• Town Hall
• Honor a Veteran
• Middleburgh Elementary Health Center Visit
• Legislative Corner
• Constituent Meetings
• Easter and Passover Greetings

On Thursday I held a live town hall with WMHT public television. Thank you to all those who participated. I was happy to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

In case you missed it, you can watch the full town hall here or click the image above.

This week I had the privilege of unveiling the 2016 Honor a Veteran plaque at the Rensselaer County building, joined by Congressman Paul Tonko and County Executive Kathy Jimino. This marker of distinction for the sacrifice and service of our veterans will adorn the Hall of Heroes Wall.

I also paid tribute to Rensselaer County veteran John Joseph McCann. Mr. McCann enlisted in the United States Navy on April 1, 1944. He served aboard the USS Cross (DE-448), which was christened on January 8, 1945. Mr. McCann passed away on June 10, 1990. Thank you to patriot John Joseph McCann for his dedication and service to our country.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Nearly half of the estimated 8 million dogs and cats entering US animal shelters each year are euthanized. For this reason and more, I am an original cosponsor of H.Res. 133, which designates April 11 as “National Pet Adoption Day” and April as “National Pet Adoption Month” in order to highlight pet adoption as a more-humane way to provide animals with a loving home. The primary sponsor of the legislation is Representative Roger Williams (R-TX) and there are currently 32 Republicans and 27 Democrats in support.

Faso Supports PAST Act

I recently cosponsored H.R.1847, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which was introduced by Representative Ted Yoho (R-FL). This bill would help enforce prohibitions on the cruel practice of “soring” show horses. Soring is the process by which a show horse trainer/owner intentionally injures the animal’s legs, ankles or hooves in order to produce a more pronounced step or gait in the horse when participating in a show. There are currently 62 Republicans and 158 Democrats in support of the PAST Act.

Our faith communities greet the arrival of spring as a time of renewal in our commitments to friends and family and a deepening sense of the redemptive power of belief. Please take a moment during the Passover and Easter holidays in the midst of your celebrations to reflect on the lessons each imparts: Passover’s description of God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery and religious subjugation; Easter’s celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and the overcoming of sin to save mankind.

May we all strive to live more deeply these lessons of faith and devotion as the remainder of the year unfolds.