joe Biden.

New @CookPolitical: our initial 2024 House race ratings, w/ 20 Toss Ups. Biggest upside for Dems? 18 GOP members in Biden-won districts. For Republicans? Potential new gerrymanders in NC & OH. Full analysis: https://t.co/wFZUpEZZpy pic.twitter.com/AFWLtWPr2s

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) February 2, 2023

The Cook Political Report forecasts a toss-up election for Republican Marc Molinaro in the 19th Congressional District in 2024. The same group says that Pat Ryan’s 18th district leans to the Democrat. Molinaro defeated Democrat Josh Riley in last fall's election, where Republicans picked up a few seats in New York. With a presidential election in 2024, turnout is likely to be higher in Molinaro and Ryan's next elections.

Here is this week's WGXC Congressional Report, tracking the votes, statements, positions, and campaigns of the representatives and candidates for the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Congressional seats in New York. Democrat Pat Ryan is representing the 18th Congressional District, Republican Marc Molinaro represents the 19th Congressional District, Democrat Rep. Paul Tonko represents the 20th District, and Republican Elise Stefanik represents the 21st District. Click here to listen to this report.

Patricia R. Doxsey reports in the Daily Freeman that both Democrat Pat Ryan and Republican Marc Molinaro agree that there should be an independent investigation after the discovery of classified information stored in the home and former office of President Joe Biden. Ryan said, “Our last two presidents have issues with this,” referring to Biden and former President Donald Trump, who stored hundreds of documents with classified markings at various locations in his Mar-a-Lago resort. Biden has cooperated with investigators, while Trump has not. “I don’t think we can give equivalency when one individual not only refuses to cooperate but is suing to stop the National Archives from taking possession of the documents; and Biden, who has been cooperative, has taken responsibility and proactively disclosed what’s happened,” Ryan said. Molinaro agreed with Ryan that Biden needs to be investigated. Molinaro said in a prepared statement, “We need to conduct an honest and independent review to understand what went wrong in both of these cases and ensure our nation’s secrets are better protected going forward.” Ryan represents the 18th Congressional District, while Molinaro lives in that district, but represents the 19th Congressional District. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.

Heidi Przybyla, Julia Marsh, and Jessica Piper report for Politico that the New York Young Republican Club "has feted and supported a roster of relatively extreme figures," and that Marc Molinaro and Elise Stefanik, who represent local Congressional Districts, are members. The group, Politico reports, "has closely aligned itself with former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon and “Pizzagate” conspiracist Jack Posobiec." The New York Young Republican Club recently endorsed Hungary’s autocratic leader, Viktor Orbán, and have backed other authoritarian leaders. The club’s president, Gavin Wax, donated $500 to the joint fundraising committee of repeated liar George Santos, who was elected to Congress from Long Island last fall. Wax admits that not everyone will care for the group that includes Molinaro and Stefanik. “If you believe the Trump wing is racist, then there’s nothing we can do,” Wax said. “They’re big names in the conservative right wing of the party. If that’s the new level of controversy then, sure, we’re controversial.” Of the group's backing of authoritarian leaders around the world, Wax said: “We reject the premise and narrative that these parties are beyond the pale and outside of polite society.” Molinaro, who represents the 19th Congressional District, ran as a moderate, but, so far, has voted with conservatives, hired far-right staff, and is a member of the New York Young Republican Club. Read more about this story in Politico.

Pamela Brown and Gregory Krieg report for CNN about how important Rep. Elise Stefanik was to getting Rep. George Santos elected. Stefanik, a Republican, represents New York's 21st Congressional District, which now includes Rensselaer County. Santos was just elected as a Republican from Long Island, with a long list of outrageous lies that are being uncovered daily. “I would have never donated without Elise,” said Ken Salamone, who gave $5,800 to Santos’ campaign and more than $20,000 to his joint fundraising committee. “I assumed she did her homework. I always do my homework and didn’t. Shame on me.” Kristin Bianco is another Republican donor who said Stefanik convinced her to give to Santos. But after she gave Santos $550, she said he lied to her about whether Donald Trump had endorsed him. “He was after me to become a big donor…he was such a fraud,” Bianco said. “I tried to warn people.” CNN quotes a third, anonymous donor to Santos who said, “he donated to George Santos because of Elise Stefanik’s endorsement.” All Stefanik will say, through a spokesperson, is that she was not, “aware of the allegations (against Santos) prior to the New York Times reporting,” which came after the election. CNN also quotes a senior Republican strategist involved in campaigns before the midterms saying, “Stefanik’s team was laser focused on electing Santos to Congress – more than just about any other race in the country.” The Stefanik spokesperson denied any involvement with the campaign of Santos, saying, “At no point did any staff for Congresswoman Stefanik work or advise this candidate.” Stefanik Tweeted her endorsement of Santos on August 11, 2021. On May 23, 2022, Stefanik Tweeted that she had helped raise more than $100,000 for Santos. Read more about this story at CNN.

