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Articles by April N.M. Baskin
Baskin: This is not the time to sit out
Voting is not just a right. It is our civic responsibility as Americans. And now is not the time to sit that responsibility out. Under the current federal administration, we have seen significant cuts and changes to programs that millions of Americans rely on to afford health care, put food on the table and support their families. We have also seen federal decisions that are negatively impacting veterans and creating economic hardships here in Western New York.
Baskin: Fighting hunger means strengthening food access in every community
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about food insecurity and commit ourselves to ensuring every family has access to the healthy, nutritious food they need. And this year, that mission is especially urgent. More than 2.7 million New Yorkers rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help put food on the table.
Baskin: Fighting hunger means strengthening food access in every community
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about food insecurity and commit ourselves to ensuring every family has access to the healthy, nutritious food they need. And this year, that mission is especially urgent. More than 2.7 million New Yorkers rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help put food on the table.
Baskin: Investing in Cheektowaga’s future
There is a lot to be excited about in Cheektowaga right now. From new retail and manufacturing investments to local businesses expanding their footprint, companies are choosing to invest millions of dollars and create new jobs right here in our community. This year, we have seen several major announcements demonstrating that Cheektowaga is open for business.
Baskin: Bringing your tax dollars back to Cheektowaga
With another busy state legislative session in the books, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished for Western New York, including the meaningful investments that will directly benefit the residents of Cheektowaga. The decisions made by lawmakers in Albany have a direct impact on the everyday lives of Cheektowaga families.
Baskin: Honoring our veterans this Memorial Day
As we approach Memorial Day, I am proud to be working alongside Assemblymember Patrick Chuldzinski on legislation to honor a hometown hero whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Together, we have introduced a bill to rename the bridge on Cleveland Drive crossing Interstate-90 in Cheektowaga in honor of Travis C. Krege, a lasting tribute to his life and service. Army Pfc. Travis C. Krege was a Cheektowaga native who gave his life in service to our nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Baskin: Helping residents access state services
Every month, dozens of residents from Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, and Buffalo reach out to my office looking for help navigating a variety of issues. Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a letter, these conversations are a reminder of why I do this work and how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to get help and don’t know where to turn. Too often, government can feel confusing or out of reach for the citizens it is meant to help.
Another Voice: Stable housing is a matter of life or death for all New Yorkers with HIV
Around 2,800 low-income New Yorkers with HIV remain homeless, according to the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, despite a long-standing state public assistance program to help them obtain housing. kAm(9:=6 2G2:=23=6 :?
Another Voice: Hochul's proposed auto insurance changes would harm working families
As a working mother, I remember the stress – less than a decade ago – of having to prove I was struggling to keep my family afloat, recertifying every six months for programs like HEAP, child care assistance, and SNAP. I fear proposed changes to lower auto insurance premiums will imbue that same stress in working-class residents. Senator April N.M. Baskin represents NYS District 63.
Baskin demands Bills honor Community Benefits Agreement
The reversal by Buffalo Bills executives on their commitment to community inclusivity regarding the implementation of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is not at all shocking. This is what billion-dollar corporations do to even their most loyal consumers. It is clear the Bills executives are going against the intention of the CBA, which was to invest into the community, particularly disadvantaged communities, as a return on the $850 million in public dollars used to build the new stadium.
Another Voice: Transparency around stadium agreement is not negotiable
The Buffalo Bills recently stated that a series of county legislative resolutions calling for updates on community inclusivity in the new stadium’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) are “unnecessary.” While we’ve celebrated the achievement of the legally binding CBA with an NFL team, the real measure of success lies in how the community actually benefits. The lack of clarity regarding how community groups and residents can access CBA investments leaves much to be desired.
Another Voice: The Erie County Legislature is delivering for our community
The Erie County Legislature has been productive throughout the first half of 2024. Legislators worked with our partners in government to help taxpayers in Lackawanna, delivered funding for municipalities and community organizations, and took steps to avoid political gamesmanship in the budget process. We also approved a salary increase for county elected officials, bringing us in line with counties of similar size.
Another Voice: Sustainable development around new Bills stadium complex will benefit entire county
As the deal for a new stadium for our Buffalo Bills nears completion, the focus is turning to future development to complement the stadium. The deal includes a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that ensures the economic impact of a new NFL stadium is felt across our community.
We must find the courage to fight for a better life
Rooted in racism, and poisoned by online extremism, a white man infiltrated our city and terrorized our Black community. We must call what happened on May 14 what it is: terrorism. An act of white nationalist violence calculated to terrify and divide the Black residents of Erie County. Attributing this massacre to mental health disorders or anything besides domestic terrorism misses the point. Mental health disorders do not excuse acts of evil.
Jail consolidation plan could unfairly affect minorities
By April N.M. Baskin Responding to the county’s 2020 budget deficit, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has provided a proposal that would close much of the Erie County Holding Center in downtown Buffalo and relocate many of its detainees to the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. The Covid-19 pandemic and changes to New York State’s cash bail system have reduced the population in Erie County’s jails.
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