WELCOME TO WCNY'S DEBATE AND OF IN THE RACE FOR NEW YORK'S 22nd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

I'M DAVE LOMBARDO, HOST OF WCNY'S THE CAPITOL PRESS ROOM AND CONNECT NEW YORK.

JOINING ME IN THE STUDIO ARE REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN BRANDON WILLIAMS AND DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATOR JOHN WILLIAMS, WHO ARE VYING FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM IN CONGRESS REPRESENTING ONONDAGA AND MADISON COUNTIES AND PARTS OF ONEIDA, CAYUGA AND CORTLAND COUNTIES.

WE ARE GOING TO SPEND THE NEXT HOUR DISCUSSING DOMESTIC ISSUES OF BOTH NATIONAL AND LOCAL IMPORTANCE WITH REBUTTALS FOLLOWUPS AND ADDITIONAL TIME AT MY DISCRETION.

BEFORE I BEGIN ASKING QUESTIONS THOUGH, WE ARE GOING TO HEAR INTRODUCTORY REMARKS FROM THE CANDIDATES AND AS A RESULT OF A METICULOUS COIN TOSS BACKSTAGE, STATE SENATOR JOHN WILLIAMS WILL GO FIRST.

SENATOR, YOU HAVE NINE SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU TO WCNY AND PBS FOR HOSTING THIS AND CERTAINLY THANK YOU TO DAVE FOR MODERATING.

I WAS BORN HERE.

I'VE LIVED HERE MY ENTIRE LIFE.

I LOVE THIS REGION.

AND I'VE SERVED MY COMMUNITY IN THE CLASSROOM FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS.

I WAS IN A.P.

BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY TEACHER, TAUGHT 15 TO ONE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

MY WIFE IS ALSO A TEACHER AND WE RAISED OUR KIDS HERE.

WE BOTH GREW UP IN THE CITY OF SYRACUSE.

WE LIVE IN THE TOWN OF GEDDES AND WE HAVE MADE A LIFE HERE AS SO MANY HAVE.

BUT I'VE ALSO WATCHED THE CHALLENGES THAT HAVE EXISTED IN THIS REGION.

AND I HAVE THAT BUILT INTO MY DNA.

I WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR THIS REGION.

I WILL ALWAYS BE A GOOD REFLECTION OF THIS REGION, AND I LEFT A JOB THAT I LOVED, THE GREATEST JOB IN THE WORLD, THE MOST GRATIFYING JOB IN THE WORLD, TO ADVOCATE FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK AND NOW THE MOHAWK VALLEY TO REPRESENT THE 22nd DISTRICT, THE PLACE THAT I LOVE.

>> AND CONGRESSMAN BRANDON WILLIAMS, YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU DAVID FOR HOSTING THIS.

GLAD TO BE HERE.

GOOD EVENING.

I'M BRANDON WILLIAMS, CONGRESSMAN FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK AND I JUST WANT TO START BY REMEMBERING THE FAMILIES THAT ARE FACING INCREDIBLE HARDSHIP IN OUR HEARTLAND IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND ELSEWHERE, AS WELL AS THOSE THAT ARE BRACING FOR HISTORIC STORM IN FLORIDA.

I BEGAN MY CAREER AS A NUCLEAR SUBMARINE OFFICER IN THE NAVY.

I SPENT THE LAST 20 OR SO YEARS AS A BUSINESSMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR.

I AM A POLITICAL OUTSIDER.

THREE YEARS AGO I DIDN'T KNOW ANYONE IN POLITICS.

SO WHY DID I RUN FOR CONGRESS?

I AM CONCERNED FOR OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE.

MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 32 YEARS, HAVE TWO GROWN CHILDREN.

AND I'M GENUINELY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC AND WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE GOING FORWARD.

THE FACT IS, OUR NATION NEEDS BETTER LEADERS.

WE NEED LEADERS THAT ARE GOING TO LEAD ON COMMON SENSE, ON ENERGY, ON INFLATION AND THE ECONOMY, ON THE BORDER AND ON CRIME.

AND I HOPE THAT'S WHAT YOU HEAR TONIGHT SINCE BEING ELECTED IN CONGRESS, WE HAVE SOLVED 1500 CONSTITUENT CASES, I'VE BROUGHT BACK $45 MILLION OF FUNDING TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.

AND I'M GLAD TO BE HERE WITH YOU TONIGHT.

>> NOW WE WILL TURN TO THE QUESTION PORTION OF THE EVENING AND WE ARE GOING IS TO START WITH CONGRESSMAN BRANDON WILLIAMS.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR YOUR RESPONSES AND THEN YOUR OTHER CANDIDATE WILL GET A CHANCE TO RESPOND AS WELL.

CONGRESSMAN, THIS WEEK, A DOZEN STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY FEWED TIKTOK ARC EWING IT IS DESIGNED TO BE ADDICTIVE AND DETRIMENTAL TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

HERE IN NEW YORK STATE, STATE POLICYMAKERS ADOPTED A LAW THIS SUMMER REGULATING HOW MINORS USE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS LIKE INSTAGRAM.

SHOULD CONGRESS TAKE ACTION TO RESTRICT THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY MINORS AND IF SO, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STEPS THEY SHOULD TAKE?

>> WELL, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT TIKTOK.

FUNNY ENOUGH, I WAS THE ONLY MEMBER OF CONGRESS THAT ACTUALLY WAS IN TIANANMEN SQUARE DURING THE PROTESTS OF 1989.

I HAVE SEEN WHAT THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY CAN DO UP FRONT AND TIKTOK IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE INFLUENCE OF CHINA IN OUR SOCIETY.

AND WE SEE THAT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA.

WE SEE A DECLINING MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

AND THE CLOSING IN THAT'S VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE CHILDHOOD THAT I GREW UP IN, PLAYING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY WITH, YOU KNOW, LOTS OF NEIGHBORS AND LOTS OF SPORTS OUTSIDE.

SO IT'S SOMETHING THAT CONGRESS IS TRACKING VERY CAREFULLY.

AND IT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT.

>> STATE SENATOR.

>> I SPENT OVER A GENERATION IN A CLASSROOM AND I TAUGHT BEFORE CELL PHONES AND I TAUGHT AFTERWARDS, AND I HAVE WATCHED THE NEGATIVE IMPACT THAT APPS LIKE TIKTOK HAVE ON OUR CHILDREN, ALONG WITH A BUNCH OF OTHER EASILY ACCESSIBLE SOCIAL MEDIA ITEMS AND OTHERWISE.

THE ALGORITHM THAT EXISTS WITHIN THESE SYSTEMS IS DESIGNED TO HONESTLY CHANGE THE HUMAN BRAIN.

AND IT'S DESIGNED TO PERPETUATE A MESSAGE THAT IS DESTRUCTIVE TO THE BRAINS OF OUR KIDS ALSO TIKTOK IS VERY CONCERNING FROM A NATIONAL SECURITY STANDPOINT AND THEREFORE, I'M SUPPORTIVE.

THIS IS WHERE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEP IN, SHOULD TAKE ACTION.

WE'VE DONE THAT IN NEW YORK STATE TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.

HONESTLY, IT'S LONG OVER DUE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR KIDS HAVE THE RESOURCES AND THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO THEM TO BE ABLE TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY.

BUT WHAT WE DO NOT NEED IS THE CHANGE OF BRAIN CHEMISTRY, WHICH ABSOLUTELY OCCURS UNDER THESE ALGORITHMS SENDING AWFUL MESSAGES REPEATED MESSAGES TO THESE KIDS THAT ARE MORE AND MORE DISTURBING AS IT RELATES TO POTENTIALLY DRUG USE, SUICIDE, VIOLENCE AND OTHER ISSUES.

SO I FULLY AM IN SUPPORT OF HIGHLY REGULATING AN ORGANIZATION LIKE TIKTOK.

>> TODAY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SAID THE DRINKING SYSTEM NEEDS TO REPLACE LEAD PIPES.

GIVEN THE PREVALENCE OF LEAD PIPES IN UPSTATE COMMUNITIES LIKE SYRACUSE, STATE SENATOR MANNION, DO YOU SENATOR MANDATE AND REGARDLESS, WHAT SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DO TO HELP FACILITATE THE TRANSITION AWAY FROM LEAD PIPES?

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

YOU KNOW IN SYRACUSE NEW YORK AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS IN UTICA, WE HAVE OLD INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A LONG TIME.

SO WE HAVE ANTIQUATED SYSTEMS, INCLUDING IN OUR PIPES ANOTHER PROBLEM I WON'T ADDRESS IN THIS QUESTION IS LEAD PAINT AND THE DUST THAT COMES WITH THAT.

THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO OUR CHILDREN.

WE HAVE ELEVATED LEVELS IN OUR CITIES.

AND AS A STATE SENATOR, WE HAVE TAKEN AN INITIATIVE.

WE ARE HELPING TO FUND THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE LAST LINES GOING INTO RESIDENCES AND BUSINESSES.

WE ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO DO IT.

BUT WE HAVE TO SUPPORT OUR MUNICIPALITIES TO BE ABLE TO DO IT AND THAT'S WHERE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN COME IN.

