A leader in IATSE // #IASolidarity Local 10 and UUP, Tom Tucker is a tireless champion of workers' rights, and an exemplar of our best union values. Tonight, during WNYALF, AFL-CIO's Labor Awards Dinner SheasPAC, he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award - an honor well deserved. Congratulations!

It's always a special treat to visit with our allies and fellow representatives from around the globe. Yesterday, we welcomed CG Mateusz Sakowicz of the Polish Consulate NYC 🇵🇱 to the chamber. 🇺🇸🇵🇱

Visiting Carrousel Museum, where I got to see the beautiful new addition and associated STEM education (today's students were these Frontier Central School District kids). This museum was the first gem I secured funding for as a state rep - and it was to support this programming. A magical place.

"We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers." – Bayard Rustin May we as a collective defend and celebrate the greatest of sentiments: love. To the troublemakers and the changemakers, and in allyship with our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, I wish you #HappyPride.

Did you know 2025 marks Buffalo Zoo's 150th year? My kids and I had a great time there Saturday at its birthday picnic, where I got to present to President Lisa Smith a keepsake copy of an Assembly resolution I put forth acknowledging the milestone. Here's to another 150 years!

"American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn't want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed. So they fought, and won, and we, all of us, living and yet to be born, must be forever profoundly grateful." – Stephen Ambrose #wewillremember

Passed: My and Senator Sean Ryan's bill to help our local courts afford interpreters, upping NYS's reimbursement for translation services. And the money will come from court fees collected and held by the Unified Courts, so it's not a new cost. This is about accessible, equal justice.

"The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from the waving folds of this banner." – Unknown This symbol of our collective identity was designed to convey freedom, fortitude, fairness. May America itself forever strive to stand for these, our nation's core values.

I've had quite a few jobs through the years, but my favorite by far is fatherhood. I'm still learning something new all the time. Enjoy your day, dads.

Three cheers for Carole Barnard, our District's first 2025 Woman of Distinction! For 20 years she has served as head caretaker of the Long Homestead, an historical gem in the City of Tonawanda. Her loyal stewardship of this museum is a gift to our region and generations to come.

This #Juneteenth, let us all acknowledge fully the centuries-later toll of slavery – America's original sin – and let us reaffirm our commitment to realizing racial justice. "Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty."

At today's opening of Wood & Brooks Lofts on Kenmore Avenue in the Town. The former piano keys factory and old brownfield site now features 55 apartments and an incubator for construction pros. Congratulations to the Wopperer family and partners, which include New York State.

In this week’s The Kenton Bee 🗞️:

Calling all kids! My Summer Reading Challenge is underway. K-4 students, if you read for 15 minutes a day on 40 days in July and August, I'll reward your excellence with a certificate. Call my office at 716-873-2540 and ask for a free calendar to help your child log their effort.

Our next Woman of Distinction is Carol Schaller, past president of the The American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 and The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 187 auxiliaries and a WNYHeroes, Inc. volunteer. Carol never tires of bringing solace and support to our veterans. What a joy to honor her today.

Congratulations to NT Mayor Tylec, the Waterfront Commission, and all who made possible this accessible new pier with kayak launch in Mayors Park. Improvements to public spaces enhance our quality of life, pride of place, and overall wellness. Happy to help cut the ribbon today!

Keep an eye out - more dates and locations to come. Hope to see you soon!

Hooray for this Woman of Distinction, Nancy Swiston, who's on a mission to help those touched by Alzheimer's. She facilitates the dementia support group at the COT Senior Center and is instrumental to the work of Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, where I met her this morning. A true community servant.💜

Wishing you and yours a happy Fourth! 🇺🇸🎆