State Rep. Scott Gray
Recent News About State Rep. Scott Gray
-
Assemblyman Scott Gray discusses Fort Drum's economic impact and SUNY bill
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R,C-Watertown) recently released the latest episode of his video series, "The Gray Area". In this installment, Gray delves into the economic and strategic significance of Fort Drum and discusses his SUNY bill, the SUNY Excess Building Asset Inventory and Repurposing Act (SEBAIRA). Amid financial challenges for SUNY institutions, Gray's legislation aims to ensure optimal efficiency by mandating SUNY campuses assess all assets and identify surplus buildings for potential repurposing or cost assumption by SUNY. However, the bill was held in the Higher...
-
The Beginning of The Budget Process Starts with a Jekyll and Hyde Approach
An unidentified individual expressed deep concern following the deliberation on the public protections and general government budget bill. They highlighted both positive aspects, such as retail theft provisions and minor Tier 6 reform, as well as significant drawbacks, specifically the inclusion of five correctional facility closures without clarity on the affected facilities. The speaker criticized the lack of transparency regarding the closures and emphasized the negative impact on corrections officers and local communities.The individual stated, "I cannot support a...
-
'The Gray Area' Addresses Tumultuous Week of Voting, Public Policy Worsening Squatting Issue
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R,C-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series addressing the tumultuous week of voting and public policy issues. Gray expressed disappointment at the back and forth movement of legislators between Albany and their districts to pass budget extenders, stating, "This week has been a yo-yo week for legislators as we have been called to convene in Albany on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday to take votes. It’s disappointing that instead of staying in Albany to get work done, we are spending taxpayer dollars to extend and delay this...
-
Gray Comments on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Supplemental Environmental Assessment Public Scoping Plan
Amidst concerns over the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Supplemental Environmental Assessment Public Scoping Plan, Representative Gray has voiced his reservations and called for increased transparency and community engagement in the process.Gray commended Sen. Chuck Schumer for his efforts, stating, "I commend Sen. Chuck Schumer for his stance against this so-called ‘stealth plan’ and his efforts to ensure our voices are heard. It’s essential our federal agencies operate not in secrecy, but with full transparency and accountability to the people they serve."...
-
'The Gray Area' Discusses Lack of a Final State Budget, Ad Nauseam Debate of Meaningless Bills
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R,C-Watertown) addressed the ongoing issues surrounding the New York state budget and the repetitive debates on long-standing bills in the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series. Gray expressed frustration over the delay in finalizing the budget, stating, “Here we are first week of April, still no budget with no anticipation it will be completed next week. In the meantime, we are debating bills ad nauseum that have been around for years—we’ve debated bills this week that have a shelf life of 27 years, 12 years and 16 years. It’s frustrating...
-
'The Gray Area' Discusses Measures Against Squatting, NYS Budget Delay
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series, discussing relevant topics in New York state. In the video, Gray introduced a new bill aimed at addressing squatting-related incidents across the state. Gray stated, “This week, the Assembly Minority Conference introduced bill A.6894, which redefines what constitutes a tenant, effectively stripping squatters of their tenant status. By criminalizing squatting as trespassing, the bill empowers land and property owners to reclaim their rightful ownership and remove those who...
-
Gray: Landlord Rights Must Be Reformed Following Increase in Squatting Incidents
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) joined his Assembly colleagues at a press conference today in the New York State Capitol with landlords and small property owners to address alarming squatting-related incidents and necessary fixes to the state’s property laws, including legislation that would protect homeowners by clarifying the term “tenant” to exclude squatters.Last week, Nadia Vitels—a woman traveling from Spain to prepare a Manhattan apartment owned by her late mother—was brutally beaten to death by two “squatters” who left her body in a duffel bag, according to...
-
'The Gray Area' Discusses Constitutional Convention Recission, Loss of the People's Power
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series, addressing various important topics in New York state politics. Gray discussed the state's decision to rescind the call for a Constitutional Convention, emphasizing the significance of empowering the people in such processes. He stated, "A Constitutional Convention empowers the people—when we rescind it, we’re really taking power away from the people, which is concerning. I voted down on this because I believe in empowering the people."In addition to the discussion on the...
-
Gray Congratulates Hammond Girls’ Team, Commends Local Teams’ Remarkable Performance in State Title Games
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) extended his congratulations to the Hammond girls’ basketball team and commended the local teams for their remarkable performance in the state title games held on Sunday, March 17. The Hammond Red Devils secured their second consecutive New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Girls’ Class D basketball championship with a decisive 54-34 victory over Northville at Hudson Valley Community College.Gray expressed his admiration for the Hammond team, stating, "Congratulations to the Hammond girls’ basketball team on...
-
Parks Hits Reset Button on Vessel Contract
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) has announced that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) will be readministering its law enforcement vessel procurement process. This decision follows the rescinding of a contract that inadvertently disqualified a bid from New York state boat builder MetalCraft Marine. In a recent conversation with Randy Simons, acting commissioner of the OPRHP, it was confirmed that the existing contract has been nullified and will be reissued with new specifications in April."MetalCraft Marine, a reputable...
-
Gray Comments on Academy at Ivy Ridge Allegations
Gray Comments on Academy at Ivy Ridge AllegationsIn response to allegations surrounding the now-closed Academy at Ivy Ridge, Gray expressed deep concern, stating, "The situation portrayed at the now-closed Academy at Ivy Ridge is very serious." Gray highlighted that the Academy was shut down approximately 15 years ago and emphasized, "The reported incidents are unfortunate and should not be taken lightly."Gray urged individuals who feel aggrieved to seek appropriate channels for redress, including involving the attorney general, saying, "I firmly believe those who feel...
-
Gray Congratulates Local State Champion Winner
Gretchen Braun, a junior from Lisbon Central competing for Canton High School, secured a state championship for the 2023-2024 academic year, in the 100-yard backstroke. This victory is believed to mark the inaugural title for a Northern Athletic Conference swimmer in a girls’ state meet. Braun achieved this feat by finishing the event in 55.46 seconds at the Webster Aquatic Center."I am incredibly proud of Gretchen for her accomplishment. Her dedication, hard work and skill have truly set a new standard for our local swimming community. I know back home, we are all...
-
Gray Celebrates North Country Basketball Teams Playing in State Tournament
Assemblyman Scott Gray is celebrating the participation of North Country basketball teams in the 2024 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Girls Basketball state tournament. Gray expressed his support for the teams and offered words of encouragement as they prepared for their upcoming games."Best of luck to our local girls’ basketball teams as they compete in the 2024 NYSPHSAA Girls Basketball Championships tournament. We’ll be closely watching and cheering for your success. Beyond the court, athletics offer a unique platform for personal...
-
'The Gray Area' Discusses Threat to Critical Road Improvements as Chips Funding Takes a Hit, Continued Push Against Prison Closures
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) addressed concerns over funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) in the latest episode of his video series, "The Gray Area." Gray emphasized the importance of CHIPS funding, stating, "CHIPS funding is at risk of a significant $60 million reduction this year. My legislative colleagues and I are urging for the reinstatement of the $60 million cut and advocating for a boost in the base funding by $200 million."Gray highlighted the essential role of CHIPS in supporting road improvements across...