New York State Senator Pete Harckham hosted a “Coffee and Conversation” gathering on Saturday, December 13, at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library, where two dozen participants had an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas and opinions on a wide range of subjects.
The event opened with Harckham providing an overview of the 2025 legislative session in the State Senate, where he serves as Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. To date, 31 bills sponsored by the state senator were passed into law in 2025, bringing his total since entering the Senate to 156 laws. He highlighted his efforts to increase school funding for the Hendrick Hudson School District, which has grown by $11.3 million or 179% since he took office in 2019. Overall, Senate District 40 has received $252 million in additional school aid during this time.
“These events give people a chance to speak with us directly and ask questions about the work we’re doing, both in Albany and here in our local communities,” said Senator Harckham. “Residents are looking for answers and support, and these conversations help us better understand their needs. A big thank you to the Hendrick Hudson Free Library for hosting and welcoming everyone to this event.”
The topics discussed during the “Coffee and Conversation” included the recent repaving and upcoming improvements of local state roadways, high utility bills, doing away with annual car inspections, uses for Indian Point once it is fully decommissioned, obtaining justice for child victims, supporting renewable energy projects statewide and support for the Medical Aid in Dying Act. One participant thanked Senator Harckham for his office’s help in restoring her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Senator Harckham also addressed the recently enacted federal budget bill and its projected negative impact on New York. The state is expected to lose an estimated $13.5 billion annually in healthcare funding due to Medicaid cuts, potentially leaving 1.5 million New Yorkers uninsured, which would more than double the state’s current uninsured rate. The cuts are also expected to lead to hospital closures and the loss of approximately 63,000 healthcare jobs. Additionally, reductions to SNAP may result in 300,000 residents losing their benefits.
Since taking office in 2019, Senator Harckham has hosted monthly “Coffee and Conversation” events to stay connected with constituents and ensure their voices are heard. He was joined at the Montrose event by former State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef.
