Andrea Macko is reporting for Porcupine Soup newly elected state Senator, Democrat Michelle Hinchey recently announced her committee assignments, which include chairing the Senate Agriculture Committee. Hinchey represents the 46th District, which includes parts of Ulster, Albany and Schenectady counties, and all of Greene and Montgomery counties, and home to more than 1,000 farms. “As we look to improve the resilience of our communities in the New Year, we need to recognize agriculture — our oldest and most enduring sector — as a strong pillar for New York’s economic recovery and essential to the preservation of our natural resources,” Hinchey said. “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to doing all that I can to keep New York a vibrant agricultural state and ensure that our farmers and producers always have a seat at the table.” Hinchey will also serve on the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, Energy and Telecommunications, Environmental Conservation, and Local Government committees. A resident of Saugerties, Hinchey defeated Republican Richard Amedure in November and took the oath of office in late December in a small ceremony held in Albany. A districtwide ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 23. Read the full story in Porcupine Soup.