Mohawk Valley Times

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 forward.

"There are stark differences in resources provided to urban areas versus rural areas throughout Upstate New York, and my Assembly Minority Conference colleagues and I have highlighted these differences for many years," said Smullen.

To support the reasoning behind this proposal, Smullen pointed out how the current lack of cellular coverage in many areas of Upstate New York contributed to a tragic incident. He mentioned, "This tragedy could have been avoided if the group of friends had the cellular coverage necessary to check their location and make sure they were at the right address."

Highlighting the importance of the bill, Smullen emphasized, "I encourage my colleagues to vote ‘yes’ on Assembly Bill A.8134 to establish the Rural Mobile Communications Fund." He added, "Opposing this proposal is turning our backs on the safety and well-being of New York citizens—something I refuse to do."

The proposed New York State Rural Mobile Communications Fund aims to address the lack of cellular coverage in rural areas, which can lead to dangerous situations as seen in the tragic incident mentioned by Smullen. The fund seeks to provide grants to increase cellular coverage, making life easier and safer for residents in these underserved areas.

Editor’s Note: To read more about Assembly Bill A.8134, please click here.