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PHOTO GALLERY

Week 12 in Albany delivered real results for New Y Week 12 in Albany delivered real results for New Yorkers.

I attended the Donate Life press conference, where I recognized the team at ECMC and highlighted the implementation of the HEART Act, which expands access to lifesaving transplants across New York. While significant progress has been made, many individuals remain on transplant waitlists, and continued action is necessary.

I also advanced legislation to expand language access across state agencies so services better reflect our communities. Every New Yorker deserves to engage with their government in the language they know best.

I’m proud of this work and ready to keep pushing forward for all New Yorkers.
Happy Dyngus Day, Buffalo! Wishing everyone a joyf Happy Dyngus Day, Buffalo! Wishing everyone a joyful celebration🇵🇱
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter—filled with love Wishing everyone a blessed Easter—filled with love, joy, and the promise of new beginnings
It has been a full and productive Week 11 in Alban It has been a full and productive Week 11 in Albany, focused on advancing initiatives that benefit all New Yorkers. I had the pleasure of connecting with numerous agricultural leaders during the Rural Resource Fair, reinforcing the importance of supporting and purchasing local products. I continue to advocate for the passage of the FRESH Communities Act, supporting efforts to expand access to fresh, locally sourced food in underserved areas.

I had the honor of serving as a guest speaker at the New York Small Business Development Center, where I discussed improving pathways to better support New York’s many MWBE businesses. Additionally, I met with the CWA to discuss key legislative priorities, including strengthening worker protections.

The work continues to uplift workers, support local economies, and build a more equitable New York.
I am grateful to have been invited back to serve a I am grateful to have been invited back to serve as a keynote speaker at the Upstate NY MWBE Conference in Rochester, NY. I had a wonderful time at the conference in 2023, and it was an honor to return this year to engage in meaningful dialogue on advancing equity and opportunity for marginalized businesses.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Upstate MWBE award honorees 

I would like to thank everyone in attendance, as well as my friends @mayormalikevans and Dolly Randle, and our valued Rochester partners in government— @senatorcooney and @senatorbrouk —for their continued collaboration and support in creating pathways for MWBEs to secure sustainable government contracts.
“Baskin’s outrage is well justified at what she ca “Baskin’s outrage is well justified at what she called the “deviant science” in Gendron’s calculations on where to find a concentration of Black to people to kill. As she said, no one should fear going to the grocery store in their own neighborhood.
Baskin’s bill could turn things around. Known as the Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy (FRESH) Communities Act, the bill was included in the Senate’s recent budget plan and is co-sponsored by Assembly Member Al Stirpe, D-Cicero.”

https://buffalonews.com/opinion/editorial/article_5d309e89-e5f6-4bb5-8b33-e8b4b7a5b20d.html
“S9537/A10524A, sponsored by Lunsford and Democrat “S9537/A10524A, sponsored by Lunsford and Democratic State Senator April Baskin, would require car insurance companies to get state approval to raise rates. The legislation would also protect the privacy and civil rights of New Yorkers, they said, by banning insurers from using a driver’s age, sex, marital status, credit score, education level, or zip codes to set those rates.“

https://www.localsyr.com/news/state-news/car-insurance-reforms-at-issue-in-new-york-state-budget-debate/amp/
I am proud to announce the White Elephant Bill to I am proud to announce the White Elephant Bill to address New York State’s most chronically vacant historic buildings. By increasing the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit cap from $5 million to $15 million, we can make restoring these properties financially possible. I am especially encouraged by the potential to revitalize Buffalo’s Central Terminal as a vibrant hub for our community. We must ensure these historic structures contribute to our communities once again.
Thank you, @mitch4fillmore, for your outstanding s Thank you, @mitch4fillmore, for your outstanding support of the New York State White Elephant Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program. Your leadership and passion—along with the Buffalo Common Council resolution in support of this state legislation—are resonating across New York State.

We also extend our gratitude to the local construction industry professionals who joined us yesterday to announce Buffalo’s efforts to lead the state in getting this bill over the finish line.

Across our state, many cities are grappling with large-scale infrastructure that has been in decay for decades. Let’s continue working collectively to get this bill signed into law so we can restore these buildings and put them back to work for our economy.
Instagram post 18056506619697697 Instagram post 18056506619697697
Congratulations to the great Town of Cheektowaga Congratulations to the great Town of Cheektowaga

https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/cheektowaga-draws-national-attention-for-affordability-and-community-vibe/71-6aafe6f8-b8d6-4301-a470-11f70f2f9199#
“Sponsors, like Sen. April Baskin, D-Buffalo, said “Sponsors, like Sen. April Baskin, D-Buffalo, said the 2022 Tops shooting highlighted the lack of grocery options in communities like East Buffalo. When the store closed for a time after the shooting, food distribution sites had to be set up to sustain residents.

