The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY, February 23, Michael Cashman News Release  – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman is marking his first 100 days in office by putting the needs of the North Country front and center. From town halls to district tours and work on the Assembly floor, Cashman has focused on showing up, listening, and delivering practical results for families, businesses, and communities recognizing that meaningful change often requires persistence and collaboration.“Real change takes persistence, coalition-building, and navigating the legislative process,” Cashman said. “From day one, my focus has been clear: affordability that works for you, being serious about safety, and protecting our future. These first 100 days have been about listening, engaging, and delivering practical solutions to real problems.”

Listening and Constituent Engagement

Cashman’s early efforts have emphasized connecting directly with residents to understand their priorities. Over the first three months, he has:

• Held five town halls to hear directly from constituents he serves.
• Participated in 273 stakeholder meetings, community events, and site visits.
• Assisted hundreds of constituents through direct casework.
• Launched the 2026 Constituent Survey, which has already generated hundreds of responses.

Beyond meeting with residents, Cashman has been active in the Assembly, serving on seven committees: Aging; Agriculture; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Veterans’ Affairs; and as Chair of the New York–Canada Taskforce. In that leadership role, he convened the Taskforce’s first meeting with the Canadian Consulate General to strengthen cross-border cooperation, an effort critical to the region’s economy.

Legislative Action for the North Country

Building on these discussions with residents and stakeholders, Cashman has introduced 53 bills as the prime sponsor, addressing a wide spectrum of North Country priorities:

• Middle-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to stabilize household energy costs.
• Jamie Rose Care Provider Act to protect nursing home residents from abuse.
• Funding to support law enforcement and firefighters with hiring, equipment, and essential resources.
• Rural Housing Workforce Corps to expand housing supply and workforce capacity.
• Returning Veterans Tax Credit to honor those who have served our nation.

“My portfolio of Bills represent to work support small businesses, agriculture, tourism, veterans, and community development touching every corner of our district,” Cashman said. “They reflect the real needs of our families and communities and ensure that our local priorities are heard in Albany.” Among his early successes, Cashman achieved unanimous passage of A.9513, which gives local health officials timely access to critical health information to prevent injury, disease, and toxic exposure a concrete example of proactive, prevention-focused governance.

Tackling Energy Affordability

Energy affordability continues to be a pressing concern for families and businesses across the district. To address this challenge, Cashman introduced A.09426, a bipartisan measure designed to improve fairness, transparency, and accountability in utility pricing.

The legislation would:

• Cap annual electric rate increases at 2.5%.
• Pause major rate hikes for 180 days pending independent audits.
• Require clear, itemized utility bills with no hidden fees.
• Establish a Utility Accountability and Audit Unit with enforcement powers.
• Create a Community Affordability Protection Program for households under 80% of county median income.
• Prohibit ratepayers from funding executive bonuses or incentives.

“Legislation alone isn’t enough,” Cashman said. “That’s why I’m working across party lines and calling on the Governor to take immediate action. This isn’t partisan it’s about families struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes safe. Every New Yorker deserves clarity, fairness, and accountability from their utilities.”

Looking Ahead

As Cashman reflects on his first 100 days, feedback from town halls continues to shape his agenda. “The message from our town halls from seniors to business owners to working families is clear: New York must stabilize electric costs, protect families, and build a stronger, safer future,” he said. “That’s what drives my work, and that’s what I’ll continue to fight for every day. The North Country deserves a government that listens, acts, and delivers for its residents, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.