THE MONEY THAT WE WILL BE SAVING WHEN WE KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE, WHEN THEY DO NOT HAVE LEAD POISONING, WHEN IT'S NOT IMPACTING THEIR LEARNING SKILLS, IT IS A WIN FOR ALL OF US BECAUSE THEY CAN GO ON TO A SUCCESSFUL LIFE.

WE HAVE DECREASED RATES OF VIOLENCE, DECREASED RATES OF INCARCERATION, INCREASED OF GRADUATION WHEN WE KEEP OUR LEAD SYSTEM-- WHEN WE KEEP LEAD OUT OF OUR SYSTEMS.

>> CONGRESSMAN, SAME QUESTION TO YOU.

>> SURE.

AS SENATOR MANNION MENTIONED, LEAD IS VERY DESTRUCTIVE TO CHILDREN, PARTICULARLY IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE OF THEIR LIFE AND FOR THEIR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT.

AND IT IS TRUE AGAIN ECHOING THE SENATOR ABOUT CONCERN ABOUT LEAD PAINT, PARTICULARLY IN PUBLIC HOUSING.

THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS THAT I'VE DONE SINCE BEING SWORN INTO OFFICE ON EXACTLY THESE KINDS OF ISSUES.

AS I MENTIONED I CHAMPIONED $45 MILLION OF PROJECT FUNDING FOR COMMUNITIES HERE.

MANY OF THOSE ARE WATER PROJECTS IN THE TOWN OF HAMILTON, ONE IN JORDAN AND ELBRIDGE, TULLY AND LAFAYETTE AS WELL AS MADISON COUNTY, AND THIS IS LONG OVER DUE INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH THE ANTICIPATION OF MICRON AND THE DEVELOPMENT THAT'S COMING HERE, THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO GET CAUGHT UP ON THAT.

AND THAT'S WHERE A LOT OF THE $45 MILLION THAT I'VE BROUGHT IN HAS GONE SO DIRECTLY ADDRESSED IT IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF IN CONGRESS.

>> AND I JUST WANT TO FOLLOW UP WITH BOTH OF YOU ON THE RULING TODAY FROM THE E.P.A., ESSENTIALLY THIS IS A MANDATE TO DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS.

SO STATE SENATOR, ARE YOU OKAY WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PASSING DOWN A MANDATE LIKE THIS?

>> LISTEN, WHEN IT COMES TO DRINKING WATER THAT'S GOING TO IMPACT PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS OF OUR KIDS, WE ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO TAKE THOSE STEPS TO ASSURE THAT ALL OUR COMMUNITIES ARE SAFE.

ONE THING I ALSO ADDITIONALLY WANT TO MENTION WHAT IS WE DID DO IN THE STATE IS PASS LEGISLATION SO WE HAVE MORE FREQUENT TESTING OF DRINKING WATER IN SCHOOLS.

AND THAT THE LEAD LEVELS THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE WITHIN THAT WATER HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED SO THAT THE THRESHOLD IS SUCH THAT WE CAN FLAG A PROBLEM AND ADDRESS IT IMMEDIATELY.

>> AND CONGRESSMAN SAME FOLLOWUP ARE YOU OKAY WITH THE E.P.A.

BASICALLY DOING A MANDATE FOR DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND NEW YORK SPECIFICALLY?

>> THERE IS A LOT OF PRECEDENCE FOR THIS ALREADY.

THERE IS THE FAILED SYSTEM IN MICHIGAN THAT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GOT INVOLVED IN AND MANDATED CHANGE AND SO THAT THE E.P.A.

WOULD STEP IN AND DO THIS DOESN'T SURPRISE ME AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

PART OF MY TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND THAT I BRING IS FROM WHAT IS CALLED THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES, WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND WATER TREATMENT AS PART OF THAT, BEING ABLE TO HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO MONITOR THAT, TO MAKE ALERTS TO LOOK FOR CHANGES IN LEVELS.

THAT'S JUST PART OF THE EXPERIENCE THAT I BRING TO CONGRESS AND FROM MY BUSINESS EXPERIENCE.

>> AND BEFORE WE GO ON, I JUST WANT TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE METS HAVE DEFEATED THE PHILLIES 7-2 IN GAME 3 TAKING A 2-1 LEAD IN THE DIVISION SERIES THERE.

MOVING ON, BACK TO CONGRESSMAN WILLIAMS.

SINCE 2021, COLLEGE ATHLETES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET PAID FOR THEIR NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS, WITH THE PATCHWORK SYSTEM OF REGULATIONS IN THE STATE EMERGING, THERE ARE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AS WELL AS THE FUTURE OF NON-REVENUE GENERATING SPORTS.

SHOULD CONGRESS STEP INTO THIS VACUUM, CONGRESSMAN?

AND IF SO, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY TENETS OF NATIONAL REGULATIONS IN THIS SPACE?

>> HAVE I MET WITH THE HEAD OF THE NCAA WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, BY STRANGE TWIST OF FATE, HER HUSBAND WAS MY CAMP COUNSELOR, BRAD LIVINGSTON WHO PLAYED PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL.

I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE FLOOD OF MONEY INTO COLLEGE SPORTS.

THERE IS EVEN TALK OF KIND OF A SUPER LEAGUE SEPARATING FROM THE NCAA.

LOOK,COLLEGE IS ABOUT GETTING AN EDUCATION AND IT'S ABOUT, YOU KNOW, SHOWING UP.

WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH MONEY FLOODING IN, IT DISADVANTAGES PROGRAMS LIKE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY THAT ARE IN THAT TOP TIER AND THAT DIVISION 1, BUT ARE UNABLE TO COMPETE WITH THE GIANT PROGRAMS AND ALL THE MONEY THAT GOES INTO ATTRACTING TALENT.

THERE HAS TO BE SOME BALANCE TO COME TO THAT.

I THINK THE FACT THAT ATHLETES GET PAID I'M OKAY WITH BUT THERE NEEDS TO BE A LOT MORE SHARING AND A LOT MORE CONTROL OVER HOW THAT HAPPENS.

>> STATE SENATOR.

>> WHAT IS HAPPENED WITH THE RECENT CHANGES IS THAT IT'S LIKE THE WILD WEST.

IT REALLY IS.

AND WE HAVE GREAT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THIS COUNTRY.

WHEN I MEET LEADERS OF THOSE INSTITUTIONS, THEY HAVE GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THE LACK OF EMPHASIS ON ACADEMICS AND THE MORE FOCUS ON ATHLETE ATHLETICS.

WE LOVE OUR SPORTS ABSOLUTELY AND WE LOVE THE PLAYERS OF THOSE SPORTS.

BUT WE REALLY DO NEED OVERRIDING FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD BE NEGOTIATED WITH THE NCAA.

WE'VE GOT TO-- WE DID PASS LEGISLATION IN THE STATE.

AND WE WERE DOING THAT BECAUSE WE HAD TO PLAY CATCH UP WITH OTHER STATES AS WE WERE APPROACHING THE END OF A LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND WE KNOW THAT OTHER STATES MAY HAVE HAD AN ADVANTAGE.

I'M PROUD OF THE UNIVERSITIES IN THE DISTRICT AND I WANT TO HEADACHE SURE WE SUPPORT THEM SO WE DID THAT.

BUT THE INFUSEMENT OF MONEY INTO THE SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE TRANSFER PORTAL THE WAY THAT IT IS, IN MANY WAYS, IS RUINING COLLEGE SPORTS.

SO WE HAVE TO GET THIS RIGHT.

I THINK IT TAKES A COLLECTIVE EFFORT, A NEGOTIATING EFFORT WITH LEADERS OF DIFFERENT CONFERENCES, UNIVERSITIES, THE NCAA.

>> IT'S A TRICKY ONE.

>> IT'S NOT.

[LAUGHTER] >> WE'VE HAD SOME OTHER STATE LAWMAKERS BACK IN THE DAY MIX UP NAACP AND FLAK SO YOU ARE NCAA SO YOU ARE IN GOOD COMPANY.

TRANSFER PORTAL GOOD OR BAD, THUMB'S UP OR THUMB'S DOWN.

FOLLOWING UP ON THIS ISSUE THOUGH CONGRESSMAN, SHOULD STUDENT ATHLETES MOVING FORWARD BE TREATED AS EMPLOYEES OF THE INSTITUTIONS THAT THEY'RE ATTENDING, INCLUDING MAYBE GETTING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS THAT MIGHT COME WITH THAT?

>> IN TERMS OF THEIR BEING EMPLOYEES, I THINK THEY FUNCTION WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

THEY DON'T EXIST, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE NOT FREE AGENTS OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM SO THEY SHOULD BE EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE SYSTEM.

UF YOU'VE SEEN UNIONS IN ALL OF THE PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, WHETHER THAT SHOULD, YOU KNOW, GO TO COLLEGE SPORTS, I DON'T KNOW.

THEY'RE THERE FOR A FINITE AMOUNT OF TIME.

AGAIN, THE PRIMARY THING ABOUT COLLEGE IS TO GET AN EDUCATION AND WE CAN'T LET THAT GET LOST IN THIS FLOOD OF MONEY AND RULES AND THE EXCITEMENT OF SPORTS AND SO... >> STATE SENATOR?

>> WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE STUDENTS ARE PROTECTED AND THEY'RE PROTECTED BY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS AND I KNOW THERE IS A MOVEMENT IN THAT DIRECTION AND I DO SUPPORT IT.

THINK THERE IS A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS HERE THAT WERE NOT FOCUSING ON WHICH ARE THE NON-REVENUE GENERATING ATHLETES.

AND THEY'RE IMPORTANT IN MANY WAYS TO THESE UNIVERSITIES.

THEY MAKE THE UNIVERSITYIES AN ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT FOR MANY.

MY OWN CHILDREN HAVE PARTICIPATED AT THAT LEVEL.

SO THIS IS SOMETHING THAT, AGAIN, TO PROTECT EVERYONE IN PARTICIPATION IN THESE INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTS, I DO BELIEVE THAT IS A GOOD FIT.

AGAIN, IT WOULD REQUIRE NEGOTIATION AND PARTNERSHIP TO MAKE SURE WE GET IT RIGHT BECAUSE WE ARE IN A SITUATION WITH A LOT OF MONEY FLOWING AROUND WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BE AND THERE IS A HISTORY OF THEM BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.

>> NEXT QUESTION WILL START WITH SENATOR MANNION.

AT 46%, SYRACUSE HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF CHILD POVERTY IN THE COUNTRY AND NEW YORK'S RATE IS ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

HERE IN NEW YORK, STATE POLICYMAKERS HAVE SET A GOAL OF CUTTING CHILD POVERTY IN HALF BY 2032 BUT THEY'VE STRESSED THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE A NEED FOR FEDERAL ACTION TO MAKE SUBSTANTIVE IMPROVEMENTS.

WHAT CHANGES TO THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET DO YOU SUPPORT TO ADDRESS CHILD POVERTY AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL?

>> IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION IN ONE MINUTE.

POVERTY DOES NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

WHAT MY WORK HAS ALREADY DONE IN THE STATE AND I WANT TO TRANSFER THIS TO THE FEDERAL LEVEL IS A NUMBER EVER THINGS.

FIRST OF ALL, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR SCHOOLS, WHICH ARE THE GREAT EQUALIZER, OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE EVERY RESOURCE THEY NEED TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS, INCLUDING AT THE PREKINDERGARTEN LEVEL WHICH WE'VE EXPANDED TO UPSTATE NEW YORK IN THE STATE.

STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO SCHOOL AND WE SHOULD HAVE UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS SO THERE IS BOTH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR THEM.

WE ARE ALREADY PREPARING FOOD IN THAT SETTING.

AND BEYOND THAT, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE SUPPORTING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS LIKE I HAVE IN THE STATE.

THE POLICE OFFICERRERS ALLIANCE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, I CARRIED A BUDGET ITEM WHICH I MORE THAN DOUBLED, WENT FROM $750,000 TO $1.75 MILLION.

THAT IS CHANGING LIVES.

PEOPLE ARE EARNING MONEY WHILE THEY'RE LEARNING AND CHANGING CAREERS.

IT IS OPPORTUNITY THAT IS NECESSARY AND AS I TRIED TO GET AS MUCH IN IN THAT MINUTE, I WOULD SAY HOUSING, HEALTHCARE, TRANSPORTATION, ARE ALL A BIG PART OF MAKING SURE THAT THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO THAT OPPORTUNITY.

>> CONGRESSMAN WILLIAMS, SAME CHALLENGE, 60 SECONDS.

CHILD POVERTY.

>> THAT IS A BIG TOPIC.

SINCE BEING ELECTED TO CONGRESS, I HAVE CHAMPIONED THE CHILDREN'S RISE CENTER PROGRAM RIGHT IN THE EAST ADAMS NEIGHBORHOOD.

IN FACT, THERE IS $3 MILLION THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SECURE IN FEDERAL FUNDING EXACTLY TO THAT PROBLEM, EXACTLY TO TARGETED TO THE MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITY THAT WE HAVE.

I HAVE ALSO CHAMPIONED CHILD TAX CREDIT GIVING PARENTS MORE RESOURCES TO ESCAPE POVERTY WHILE HAVING CHILDREN.

AND I ALWAYS COME BACK TO EDUCATION AND I COME AT IT FROM A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW.

WE ALREADY SPEND MORE THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD ON EDUCATION.

MY WIFE AND I ARE BOTH PRODUCTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SO WE'VE BEEN IF ITED FROM THOSE.

BUT I WOULD-- WE'VE BENEFITED FROM THOSE.

BUT I WOULD SAY THAT I SUPPORT SCHOOL CHOICE FOR PARENTS AND I HEAR THIS ALL THE TIME, PARTICULARLY IN POOR NEIGHBORHOODS IS THAT SCHOOL CHOICE OR VOUCHERS THAT GIVE THEIR CHILDREN THE BEST EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE, NOT JUST THE LOCAL SCHOOL BUT AVAILABLE TO THEM IS ONE OF THE KEY WAYS THAT WE CAN DRIVE AND END CHILD POVERTY.

>> I WANT TO FOLLOW UP ON A PROGRAM YOU MENTIONED THERE, CONGRESSMAN, THE IDEA OF THE CHILD TAX CREDIT.

WE SAW AN EXPANSION OF THIS BENEFIT DURING THE PANDEMIC AND IT DRAMATICALLY REDUCED CHILD POVERTY CUTTING RATES IN NEW YORK BY NEARLY 50%.

THINKING ABOUT THE CHILD TAX CREDIT MOVING FORWARD, CONGRESSMAN, WHAT SHOULD THE BENEFIT LOOK LIKE?

>> WELL, THERE ARE PROPOSALS NOW BEING DISCUSSED.

OF COURSE THIS IS A BUDGETARY ISSUE AND WE ARE CHAMPIONING EXPANDING THE CHILD TAX CREDIT AND ALL THAT WILL BE HASHED OUT IN THE MESSY PROCESS OF CONGRESS BUT THE FACT IS THAT WE NEED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES THAT ARE CHOOSING TO HAVE CHILDREN.

AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE ACTUAL BIRTH RATE IN AMERICA, IT IS UNDERNEATH THE 2.1 SELF SUSTAINING RATE.

AND SO IMMIGRATION, OF COURSE, HELPS WITH THAT.

BUT IT'S ALSO CRITICAL THAT WE ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO HAVE CHILDREN AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE FOR THEM AND TO INCENTIVIZE THAT.

THAT'S JUST IMPORTANT FOR OUR COUNTRY.

>> STATE SENATOR, THE CHILD TAX CREDIT, ANY THOUGHTS ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL?

>> NEW YORK STATE WE DELIVERED FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE.

WE ACTED AND RESPONDED AND WANTED TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR OUR GROWING FAMILIES.

AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, WE ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO SUPPORT IT.

IN FACT, IT SHOULD ALREADY BE EXPANDED.

BUT WHAT WE ARE SEEING AS IS A CONGRESS NOT GETTING ANYTHING DONE.

THEY'RE PLAYING THEATRICAL POLITICS AND REMOVING SPEAKERS BUT THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY AND OF THIS REGION EXPECT MORE.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FAMILIES AND MAKING SURE THAT THEY CAN MAKE ENDS MEET, WE CAN TALK A LOT OR WE CAN TAKE ACTION.

WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN A BIPARTISAN WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DELIVERING FOR THOSE FOLKS AND I'M ABSOLUTELY SUPPORTIVE OF EXPANSION OF THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT.

>> SO I WANT TO PIVOT TO SOME QUESTIONS THAT I'VE DESIGNED TO BE YES OR NO, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL GET SOME YES OR NO RESPONSES AND WE'LL START WITH THE CONGRESSMAN.

THE RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION HAS BEEN AFFIRMED BY MULTIPLE SUPREME COURT CASES BUT NOTHING STOPS LOWER COURTS FROM NARROWING THESE PROTECTIONS OR THE SUPREME COURT FROM REVERSING THE PASS PRECEDENTS LIKE WE SAW WITH DOBBS AND ABORTION IN 2022.

GIVEN THAT BACKGROUND, SHOULD CONGRESS PASS LEGISLATION AFFIRMING A RIGHT TO BIRTH CONTROL SUCH AS HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION?

>> YES.

>> GREAT.

>> STATE SENATOR, SAME QUESTION?

>> YES.

>> FOLLOWUP AND I'LL START WITH STATE SENATOR, FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE MOST PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS TO COVER CONTRACEPTION METHODS THAT REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION.

IN LIGHT OF THE FDA AUTHORIZING O PILL, A DAILY ORAL CONTRACEPTION AVAILABLE WITHOUT A PRECIPITATION, PRESCRIPTION, SHOULD THE INSURANCE MANDATE BE EXPANDED TO COVER OVER THE COUNTER BIRTH CONTROL THAT WOULD NOT REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION.

>> WE SHOULD ABSOLUTELY MAKE SURE THAT CONTRACEPTION IS COVERED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES.

IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE AND PEOPLE OF THE 22nd DISTRICT WOULD SUPPORT THAT.

>> THAT'S THE OVER THE COUNTER PRESCRIPTIONS AS WELL?

