ALBANY, N.Y. SPRING 2015 • C h a i r : J u d y R i c h a r d s • State Sen. Sue Serino got her first job at age 15 and hasn’t stopped working since, a background that gives her firsthand experience as she advocates for middle class Hudson Valley families and retirees. Fighting for vital services Starting out as a waitress in a small local restaurant and going on to own a home child care business, Serino later entered the real estate business. The tireless work ethic needed for entrepreneurship prepared Serino for the fast pace of State Legislature sessions in Albany. Goals for her first term include improvements in mental health care access, infrastructure and services for the aging. Cuts in public mental health care, including closure of the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center campus in Poughkeepsie and the downsizing of Dutchess County-run mental health services, left a void in the community, Serino said. “My brother committed suicide,” Serino said. “I know firsthand we don’t have enough services in our area. I want to see money go toward mental health.” Meeting local needs After a rough winter with numerous water main breaks in aging systems and serious damage to roadways, Serino’s goal of bringing dollars back to her district for infrastructure fixes is one that will likely please CSEA members working on area highway crews. Serino, who also served on the Hyde Park Town Board and Dutchess County Legislature, recently met with local highway superintendents to see how she could help. “I need to know what they need and want to be sure I can help them,” Serino said. With a large aging population in her district, Serino is also looking to improve services for senior citizens. She is chairing the Senate Standing Committee on Aging. Serino is also serving on the following committees: Children and Families; Cultural Affairs and Tourism; Education; Higher Education; and Judiciary. — Jessica Ladlee State Sen. Sue Serino brings new energy to Albany State Sen. Sue Serino, left, meets with CSEA Dutchess-Putnam Retirees Local President Norma Condon at the EverReady Diner in Hyde Park, where the local holds many of its meetings. Don’t forget to vote on May 19! Voting for school district and public library budgets and school board candidates will be on Tuesday, May 19. Make sure to vote for candidates and budgets that support CSEA retirees and members!
Retiree_News_Spring_2015
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