Donate to the Yates County Democrats

Call to Action

<h2>Yates County Democratic Headquarters Now Open!</h2>Join us for the 2024 election as we work to support Democratic candidates and elect Kamala Harris as President. — We are open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm and on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Stop by to learn more about our candidates and the Yates County Dems, pick up a Harris campaign sign or bumper sticker, join our postcarding campaigns, or to volunteer to staff HQ.

<h2>Write Postcards to Voters WED., AUGUST 21st</h2>Join us at YCDC HQ on Wednesday, Aug 21, to send postcards to Yates County voters!Want to help elect Kamala Harris and Democrats running for state office? We are running several postcarding campaigns for the 2024 election to support our candidates and to get out the vote in Yates County. Stop by YCDC HQ on WED., AUGUST 21 FROM 10AM-4PM to label and stamp postcards, or to pick up a set to prepare at home. We will provide refreshments and pizza to fuel our efforts. Take action today!

<h2>Gov. Tim Walz Selected as Kamala Harris' Running Mate</h2>Together, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are moving our country forward and fighting for working families. Let's win this!As Governor, Tim Walz cut taxes for working families, lowered the cost of insulin and eliminated junk fees, and protected women’s right to choose. That experience makes him the ideal running mate for Kamala Harris, who has taken on the big banks, led the fight for reproductive freedom, and stood with our allies against Putin’s aggression during her time as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President.

<h4>TAKE ACTION FOR VICE PRESIDENT and PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE KAMALA HARRIS!</h4><h4>Democrats have united around Kamala Harris as our candidate for President.</h4>President Biden and Vice President Harris have made extraordinary progress since they took office, getting to work right away to deliver for hardworking American families. Since then, they’ve continued to pass historic legislation and policies that benefit every American — and they’ll keep fighting for the democracy and fundamental freedoms that we deserve.Today, Vice President Harris is running to ensure four more years of progress for the American people.

<h2>Thank You, President Biden!</h2>Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign for president. First and foremost, we all owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years. He has been one of the most effective and consequential Presidents to ever lead our nation. Joe represents the best of America--patriotism, dedication, compassion, empathy, and an unshakable faith in the potential of the American people. Thanks, President Biden, for always working to make things better for all Americans!

<h2>YCDC Key Issues: Local Media Revisited</h2>The second YCDC Key Issues event of the month continues our focus on the importance of local media.&nbsp; Several years ago, our community almost lost the&nbsp;Chronicle-Express, which would have contributed to the distressing national trend of declining news sources.&nbsp; We were fortunate that our paper was saved, but what is the state of local media today?&nbsp; What challenges do they continue to face?&nbsp; Has their role changed since the last public forum on this topic?&nbsp; We will be joined by John Christensen of the&nbsp;Chronicle-Express,&nbsp;Mike Cutillo of the&nbsp;Finger Lakes Times, and Robin Blair of WYLF radio.

<h2>Yates County Board of Elections</h2>

<h2>YCDC is a member of the Democratic Rural Confereence of New York State</h2>

<h2>BALLOTPEDIA</h2>Search the encyclopedia of American politics

Announcement

Headline Text Here

<h2>John Sigmon, Italy Town Council</h2>John Sigmon and his wife Danielle have resided in Italy for nearly 2 decades. After serving on the Town of Italy Assessment Review Board,&nbsp;John is looking forward to representing Italy on the Town Council. John is a proven leader, best-selling author, and executive coach with extensive experience in organizational strategy, change leadership, and community engagement. As a former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, John brings valuable expertise to budgeting, finance, and personnel challenges. He is committed to fostering inclusive decision-making and ensuring that Italy remains a thriving, connected community for all residents.Learn more about John at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/17C7soHEnm/">https://www.facebook.com/share/17C7soHEnm/</a>&nbsp;

Text

Born

Raised

Married

Children

Party

Education

Footer

firstName

lastName

email

phoneNumber

zipOrPostalCode

Get Involved

Long Form

Issues Post

Upcoming Events and Activities

Header

Born and raised in the hills of the Genesee Valley, Alissa Ellman is a proud New Yorker, veteran, mother, and public servant.Alissa grew up barefoot in Houghton, NY, a town with six stop signs. Before she could vote she had taken an oath to defend the United States, and spent years serving overseas, giving back to the country she loves.