>> I WOULD, YES.

>> EXCELLENT.

CONGRESSMAN, SAME QUESTION.

DO YOU SUPPORT EXPANDING THE MANDATE TO OVER THE COUNTER BIRTH CONTROL?

HAVE I TO TELL YOU-- I HAVE TO TELL YOU, WE HAVE TWO KIDS AND THAT'S PROBABLY A BROAD RANGE OF WHAT OVER THE COUNTER BIRDS CONTROL IS.

-- OVER THE COUNTER BIRTH CONTROLLINGS.

I DON'T KNOW ANY RESTRICTIONS THAT WOULD PREVENT INSURANCE FROM COVERING THAT.

>> NO RESTRICTIONS BUT A MANDATE TO REQUIRE THAT THEY COVER OVER THE COUNTER?

>> IF THAT'S THROUGH THE A.C.A., THE MANDATED SYSTEM?

>> IT'S NOT PART OF IT NOW.

THEY ONLY COVER THINGS THAT REQUIRE PRESCRIPTION.

THIS NEW O PILL DOES NOT REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION SO SHOULD IT BE MANDATED?

>> THERE ARE A NUMBER OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE OPPOSED WHEN WE GET INTO THESE KINDS OF QUESTIONS, FEDERAL MANDATES, YOU KNOW, THAT FORCE PEOPLE THAT HAVE OPPOSITION OF PAYING INTO SYSTEMS, THAT IS, I THINK, CURRENTLY IN REVIEW IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FEDERAL MANDATES, I CERTAINLY DON'T HAVE ANY OPPOSITION TO BIRTH CONTROL AND NOR WOULD I TRY TO LIMIT THAT IN ANY WAY.

BUT YOU ARE ASKING THE OPPOSITE.

YOU ARE ASKING FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE AN EVEN HEAVIER HAND.

IN GENERAL, I LIKE FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE, TO BE ABLE TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES.

>> YOU HAVE 15 SECONDS FOR A FOLLOWUP.

>> THIS IS ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL'S HEALTHCARE.

THIS IS A DEMOCRACY, NOT A THEOCRACY.

WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ASSURING THE HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS IN THIS COUNTRY AS THEY PREPARE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

>> IT'S A DEMOCRACY, NOT A DICTATORSHIP SO I THINK IN A FREE MARKET, PEOPLE SHOULD DECIDE.

>> SO I HAVE ANOTHER HOPEFUL YES OR NO QUESTION.

WE'LL START WITH SENATOR, BOTH MAJOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES HAVE ENTERTAINED SOME FORM OF ELIMINATING FEDERAL TAXES ON TIPS, DESPITE ECONOMISTS AND FISCAL ANALYSIS ACROSS THE IDEOLOGICAL SPECTRUM BROADLY PANNING THE IDEA.

DO YOU THINK CONGRESS SHOULD ELIMINATE TAXES ON TIPS?

>> FIRST THING I'LL SAY IS THAT I SUPPORT THE WAGE SYSTEM THE WAY THAT IT IS AND THERE WAS SOME DISCUSSION ABOUT ELIMINATION OF TIPS.

I DON'T SUPPORT THAT.

AND I DO BELIEVE THAT WE, IF WE DON'T ELIMINATE IT, THERE SHOULD CERTAINLY BE A DIFFERENT STRUCTURE RELATED TO THE TAXATION OF TIPS FOR OUR SERVICE WORKERS.

>> ABOUT 20 SECONDS FOR YOUR YES OR NO ANSWER AS WELL.

>> SURE, NO TAX ON TIPS.

>> THAT WAS EASY.

>> ANOTHER ONE.

WE'LL START WITH THE CONGRESSMAN.

FOR A DECADE AND A HALF THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE HAS BEEN SET AT 7:25 AN HOUR.

AT THE SAME TIME NEW YORK'S MINIMUM WAGE HAS BEEN INCREASING INCREMENTALLY REACHING 15 AN HOUR EARLIER THIS YEAR IN UPSTATE NEW YORK AND THAT'S SCHEDULED TO INCREASE.

IS IT TIME FOR CONGRESS TO RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE, CONGRESS SNAWN.

>> AS YOU MENTIONED, NEW YORK STATE-- NEW YORK STATE MINIMUM WAGE IS TWICE THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

AND SO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MANDATING HIGHER PRICES WON'T AFFECT NEW YORK STATE AND I'M HERE TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK.

SO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THEY DO.

NEW YORK STATE IS WHAT IS GOING TO SET THE PREVAILING MINIMUM WAGE.

>> SO JUST A FOLLOWUP, TO BE CLEAR, ARE YOU SAYING CONGRESS SHOULDN'T ACT THEN ON THE... >> IT WON'T EFFECT THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK STATE SO NO.

>> PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY ACROSS THIS COUNTRY DESERVE A LIVING WAGE AND IN THIS STATE WE HAVE PROVIDED AS BEST AS WE COULD WITH A RISING MINIMUM WAGE.

THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS IN THE CARE COMMUNITIES, SPECIFICALLY DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS IN THE DISABILITY SPACE WHERE WE HAVE TRIED TO INCREASE THEIR WAGES.

I DON'T KNOW WHO CAN LIVE ACROSS THIS COUNTRY ON $7.25 ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE IN A DEMANDING PROFESSION LIKE ONE OF THESE AND TALKING TO MY COLLEAGUES ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SOME STATES.

>> SO WE ARE GOING TO GO BACK TO OUR 60 SECOND QUESTION SO YOU CAN WAX POETICALLY AND SENATOR, STARTING WITH YOU AGAIN, STICKING WITH AFFORDABILITY.

ONE CHILD IN CHILD CARE CENTER CAN RUN AN AVERAGE OF $19,000 HER YEAR IN NEW YORK AND HAVE I TO IMAGINE THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE SALIVATING OVER $19,000 A YEAR.

WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO TO MAKE CHILD CARE MORE AFFORDABLE?

>> SURE.

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT WE'VE DONE IN THE STATE ALREADY AND I'M PROUD TO EVERYBODY A LEADER ON THAT.

NUMBER ONE, THAT WE CAN RAISE THE LEVEL ABOVE THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL WHERE SOMEONE CAN RECEIVE A SUBSIDY TO MAKE IT MORE MANAGEABLE FOR THEM TO GO TO WORK IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO.

NUMBER 2.

WE HAVE STAFFING CONCERNS CERTAINLY IN OUR CHILD CARE INSTITUTIONS.

WE PROVIDED $100 MILLION FUND OUT THERE SO THAT INSTITUTIONS IN DESERTS OR MICRODESERTS, WHICH WE HAVE MANY OF THEM IN THIS AREA, COULD EXPAND THEIR SERVICES TO A LARGER POPULATION, OR ESTABLISH NEW CHILD CARE FACILITIES.

I ALSO THINK THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE INCENTIVES FOR ESTABLISHING DIFFERENT CENTERS AT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND IN THE WORKPLACE AND I DO BELIEVE THAT OUR EMPLOYERS IN A TIGHT LABOR MARKET SHOULD BE OFFERING CHILD CARE AT THOSE INSTITUTIONS AND I DO BELIEVE THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE OF ASSISTANCE IN INITIATIVING SOME OF THOSE-- INITIATIVING.

>> WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO TO MAKE CHILD CARE MORE AFFORDABLE?

>> IN FACT, AS A MEMBER OF CONGRESS, I HAVE SPONSORED A BILL THAT DOES EXACTLY THAT, PARTICULARLY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS.

YOU MAY KNOW THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS HAVE CRAZY HOURS.

THEY'RE WORKING SHIFT WORK.

AND THEY HAVE TO BE THERE.

WE RELY ON THEM 24/7, 365, AND ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT THEY HAVE, IN FACT ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE ATTRACTING TALENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IS THIS VERY ISSUE OF CHILD CARE, PARTICULARLY WOMEN.

AND WE HAVE A CRISIS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO FILL THE ROLES, THESE IMPORTANT ROLES OF PUBLIC SAFETY PEOPLE AND THAT'S WHY I INTRODUCED THIS BILL.

IT IS, I THINK, A GOOD MODEL TO EXPLORE HOW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN GET INVOLVED IN HELPING WITH CHILD CARE AND WE ARE STARTING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT FIRST.

>> SO I WANT TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS ISSUE OF CHILD AND TURN TO THE STAFFING SIDE OF THINGS THAT THE SENATOR REFERRED TO IN HIS ANSWER, BECAUSE IN ADDITION TO THE AFFORDABILITY OF CHILD CARE, THERE IS THE ISSUE OF SIMPLY NOT HAVING ENOUGH SPOTS TO CARE FOR KIDS, LARGELY DUE TO THE LOW PAY FOR THE WORKFORCE AND REGULATIONS ON THE INDUSTRY.

CONGRESSMAN, WHAT CAN BE DONE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL TO BOOST THE NUMBER OF PROVIDERS THAT ARE OUT THERE?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT CHILD CARE, AND I HEAR THIS IN LOTS OF DIFFERENT ARENAS, PARTICULARLY AROUND HEALTHCARE, FOR EXAMPLE, LIKE MEMORY CARE FOR ELDERS OR REHABILITATION CARE FOR ELDERS.

