State Rep. Robert Smullen
Recent News About State Rep. Robert Smullen
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State aid boosts library renovations across Assembly District 118
Assemblyman Robert Smullen has announced that eight public libraries in Assembly District 118 will receive approximately $459,182 in state aid for construction projects.
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Smullen attends meeting on potential consolidation of Fort Plain and Canajoharie schools
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) attended a joint meeting with consultants from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) as well as the Fort Plain and Canajoharie Boards of Education yesterday at the Harry Hoag Elementary School in Fort Plain. Their mission is to begin the first steps of a study to assess the practicality of consolidating the Fort Plain and Canajoharie school systems.
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Direct-to-consumer shipping bill aims to boost New York's agricultural industry
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) expressed satisfaction with the signing of the Direct-To-Consumer Shipping Bill (A.3132-A/S.2852-A) into law yesterday. The legislation, which he co-sponsored, permits New York state’s small craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship directly to consumers both within and outside the state.
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Proposal for proportional representation in judiciary advances
Assemblymember Smullen expressed support for a new proposal aimed at establishing proportional representation in the judiciary across the state. "I am proud to see this proposal, which would create proportionate representation in the judiciary statewide, move forward. The passage of this bill, which I voted in favor of, will support the rural equity initiative my fellow Assembly Minority Conference colleagues and I have been fighting for," said Smullen.
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Smullen attends flood mitigation task force meeting in Mohawk Valley
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) attended the New York State Canal Corporation’s Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force meeting at Mohawk Valley Community College on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The state's canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca. This system spans more than 524 miles, linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain. It forms the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
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Smullen calls for stronger oversight as cop killers face parole hearings
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) stood alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R, C, IP), other members of the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences, and members of the law enforcement community to call for stronger oversight of the state parole board. Since 2017, the parole board has freed 41 individuals convicted of killing police officers. Another individual, Mitchell Martin, who killed NYPD Officer James Whittington in 1982 and was sentenced to a maximum term of life imprisonment,...
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Assemblyman Smullen advocates for rural equity in upstate New York
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) held a press conference alongside Assembly Minority Conference members and community representatives to advocate for rural equity in upstate New York. The event aimed to highlight proposals designed to support schools, businesses, and communities in these regions.
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Lawmakers introduce proposals to combat antisemitism on New York college campuses
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) attended a press conference led by Assembly and Senate Minority lawmakers, emphasizing that "hate has consequences." The event focused on addressing rising incidents of antisemitism on college campuses across New York State.
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Smullen Celebrates 16th Annual Venison for Veterans & Seniors of Fulton and Montgomery Counties
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) was instrumental in the organization and participation of the 16th Annual Venison for Veterans & Seniors of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, as reported on Apr 23, 2024. The event, a yearly volunteer initiative, brings together local hunters, assemblymembers, the Offices for the Aging of Fulton and Montgomery counties, the Sheriffs’ Offices of the respective counties, and various community groups aiming to support veterans and seniors in need.Expressing his gratitude for the community's support, Smullen...
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Smullen Criticizes Final State Budget as Bloated and Out-of-Touch with New Yorkers' Needs
Assemblyman Robert Smullen criticized the final state budget, stating that it is bloated, out-of-touch, and does not address the needs of New Yorkers. Smullen emphasized that the budget reflects a spending problem rather than a revenue problem in New York.In his statement, Smullen highlighted, "New York state has known for years it does not have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem, as showcased in the record-breaking size of this year’s final budget." He further criticized the budget for being delayed and failing to address important issues that are of concern to...
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Assemblyman Smullen Urges Passage of New York State Rural Mobile Communications Fund Bill
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) is urging his Assembly colleagues to vote ‘yes’ on Assembly Bill A.8134, which establishes the New York State Rural Mobile Communications Fund to provide grants for the purpose of increasing cellular service in low- to no-coverage areas. Smullen wants to see this proposal discharged from the Assembly Ways & Means Committee so it can make it to the Assembly Chamber Floor for debate and vote. However, the Assembly Majority has voted against the motion to discharge Smullen’s proposal, preventing it from moving...
