Friday, November 6, 2026
Over the past two years, the priorities in Albany have primarily focused on the issues you hear about every day: the cost of living, our economic future, public safety, housing and education. While these are important priorities that deserve continued attention, representing Assembly District 21 also means addressing the challenges that may not always make the headlines.
There are numerous proposals yet to be reviewed and acted on in the State Legislature. Some bring heated debates, loud protests and thousands of people to the halls of our state government to voice their opinions on key issues. Those issues generate a massive number of emails, phone calls and meetings when we’re in session. These are the headlines you read about, and the stakes are high.
Other issues, however, aren’t particularly controversial. Many are simple, common-sense proposals that won’t change the world, but in multiples, with a bit of effort, care and attention, can have a cumulative impact that brings about justice, eases the burden on families, helps seniors and veterans live with dignity and respect, and helps people train for high-demand fields in which they prosper. The goal is to help people enhance their lives.
During the past two-year legislative term, I introduced 42 bills in the Assembly. Five passed both the Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support. Those new laws help senior citizens access property tax reductions sooner, help school districts save money, prohibit the impersonation of labor union officials, protect our marine wildlife and accelerate the construction of affordable housing.
I’m most proud of my bill that establishes the Lieutenant Joseph T. Banish Law Enforcement Peer Support Program, which was signed into law last December. Working with statewide police representatives, I wrote that law because it’s vital to provide our law-enforcement officers with resources and care to prevent suicide and other mental health issues.
There are many other examples of small gestures adding up to the greater good. I believe that as long as we have advocates and legislators who actually care — and we do — we can tip the scales of good in the right direction, one kind, helpful act at a time.
In 2027 I plan to dive further into charter school funding streams, fight to amend school aid formulas to enhance funding for special-education programs across the state, and work on Alzheimer’s resources and legislation to further protect crime victims and their families. We have incoming federal funding cuts to watch, particularly their impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Women, Infants and Children; education and how our state allocates resources to protect essential services.
It’s important to address the barriers to equity that people encounter in their everyday lives, and I look forward to revisiting legislation from this last term that reflects these priorities. For example, a bill strengthening the state’s consent laws governing voluntary intoxication advanced through the Senate, but not the Assembly. Everyone deserves to feel safe on their college campus, in their neighborhood, workplace and elsewhere. This bill, if enacted, will protect victims of sexual assault and hold offenders accountable.
Another measure that I championed, which passed the Assembly but not the Senate, would help veterans with service-connected disabilities better navigate the programs available to them by identifying gaps in support and recommending ways to improve coordination among state and local agencies. This measure presents meaningful, nonpartisan opportunities to address everyday challenges and make state government work better for the people it serves.
It’s an honor to represent AD21, and I never lose sight of the fact that my job is to fight for our community to be a place you are proud of and that you can thrive in. I believe the most effective way to do that is to listen to your concerns and make sure they are reflected in the work I do in Albany. I remain committed to finding practical solutions that make a real difference in your lives, and as we look ahead to 2027, hearing directly from you will continue to be an important part of setting my priorities. Contact my office with any questions, concerns or ideas. Your input helps guide my work and ensures that I stay focused on the issues that matter most to the people I’m proud to serve.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