WE FACE THIS WHEN MY MOM WAS IN DECLINING HEALTH.

IT'S THE LOW PAY HAS VERY HIGH TURNOVER IN PLACES LIKE CHILD CARE, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, SO CRITICAL FOR WORKING FAMILIES, AND PARTICULARLY FOR SINGLE PARENTS.

I HAVE A LOT OF FAMILIES ASK ME ABOUT SOME KIND OF HELP THAT IF A FAMILY MEMBER IS HELPING TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN WHILE THEY WORK, THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF MECHANISM FOR A TAX BREAK OR SOME KIND OF MECHANISM FOR PAYMENT THERE.

SO I THINK THOSE ARE, YOU KNOW, ALL THINGS THAT NEED TO BE EXPLORED, AND IN TERMS OF RAISING UP OUR CHILDREN I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT.

>> >> CAN YOU EXPAND WHAT WE THEY'D TO DO TO BOOST THE WORKFORCE.

>> OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR GREATEST GIFT.

AND WE NEED THEM IN SETTINGS THAT ARE SAFE AND WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT CAN DO THIS, YOU KNOW, CHALLENGING WORK.

MY OWN PIECE OF LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW REGARDING CMV WHICH PROTECTS PROVIDERS AND INFORMING THEIR WORKERS OF THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE OF THIS VIRUS WHEN THEY'RE WORKING IN CHILD CARE FACILITIES PARTICULARLY IMPACTFUL WHEN A PERSON IS PREGNANT.

BUT BACK TO THE STAFFING IS WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE WORKERS ARE COMPENSATED.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT OTHER COUNTRIES, AS IT RELATES TO CHILD CARE, IT'S MUCH MORE ROBUST AND OFTEN MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES BECAUSE THERE IS AN EMPHASIS ON MAKING SURE THAT WE SUPPORT THOSE SYSTEMS.

AND THAT IS GOING TO REQUIRE FUNDING.

>> SO THIS NEXT QUESTION IS FOR THE SENATOR.

IN THE WAKE OF A 2018 SUPREME COURT RULING, SOME STATES HAVE LEGALIZED MOBILE SPORTS WAGERING AND HERE IN NEW YORK, THIS HAS RESULTED IN HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF ANNUAL TAX REVENUE.

AT THE SAME TIME THOUGH, THE PROLIFERATION OF ADVERTISEMENTS FOR THE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN BLAMED WE CANS AS BAITING PROBLEM GAMBLING.

IN THE VEIN OF SAY ALCOHOL REGULATIONS SHOULD CONGRESS IMPOSE STRICTER CONTROL ON HOW SPORTS BETTING SITES ARE ADVERTISED?

>> I THINK THAT LIKE WE TALKED ABOUT WITH THE ALGORITHMS IN TIKTOK, THERE ARE PREDATORY PRACTICES HERE.

IN FACT, I SAW SOMETHING ON MEED SOCIAL MEDIA IRONICALLY THAT WAS AN ARTICLE REFERENCING JUST THAT.

SO I DO THINK THERE IS A SPACE FOR THAT.

IF PEOPLE WANT TO ENGAGE IN MOBILE SPORTS BETTING, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THAT.

AND AGAIN, IT IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT CAN BE ADDICTIVE AND PREDATORY, SO I'M SUPPORTIVE AT LOOKING AT THAT.

I KNOW THAT IN NEW YORK STATE A LOT OF THE FUNDS OR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FUNDS, I SHOULD SAY, THAT ARE DEEMED AS REVENUE THAT COME TO THE STATE, ARE PUT BACK IN TO MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS ALSO A CAMPAIGN ABOUT PROBLEM GAMBLING AND THAT THERE ARE SUPPORTS IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THAT ADDICTION.

>> CONGRESSMAN, SHOULD THERE BE STRICTER CONTROLS ON SPORTS GAMBLING ADVERTISING?

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S INTERESTING TO SEE THE EVOLUTION OF THE SPORTS INDUSTRY.

AT ONE TIME, LONG AGO, IT WAS ABOUT TICKET SALES AND FILLING PEOPLE FOR THE LIVE EVENT.

AND OF COURSE TELEVISION RIGHTS HAVE TAKEN OVER AND THAT'S WHERE ALL THE MONEY IS AND YOU SAW HOW MUCH MONEY CAME INTO SPORTS, YOU KNOW, IN MY LIFETIME, IN THE LAST 30 TO 40 YEARS.

AND WHAT IS VERY INTERESTING IS THAT THIS GAMBLING IS DRIVEN ENORMOUS AMOUNTS OF REVENUE INTO THE SPORTS ARENA ITSELF, INCLUDING FOR THE OWNERS.

AND THAT IS WHO IS OFTEN CHAMPIONING THIS.

YOU KNOW, SO LONG AS IT'S ENTERTAINING, GAMBLING, YOU KNOW, ON SPORTS, MAYBE IT MAKES -- I DON'T DO IT MYSELF SO I'VE NEVER USED ONE OF THOSE APPS BUT MAYBE IT MAKES IT MORE ENGAGING AND ENTERTAINING.

BUT AS WAS MENTIONED BEFORE, IT IS ADDICTIVE.

AND THE AMOUNT OF MARKETING TOWARDS YOUNG PEOPLE, MARKETING TOWARDS KIDS, MARKETING TOWARDS PEOPLE THAT ARE PRONE TO ADDICTION TO THIS, JUST LIKE, YOU KNOW, AS USED TO BE THE CASE WITH ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO ON TELEVISION, SHOULD BE CURTAILED.

>> SO WE ARE GOING TO GIVE BOTH OF YOU AND THE VIEWERS AT HOME A BREAK FROM ME FOR A SECOND AND WE ARE GOING SHARE A QUESTION THAT MY PRODUCER COLLECTED THIS AFTERNOON AT ARMORY SQUARE IN SYRACUSE.

LET'S HOPEFULLY PLAY THAT CLIP.

>> I HAVE ONE QUESTION.

I'M ACE VEGAS.

I PRESENT TO YOU WHAT DO YOU PROPOSE TO DO ABOUT THE HOMELESS EPIDEMIC IN RELATION TO THE DRUG EPIDEMIC WHICH SEEM TO COINCIDE?

>> SO CONGRESSMAN, THE CONGRESS WAS ESSENTIALLY ASKING ABOUT THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS AND THE ISSUE OF DRUG ADDICTION AND THE INTERSECTION OFTEN BETWEEN THOSE TWO PROBLEMS.

YOU GOT 60 SECONDS.

DO WHAT YOU WILL WITH IT.

>> SURE.

ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO I WAS ASKED TO VOLUNTEER AT THE SYRACUSE RESCUE MISSION TO DO JOBS TRAINING FOR HOMELESS MEN.

AND WHAT IT ALLOWED KNEE DO WAS TO ENGAGE WITH THEM ON A WEEKLY BASIS OVER I THINK A COUPLE OF MONTHS, TO REALLY DIVE IN AND TRY TO HELP THEM ESTABLISH THE TOOLS OF GETTING BACK ON THEIR FEET AND BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE.

SO ENCOUNTERED FIRSTHAND WHAT THE CHALLENGES WERE.

I LEARNED A LOT.

AND AS WAS MENTIONED IN THE QUESTION, IT GOES HAND IN HAND WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE IN PARTICULAR IS AN OPEN SOUTHERN BORDER, SINCE BIDEN AND HARRIS HAVE TAKEN OFFICE AND THIS HAS LED TO A FLOOD OF FENTANYL AND OTHER KINDS OF VERY DANGEROUS ADDICTIVE AND HARMFUL DRUGS THAT IS EXPANDING THE HOMELESS POPULATION.

I WAS JUST AT SYRACUSE RESCUE MISSION A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND SAW THE INCREDIBLE WORK THAT THEY DO, THE AMAZING SERVICES THAT THEY PROVIDE AND HOW MUCH ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH IS TIED INTO THAT.

SO I HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY ENGAGED AND INVOLVED IN THAT AND I THINK SECURING THE BORDER, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, WILL AT LEAST START STEMMING THE FLOW OF DRUGS INTO OUR COUNTRY.

>> STATE SENATOR, SAME QUESTION, INTERSECTION OF DRUG ABUSE AND HOMELESSNESS.

>> WHEN PEOPLE ARE ADDICTED TO DRUGS, IT CAN LEAD TO HOMELESSNESS AND THAT IS A TRAGEDY AND CERTAINLY A CYCLE THAT PERPETUATES ITSELF.

SO WHEN SOMEONE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME RELATED TO POTENTIALLY DRUG USE, CERTAINLY DRUG TRAFFICKING IS A DIFFERENT ISSUE THAT WE HAVE TO ADDRESS VERY SERIOUSLY.

BUT IF SOMEONE IS-- WE NEED TO FUND OUR DRUG COURTS.

WE NEED AN EXPANSION OF OUR DRUG COURTS AND A REAL PLAN TOWARDS TREATMENT, TOWARDS HEALING.

WE WANT INDIVIDUALS TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

WE WANT THEM TO BE ON A PATH TOWARDS WELLNESS.