Page Intro

Federal Office

U.S. Senator

Chuck Schumer

Kirsten Gillibrand

Representative

Hakeem Jeffries

President

Joe Biden

Vice President

Kamala Harris

Headshots

Our Elected Officials

We are Democrats living in Yates County working to make our community better for all. We believe in the power of local organizing and voting in every election to make real change, protect our rights, and preserve our democracy.

Elections 2026

So much is happening right now. Stay informed about the latest local, state, and national election 2026 news.

Keep Up-to-Date on the Latest News

News

Visit IWillVote.com to check or change your voter registration status

Volunteer!

Breaking News

<h2>Every Year is an Election Year!</h2>We have several candidates running for town councils and the County Legislature in Yates County. Please support your fellow Democrats--vote this November 4. Click on the link below to learn more about our candidates.

Local Candidates Running for Office in 2025

Still under construction! Stop back again soon

The Local Democratic Org Platform

Issues

<h2>Local Offices to be Elected in 2026</h2>For information about Offices up for November County-wide General Election, see the Yates County Board of Elections at <a href="https://www.yatescountyny.gov/312/Local-Offices-to-Be-Elected">local offices.</a>

county population

Percent registered Democrat

Put something inspirational here, about what the County Party stands for.

We are your neighbors, friends, and colleagues, working together for a better Yates County

<h2>The Yates County Democratic Committee</h2><h3>Working for a community of equal justice, economic and social </h3><h3>opportunity, personal freedom, and shared responsibility.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/d1a53ec8-199d-46b0-a174-f6779c9b8af7/cf3708dd-3e0f-4b14-8b43-50266b2cf800/cf3708dd-3e0f-4b14-8b43-50266b2cf800.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C480%2C640&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">OUR MISSION IS TO ELECT DEMOCRATS, BUILD THE PARTY, AND PROMOTE DEMOCRATIC IDEALS. Our Committee operates year round recruiting and supporting local candidates, collecting petition signatures, writing postcards to voters, and other direct outreach. We sponsor events, maintain an election headquarters during federal election years, hold fundraisers, and communicate directly with voters. We represent YOU in Yates County.We are dedicated Democrats working together to make Yates County a place where all residents can thrive.<h4></h4>

Join the Yates County Democratic Committee

Learn more about elections in Yates County, early voting, recent changes to Election Law, and more

<h2>Yates County Board Of Elections Polling Locations</h2>Visit the Yates County Board of Elections website to find your polling location .<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.yatescounty.org/324/Where-Do-I-Vote">https://www.yatescounty.org/324/Where-Do-I-Vote</a>

Events Post

<h2>Run for local office in 2025!</h2>We are always looking for our next candidate!&nbsp;If you have considered running for elected office, we’re eager to hear from you. Local elections impact our lives. Our job is to lower the barrier to entry for candidates and provide support - from election law, to getting on the ballot, to tactical and strategic support, to managing campaigns, fundraising, messaging and everything in between.&nbsp;We all know the political realities of Yates County.&nbsp;Although 45% of registered voters are Republicans and the other voters are pretty evenly split between Democrats and unaffiliated voters, the Republican Party overwhelmingly controls the county and town governments.Please realize that:<ul><li>In 2023, 47 candidates ran for Town Races. Forty-three were unopposed, meaning 92% of the candidates knew they would be elected before voting began. Three Democrats ran, and all were elected.</li></ul><ul><li>Also, In 2023, a Democrat and an Independent were elected to the County Legislature, which had only Republican members for the previous 14 years.</li></ul><ul><li>Local Governments make essential decisions. For example, last November, the Town of Benton doubled the water rates in four water districts. At its January meeting, the Town of Milo denied a proposal to annex a 72-acre parcel to the Village of Penn Yan, which would have provided land for a 500-unit housing development. Neither Benton nor Milo has a Democrat on their Town Board.</li></ul>We are looking for Democratic candidates for&nbsp;this year’s election.&nbsp;Although the election is in November, candidates can only circulate petitions for these seats between February 25 and April 3. &nbsp;The YCDC will help every candidate at every step of their campaign.This year, each of the nine towns in Yates County will have two board members up for election. Supervisors will be elected for Barrington, Benton, Italy, Jerusalem, Potter, and Torrey. Additionally, Town Clerks will be on the November ballot in Barrington, Italy, Potter, Middlesex, Milo, and Torrey.At the County level, Legislative District #1 (Italy, Jerusalem, and Middlesex) has four Legislator seats up for election, and Legislative District #2 (Benton, Potter, and Torrey) has three. The District Attorney, County Coroner, and County Treasurer are also up for election this year.The current County Treasurer has announced that she will not run for another term. The Treasurer sets her office hours. This year, she&nbsp;is in the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:00 to 3:00 and by appointment. The new Treasurer can change those hours. I am including information on the powers and duties of our Treasurer.We want to provide you with the tools you need to run a great campaign, get out the vote and win. Reach out and let us help.

