Member Spotlight

Senator George Borrello

Senator George Borrello joins us to discuss his district, priorities, and how his background as a small business owner helps him shape policies in Albany. Before being elected to the Senate, he founded a business that became nationally recognized, giving him firsthand perspective on the difficulties of running a small business in the state. Currently, he is the Ranking Member of both the Agriculture and Banks committees, as well as serving on various committees, including Finance, Cannabis, and Elections.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 57th Senate District, which includes Chautauqua County, Cattaraugus County, the western half of Allegany County, Wyoming County, and Genesee County. The district essentially surrounds Erie County without including any part of it, and it is home to approximately 330,000 people.

If I were visiting your district, where would you recommend I go?
There’s a lot to see. We have an abundance of beautiful lakes and waterways. I’m fortunate to live along Lake Erie in the Town of Hanover in northern Chautauqua County.

We also have Chautauqua Lake and the Chautauqua Institution, as well as the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, the hometown of Lucille Ball. Continuing east, Letchworth State Park is in my district, along with Allegany State Park, which I’m told is the most visited state park in New York.

We also have many inland lakes, including Cuba Lake, Rushford Lake, and Lime Lake, which bring a tremendous amount of tourism to the area.

I’ll also put in a plug for a place my wife and I own called Sunset Bay Beach on Lake Erie. It is consistently voted one of Western New York’s favorite beaches. Yes, we do have beaches near Buffalo – it’s not just snowstorms and wind.

Western New York sometimes gets a bad reputation because of the weather, but I think it’s the most beautiful place in the world. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
I’m a big fan of ’80s alternative music. I listen to SiriusXM First Wave and a lot of alternative bands from that era. That’s probably my favorite genre.

What’s your favorite New York sports team?
That’s a tough question. Right now, we’re all Knicks fans, but without a doubt, the Buffalo Bills are my favorite team.

What was your profession before being elected to the Senate?
My background is in entrepreneurship and small business. Shortly after college, I started my own company called Top-Shelf Marketing, which supplied products to the hospitality industry. I grew that business from a one-person operation into a nationally recognized supplier serving the hospitality industry.

How has your small-business experience shaped your work in the Senate?
I draw on that experience every day. My wife and I are currently in the restaurant business, and I speak about those experiences regularly on the Senate floor. There simply aren’t enough people in the Senate who understand what it’s like to operate a business and employ people. As I’ve said before, there aren’t many people who know what it’s like to sign the front of a check rather than just the back of a paycheck.

Too often, legislation is introduced without a full understanding of how it will affect small businesses. Even seemingly minor requirements can expose employers to thousands of dollars in fines. Policies like that make it harder to operate a business in New York. They contribute to businesses and families leaving the state, and I think it’s important to bring that real-world perspective into legislative debates.

What were some of your major priorities this year?
One of my biggest priorities was pushing back against state climate mandates, particularly the electric school bus mandate. My Republican colleagues and I have said from the beginning that a one-size-fits-all approach would not work. I’m glad the deadline was pushed back by five years, but that only delays the problem. We still need meaningful changes. An electric school bus mandate may work in a densely populated area where routes are only a few miles long, but it doesn’t necessarily work in rural districts like mine, where buses travel much longer distances.

The broader problem is assuming that if a policy works in Manhattan, it will work everywhere else. New York is a very diverse state, and policies need to reflect the different needs of urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Are there any district-specific issues you focused on this year?
We continue to push back against what I call solar sprawl. More of my constituents are becoming concerned about tens of thousands of acres of productive farmland being taken over for large-scale solar projects. That issue received a great deal of attention this year from grassroots organizations and local residents.

I represent many farmers and agricultural businesses, so pushing back against harmful regulations and protecting productive farmland remain important parts of my work.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
My path was a little different because I was politically active in high school and college. I served as president of the College Republicans at Purdue University. Ronald Reagan actually visited Purdue after I wrote him a letter inviting him, and I had the opportunity to meet him.

My advice is to get involved in your community before immediately trying to run for the State Legislature or Congress. Become active in charitable organizations, local issues, and political committees.