Tyler A. McNeil reports in the Daily Gazette that Republican Elise Stefanik and Democrat Paul Tonko are working together on a local land designation issue. They both want to extend the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area past Rensselaer County into Washington and Saratoga counties. Tonko represents Saratoga, and Stefanik represents Rensselaer and Washington counties. “I would just say that oh my God, I’ve worked with both of them, I get along with both of them, but when you have Paul Tonko and Elise Stefanik on the same page, I think you have an incredible chance of making that happen,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The duo have introduced legislation to extend the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in hopes of receiving grants, and other economic benefits. Stefanik said. “The cultural, environmental, and economic impact that these National Heritage Areas have on communities in upstate New York cannot be overstated, and I am proud to work to expand this opportunity to all of Washington and Saratoga counties.” Previously, Tonko and Stefanik worked together on efforts to reinforce federal limousine safety standards, on broadband expansion, and on an early version of the CHIPS for America Act. Read the full story in the Daily Gazette.

Tyler A. McNeil reports in the Daily Gazette that Republican Elise Stefanik was appointed this week to a new Congressional panel that her party says is to probe abuses of power within the federal government. Democrats say the Republicans are investigating the weaponization of government by weaponizing the government. Stefanik, who represents New York's 21st Congressional District including Rensselaer County, becomes one of 15 members on the U.S. House of Representative Judiciary Committee’s new Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. Stefanik said in a statement, that “There are serious questions about how government agencies have gotten away with this for so long, and we will get to the bottom of how these corrupt agencies are being weaponized against everyday Americans.” Democrats say the new group is analogous to the House Un-American Activities Committee of the 1950s. Paul Tonko, a Democrat who locally represents the 20th Congressional District, said about the new panel that it is, “Chaired by one of the most right-wing partisans in Congress who voted to throw out the 2020 election results, this committee’s explicit purpose is to sabotage the work of the Department of Justice and the January 6th Select Committee.” Read more about this story in the Daily Gazette.

The “Iroquois” Pipeline Company wants to drastically increase the amount of gas they push through their existing 37 year old “Iroquois” pipeline, which runs from Northern New York (including the Capital District) to Long Island and NYC. In order to push more gas through the aging pipeline, they are applying to build four compressor stations along the route of the pipeline - in Athens in Greene County and Dover in Dutchess County, and Brookfield and Milford in CT. NYS DEC is holding a hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Laura Shindell of Food and Water Watch talks with WOOC's Mark Dunlea.

Today's audio daily news update.

Greta Jochem is reporting for The Berkshire Eagle xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is being increasingly found in the illegal drug supply in New England, including the Berkshires. Jessica Kelly, prevention services supervisor at Berkshire Harm Reduction, said one year ago she would find the veterinary sedative, in 1 out of 20 bags of heroin. Today, Kelly estimates it is present in one in seven bags. The drug is not an opiate and so it does not respond to opiate overdose reversal medications like naloxone. Stephen Murray, an overdose researcher at Boston Medical Center, said the drug is a major concern along the I-91 corridor. The drug was first found in the drug supply in the early 2000s in Puerto Rico, and the Massachusetts Drug Supply Stream program discovered it in the opioid supply in mid-2021. The drug is approved for veterinary use only and when taken by humans, it is extremely dangerous. Dr. Jennifer Michaels, medical director for The Brien Center said, “The scary thing about xylazine is that naloxone and Narcan don't reverse the overdose." Because it is a sedative, the drug can increase the risk for overdose by suppressing breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, Michaels said. It can also cause severe wounds. The drug seems to be toxic to the skin and tissue underneath it. People can fall asleep or be unconscious for hours lying on a body part, like an arm, decreasing blood supply to it, Michaels said. When injected, the drug can cause pain. "I've had multiple people report it feels like worms crawling in their skin, which causes a lot of picking that causes more infection rates and abscesses, too," Kelly said. Researchers do not know as much about xylazine as they want to. As its use has spread across New England, there has not been enough time to study it. Routine drug screenings of individuals at The Brien Center do not test for xylazine, Michaels said. "We don't really know how much it has infiltrated our patients' substance supply." Read more in The Berkshire Eagle.