Item 1

Sidebar intro copy can go here. This can be an introduction to the bullet points below, or the bullets can all be deleted if preferred.

Make a difference!

Text with Sidebar

<h2>New York State Board of Elections Website</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://elections.ny.gov/register-vote">NYS BOE Register to Vote Website</a>

Throughout her career, Diana Kastenbaum has focused on building businesses, strengthening communities, and fighting for the neighbors and families of rural New York.Born and raised in Batavia, she understands the values that make our communities strong: hard work, looking out for each other, and never forgetting where you come from.

Join us! As a committee member you’re more than a volunteer. You are a duly elected representative of an election district, at the entry level of Democratic Party governance. Yes, you have real power.&nbsp;Power to help elect democrats - you identify, interview, endorse and nominate town and county candidates, carry petitions and provide campaign support, hold fundraising events and forums, pass resolutions on issues of importance, build the party and expand diversity, help select judges and state committee representatives, and manage committee websites, social media and newsletters.Please contact us to discuss your interests and learn more about the process of joining your local committee!

Join Our Committee

Issues

Home

Election Timeline

News Post

New York State Office

governor

Kathy Hochul

LT Governor

Antonio Delgado

Attorney General

Letitia James

Comptroller

Tom DiNapoli

Assembly Speaker

Carl Heastie

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Comptrollr

Short Form

Your contributions help us reach more voters.

Thanks for your support!

Donate

<h2>Robert Miller, Torrey Town Council</h2>"After retiring from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, I moved to the Town of Torrey in 2016. I am currently vice chairman of the town Planning Board and chairman of the town Water Committee.&nbsp;"<h2>Teresa Hoban, Milo Town Council</h2>Teresa Hoban grew up in Penn Yan and graduated from Penn Yan Academy. She attended SUNY Farmingdale and the University of Georgia, earning degrees in agricultural business and agricultural economics, respectively. Hoban worked in the poultry industry for Perdue, and during her time there, she obtained her MBA before deciding to attend Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. She is still a practicing chiropractor with an office in Downtown Penn Yan and also owns Hoban's Spirits. Hoban serves as the chair of the Downtown Business Council, which organizes events like the Wing Walk, Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, and, most recently, Cruisin' Night. She is also a Trustee of the Village of Penn Yan.&nbsp;

<h2>Klaas Martens, Yates County Legislature, District 2</h2>"I’m a life long farmer and resident of Yates county.&nbsp; I have served on the Yates county Soil and Water District BOD for 30 years.&nbsp; I work with Cornell University on organic farming and soil health research.&nbsp; I advise at the Cornell Engineering School on solar and agrivoltaic work.&nbsp; I’m on the BOD of the American Farmland Trust.&nbsp; I’m a former board member of the Farm Foundation and the Organic Farming Research Foundation.&nbsp; I served as an advisor to the Rodale Institute and am a frequent speaker at conferences nationally and internationally. "<h2>Peter Martini, Torrey Town Supervisor</h2>Peter Martini is a grape grower for his family’s vineyards and winery and has lived in Torrey for most of his life. He serves on the Torrey Town Board and currently holds the position of Supervisor. Peter believes that these roles are important ways to give back to the community he calls home.&nbsp;

<h2>Bylaws Title Goes here</h2>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<h3>Section 1</h3>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<h4>Sub-section A</h4>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

We will be in touch soon

textarea

We want to hear from you!

Meet the Candidates

How and where to register and vote

State Candidates - NY Supreme Court

YCDC Committee Leadership

Our Party

Meet the Candidates

YCDC Executive Committee

Richard Stewart Co-Chair <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:joe@localparty.org">yatesdems@gmail.com </a>|

Val Brechko, Co-Chair

Dixon Zorovich, Vice Chair/NYDC Representative

Jan Barrett, Secretary

Executive Committee

Susan Wolff, Treasurer

Kathy McGrath, Deputy Treasurer

Gail Pollard, Member-at-Large

Josh Prisco, Member-at-Large

Mark Warden, NYDC Representative

Lists

Bylaws

Twitter

Meet your fellow Democrats, neighbors, and others, and help build our community of informed, empowered voters needed to defend our democracy.NO RSVP IS NECESSARY!

