This weekend, Christians celebrate Easter and Jewish families observe Passover. Best wishes to all on these important days on the religious calendar. 

• Expanding the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
• Discussing Strengthening our National Defense on Fox News
• Punishing Russia for its Brazen Actions
• Keeping an Eye out for Tax Scams
• Visit to Corning’s Oneonta Production Facility
• Donating Books from the Library of Congress to Dutchess Co. Libraries
• Shaver Hill Farm Tour
• Discussing Higher Education Policy at SUNY Oneonta
• Tour of Monticello Local Restaurants

Expanding the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

In 2014, Scenic Hudson received by bequest an 89-acre property adjacent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. The property is widely regarded as the gateway to the National Historic Site, protecting views and establishing the historical context for visitors. 

After discussing with Scenic Hudson the benefits of transferring the land to the National Parks Service, I introduced legislation to authorize the acquisition of this 89-acre property to be added to the FDR Historic Site. An act of Congress is required as this parcel was not an original part of the Roosevelt estate.

The FDR National Historic Site is one of New York’s most noteworthy cultural sites and an economic catalyst for Dutchess County. With nearly 200,000 annual visitors, the FDR Historic Site brings visitors to stay in local inns, eat in local restaurants, and support small businesses in the region.

Click here or on the picture below to read the article from the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Discussing Strengthening our National Defense on Fox News

I was interviewed on Fox News to discuss the omnibus spending bill. Our military has been slowly degrading over the past eight years and it was critical to make significant investments to rebuild our armed forces. We’ve also experienced over 80 military training fatalities over the past year which is both shocking and unacceptable. 

Congress delivered the biggest increase in defense funding over the past fifteen years. The increase includes the most significant pay raise for our troops in the past eight years. Ensuring our military gets the support and resources they need to protect our national security will always be a priority.

Punishing Russia for its Brazen Actions

Russia is responsible for the nerve agent attack against an ex-spy and his daughter in the UK earlier this month. This thuggish behavior by the Russians is reminiscent of Soviet-era thinking and leadership. Vladimir Putin is not our friend. I’m glad the administration and our closest allies in Europe have responded in unison.

Keeping an Eye out for Tax Scams

The IRS maintains a list of popular tax scams called the “Dirty Dozen”. The list is compiled annually in order to update the public on the worst of the worst scams as people file their taxes. The full list is worth a glance to ensure you are not falling victim to increasingly popular and creative scams.

Feel free to contact my Kinderhook (518) 610-8133 or Kingston (845) 514-2322 District Offices if you need assistance with the IRS or any other federal agency.

Read the “Dirty Dozen” list.

On Monday, I toured the Corning manufacturing in Oneonta to learn more about the products, processes, and team that has guided the company through more than 165 years of business. The facility in Oneonta celebrated their 50^th anniversary last year. More than 100 employees work at the Oneonta facility.

At this facility, Corning creates products that apply to cell culture research, bioprocess, and microbiology. The facility first opened in 1967 and it now produces numerous products used in scientific research in the US and around the world.

Donating Books from the Library of Congress to Dutchess Co. Libraries

On Thursday, I dropped off two boxes of books to libraries in Dutchess County. The Pine Plains Free Library and the Pleasant Valley Free Library both received a box of books donated through the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program. This program makes extra books no longer needed at the library available to Congressional offices for the purpose of donating to local libraries.

Shaver Hill Farm Tour

Again this year, I visited Shaver Hill Farm in Harpersfield, Delaware County, to learn more about their operation and line of products. The farm is known for its maple syrup, and specialty maple made products. Shaver Hill is a large maple producer and their annual maple fest is a hit with both young and old. 

Discussing Higher Education Policy at SUNY Oneonta

I had the pleasure of meeting with SUNY Oneonta President Nancy Kleniewski and her staff earlier this week. We discussed education policy and President Kleniewski gave me a  campus tour. The building modernizations on the campus are truly impressive. We discussed a range of issues relating to higher education, including student debt and job placement opportunities.

Tour of Monticello Local Restaurants

Over the weekend, I marched in the Delhi St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Afterward, Sullivan Co. Sheriff Mike Schiff and I toured local businesses in Monticello. Our stops included (in order below) Nelly's Latin Restaurant, Albella’s Restaurant, Defilippi’s Bakery and Miss Monticello Diner. It is always good to hear what is on the mind of small business owners.