AND SOMETIMES WE ARE BASESALLY PERPETUATING THAT CYCLE.

SO WE NEED PROGRAMS TIED TO OUR DRUG COURTS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE TRULY INVESTING.

AND WHEN INDIVIDUALS MAY NEED INPATIENT CARE, WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THEY CAN REMAIN WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

THERE ARE PROGRAMS AROUND THIS STATE WHERE WOMEN AND CHILDREN CAN STAY TOGETHER IN A FACILITY AS THEY ARE GOING THROUGH TREATMENT.

AND THE LAST THING I'LL SAY ABOUT THE COMMENT ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER IS MY OPPONENT HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE A BIPARTISAN BILL THAT WAS PASSED BY THE SENATE THAT WOULD HAVE DONE A LOT, WHICH WOULD HAVE FUNDED OUR COURTS, WOULD HAVE MADE SURE WE FUNDED OUR BORDER PATROL THERE.

WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT BUT AT THE DIRECTION OF THE FORMER PRESIDENT, THE CONGRESSMAN REJECTED THAT AND WE STILL HAVE A BROKEN BORDER AS A RESULT.

>> CONGRESSMAN, WOULD YOU LIKE 30 SECONDS?

>> SURE.

THIS IS THE MOST FLIMSY OF ARGUMENTS WHATSOEVER.

WE ACTUALLY PASSED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MORE THAN A YEAR AGO H.R.-2 THAT WOULD HAVE SECURED OUR BORDER, THAT WOULD THE HAVE ENDED THE CATCH AND RELEASE, WOULD HAVE IMPLEMENTED REMAIN IN MEXICO THAT WOULD HAVE UNDONE THE DAMAGE DONE BY THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION SO IT IS THE WEAKEST ARGUMENT AND EVEN NOT BASED IN FACT THERE.

WAS NEVER A VOTE IN CONGRESS THAT WAS FOR THE OUTLINE THAT HE DESCRIBED.

IT NEVER MADE IT THROUGH THE SENATE.

IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH DEMOCRATIC VOTES IN THE SENATE TO PASS AND YET THIS IS HIS ARGUMENT.

, WHICH IS FLANKLY FRANKLY JUST BASED ON A LIE.

>> THE BILL THE CONGRESSMAN IS REFERRING TO WAS DRACONIAN AND LACKED FUNDING TO PROPERLY SUPPORT OUR BORDER PATROL AGENTS, PORTS AND COURTS.

AS A RESULT IT WOULDN'T GET ANYTHING DONE.

ZERO CHANCE.

IT WAS DONE SOLELY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES AND NEVER NEGOTIATED IN A BIPARTISAN WAY.

>> SO I WANT TO COME BACK, AT LEAST TO THAT ISSUE OF SUBSTANCE USE.

DURING THE PANDEMIC, THE DEA ISSUED WAIVERS ENABLING HEALTH PROVIDERS TO PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES VIA TELEHEALTH WITHOUT AN IN PERSON VISIT.

WITH THOSE WAIVERS SET TO EXPIRE, SHOULD LEGISLATION BE AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS EXTENDING THIS FLEXIBILITY TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTIONS SUCH AS MEDICATION TO COMBAT OPIOID ADDICTION AND ADHD.

>> NUMBER ONE, I'M A SUPPORTER OF TELEHEALTH AND SUPPORTER OF MAKING SURE THERE IS PARITY WHEN IT COMES DO LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THOSE SERVICES.

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD BE DOING WHEN WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A STAFFING HEALTHCARE CRISIS.

YOU KNOW, UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S MORE AND MORE CHALLENGING TO GET INTO OUR HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS AND THIS IS A WAY THAT SIMPLY MAKES SENSE.

WE ARE IN THE FUTURE RIGHT NOW.

SO LET'S DO THE RIGHT THING.

LET'S EXTEND THIS PROGRAM, PARTICULARLY FOR SOME OF OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE HAD VARIOUS HEALTHCARE CENTERS OR HOSPITALS SHUT DOWN.

THIS IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

IT'S CONVENIENT.

PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO TRAVEL SEVERAL MILES TO DO IT.

THEY CAN BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH AN EXPERT IN THE FIELD AND WE SHOULD EXTEND IT.

>> CONGRESSMAN, SAME QUESTION REGARDING THE FLEXIBILITY?

>> SURE.

I'M A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR TELEHEALTH.

IT'S ONE OF THE VERY FEW GOOD THINGS THAT CAME OUT OF THE COVID SHUTDOWN.

AND ALL OF THESE KINDS OF PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT FOR ADDICTION-- AND WOULD I EVEN GO FURTHER, THINGS LIKE METHADONE, THINGS LIKE SOME OF THE HALLUCINOGENIC DRUGS THAT ARE BEING EXPERIMENTED.

WE REALLY NEED TO GET A LOT MORE CREATIVE IN HOW WE ARE ADDRESSING THE CRISIS, NOT ONLY OF MENTAL HEALTH, BUT OF ADDICTION.

AND I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD A FAMILY MEMBER THAT HAS GONE THROUGH THIS.

HAD TO SEEK TREATMENT OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER TO BEGIN THIS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT JOURNEY BACK TO SOBRIETY.

THEY HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THEY WERE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. MEDICAL SYSTEM.

THERE IS A LOT MORE THAT CAN BE DONE.

THE FDA HAS TO MOVE A LOT FASTER AND I'M A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR THAT, INCLUDING AS IT GETS IMPLEMENTED OVER TELEHEALTH.

>> CONGRESSMAN STICKING IN THE SAME VEIN, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR INCARCERATED NEW YORKERS RECEIVING MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTION SERVICES WHILE BEHIND BARS, WOULD YOU SUPPORT FEDERAL LEGISLATION ENSURING THAT MEDICAID COVERAGE IS REINSTATED PRIOR TO THEIR RELEASE SO THERE ISN'T ANY SORT OF GAP IN COVERAGE WHEN THEY GO ABOUT THEIR REENTRY PROCESS?

>> YOU KNOW, I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME RECENTLY ENGAGED WITH PEOPLE IN THE CORRECTIONS INSTITUTION.

BUT MOSTLY CORRECTIONS OFFICERS THAT HAVE WALKED ME THROUGH THE UNBELIEVABLE CRISIS OF VIOLENCE, OF DRUG USE INSIDE THE PRISONS AS WELL AS THE MENTAL HEALTH CONGREGATION THAT THE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS FACE EVERY DAY.

THERE ARE VIOLENT ATTACKS ON THE CORRECTION OFFICERS EXACTLY FROM , YOU KNOW, EXACTLY FROM THESE KINDS OF CRIMES.

SO IF I'M GOING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT ARE GOING ON IN OUR PRISONS, I'M GOING TO FOCUS ON RESCINDING THINGS LIKE THE HALT ACT, THINGS THAT MY OPPONENT IS CHAMPIONED, THAT HAVE MADE IT THE BEST TIME IN NEW YORK STATE TO BE A CRIMINAL.

IT'S THE BEST TIME TO BE INCARCERATED IN NEW YORK STATE BECAUSE YOU GET SPECIAL PRIVILEGES THAT MAKE IT INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS FOR THE BRAVE PEOPLE THAT STAND UP AS CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FRANKLY IMPLEMENT WHAT SOCIETY ASKS OF THEM IS TO TAKE THESE INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS PEOPLE OFF THE STREET.

THAT WOULD BE MY FIRST PRIORITY.

>> SO JUST TO FOLLOWUP THEN, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ENSURE MEDICAID COVERAGE REINSTATED PRIOR TO THEIR RELEASE?

>> LET'S GET THE HALT ACT REPEALED.

LET'S STAND UP FOR OUR CORRECTION OFFICERS AND THEN WE CAN TALK ABOUT MEDICAID FOR RELEASE PRISONERS.

>> SENATOR MANNION, WE'LL TAKE THE FIRST PART OF THE QUESTION AND GIVE YOU A SECOND TO TALK ABOUT NEW YORK STATE'S PRISONS.

THE MEDICARE COVERAGE GETTING REINSTATED-- MEDICAID COVERAGE GETTING REINSTATED.

>> FIRST ON THAT ISSUE, WHEN PEOPLE ARE INCARCERATED AND PAY THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY, WE WANT THEM TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

WE DON'T WANT THEM TO BE BACK INCARCERATED AND THEREFORE A TAX BURDEN TO INDIVIDUALS AND, YOU KNOW, THEIR LIVES ARE FURTHER LOST.

SO IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO AND WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THAT IN THE STATE.

ON THE HALT ACT, MY OPPONENT MUST NOT BE INFORMED BECAUSE I VOTED NO ON THE HALT ACT AND THAT WAS BECAUSE OF MY ENGAGEMENT IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES TALKING TO THE CORRECTION OFFICES, TALKING TO INCARCERATED PEOPLE, TALKING ALSO TO INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK IN OUR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF THE CORRECTION OFFICERS, LIKE SOCIAL WORKERS, AND HEALTHCARE PRACTICAL PRACTITIONERS THAT ARE IN THOSE INSTITUTIONS.