I stepped away from politics for about 20 years while I was building my businesses. When I became involved again, I first joined my local town Republican committee and helped other candidates. I circulated petitions, volunteered on campaigns, and built relationships before eventually running for the county legislature.

Getting involved allows people to know you, understand your abilities, and develop confidence in you. Learn about your community and its needs, gain some experience, and then consider running for office. I believe that is the best path into public service.

Any final comments?
It’s a privilege to serve in the New York State Legislature. Despite the battles we sometimes have on the floor – and the disagreements that make it into the media – I’ve developed great friendships with people I otherwise may never have met. I’ve become friends with people from New York City and other regions of the state whose backgrounds and experiences are very different from my own.

Serving in the Legislature has been enriching and enlightening because it has given me the opportunity to meet people from across the incredibly diverse state we represent.

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Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

November General Election Less than 100 Days Away

With less than 100 days until the November general election, a recent survey administered by a pro-Blakeman Super PAC found Blakeman trailing Hochul by 4%, with 10% undecided. If accurate, it would be an increase of more than 15% compared to the last poll conducted in late June. Additionally, this survey suggests that Blakeman leads independents by about 20% and in the suburbs with 51%. The survey also suggests that 73% of Republican voters are more interested in this year’s race than in previous ones, while only 44% of Democrats are interested.

However, Democratic officials seem to be hopeful about the results of this year’s November general election and that President Trump will draw more Democratic votes. “Gas prices are up, food prices are soaring. Everything that Donald Trump promised in the last election that enticed some people to vote for him has proven to be wrong,” state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs explained. But GOP officials seem to be also hoping that Trump campaigns in the state to boost GOP voter turnout. “He loves New York. He will not be able to resist coming here. He’ll come here and will be very helpful to us in the process,” said state GOP Chair Ed Cox.

GOP officials are hoping that Trump’s immigration policies will help increase GOP voter turnout and criticize Democrats for the recently enacted prohibition on 287(g) agreements between local and federal governments. “You’ve got to cooperate with ICE, whether they have an agreement or not,” Cox explained. Republicans are also looking to categorize the Democratic Party as closely aligned with the DSA and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, with Blakeman repeatedly criticizing Mamdani on the campaign trail. “People are unhappy, and change is about to come. And on Jan. 21 I expect to be the next governor of the state,” said Blakeman.

Currently, Hochul's campaign is reported to have over $21 million in total cash on hand, while Blakeman has raised over $6 million. While Blakeman has less money in his campaign account, he remains optimistic and expressed skepticism about the fairness of the election.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

To support the state's transition to a green economy, Hochul announced the disbursement of $13 million in funding for clean energy workforce development programs. Disbursed through NYPA, $3 million is allocated to support six workforce training programs and $10 million for Department of Labor training and retraining initiatives, including $8 million for the expansion of the Growing the Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative and $2 million for the Renewable Energy Training Initiative program. The funding for the training programs is expected to focus on areas such as energy efficiency, construction trades, HVAC, building maintenance, electrification, heat pumps, drone operations, and logistics. “This $13 million investment will open doors for New Yorkers, expanding access to valuable training, strengthening workforce pathways and helping communities across the state benefit from the momentum fueling our clean energy economy,” said Hochul.

Joined by Attorney General Tish James, Hochul announced the release of final rules to implement the SAFE for Kids Act, restricting certain social media platforms from using algorithm-driven content and sending late-night alerts to minors. Under the final rules, social media platforms are required to verify users’ ages and are restricted from collecting data during the verification process. Specifically, the rule requires that social media companies must meet specific accuracy minimums to ensure effective age assurance. The SAFE for Kids Act has been advocated by Hochul as part of her broader campaign for protecting youth safety and mental health. “Today, we’re sending a clear message: our kids’ mental health isn’t for sale. We promised action and the SAFE for Kids Act is delivering by ensuring that any platform that targets our children with addictive feeds will face legal consequences,” said Hochul