‘The FRESH Communities Act will help ensure that no community is ever left with few options like that again or an opportunity to be targeted simply because they’re making a decision to go grocery shopping for their family,’ Baskin said.”

https://www.wxxinews.org/new-york-public-news-network/2026-03-26/lawmakers-look-to-attract-grocers-to-food-deserts-across-new-york
New York’s families, grocery store owners, and far New York’s families, grocery store owners, and farmers deserve the FRESH Communities Act now more than ever.
Thank you to Niagara Falls City Council Member Bri Thank you to Niagara Falls City Council Member Brian Archie; Jessica Gilbert-Overland, director and co-founder of the Good Food Buffalo Coalition; and Collin Bishop, chief communications officer for FeedMore WNY and Allison Piggery DeHonney executive director of Buffalo Go Green for traveling from Western New York to the Capitol yesterday. I also want to thank Niagara Falls Council Member Bridgette Myles for her letters of support, as well as my predecessor, Congressman Tim Kennedy, and Masten District Council Member Zeneta B. Everhart for championing this bill for nearly a decade. It’s a privilege to carry this effort forward and continue the fight you both began.

The $10 million allocation we are fighting for is just the beginning. Local grocers need state funding to help expand their stores into urban and rural communities. 

“The deviant science behind thinking, ‘Where can I find the most Black people possible to kill them? Oh, I know, they only have one grocery store, so that’s where I’ll go.’ There’s something to be said about that,” Baskin said at a news conference in the state Capitol. “That should never be anybody’s reality, the fear of going to the one grocery store closer to them could cost them their life.” Baskin’s bill, known as the Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy (FRESH) Communities Act, was included in the Senate’s recent budget plan.”

https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_510cd556-8b40-4961-b5eb-288466445e4b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
Last week I was thrilled to be honored by the NYS Last week I was thrilled to be honored by the NYS Trial Lawyers Association as a 2026 Champion of Justice. This award is very meaningful to me and I’m proud to continue my fight to ensure all New Yorkers live in a healthier and safer society. 

I was additionally thrilled to be the keynote speaker at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, connecting with business leaders and supporting efforts to expand economic opportunity across the state. 

I firmly believe that by working collaboratively across both upstate and downstate regions, we can strengthen our communities, expand opportunity, and deliver meaningful results for all New Yorkers.
“The White Elephant Historic Tax Credit Enhancemen “The White Elephant Historic Tax Credit Enhancement Act (S.6021A/A10366), co-sponsored by State Sen. April Baskin and Assemblymember Pam Hunter, would increase the per-project cost cap on existing historic tax credits and extend the tax credit period from 2030 to 2037, thus allowing for the higher costs and lengthier process typical of big projects like AM&A’s and the Statler.”

https://buffalonews.com/opinion/editorial/article_945a2c15-95e6-4678-b979-9aeb396776a5.html
This past weekend, I had the absolute honor of att This past weekend, I had the absolute honor of attending several incredible events celebrating the brilliance, power, and achievements of women across Buffalo and Erie County!

A huge salute of gratitude to Council President Pro-Temp Zeneta Everhart and County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard for Erie County Legislator  for hosting their 2nd Annual LeadHership Expo. This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular—show-stopping, lavish, and full of energy! From live jazz and a decadent brunch buffet to amazing local health, wellness, and beauty vendors, an engaging panel discussion, and a powerful awards ceremony—every detail was intentional and inspiring. And the best part? It was all led and owned by phenomenal women from across our community. This is exactly how women in our region deserve to be celebrated!

I also had the opportunity to stop by the Women in Engineering Conference hosted at the Northland Workforce Training Center, and later join the Women in Civics Spring Conference, hosted by the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women and led by Dr. Karen King. I was proud to sit on a panel alongside my colleagues in government and connect with a room full of bright, driven high school young women. Their thoughtful questions and bold curiosity about public service left me energized and hopeful—our future is in powerful hands!

I wrapped up the day at the 16th Annual Women Who Walk in the Footsteps of Greatness Awards Ceremony, where my very own Chief of Staff, Dr. Callie Johnson, was honored—an incredibly proud moment! We were also moved by an empowering keynote from former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, Trini Ross. Thank you to Debbie Allen and Utopian Euphoria for hosting such an unforgettable and uplifting evening.

And we’re not done yet! This coming weekend, we’re closing out Women’s History Month in style with two more dynamic celebrations. My office is proud to sponsor the 9th Annual Go Getta Mix & Mingle Awards Ceremony and the 3rd Annual Changemakehers Brunch and Awards. Be sure to grab your tickets—let’s keep the energy going and continue celebrating the phenomenal women who make our community shine!
Wishing you a joyous and blessed Eid al-Fitr. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Eid al-Fitr.
Last week, State Senators worked hard to finalize Last week, State Senators worked hard to finalize and release our One-House Budget Proposal. I’m pleased that many of my statewide and district priorities were successfully negotiated into this proposal. Now, my colleagues and I are beginning the final push to ensure these requests are included in the final state budget. Thank you to the organizations and advocates who traveled to Albany to push for policies and funding that will help families and communities across New York flourish.
I am working diligently to help advance the White I am working diligently to help advance the White Elephant Historic Tax Enhancement Act and ensure it reaches the finish line this legislative session.
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