Campaign and Community Events

Events

About Us ...

<h5>Photo credits</h5>Some photos © Copyright 1997-2023 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://andyarthur.org/">Andy</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://andyarthur.org/">Arthur.org</a>, please share using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/">Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.</a>

Red Box

<h2>Judicial Elections are Critical!</h2>Judicial elections are some of the most important votes you can cast, however we do not have any vacancies this year.The Seventh Judicial District of New York encompasses a region that includes several counties, primarily serving as a vital part of the New York State court system. This district includes the counties of Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates, Livingston, and Cayuga. It is responsible for the administration of justice across various legal matters, including criminal, civil, family, and surrogate court cases.The district's courts are designed to ensure that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and efficiently. Each county within the Seventh Judicial District has its own court facilities, where judges preside over cases and administer justice in accordance with state laws. In addition to trial courts, the Seventh Judicial District also features appellate courts (the Fourth Department Appellate Division), allowing for the review of decisions made in lower courts.Judges within the Seventh Judicial District are tasked with upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals involved in court proceedings. The district is equipped with resources and support services aimed at aiding both litigants and legal professionals in navigating the complexities of the judicial system. This district plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the legal process in New York State.

<h2>Josh Cavinee, Middlesex Town Council</h2>Josh is a Mechanical Engineer with Garlock Sealing Technologies, B. S. Aerospace&nbsp;Engineering from Ohio State University. He is also currently revitalizing a 40-acre horse farm to raise Tennessee Walkers in Middlesex. "I am running for town board to provide practical problem solving and attention to detail in service of the community where I will spend the rest of&nbsp;my life."

From the Yates County Election Calendar, 2026

Election Timeline

Voter Registration

NY Primary Election

General Early Voting

Election Day Nov 3!

Recent Changes to Election Law<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.yatescounty.org/300/Board-of-Elections">https://www.yatescounty.org/300/Board-of-Elections</a>.

Find your Registration Status, Change your Registration, etc.

Timeline

Click this text to edit, or click this block to show more options on the sidebar.

Get Involved with the Local Democratic Party!

<h3>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h3>

Landing Popup

Contact Us

Stay Informed!

Run for office

Make a difference this election. Our committee meets every month, holds forums and events, writes postcards, and maintain websites and our Facebook page.You can help a little or a lot. It all matters. Lend some of your professional expertise (legal, marketing, event planning, etc…), help at an event, or from home on your own schedule. Reach out, let us know how you want to help and we will go from there. And thanks in advance for your time.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/d1a53ec8-199d-46b0-a174-f6779c9b8af7/d347ba00-4b2f-416a-8acf-1f9aeed41eba/d347ba00-4b2f-416a-8acf-1f9aeed41eba.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1512%2C2016&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="37.5" variant="framed">

Local Candidates 

Contact

Register & Vote

Elected Officials

Platform

About

YCDC Leadership

Elections 2026

State Candidates

Run for Office

Join Your Local Committee

Volunteer

Election Timeline

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Debate Watch Party

Join your friends from the YCDC for a rousing night of issues, zingers, flubs, and crosstalk. It's the first (only?) presidential debate of the 2024 cycle between VP Kamala Harris and convicted felon Donald Trump.&nbsp; Bring your own wine, soft drinks, snacks and camaraderie to share. Of course, this event will be canceled if Trump chickens out.

Meet Democratic candiadtes for the NY-24 Congressional Primary

Candidate Meet & Greet

Meet Democratic candidates for the NY-24 Congressional PrimaryAlissa Ellman and Diana Kastenbaum

YCDC Coffee Hour: All About the Penn Yan Community Garden

Guest Cheryl Flynn will share the exciting new happenings at the nearby Penn Yan Community Garden, and how anyone can get involved.&nbsp; Then we’ll move the party to the garden itself, where Cheryl will provide a hands-on tour! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about a significant community resource.

YCDC Key Issues Series: Protecting Seneca Lake's Water Quality

Bill Roege, president of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, and will explore Seneca Lake and the organizations that address water quality issues for the benefit of the entire community and region.&nbsp;Learn more about the lake and larger watershed, the agencies and organizations protecting them, and how citizens can get involved in this effort.