I'VE TOURED THOSE FACILITY, I'VE LOOKED AT THEM AND SPOKEN WITH EVERYONE AND MADE AN INFORMED DECISION AND VOTED AGAINST MY PARTY MAJORITY BECAUSE I LISTENED TO THE CORRECTION OFFICERS.

THEY HAVE SUPPORTED ME AS I'VE RUN FOR OFFICE.

I HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM.

I LISTEN TO THEM.

AND WE CAN TREAT PEOPLE IN A HUMANE WAY AND PUT THEM ON A SUCCESSFUL PATH TOWARDS A DIGNIFIED FUTURE AND WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT WE ALSO PROTECT THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE WORKING IN THESE FACILITIES THAT CAN BE VERY CHALLENGING.

>> WOULD YOU LIKE 15 SECONDS CONGRESSMAN?

>> SLUR.

WHILE WE ARE ON THE TOPIC OF FREE HEALTHCARE, MY OPPONENT HAS BEEN THE CHAMPION OF FREE HEALTHCARE TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

THIS IS NOT THE PRIORITYIES-- THIS IS NOT THE PRIORITIES OF OUR GOVERNMENT.

OUR GOVERNMENT IS TO THE LAW ABIDING CITIZENS TO THE CITIZENS AND FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO PAY THEIR OWN HEALTHCARE TODAY, THESE ARE JUST NOT THE PRIORITIES OF THE PEOPLE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK.

CERTAINLY NOT TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

THAT WAS SO RADICAL I THINK EVEN THE GOVERNOR REJECTED YOUR PROPOSAL.

>> WOULD YOU LIKE 15 SECONDS?

>> THERE IS NOT FREE HEALTHCARE FOR INDIVIDUALS HERE THAT ARE UNDOCUMENTED.

>> AND VIEWERS WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STATE'S SOLITARY CONFINEMENT LAWS, CHECK OUT THE CAPITOL PRESS ROOM ARCHIVES AT CAPITOLPRESS ROOM.ORG OR WHEREVER YOU DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST.

SINCE 2018, NEW YORK HAS HAD A PAID FAMILY LEAVE PROGRAM IN PLACE.

IT COVERS WHEN YOU WANT TO RAISE A NEW CHILD, CARE FOR AN ILL FAMILY MEMBER OR ASSIST LOVED ONES WHICH A FAMILY MEMBER IS DEPLOYED IN THE MILITARY.

THERE IS A FAMILY LEAVE PROVIDING UP TO 12 WEEKS OF UNPAID PROTECTED LEAVE.

SHOULD THE FEDERAL BENEFIT BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE COMPENSATION AND WHAT SHOULD THE BENEFIT BE AND HOW SHOULD IT BE FUNDED?

>> IF WE REALLY WANT TO SUPPORT OUR GROWING FAMILIES WITH NEW CHILDREN, WE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE SUPPORTING THEM WITH, AGAIN, THESE ARE-- THESE WOULD BE PROGRAMS THAT INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE WORKING WOULD BE PAYING INTO THAT EMPLOYERS WOULD BE PAYING INTO, TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE FAMILIES CAN MAKE THESE DECISIONS WHETHER THEY'RE GOING TO CARE FOR A FAMILY MEMBER, CARE FOR A NEW CHILD, WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE.

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE SHOULD BE DOING.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD THAT HAVE THESE PROGRAMS THAT ALLOW FAMILIES TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE SHOULD BE DOING.

WE ALSO HAVE TO LOOK AT THE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS OUT THERE BECAUSE SOME INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK IN CERTAIN CAPACITIES LIKE IN STEEL WORK OR CONSTRUCTION MAY HAVE A MULTITUDE OF DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS BUT THEY'RE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SOME OF THE PAID FAMILY LEAVE OUT THERE.

I'M SUPPORTIVE OF THE MOVES THAT WE HAVE MADE AND THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND I ALSO BELIEVE WE NEED A SYSTEM IN PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN CARE FOR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND NOT MAKE THE HARD DECISIONS AND HAVE GUARD RAILS AROUND THE PROGRAM.

>> CONGRESSMAN, SAME QUESTION.

>> REPEAT THE QUESTION, PLEASE.

>> SHOULD THERE BE A PAID FAMILY LEAVE AND IF SO WHAT SHOULD THE BENEFIT BE AND HOW SHOULD IT BE FUNDED?

>> THERE SHOULD BE PAID FAMILY LEAVE AND FOR MANY OF THE REASONS THAT WE HAVE ALREADY TALKED ABOUT WHICH IS TO SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES, TO SUPPORT THAT WE CAN HAVE MORE CHILDREN.

A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T HAVE CHILDREN OR PUT OFF CHILD REARING JUST BECAUSE OF THE COST.

YOU KNOW, THE INFLATION HAS BEEN OUT OF CONTROL THE LAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS.

WE'VE SEEN PRICES RISE ON EVERYTHING FROM HOUSING TO ALL THE GROCERIES, THE GAS WE PUT IN OUR TANK.

HAVING A ROBUST ECONOMY IS A GREAT PLACE TO START TO SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES.

AND WE REALLY NEED TO CHANGE THE INCENTIVES.

I'M SORRY, CHANGE THE POLICIES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT ACTUALLY START REDUCING COSTS AND MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE.

AND PAID LEAVE FOR NEW MOTHERS AND FATHERS I DEFINITELY WOULD SUPPORT.

>> CONGRESSMAN, NEXT QUESTION IS FOR YOU.

NEARLY TWO DECADES AGO, CONGRESS CREATED A LAW EFFECTIVELY SHUTTING THE WINDOW FOR CIVIL CLAIMS AGAINST GUN MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS.

SHOULD THESE FEDERAL LIABILITY PROTECTIONS FOR NEGLIGENT OR RECKLESS BEHAVIOR BY A GUN COMPANY REMAIN IN PLACE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL?

>> THERE IS ALWAYS A STRONG ATTEMPT TO GO AROUND CURRENT LAW.

AND ACTUALLY TO USE THE LAW TO SELECTIVELY GO AFTER POLITICAL OPPONENTS.

AND THIS IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF TRYING TO ENACT NATIONWIDE GUN CONTROL BY IMPLEMENTING, YOU KNOW, TORT LIABILITY ON TO THE GUN MANUFACTURERS.

WE HAVE A CRIME PROBLEM IN AMERICA.

WE HAVE A CRIME PROBLEM IN IN NEW YORK STATE.

THAT CRIME PROBLEM COMES FROM CASHLESS BAIL.

IT COMES FROM THE HALT ACT.

IT COMES FROM RAISE THE AGE.

IT COMES FROM THE INCREDIBLY RECKLESS POLICIES THAT HAVE COME OUT OF ALBANY UNDER THE PARTICIPATION OF MY OPPONENT.

AND THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT HAVE GOT TO CHANGE.

AND IN FACT, MY OPPONENT SAID THAT RESCINDING CASHLESS BAIL WOULD BE A MISTAKE, TO REPEAL CASHLESS BAIL.

I DISAGREE WITH HIM AND I DISAGREE ON THE LAW FAIR TRYING TO GO AROUND THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTED THAT WE HAVE.

>> SENATOR, TAKE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER THE QUESTION AND RESPOND TO ANYTHING IN THAT QUESTION WOULD YOU LIKE.

>> THANK YOU.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

FIRST OF ALL, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP.

IN FACT, THERE WERE ONLY TWO COUNTIES IN THE STATE WHERE RIFLE HUNTING OF BEAR AND DEER WAS NOT ALLOWED.

LIVINGSTON AND ONONDAGA.

AND IT WAS MY LEGISLATION THAT CHANGED THAT.

IT TOOK YEARS TO DO IT.

AND WE DID IT.

ALSO I HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SPORTSMANS CLUBS AND I HAVE HONORED THEM AND SPOKEN AT THEIR MEETINGS.

I'M FOR RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP BUT I THINK THERE IS GREAT CONSENSUS ACROSS THIS COUNTRY AND CERTAINLY IN THE 22nd DISTRICT THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WEAPONS OF WAR ARE NOT IN THE WRONG HANDS.

AND A PIECE OF THAT DOES HAVE TO DO WITH IRRESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING AND SALE OF GUNS.

AND I'M SUPPORTIVE OF THAT.

AS IT RELATES TO THE COMMENT ABOUT BAIL, FIRST OF ALL, THERE WAS GREAT CONSENSUS ABOUT THE FACT THAT BAIL LAWS NEEDED REFORM.

AND THAT CONSENSUS DID NOT JUST COME FROM THE ADVOCATES.

IT CAME FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.

IT CAME FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.

I WAS NOT IN OFFICE WHEN THOSE BAIL LAWS WERE PASSED.

IF YOU WATCH MY OPPONENT'S MESSAGING AND HIS COMMERCIALS, HE WILL MAKE IT SEEM LIKE I WAS BUT THAT SIMPLY IS NOT TRUE.

>> CONGRESSMAN, DO YOU WANT 15 SECONDS ON THE ISSUE.

>> THESE WERE HIS WORDS.

REPEALING CASHLESS BAIL WOULD BE A MISTAKE.

THOSE ARE NOT MY WORDS, SENATOR.

THOSE ARE YOUR WORDS.

