Mike Benedetto
DemocraticQ1 Data centers are a controversial part of America’s growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation and potential job creation, but raising issues of resource use and utility costs. New York now has a moratorium on data center construction. At the same time, state tax law grants tax exemptions to equipment and services used by data centers, which some proposed legislation would repeal. What do you see as the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in New York, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
I believe the data center moratorium struck the right balance and I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the legislature next session to find the right balance so we can establish guardrails on this emerging industry going into the future.
Q2 New York currently generates about 47% of its energy from low carbon sources including nuclear, hydropower, and wind and solar, with the remainder coming from combustion sources (natural gas, oil, biofuel, and solid waste). While New York committed to shifting to low-carbon energy sources and emissions reductions in passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Governor Hochul recently moved to delay implementation of several components of the state’s climate law to December 31, 2028. As concerns about energy costs, reliability, and emissions grow, what energy sources would you prioritize, under what timeline, and what evidence would guide that decision?
I represent a coastal district and recognize the need to decarbonize our State. I also represent Co-op City, the largest residential housing complex in America that’s also supportive housing under the Mitchell Lama program. The development has a natural gas power plant that will need special attention during this transition. I am committed to finding support and services that can help us go green without shifting that cost to moderate income earnings and those living in a natural occurring retirement community.
Q3 Young adults say that social media is their top source of science information, but acknowledge that it is less trustworthy compared to other sources. In addition, the widespread usage of social media and other sources of scientific information has resulted in the spread of misinformation that has spurred public education policies to curb it, such as a NYC vaccine misinformation legislation. What role should public education play in combatting misinformation and disseminating trustworthy, up to date scientific information to students and their families?
We need to teach digital literacy and how to find reputable sources of news. As education chair, I’m committed to developing a curriculum so we can give young people the tools they need to be savvy consumers of news and information in this digital age.
Q4 Pesticides are widely used in food production to help manage pests and support crop yields, but ongoing debates over their safety have raised questions about their long-term use and led to proposals to restrict certain pesticides. What data and evidence will you use to weigh the role of these products in food security against safety concerns when shaping policy on their use in New York agriculture?
The use of pesticides should be heavily regulated to prevent adverse impacts on public health. My door is always open to health advocates and constituents to discuss these matters and potential legislation and consequences.
Q5 New York has the second largest international student population of any U.S. state, the majority of which study in STEM fields. The federal government is pursuing largescale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should New York respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers, and the resulting projected changes in the scientific workforce supply?
The best way to preserve these important programs is for political power to shift on November 3rd so we can restore checks and balances in government.
Q6 Extreme weather events are increasingly impacting farmland and food supplies across NY, including up to 30 million dollars in damages to farmer livelihoods. This has prompted the USDA to designate 30 counties in New York as Natural Disaster Areas. What policies, if any, would you support to help farmers adapt to and prepare for increasingly erratic weather?
I’m open to suggestions.
Q7 Law enforcement agencies across New York have contracted with Flock to install Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras as a public safety tool. The technology is receiving pushback over concerns over privacy and data sharing, resulting in city councilors in Syracuse voting to remove Flock cameras. What are your views on accessibility and utilization of ALPR data by local and federal law enforcement, and what legislation, if any, would you propose governing how ALPR data is collected, stored, shared and retained?
I’ve supported ARGIS and Sanitations cameras in my district, which are different but allow the police and authorities to monitor potential problem sites. What’s needed here is tighter regulations on these cameras, how they’re used, and what is done with the private data of law abiding citizens so they’re protected from any potential misuse.
Q8 Smoke from Canadian wildfires in recent summers has pushed New York air quality to unhealthy levels. The long-term consequences, if any, of these wildfires are unknown: Short-term data show a rise in asthma-related emergency department visits during smoke events, though some studies suggest the increase is comparable to that seen on high-pollen days. With extreme wildfire seasons projected to become more frequent as global temperatures rise, what measures, if any, do you think New York should invest in to prepare for future smoke events?
The Bronx has chronically suffered from asthma related illnesses for decades. I’m willing to work with my colleagues and health professions (I have one hospital in my district, and another immediately adjoining it) to both address the source of the problem and the response from a public health perspective.
Q9 New York is the second largest recipient of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Proposed federal budgets would significantly reduce NIH funds going to New York hospitals, universities, and research institutions. Where do you stand on the proposed changes to NIH funding levels, and what steps, if any, would you take to address their potential effect on New York’s research sector?
This is a federal issue and is best addressed to those running for federal office. At the state level, we may need to increase budgets so we can fill any gaps in funding that could affect our research and development industries.