Kenneth C. Crowe II reports in the Times Union that the state Department of Environmental Conservation it is continuing to clean up the PFAS at Taconic Plastics in Petersburgh in Rensselaer County. The DEC has working at the plant at 136 Coon Brook Road just west of Route 22 and south of Route 2 since 2016. “DEC approved a supplemental investigation work plan in August 2021 which requires Taconic to perform additional sampling of contaminated soils, groundwater, and surface water in the vicinity of Building 1, with the objective of assessing options for an interim remedial measure at the site,” the agency said in a recent community update. The DEC says it it still working on sediment and subsurface soil removal, backfill, and swale reconstruction behind Building 1, with plans to complete the interim remediation in 2023. PFAS is a poisonous so-called "forever chemical" that is difficult to break down and is linked to some forms of cancer. It has been found locally in drinking water in Cairo, New Lebanon, Hoosick Falls, Nassau, and other communities. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics reports that seven Republicans in the state Assembly have announced support for a bill to give free meals to students in all New York schools. That signals it has a good chance to pass this year with more than 70 members of the state Legislature signing letters of support for the universal school meal proposal. State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, both Democrats, introduced the bill. Gov. Kathy Hochul will outline her budget proposal on Feb. 1 in Albany, and many lawmakers hope the free meals provision will be included in the plan. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Today's daily news audio update.

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There were protests around the United States, and locally in Troy and Hudson, after police in Memphis released videos on Jan. 27 showing at least five police officers savagely beating Tyre Nichols, who eventually died from the attack. Marketa Edwards, one of the organizers of the Troy protest on Jan. 28, was recorded speaking by the Times Union's H. Rose Schneider saying, PLAY EXCERPT OF EDWARDS' SPEECH. In Hudson, over 60 people turned out to the park in front of the Columbia Courthouse on Jan. 29 to protest the latest police killing caught on a video recording. Several local youth spoke at the event, including a 17-year-old named Gabby. PLAY EXCERPT OF GABBY SPEAKING A few local officials were there including State senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, and Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson. Claire Cousins, a member of the county Board of Supervisors from Hudson, urged the other politicians who were not there to come out next time. PLAY EXCERPT OF COUSINS SPEAKING.

Tyler O'Neill is reporting for Spectrum News Democrat U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan was appointed January 27, to the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, his office said. Ryan represents the redrawn 18th Congressional District. The Armed Services Committee handles defense policy, military operations, and the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy. Ryan served on this committee during his previous term. "I maintain my commitment to ensuring our service members and military families are properly supported to preserve and promote America’s security, prosperity and values both at home and abroad," he said. Ryan served in the U.S. Army as a combat intelligence officer from 2004 to 2009, including two tours in Iraq. The Congressman will also serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees all modes of transportation nationwide. "Whether you take Metro-North to New York City, travel Route 17 through Orange County or need improved broadband in Dutchess County, I will fight every day to make sure that funding comes right back here to the Hudson Valley," Ryan said in a statement. Read the full story at spectrumlocalnews [dot] com.

Jammel Cutler is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Hudson City Hall is set to undergo needed renovations, according to a resolution recently adopted by the Common Council. The resolution authorized the mayor to enter into a contract with VMJR Companies of Glens Falls to complete the alterations required to bring the historic former bank building into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. The cost of the project is $669,500, and the resolution authorizes expenditure of $337,933 from the general fund. Construction is expected to begin in February and the work will be completed in three or four months. Changes to the building’s facade include removing the marble steps that lead to the side door of the building and dropping the door to sidewalk level. The existing door will continue to be used and the marble plinths and pilasters on either side of the doorway will remain unchanged. “The improvements will make access to the second floor a lot easier for folks,” said Mayor Kamal Johnson. “I’m happy that we’re finally getting to this point as a city.” The renovations will make the building more accessible, and the general environment is going to be more inviting for everyone, he said. VMJR has completed similar projects at locations throughout upstate New York — at the University at Albany, Siena College, the State Education building and Middleburgh Central School. In Hudson, the company successfully completed the St.Paul’s/St. Mary’s Church historical restoration. Read more at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

Today's audio daily news update.

Andrea Macko at Porcupine Soup that as a horrific police beating video is released in Memphis, in Greene County, Hunter Mountain officials took down a photo they posted of the East Coast Police Winter Games from Jan. 18 and 19. The image removed showed skiing officers displaying “thin blue line” flags. Hunter Mountain posted on social media that, “In celebrating the 27th Annual NYPD ski races, a photo including ‘thin blue line’ flags was posted. Feedback on the post was swift, leading us to remove the photo and work to better understand its undertones and meaning. We will continue to have conversations about this internally and do better to ensure that inclusivity is conveyed and celebrated in all that we do.” The group Anti-Racist Catskills thanked Hunter Mountain on social media, writing, “We hope that your actions to remove these photos show a good faith effort to do the right thing and was not merely an attempt to cover/hide your actions.” Other comments on social media attacked Hunter Mountain for removing the photo. Read the full story at Porcupine Soup.