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Smullen: New York State Has a Lot of Work to do to Improve its Economic Competitiveness and Future
Assemblyman Robert Smullen of Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks recently led a press conference aiming to address the economic challenges facing New York state. Alongside other lawmakers and economic experts, including Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Sen. George Borrello, the conference sought to discuss strategies to enhance the state's economic competitiveness and relieve the tax burden on its residents and businesses.During the conference, Smullen emphasized the importance of actively engaging in discussions to improve the state's financial future, stating,...
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Smullen Works to Protect Wood Burning for Fuel in New York State
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) is championing the protection of wood burning for fuel in New York State, emphasizing the importance of this traditional practice for many residents. In the face of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) which aims to significantly reduce emissions by 2030 and 2050, Smullen is advocating for the recognition of wood burning as a vital source of heating and fuel in rural communities."I am very proud to move this proposal forward so rural New York residents are not overlooked by the steep...
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Smullen: Enough is Enough—It is Time to Pass the State Budget
Assemblyman Robert Smullen has called for urgent action to pass the state budget, expressing frustration over the delay in its approval. In a statement on Sunday, Smullen criticized the need for another emergency budget extender, emphasizing the inefficiency and wastefulness of the current situation."It’s time to pass the budget—why we are back in Albany on a Sunday to instead pass another emergency budget extender is ridiculous. This lack of planning is not what New York families want to see, especially when they were hoping to see the state budget passed nearly a week...
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Smullen Supports Bipartisan Efforts to Bring 134 Hostages Being Held in Gaza Back Home
On April 2, 2024, a bipartisan effort has been put forth to bring 134 hostages being held in Gaza back home. The hostages, including five U.S. citizens and two New Yorkers, have been held for 179 days by Hamas.Expressing concern and solidarity, a spokesperson stated, "My thoughts go out to the families of the 134 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas, and I am praying for all of the hostages’ safe return home. It is horrifying to see this level of inhumanity persist, and I can only imagine what the families of these victims are going through."In a show of support...
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Assemblyman Smullen Announces 16th Annual Venison for Veterans & Seniors Event
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) has revealed plans for the 16th Annual Venison for Veterans & Seniors of Fulton and Montgomery Counties event, scheduled to take place on Monday, April 22 at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. The event, as described by Assemblyman Smullen, is a collaborative effort involving various local organizations. The assemblyman emphasized the importance of the community's involvement, stating, "This volunteer event organized by local hunters and in partnership with assemblymembers, the Fulton and Montgomery...
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Smullen: Nadia Vitels and Other Victims of ‘Squatters’ Deserve Justice
"Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, a member of the Assembly Minority Conference, has voiced his concerns regarding the rise of squatting-related incidents in New York. In light of the tragic death of Nadia Vitels, allegedly at the hands of squatters in her deceased mother's apartment, Schmitt emphasized the need for justice."Nadia Vitels was brutally beaten to death, allegedly by two squatters who had moved into her deceased mother’s New York City apartment—Nadia’s death will not be in vain," stated Schmitt.Schmitt highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, stating,...
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Smullen Calls for Review of New York State's Response to COVID-19 Crisis
In a recent statement, Assemblyman Smullen emphasized the importance of evaluating New York State's actions during the COVID-19 crisis. He expressed pride in the bipartisan effort led by Congressman Marc Molinaro and colleagues to call for an independent review. Smullen highlighted the significance of understanding both the triumphs and mistakes made during and after the pandemic to enhance preparedness for future crises.Acknowledging the impact on families who lost loved ones in nursing homes, Smullen extended his thoughts to the representatives of 'Voices for Seniors.'...
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Smullen: Increasing Funding for Our SUNY and CUNY Schools is Essential
Albany, Mar 18 2024 - As the debate over budget allocations continues, Assemblyman Smullen, Minority Ranker of the Higher Education Committee, highlighted the crucial need for increased funding for institutions of higher learning, specifically SUNY and CUNY schools.Smullen emphasized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colleges and universities across the state, stating, "Many colleges and universities statewide were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and continued outmigration, and are in need of additional funds to financially recover."Expressing the importance of...
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Smullen: Child Care Accessibility and Affordability in our State Need to be Top Priorities
Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) emphasized the importance of prioritizing child care accessibility and affordability in New York state. Speaking on the efforts to improve the state's child care system, Smullen expressed, “To help improve child care access and affordability in our state, it’s very important we properly invest in our child care system to reduce child poverty and provide support for struggling families who only want the best for their children.”Smullen further highlighted his support for the comprehensive proposal presented...