After the news of Howard University’s recent decision to disenroll more than 500 admitted students ahead of the fall 2026 semester, Hochul announced that she has directed certain SUNY and CUNY campuses to ensure that any impacted resident will have an opportunity to enroll. Under the plan, eligible students will receive expedited late admissions review at campuses with available capacity, and SUNY and CUNY will provide an $800 credit to offset non-refundable Howard enrollment deposits. “New York is home to the nation’s finest systems of public higher education, and we are ready to welcome these talented students with the opportunity they deserve,” said Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul touted the state’s progress in reducing gun violence, with communities participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative reporting a 19% decrease in shooting incidents with injuries during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The data also reported a 48% decline in shooting deaths, with 17 participating police departments recording no firearm-related homicides from January through June. Hochul explained that the state will continue to invest in improving public safety, including addressing gun violence and funding local law enforcement departments. “These results show what's possible when we stay committed to making our communities safer, and we won't let up until every New Yorker feels safe where they live,” said Hochul.

Last week, Hochul announced the grand opening of the restored East Bathhouse at Jones Beach State Park, completing a $100 million renovation that reopens the historical landmark to the public for the first time since 2009. The renovation includes a new learn-to-swim pool, restoration of historic North and South Bathhouse buildings, and preservation of the bathhouse’s original bricks and mosaics. The completed renovation is part of the state’s NY SWIMS Initiative to invest and promote public swimming infrastructure. “Offering a new and improved experience for all ages, which will draw new generations of visitors to the park — and help kids feel more at ease and safe in the water,” said Hochul.

Early last week, Hochul announced the start of construction on the first phase of the $ 250 million Marine Drive Apartments redevelopment in downtown Buffalo. The first phase of the redevelopment of the 70-year-old public housing complex is expected to create 254 affordable apartments across four new buildings, with the completion of the third phase expected to create approximately 730 affordable units. The redevelopment supports the state’s $25 billion Housing Agenda to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide. “Our administration is prioritizing projects like this – investments that enhance affordability, revitalize neighborhoods, and modernize housing,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Lawmakers Push for Modernization of State's Sex Offender Registry

After a recent law enforcement operation in Syracuse found that 85 registered sex offenders were not complying with registry requirements, Assemblymember Pam Hunter urged the passage of her bill that would modernize the state offender registry. “That they found a large percentage of people are not complying with what they are supposed to be doing on the registry, that should give us all pause and concern,” explained Hunter. However, Senate sponsor Liz Krueger said that she needs to address concerns about possible unintended consequences, explaining, “There is a real concern that a tool might translate to someone with a higher-level offense being determined at a lower level. If you talk to my colleagues who are struggling with specific examples, they’re looking for laws to fix things to make it safer for their community.”

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers Push Governor to SIgn the Responsible Data Centers Act

After Hochul announced her EO on data centers, environmental groups and several lawmakers are still urging Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Centers Act. “The executive order begins an important process. The next important step is signing [the bill], which would put many of these protections into law,” explained Assemblymember Anna Kelles. While the EO and the bill are similar, the EO will cover projects that can use 50 megawatts, while the bill will cover those that can use 20 megawatts. Additionally, Senate sponsor Kristen Gonzalez explained, “We want to set a clear standard, and I think having it in statute makes it the strongest possible version.” Currently, Hochul has indicated that she is willing to negotiate with lawmakers on the bill.

Pat Burke Asks SED to Intervene in Buffalo School District

Amidst scandals and resignations in the Buffalo School District, Assemblymember Pat Burke sent a letter to the SED Commissioner, Betty Rosa, to "take a more active role" and appoint a “special adviser” for the school district for 6 months. Specifically, the “special advisor” will be assigned to monitor the school district’s new Superintendent search process. “One of the most important things is training the board how to have a proper professional relationship with the superintendent, and I don't think that's happened - maybe ever,” said Burke. Additionally, Burke explained, “Local control is really important. I think with professional guidance you do want local buy-in and decision-making. But I think they need to be on the clock - like this cannot continue like this." It was recently reported that SED had appointed a special advisor to assist the interim superintendent.

Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Some Local Governments Look to Violate 287(g) Agreement Prohibition

With municipalities having weeks before the effective date of the new prohibition on 287(g), many GOP municipal leaders are reiterating that they will not follow the law, with one County Executive simply remarking, “We’re not going to comply.” This comes after AG Tish James sent letters to various local law enforcement agencies with 287(g) agreements, reminding them of the law, and resulted in one County Executive commenting, “You could take that letter, crumple it up and shove it.” Some have also argued that the law is unconstitutional and undermines public safety. Currently, the law is under litigation with the federal DOJ and the state suing each other over the issue. “Counties do not get to pick and choose which state laws they follow, and those that do not comply will be held accountable,” a Hochul spokesperson explained.

Democratic Lawmakers Throughout the State Call for Congressional Democratic Leaders to Abolish ICE

Joined by local lawmakers statewide, lawmakers sent a letter to House and Senate Democratic leaders, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, urging them to support abolishing ICE. Signed by a total of 143 local and statewide Democratic officials, including Assemblymembers Phil Ramos and Amy Paulin and Senators Jamaal Bailey and Jeremy Cooney, the letter states, “Past administrations have been complicit in ICE’s growing abuse of power, and the agency’s cruelty will continue regardless of who sits in the White House.” The letter comes as immigration has become a contentious issue again during this year’s down-the-ballot November general election.

Republican Lawmakers Call for Election Reform

After New Jersey announced as many as 6,600 non-citizens were registered to vote in 2023 and 2024, Senate Republicans sent a letter to Hochul urging her to work with the Legislature to “pass common sense election reforms that will ensure our elections are secure without placing burdensome barriers on New Yorkers who are lawfully entitled to vote in our elections.” The letter states that because “New York Democrats passed similar lenient voter registration procedures” as New Jersey, the state should “review to ensure that only eligible citizens are registering to vote.” Some of the bills that the Senate GOP urge Hochul to work on includes:

Additionally, Assembly Republicans are urging the Legislature to convene a joint oversight hearing "to examine the integrity, security, and fiscal oversight of New York State's voter registration systems.”

Hochul Looks to Pass a Gun Control Proposal Next Year

In response to a proposed federal AFT rule that would make it easier to buy a gun without a gun dealer, Hochul announced that she will work with the Legislature to pursue a bill that would require all gun purchases to be conducted in person. Advocates argue that this would simply align firearm sales with ammunition sales, and improve public safety. The Legislature has passed several bills relating to gun control in past legislative sessions, including strengthening the state’s Red Flag Law and restricting concealed carry. “While the federal government paves the way for increased firearm trafficking and putting guns in the hands of those who should not have them, New York State is taking action to blunt their efforts by bolstering our nation-leading gun laws and committing to closing the loopholes that put lives in jeopardy,” said Hochul.

ELECTION UPDATES

Bruce Blakeman Cast Doubt on State Election Integrity

Earlier this week, GOB gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said Hochul and the Democrats will attempt to steal the November general election. “Do I think they’re gonna try and cheat? Yeah, but we’ll stop them,” said Blakeman. In response, Blakeman said he will invest in “ballot security” and deploy “thousands of volunteers.” This comes after Blakeman has made similar remarks doubting the state’s electoral integrity. In response, Hochul campaign spokesperson said, “When Bruce Blakeman says he’s running for governor to bring ‘Trump-style leadership to Albany,’ this is what he means — first campaigning with January 6th architects, now embracing Trump’s election denial lies.”

Blakeman Criticizes Hochul and Janno Lieber for Rising MTA Costs

Additionally, Blakeman criticized Hochul and MTA head Janno Lieber for rising MTA operating costs, which are estimated to reach $295 million by 2027 and $507 million by 2028. “We don’t have a revenue problem. We’ve got a spending problem,” said Blakeman. Blakeman explained that Hochul and Lieber are unable to manage the MTA fiscally and are “blaming the hardworking people who work for the MTA who do an excellent job.” This comes as the MTA is amidst contract negotiations with unionized workers and a drop in paid riders. However, Hochul criticized Blakeman for supporting Trump when he threatened to withhold federal funds for public transit. “Bruce Blakeman did more than let it happen. He agreed that attacking New York to push MAGA’s agenda was the right idea,” a Hochul campaign spokesperson said.

