Kent Lakes, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham hosted a “Coffee and Conversation” gathering on Saturday, Apr. 18, at Kent Town Hall, where participants asked questions and shared ideas and opinions on a wide range of subjects.

“Our residents have concerns about many different issues that they want to be able to share, face to face, with their elected officials,” Harckham said. “These coffee and conversations also give me an opportunity to speak about the work we’re doing, both in Albany and here in our local communities. A big thank you to Kent Supervisor Jaime McGlasson for allowing us to host this event here, and also to Kent Police Chief Kevin Owens and the Kent Town Board for their collaboration.”

Some of the topics that participants mentioned at the coffee and conversation gathering included Pre-K expansion and recruiting enough certified teachers for the program, the environmental impact of data centers, roadside garbage and proper disposal of U.S. flags. There was also discussion about the state’s Tier 6 pension reform, much-needed road repairs, more behavioral health staff in schools and cyclist safety on roadways.

Harckham started the event by talking about the 2026 legislative session in the State Senate, where he serves as Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, and some thoughts about the ongoing state budget negotiations. He highlighted his efforts to increase school funding for the Carmel School District, which has grown by $13.2 million since he took office in 2019.

Harckham provided updates on the state budget. He noted ongoing negotiations regarding the Governor’s proposed changes to insurance law. Harckham also highlighted a proposal to increase the state aid allocation $10,000 per student to expand Pre-K access outside of New York City.

Harckham noted that three separate road resurfacing projects totaling $12.3 million had been completed on Routes 52 and 311. Additionally, Kent received $628,350 in state funding last year for local road work.

Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has hosted monthly “Coffee and Conversation” events to stay connected with constituents and ensure their voices are heard.