Assemblymember John McDonald

Assemblymember John McDonald John T. McDonald III is a Member of the NYS Assembly representing the 108th Assembly District.

In this day and age, when we tend to focus on what we do not agree on nationally, it is nice to see that the world's spo...
06/11/2026

In this day and age, when we tend to focus on what we do not agree on nationally, it is nice to see that the world's sport of soccer is uniting communities throughout the world. Soccer has the lowest barrier to entry for individuals to participate, and it is great to see Rensselaer County and the State of New York come together to fund viewing opportunities for the next 38 days of the World Cup, with the viewing areas at William Chamberlin Waterfront Park and the Italian Community Center. And thanks to the City of Troy and the ICC for making these places available to the public.

Please check out the Kick It In Troy website for viewing times and come out and enjoy the city, the soccer, and Kicking it in Troy! For more info, go to https://www.downtowntroyny.org/kick-it

P.S. Worried about the heat? Bars and restaurants are air-conditioned, and the Legislature just passed a bill that allows those locations to be open until 4am throughout the World Cup. Please drink responsibly!

During the 2026 Legislative Session, I sponsored 97 bills and chaired the Assembly Governmental Operations Committee, a ...
06/10/2026

During the 2026 Legislative Session, I sponsored 97 bills and chaired the Assembly Governmental Operations Committee, a committee that had 744 bills introduced to it.

This was a busy legislative year and I am proud to have worked with our staff and my colleagues on many legislative issues.

Happy Pride! Today I joined Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero, Senator Patricia A. Fahy, Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyr...
06/09/2026

Happy Pride! Today I joined Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero, Senator Patricia A. Fahy, Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, along with representatives from Congressman Paul Tonko’s office, County Executive Daniel P. McCoy’s office and Empire State Development, to celebrate In Our Own Voices.

In Our Own Voices has been a lifeline for so many in our region, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. I was proud to secure $25,000 in state funding to help launch their new Troy satellite office, ensuring people have a welcoming space to access critical resources and know they are valued and supported.

It’s more important than ever that we stand with organizations like IOOV and reaffirm our commitment to safety, dignity, and inclusion for all.

Today, we recognized Staff Sergeant Charles Veltman at the Rensselaer County Deceased Honor-A-Vet Ceremony.Many thanks t...
06/08/2026

Today, we recognized Staff Sergeant Charles Veltman at the Rensselaer County Deceased Honor-A-Vet Ceremony.

Many thanks to Charles’ family for bringing to our attention yet another example of a member of our community who answered the call to serve our country during World War II, then returned home to raise a family and make lasting contributions to our community throughout his life.

He was a complete and well-rounded individual whose service, character, and dedication made a difference in the lives of many.

A wonderful evening last Saturday at the Albany Pro Musica Gala.This year’s honorary was Rex Smith, longtime editor of t...
06/07/2026

A wonderful evening last Saturday at the Albany Pro Musica Gala.

This year’s honorary was Rex Smith, longtime editor of the Times Union and a respected voice in the Capital Region whose contributions span journalism, civic engagement, and the arts. It was great to join so many community leaders and supporters for such a special event.

Community members are invited to attend an informative presentation and Q&A session on the growing concern of early-onse...
06/05/2026

Community members are invited to attend an informative presentation and Q&A session on the growing concern of early-onset colorectal cancer on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mercy Auditorium, located at 310 S. Manning Boulevard in Albany.

The presentation, titled “Early Onset Colorectal Cancer: Why It’s Happening and What Can Be Done About It,” will be led by Dr. Thomas Tritt, a specialist in Colon & Re**al Surgery. The event will provide attendees with valuable information about increasing colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and screening.

The program is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required. Free parking and light refreshments will be provided for attendees. Register here: https://trinity-health.formstack.com/forms/gensurgevents

Statement from Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh on the bill that passed both houses of the NYS Legislature chang...
06/05/2026

Statement from Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh on the bill that passed both houses of the NYS Legislature changing legal terms related to parentage

In 2021, a law came into effect to allow gestational surrogacy in NYS, which has prompted the need for legislation, A8382A (Paulin)/S9316 (Sepulveda), to clarify terms used in the Family Court Law. This bill addresses the reality that some people face fertility challenges and have to find other avenues to becoming parents, including surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF). This bill is not trying to erase mothers; on the contrary, it seeks to help more people become parents without fear of protracted legal battles if a situation arises with a person with whom they enter into a contract, which unfortunately does occur. It is disappointing to have to address this due to some who choose to distort a bill in bad faith when, in reality, this bill will have a pro-family impact.

Providing legal clarity in these situations avoids unnecessary legal battles for those who seek to become parents and are unable to do so on their own. This legislation was requested by the New York State Office of Court Administration to provide clarification. Kansas and Wisconsin are states that have tried to move similar bills forward to address this issue. I am happy to support people who are seeking to grow their families as they choose. Anyone who has gone through familial challenges or has been to family court when marriages or families fall apart knows all too well how important it is to have clarity in these situations. Please see below for a link to the bill, which passed through all committees with bipartisan support and also passed on the floor with bipartisan support.

https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video&bn=A08382&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y&fbclid=IwY2xjawSPqUlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGNURqQnAwWWduZzhkbTlKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjxi23SqLYrkhjSp4lXJJgKt832KQULRhtZ6n8DVyIc2EUuYth63rZm35SwW_aem_TbNu-gjWPJrbC3s06xuiuw

Since 2023, New York has delivered five consecutive years of Targeted Inflationary Increases (formerly COLA), helping pr...
06/04/2026

Since 2023, New York has delivered five consecutive years of Targeted Inflationary Increases (formerly COLA), helping providers manage rising costs, strengthen the workforce, and continue delivering essential care and services across our communities.

These investments show that we are making measured progress even during some of the most difficult financial times, while continuing to build toward a stronger future for our hard-working Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for our most vulnerable populations every day.

Address

Legislative Office Building Room 625
Albany, NY
12248

Telephone

+15184554474

Website

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