The Troy Record reports that Rep. Antonio Delgado, a moderate Democrat who represents the 19th Congressional District, met Jan. 25 with Republican Steve McLaughlin, a polarizing politician who is Rensselaer County Executive. Nothing substantive came out of the meeting, but the two differing politicians at least said they had common ground. “The federal government must work closely with and support folks on the ground who are managing the COVID-19 pandemic,” Delgado said. McLaughlin echoed that comment with, “We face many challenges as we battle COVID-19, and it is important for those serving the public on the federal, state, county and local levels to work together.” Delgado's bipartisan Direct Support for Communities Act was included in two COVID-19 relief packages that passed the House in 2020, but were blocked by Republicans. He has since reintroduced the legislation, which the new Biden administration may include in their COVID-19 relief efforts. Read more about this story in The Troy Record.