Brown Bag Lunch Conversation: Stop the Coup 2025

Join us for a chat about the news of the day, exploring whatever current headlines have us buzzing. Bring a lunch and a curious mind for these engaging and respectful talks. This month we continue exploring the Right's frightening post-election plans by familiarizing ourselves with Project 2025. Join us to learn more about this insidious threat.

On Feb. 11, the U.S. House passed <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7296" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>, also known as the SAVE America Act. The bill would require voter registration applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and impose strict photo identification rules to vote in federal elections. Similar bills with proof of citizenship requirements passed out of the House in 2024 and 2025 but stalled in the Senate. The 2026 version is largely similar but adds requirements related to voting in person and by mail.Verifying citizenship for voters is the most significant trend in state elections legislation NCSL <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/2025-election-enactments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tracked in 2025</a>, and that trend is likely to continue in 2026. <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/legislative-approaches-to-ensuring-only-citizens-vote" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bills have been introduced</a> offering a wide variety of approaches to ensuring only eligible U.S. citizens can vote; some ask the voter to take action, while others give state election officials tools to check citizenship status. <a href="https://custom.statenet.com/public/resources.cgi?id=ID:bill:NH2023000H1569&amp;ciq=ncsl15&amp;client_md=7b6e38d338f51702c27a0c136f10f29f&amp;mode=current_text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Hampshire</a> and <a href="https://custom.statenet.com/public/resources.cgi?id=ID:bill:LA2024000S436&amp;ciq=ncsl15&amp;client_md=3abd33356655a131a26524b2559987ea&amp;mode=current_text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Louisiana</a> both passed bills in 2024 requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register, and <a href="https://custom.statenet.com/public/resources.cgi?id=ID:bill:WY2025000H156&amp;ciq=urn:user:PA195824351&amp;client_md=2c24798b590b0930046b0a2edb913724&amp;mode=current_text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wyoming</a> did so in 2025. State versions of documentary proof may materially differ from the SAVE America Act. These states have not yet administered a federal election under the new requirements, though they have held lower-turnout elections.

Congress and many state legislatures are focusing on the same thing: ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote.On Feb. 11, the U.S. House passed <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7296" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>, also known as the SAVE America Act. The bill would require voter registration applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and impose strict photo identification rules to vote in federal elections. Similar bills with proof of citizenship requirements passed out of the House in 2024 and 2025 but stalled in the Senate. The 2026 version is largely similar but adds requirements related to voting in person and by mail.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Voting Rights

Brown Bag Lunch Session: Beginner Zumba!

invites you to participate in regular, casual conversations about the news of the day.&nbsp; Bring a lunch and a curious mind for these engaging talks!&nbsp; This month, we have a special treat: Ellen Hegarty will lead us through a beginner Zumba routine.&nbsp; Join us and learn how to incorporate this practice into your regular routine.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-6) reintroduced bicameral legislation to modernize America’s voter registration system and protect voting rights. The Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) would expand voter registration and voting access by requiring states to make online voter registration available, establish automatic voter registration systems, permit same-day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from citizens under the age of 18.

Gillibrand, Clyburn Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Voting Rights