I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONAL IN NEW YORK STATE THAT AGREES WITH YOU.

>> SENATOR, 15 SECONDS AND WE WILL MOVE ON.

>> MY FOUR YEARS IN THE STATE SENATE, THREE TIMES I WAS A VERY STRONG VOICE IN ADVANCING CHANGES TO THE BAIL LAWS THAT WERE FLAWED.

WE GAVE JUDGES GREATER DISCRETION, WE MADE MORE CRIMES BAIL ELIGIBLE AND WE ADDRESSED THE REON FUNDING ISSUE.

I LISTENED AND I RESPONDED AND I HAVE DONE WHAT I COULD TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THOSE LAWS THAT WERE PASSED PRIOR TO ME BEING IN OFFICE.

>> SO MOVING ON.

CONGRESSMAN WE'LL START WITH YOU.

IN 2021 NEW YORK POLICYMAKERS LEGALIZED RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA AND THERE HAS BEEN AN EFFORT TO SET UP A LEGAL MARKETPLACE.

AT THE SAME TIME THOUGH MARIJUANA REMAINS ILLEGAL AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL CREATING CHALLENGES FOR THESE BUSINESSES IN THE EMPIRE STATE AT EVERY STEP BETWEEN SEED AND SALE, SUCH AS ACCESSING BASIC FINANCIAL SERVICES.

SHOULD CONGRESS TAKE ANY STEPS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THESE BUSINESSES TO OPERATE?

OR DOES THE STATUS QUO ON MARIJUANA MAKE SENSE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL?

>> THE STATUS QUO DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.

THE FACT IS, BECAUSE MARIJUANA IS STILL AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL LISTED AS A CLASS 1-- SCHEDULE 1 DRUG, THAT IT IS NOT ABLE TO USE THE BANKING SYSTEM.

AND I HAVE NEVER USED MARIJUANA.

I AM NOT PERSONALLY INTERESTED IN IT.

I THINK IT HAS VERY GOOD POTENTIAL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND FRIENDS OF MINE THAT HAVE BEEN THROUGH CANCER AND THROUGH CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT STRONGLY HAVE ADVOCATED THAT THERE BE EASIER ACCESS TO CANNABIS AND CANNABIS TREATMENTS, PARTICULARLY HERE IN NEW YORK STATE.

IN TOURING THE POISON CONTROL CENTER HERE IN SYRACUSE, MY CONCERN IS THAT THESE PRODUCTS ARE BEING MARKETED TO CHILDREN.

MANY TIMES THE EDIBLES OR PACKAGED LIKE CANDY.

AND WE ALL REMEMBER-- WELL, IF YOU ARE MY AGE, YOU REMEMBER WHAT, YOU KNOW, THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY WAS LIKE BACK IN THE 50s, 60s AND 70s, ACT ACTIVELY MARKETING TO YOUNG PEOPLE.

THIS HAS TO STOP AND THERE HAS TO BE A LOT MORE CONTROL OVER WHAT THE CHEMICALS ARE AND THE POTENCY OF MARIJUANA PRODUCTS.

SO THERE IS A LOT MORE THAT CAN BE DONE.

>> SENATOR.

>> SO I SUPPORTED THE LEGISLATION IN NEW YORK STATE BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE THAT MARIJUANA SHOULD BE LEGAL FIRST OF ALL BECAUSE ITS USE IS PREVALENT AND WE NEED THE REGULATION BEHIND IT.

WE NEED IT IN A CONTROLLED SETTING.

WE NEED CHANGES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL BECAUSE IN TALKING WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE ESTABLISHING EITHER PROCESSING OR YOU KNOW, RETAIL SALES, THERE ABSOLUTELY HAS TO BE A SIS SYSTEM THAT WORKS AS FAR AS SECURING FINANCING AND A BANKING SYSTEM.

THE LAWS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL ARE ANTIQUATED.

I BELIEVE THE PATCHWORK OF LAWS WE HAVE WITH STATES NEEDS TO GO AWAY AND WE SHOULD HAVE A FEDERAL LAW THAT LEGALIZES MARIJUANA AND THAT WOULD ALLOW FOR ADDITIONAL CHANGES TO THE LAW AS IT RELATES TO FINANCING.

>> WE ARE AT THE POINT OF THE NIGHT FOR CLOSING REMARKS.

CONGRESSMAN, YOU WENT SECOND WITH INTRODUCTIONS SO YOU'VE GOT 90 SECONDS FIRST FOR YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> YOU KNOW, WHAT YOU'VE HEARD HERE TONIGHT IS DIFFERING VISIONS OF WHAT LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE.

I HAVE SUPPORTED SECURING OUR BORDER AND SUPPORTING OUR BORDER CONTROL PERSONNEL.

MY OPPONENT IS ADVOCATED FOR FREE HEALTH INSURANCE, FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

I HAVE ADVOCATED FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT, PROVIDED RESOURCES TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, STOOD UP FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

DESPITE SHIS CLAIMS OF REFORMING BAIL REFORM, THERE ISN'T ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS THAT LIKE THE LAWS THAT THEY ARE NOW AND THEY'RE EXHAUSTED BY IT AND IT'S KEEPING GOOD PEOPLE OUT.

ON THE ECONOMY, I'M A BUSINESSMAN.

AND BRING MY EXPERIENCE OUT OF THE PRIVATE ECONOMY.

HE HAS BEEN KATHY HOCHUL'S WING MAN FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

AND IT'S MADE LIVING IN NEW YORK STATE EVEN HARDER AND EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE.

I WANT A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN.

THAT'S WHY I GOT INVOLVED IN POLITICS IN THE FIRST PLACE, THE FACT IS WE NEED BETTER LEADERS AND I BRING CONFIDENCE AND EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE THAT IS JUST DIFFERENT.

I HOPE WILL YOU CONSIDER VOTING FOR ME IN NOVEMBER.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, CONGRESSMAN.

STATE SENATOR, HAVE YOU 90 SECONDS FOR YOUR ANSWER.

>> I DO AGREE WITH MY OPPONENT.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT VISIONS.

MY OPPONENT BRINGS A VISION OF DOOM AND GLOOM AND NEGATIVITY.

I BRING A VISION OF HOPE AND FORWARD THINKING.

WHEN I HAVE SEEN IN THE STATE SENATE OR IN THE CLASSROOM, SOMETHING THAT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED, I ADDRESSED IT.

AND I ADDRESSED IT WHETHER IT PLENTY OPPOSING MY PARTY OR OTHERWISE.

I ALWAYS DID IT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE INDIVIDUALS OF THE 50th SENATE DISTRICT AND IN THE FUTURE IN THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTED NEW YORK 22.

I LEFT A JOB THAT I LOVED IN A CLASSROOM BECAUSE I COULD NOT WATCH THE CHAOS THAT EXISTED IN POLITICS.

SO I LEFT THE JOB THAT WAS GRATIFYING BECAUSE I WATCHED 16 YEAR OLDS WATCH A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN 2016 LIKE I HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE AND IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE ONLY ELECTION THAT THEY HAD EVER SEEN.

WE NEED CALM, WE NEED POSITIVITY.

WE NEED COLLECTIVENESS.

WE CAN'T TEAR EACH OTHER DOWN.

WE CAN'T SUSTAIN THE NEGATIVITY ANY LONGER SO LET'S COME TOGETHER, WORK TOGETHER, LOOK FORWARD, STOP THE GLOOM AND DOOM AND NEGATIVITY AND BE THE PROMISE TO OUR KIDS THAT WE MUST BE IN MAKING SURE THIS COUNTRY IS MORE THAN IT IS TODAY.

>> SO I SHOULD HAVE HAD MORE FAITH IN YOU TO STICK TO 90 SECONDS.

I HAVE ANOTHER SECOND HERE AND BY A SHOW OF THUMB'S UP FOR YES OR THUMB'S DOWN FOR NO.

COULD YOU BOTH RESPOND TO WHETHER YOU WOULD SUPPORT FEDERAL LEGISLATION BANNING PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS IF SOMETHING LIKE THAT WERE TO COME UP IN CONGRESS?

BOTH SUPPORT.

THAT'S GREAT.

MY OPPONENT VOTED FOR GERRYMANDERING TO... >> IF I MAY COMMENT, THE CONGRESSMAN DOES NOT LIVE IN THE DISTRICT HE REPRESENTS.

... >> SO CLOSE.

THUMB'S UP... (ALL TALKING AT ONCE).

>> UNFORTUNATELY, THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE FOR OUR DEBATE.

MY THANKS TO REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN BRANDON WILLIAMS AND DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATOR JOHN WILLIAMS FOR SHARING THEIR TIME WITH US.

AS A REMINDER TO VIEWERS, OCTOBER 26 IS THE START OF EARLY VOTING AND THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE.

ELECTION DAY, OF COURSE, IS NOVEMBER 5.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT ANY PART OF TONIGHT'S COVERAGE, INCLUDING OUR REDISTRICTING COVERAGE, VISIT WCNY.ORGANIZE.

ON BEHALF OF EVERYBODY AT WCNY, I'M DAVE LOMBARDO.

THANKS FOR WATCHING AND GOOD NIGHT.

WCNY.ORG.