HUDSON VALLEY – State Senators Shelley Mayer (D-Westchester) and James Skoufis (D-Cornwall) are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to take action on legislation that was passed last year establishing a commission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Hochul approved the bill last year but has not made any appointments to the commission.
The two lawmakers sent a letter to Hochul requesting that she take action, saying in part “To date, the commission has not been seated and no plan has been delivered to your desk.”
The letter further indicated that state historian Devin Lander has already conducted a “series of workshops to foster local partnerships” in an effort to develop a plan connected to the anniversary celebration. Area historians Constance Kehoe of Westchester County, Johanna Porr-Yaun of Orange County, Dr. William P. Tatum III of Dutchess County, and Lauren Roberts of Saratoga County participated in the initial meetings.
The senators believe that there are a number of public benefits to moving forward with the plan as outlined in the bill.
“The neglect now occurring at the state level will potentially cost New York dearly in years to come, with the most serious impacts hitting the fields of heritage tourism and education,” stated the letter. “With so many sites and museums ready to welcome visitors, our state stands to make millions of dollars from a successful, coordinated, supported Rev250 commemorative cycle.”
According to the senators, in a typical year, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage area has a significant impact on the state’s economy. According to their calculations, the economic impact is more than $950 million, supports nearly 10,000 jobs, and contributes $112 million to state and local tax revenues.
The lawmakers closed the letter by stating, “It is not too late for planning efforts to recover and surge forward. We urge the executive branch to take immediate action by seating a commission with historians of the Revolutionary Era, opening budget lines, and beginning a serious planning dialogue to deliver the promised strategic plan to your desk at the earliest opportunity.