<h3>AS GAS PRICES SURGE IN ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES, SCHUMER DEMANDS AN END TO TRUMP’S RECKLESS IRAN WAR, ANNOUNCES HE WILL FORCE WEEKLY VOTES TO END WAR, AND CALLS ON NY HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO STAND UP FOR FAMILIES PAYING THE PRICE FOR TRUMP’S WAR</h3>As Gas Skyrockets Over $4, And American Troops Remain In Harm’s Way, NY House Republicans Refuse To Check Trump’s Reckless War of Choice – Schumer, Standing With Local Vets And Families Struggling From Gas Prices, Says Enough Is Enough And Vows To Force Votes Every Week To End The WarNew Report Shows American Families Have Paid $16 Billion More For Gas Since Trump Started War In Iran, Including $517+ Million In NY AloneSchumer: Iran War Has Cost NYers Half A Billion At The Gas Pump – This Must StopOver 60 days into Trump’s reckless war with Iran, with no end in sight, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood outside a gas station with Rochester-Finger Lakes families, veterans, and farmers slammed by higher prices to say enough is enough and demand an end to Trump’s reckless and damaging war of choice. As the average price of gas surges to <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=NY">over $4</a> despite Trump’s promise to lower costs, Schumer vowed to force votes every single week to stop the war and called on NY House Republicans to stand up for NY families paying the price for Trump’s disastrous Iran war.“As Trump continues his reckless war of choice in Iran, families here in the Rochester-Finger Lakes are paying the price at the gas pump and beyond. Gas prices just reached new highs and families are seeing no relief in sight, but Trump and Congressional Republicans don’t seem to care about the pain American families are feeling at the pump,” said Senator Schumer. “With gas costing over $4 a gallon, inflation climbing, tariffs hammering consumers with higher prices, and mortgage rates going up, the American people cannot afford Trump’s disastrous war. Congress cannot simply sit on the sidelines while our brave servicemembers are risking their lives on the front lines and American taxpayers are shelling out tens of billions of dollars for an unnecessary foreign war. We will continue to force votes on our War Powers Resolution week after week after week to show the American people what side their representatives are on.”A new <a href="https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/e15e073f-8e06-40ee-8aba-47a0f77ab7ea/updated-jec-fact-sheet-on-state-by-state-gas-cost-increases.pdf">report</a> from the Joint Economic Committee found that families in every state spent millions more on gasoline over the past month. In the first two months of the war, New Yorkers paid $517,229,794 more for gasoline compared to prices before the war. Trump originally campaigned on the promise to get the price of gasoline <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/04/01/gas-prices-4-changing-life-usa/89401740007/">under $2 a gallon</a>; instead, he has chosen to enter the U.S. into a conflict that is dramatically spiking costs, causing the average gas price in New York state to rise to <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=NY">more than $4</a> a gallon. Meanwhile, across America, cost <a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-gas-federal-reserve-trump-bf00c3105d5da88a0b01d9107ed4ecee">inflation</a> is ticking back up, and <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/14/iran-war-housing-rebound-stalls-00870047">mortgage rates</a> are rising again.This is on top of the billions the war in Iran has already cost American taxpayers. In the first six days alone, the war cost American taxpayers <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/first-6-days-iran-war-cost-11-billion-pentagon-tells-senators-rcna263060">$11.3 billion</a>. The Pentagon estimates the war has cost <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/iran-war-cost-25-billion-dollars-us-munitions-hegseth-armed-services-rcna342714">$25 billion</a> so far. The Trump administration has also requested the <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5841366-defense-department-2027-budget-request-golden-dome-drones-troops/">largest increase in defense spending since World War II</a>, while gutting programs that American families rely on to care for their children, put food on the table, access healthcare, and more.Schumer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/976280281746421">says</a> American families are paying the price for a war they didn’t choose—while Republicans refuse to lift a finger to stop it. And on the front lines, American servicemembers are being asked to risk their lives without a clear objective, without transparency, and without the backing of Congress. Schumer said that is not strength or leadership, that’s a failure of responsibility.Schumer vowed he will force a vote every week on a War Powers Resolution to rein in Trump’s reckless military actions until the war ends. The senator said no president should take the country to war alone, and Congressional Republicans need to stand up to Trump and reassert Congress’s authority on matters of war.Schumer continued, “No president should ever take this country to war alone. Republicans know Trump’s handling of this war has been a disaster. They see how much the American people are hurting right now. NY House Republicans need to do their jobs, stand up to Trump and stand up for their constituents who are paying the price for his war.”According to the report, families across the country are spending 37% more at the pump than they did since February 28, an increase by 2% in the past month, with the average price to fill up one tank reaching $146.74 for the top-selling pickup truck, $59.10 for the top-selling SUV, and $52.99 for the top-selling sedan. Overall, families across America are paying $16 billion more for gasoline compared to prices before Trump’s war on Iran.Charles Hippert, Air Force Veteran from Ontario County, said, “Veterans like me took an oath of office to serve and defend the Constitution, which rests the powers to make war with Congress – the branch of government closest to the American people – because nothing is more serious than sending Americans into war. That seriousness demands careful thought and planning, otherwise lives are placed at unnecessary risk on the battlefield, and Americans at home are left to deal with the financial toll of war, including at the gas pump. I appreciate Senator Schumer’s efforts today on behalf of our troops and our community here at home.”Amanda Krenning, New York Farm Bureau Manager of County Farm Bureau Relations and Development said, “The higher fuel costs are creating a ripple effect across the farming community. It’s costing more to gas up equipment to run local farms and dairies, and it’s driving up the cost of fertilizer and thus the cost to produce our food and dairy. It’s also creating a lot of future uncertainty and volatility that makes it difficult to absorb the unexpected spike in fuel costs that’s now hitting right at the start of the growing season. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support to help address this uncertainty.”Local resident Rachel Brill said, “I have been negatively impacted by the increase in gas prices. I live in Rochester so I can be close to my family and commute 23 miles one way, 46 round trip, each day to work in Canandaigua. I have to fill up my tank every week, and the price has gone up over $10 per tank - now more, after this last 40¢ jump. Over the course of the month, this is more than $40 - previously another week's worth of gas. Along with the increased home heating prices, and grocery prices, I am less financially stable than I expected when I took this, my first professional job in my field, which requires a Master's degree.”