State BOE Investigates Allegations of a Town Recording Voters

In an upstate judicial race in Broadalbin, Fulton County, incumbent Town Justice Joseph Gilston was accused by his challenger, Village Trustee Susan Sira DeRocker, of illegally recording voters casting their ballots. This has resulted in the state Board of Elections launching an investigation into the claims. Specifically, the BOE is investigating whether Broadalbin recorded voters for 10 hours during the June primary. Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh, who represents the area, explained, “Constituents expressed concern that the positioning of these cameras may have created the possibility that completed ballots or individual voting activity could be visible or identifiable.” This comes as allegations of the town using cameras inside courtroom proceedings to record court sessions, which is heavily restricted by state and federal laws.

OTHR UPDATES

Hochul Rebukes Federal Government's Claims of State's Siting of Solar Panels

After the Trump Administration raised concerns about the state’s siting of solar panels, Hochul sent a letter to Trump rebuking the Administration’s claims and explaining that the state has strong protections for farmers from solar panels. “Despite misinformation and disinformation…renewable energy development is not taking over New York’s ‘best farmland,” the letter states. This comes as the federal EPA head Lee Zeldin (and 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate) has demanded information on the state’s siting process for solar, including decommissioning requirements and classification of farmland impacted by development. “Those familiar with the concerns facing upstate New York’s beautiful farmland know that renewable energy projects empower our farmers to keep their land in use and in their family, while avoiding the threat of permanent conversion or abandonment,” the letter explained.

We cannot let programs to help disabled veterans fall short. Our audit found money for the Home for Heroes/Veterans Program isn’t reaching those who need to repair and make their homes accessible. The report’s recommendations will help NY fix the problem and better serve the men… pic.twitter.com/vpWiGxzPFg
— Thomas P. DiNapoli (@NYSComptroller) July 27, 2026

State Comptroller Warns of Lack of Affordable Housing Resources for Disabled Veterans

In a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, it was found that only 36% of the $3.3 million allocated for veterans’ accessible housing was spent. Specifically, the state awarded 15 contracts totaling $3.3 million to 12 local program administrators but spent only $1.2 million, for a total of 81 housing units. According to the report, a third of the 607,000 veterans in the state are disabled and have trouble finding affordable and accessible housing, as well as 19 counties without any applicants due to a lack of sufficient outreach. “This program is supposed to deliver critical home repairs, but poor oversight and weak outreach left veterans waiting for help,” said DiNapoli.

Menin Criticizes Mamdani Over Handling of Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak

Amidst a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Upper East Side, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin and several lawmakers criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city DOHMH for their handling. Additionally, Menin wrote an op-ed saying, “Throughout this outbreak, New Yorkers were too often left in the dark by a Health Department that didn’t promptly disclose which buildings had tested positive for Legionella, and that neglected its responsibility to provide guidance to those in the affected neighborhoods.” However, Mamdani defended the Administration and said, “I’m, frankly, less interested in the politics of it all — more in the public health of it.” Some lawmakers, including Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, defended Mamdani and said, “We must acknowledge the work of NYC Health Department staff, who saved lives by acting quickly and aggressively, listening to the experts, and following the best epidemiological practices.”

Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. pic.twitter.com/YRezmW6YVx
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 22, 2026

Mamdani Explains He Cannot Arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

After repeatedly reiterating that he will look into enforcing an International Criminal Court warrant on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mamdani released a video last week saying that NYC does not have the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu but called on the federal authorities to arrest him. “It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant,” said Mamdani. This has resulted in several backlashes from lawmakers, including Democratic Assemblymembers Simcha Eichenstein and Sam Berger, as well as possibly from Assemblymember Chuck Lavine.

Tweet of the Week

Says the man who *checks notes* votes by mail. https://t.co/zWjdCXSnBG
— Linda B. Rosenthal “the #OriginalRosenthal” (@LindaBRosenthal) July 27, 2026

Friday Morning Brief July 31, 2026

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

ELECTION UPDATES

OTHR UPDATES

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Friday Morning Brief July 31, 2026

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

ELECTION UPDATES

OTHR UPDATES

Other Interesting Friday Reads

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Friday Morning Brief July 17, 2026