For years as an Assemblyman, and now a State Senator, Sean has worked hard to ensure Upstate New York receives ample state resources to invest in our environment, attract more businesses, improve our education system, and create more local jobs.
To support innovation, Sean has championed the 43 North business competition, which has brought new ideas and business investment to Western New York. Young people are moving back to the region and looking for these types of jobs, and Sean knows we have to continue to support start-up companies.
During his time in office, Sean has worked hard to secure a variety of major investments that support local and state interests:
- Secured nearly $1.5 billion to expand broadband coverage across New York
- Helped pass billions of dollars in state investment to focus on infrastructure upgrades that promote economic development and create good-paying jobs
- Fought for a community benefits agreement as part of a stadium deal that will create 10,000 union jobs and secure the Buffalo Bills’ presence in Western New York for the next 30 years
- Reversed proposed library budget cuts and secured extra funding for New York’s public libraries
- Earned record funding for New York’s refugee resettlement agencies
- Passed a budget that invested $40 million to fund arts and cultural institutions in Upstate New York
In the State Senate, Sean will continue to work every day to:
- Invest in workforce development to expand job opportunities for all New Yorkers
- Support entrepreneurs and the innovation economy
- Expand broadband to every community to ensure all New Yorkers have access to affordable high-speed internet
- Focus on renewable energy solutions, protect our environment, and tackle the legacy of contamination
A Champion for Education
Sean is a tireless advocate for students, teachers, and education in New York State. He works every day to make sure New York is investing in education and our children's future. Every child in Western New York deserves to benefit from a great education, no matter what zip code they live in.
That’s why Sean fought for – and secured – billions more in education aid to help school districts hire more teachers, lower class sizes, and make investments in arts, music, and sports. Sean also fought for significant funding for statewide universal pre-K, because starting the learning process early helps children develop critical skills and prepares them for success.
Sean has also made college affordability one of his top education priorities. He has fought for free college tuition for New York families and increased TAP funding and eligibility, and has secured millions of dollars of investment for community colleges. Sean also knows that not every student wants to attend a four-year college, and he successfully pushed the State Board of Regents to create a Career and Technical Diploma for high school students who want to choose an alternative educational pathway.
In the State Senate, Sean will continue to work every day to:
- Protect public education
- Invest in 21st century schools, classrooms, and universal pre-K to ensure our students have the best education system
- Champion apprenticeship programs to expand job opportunities
- Strengthen student aid programs to relieve the burden of student debt