If you want to link an external news source, open up the accordion for this item on the sidebar and switch the Post Publishing Setting to “Custom Link”.

As Gas Prices Surge in Rochester-Finger Lakes, Schumer Demands an End

Democratic immigration reform proposals in 2025-2026 focus on balancing border security with expanding legal pathways, including increasing employment-based visas, protecting "Dreamers" with paths to citizenship, and enhancing technology for processing. Key goals include reforming <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djobjtuq2Z4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ICE operations</a>, addressing root causes of migration, and creating "startup visas" for entrepreneurs.

Immigration Reform

Yates County Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting

The Yates County Democratic Committee invites everyone interested in politics and civic engagement to join us for our monthly business meeting.&nbsp; The official meeting starts at 5:15; all are welcome to arrive early (5:00 p.m.) or stay late for social time.&nbsp; You may also join online via Zoom by accessing the link via Linktree here:<a href="https://linktr.ee/y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://linktr.ee/y</a>

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act, bipartisan legislation to prohibit convicted sex criminals from collecting federal pensions.Under current law, federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including against children, remain eligible to collect their pensions, even from a jail cell. The senators introduced this legislation to ensure that hard-earned taxpayer dollars are not spent supporting convicted sex criminals who betrayed the trust of the people they served.&nbsp;“It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The bipartisan No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act ensures that no hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent supporting criminal sex offenders. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill that will provide much-needed accountability.”Senators Gillibrand and Ernst previously worked together on the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act to create a more professional and transparent military justice system for serious crimes, including rape and sexual assault.Additionally, Senator Gillibrand successfully passed her bipartisan <a href="https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-graham-celebrate-senate-passage-of-landmark-bill-to-void-and-prevent-forced-arbitration-agreements-for-sexual-harassment-and-sexual-assault/">Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act</a> in 2022. This crucial legislation prevents perpetrators from being able to push survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault into the secretive, biased process of forced arbitration. Senator Gillibrand also leads the bipartisan <a href="https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senators-gillibrand-and-blackburn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-remove-the-tax-penalty-on-settlements-awards-and-judgments-paid-to-survivors-of-sexual-assault-and-sexual-harassment/">Tax Fairness for Survivors Act</a>, which would remove the federal tax penalty on settlements, awards, and judgments paid to survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Senators Gillibrand And Ernst Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Eliminate Federal Pensions For Sex Offenders

Senators Gillibrand And Ernst Introduce Bipartisan Bill 

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has b

Schumer Says Reassigning 9/11 Health Program Staff To ICE Is A Disgrace And Betrayal Of First Responders Who Put Their Lives On The Line Schumer Calls On Trump And Secretary Kennedy To Immediately Return All Reassigned Staff To The World Trade Center Health Program Schumer: 9/11 Survivors Are Dying Of Cancer And Fighting To Breathe — Stripping Their Care To Staff ICE Is Callous, Senseless, And Cruel NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today called on President Trump and HHS Secretary...

SCHUMER SOUNDS ALARM: AS TRUMP STRIPS STAFF FROM 9/11 HEALTH PROGRAM AND REASSIGNS THEM TO ICE...

Trivia Night: Pop Culture Politics

It’s back by popular demand: YCDC’s political trivia night!&nbsp; This time we’re tackling the intersection of politics and pop culture.&nbsp;If the reality of election season is getting you down, recharge with this trip through the political surreality of your favorite fictional universes, from the MCU to the future of Star Trek and beyond.&nbsp;

Monthly Game Day!

What’s the answer to building bridges in divided times?&nbsp; Learning to play together!&nbsp; All are invited to stop in to explore a variety of games we’ll have on hand, or to bring some of your own to share.&nbsp; Board games, card games, party games, role-playing games - we’re open to all.&nbsp; Stop in for a quick round, or spend the afternoon deep in strategy.&nbsp;