Rachel Silberstein reports in the Times Union that the Schoharie County government is defying a state order to reinstate their health director. Dr. Amy Gildemeister was unanimously approved for a new contract by the county Board of Health, but the supervisors' board has refused to authorize her salary, because she enforced mask mandates and advocated for vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gildemeister's previous term ended on Jan. 21, and Gildemeister had been going into the office since then as directed by Acting State Health Commissioner James V. McDonald, who in a Jan. 12 letter advised that only members of the county health board, not legislators, have the legal authority to appoint or remove a county health official. "Finding no evidence that the Schoharie County Board of Health engaged in the required removal proceeding, or provided Dr. Gildemeister an opportunity to be heard, I must also find that the Board of Supervisors' attempt to remove Dr. Gildemeister is null and void as a matter of law," McDonald wrote. But this week Gildemeister's access to her office has been restricted. A spokesperson for the state Department of Health says the agency will take enforcement action against the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors. More than half of the state's county public health leaders have left their jobs since the start of the COVID-19 health crisis, including, in recent weeks, the health directors in Columbia and Greene counties. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Heather Bellow reports in The Berkshire Eagle that Great Barrington's Select Board’s Housing Subcommittee Chair, Leigh Davis, is proposing a real estate tax break for anyone who offers year-round affordable rentals on a portion of their property. If the Great Barrington board approves of the idea, the proposal could come before town voters at annual town meeting in May. Officials are looking at an affordable housing rental exemption in Provincetown as an example of one way to help the affordable housing crisis locally. David said, “It encourages affordable housing within neighborhoods and it's a 'scattered sites' approach." The entire area has seen soaring housing prices in recent years, and a shortage of affordable housing. Davis also wants the town to consider levying a 0.5 percent to two percent fee on some real estate transactions to add to the town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Read more about this story in The Berkshire Eagle.

Today's daily news audio update.

Click above to download or play the "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

Roger Hannigan Gilson reports for the Times Union that the village of Coxsackie January 25, adopted a moratorium on short-term rentals to give officials time to study whether the rentals should be further regulated. The moratorium imposed a three-month pause on any new Airbnbs, Vrbos, or any property available through a short-term rental website, with the ability to extend the moratorium twice for a total of nine months. The village, with a population of less than 3,000 people, has had an influx of new residents and businesses since the pandemic began and redevelopment of the village center is underway. But members of the village board said interest in the community has also led people to buy properties expressly to rent them out on short-term rental platforms, turning the homes into investment properties. The village currently has 24 short-term rentals, mostly located in or around the Reed Street Historic District. Vacation rentals in the town of Coxsackie bring the total number to 65, a significant increase from the 28 short-term rentals reported in the fourth quarter of 2020. Under current village law, short-term rental owners must register with the village and pay a fee. That requirement was added after one rental "got out of hand" with excessive noise, underage drinking, and police calls, Mayor Mark Evans said. The moratorium will "preserve the status quo," according to village attorney Rob Stout Jr., and allow current short-term rental owners to continue to operate. The moratorium includes a variance for undue hardship. Those looking to establish rentals who believe they would be unduly impacted are able to ask for a variance by appealing to the village board. The city of Hudson and the town of Woodstock currently regulate vacation rentals. Read the full story in the Times Union.

Tyler A. McNeil reports for The Daily Gazette that Republican Jeff Moore has withdrawn from the race for Schenectady City Council under pressure from his local party committee after his controversial, conspiracy theory-laden social media posts from recent years were exposed. In the recent past, Moore publicly speculated that high-ranking officials have been conspiring to advance a global communist world domination scheme. Posts show a flood of offensive and bigoted ideas about Islam, LGBTQ+ issues, mass shootings and nationalism, as well as Holocaust comparisons. He called President Barack Obama a "man of Kenya," and is a 2020 election denier. “In the New Age of Communism, the ‘Toxic White Male’ is the new Jew…,” Moore wrote in a February 2022 post for Empire State Conservatives, drawing a comparison to the plight of Jewish people forcibly labeled by Nazis during the Holocaust. “Then came [COVID-19] and the ‘Unvaxed’ is the new Unclean.” Moore terminated his candidacy on January 24 after The Daily Gazette, which had researched his social media activity, forwarded 52 of his offensive posts to the city’s Republican Committee. Schenectady GOP Chair Matt Nelligan swiftly condemned Moore’s postings. Moore declined to explain his social media history, but he apologized for not disclosing it to Republican officials before being chosen to run for office. Nelligan’s Democratic rival Mayor Gary McCarthy described Moore’s blogging records as “conspiracies in the Twilight Zone and the theater of the absurd.” Read more in The Daily Gazette.