State Senator Timothy Kennedy
State Senator Timothy M. Kennedy provided insight on New York State Senate efforts that have positively impacted the Western New York community in the latest Daemen College Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series event.
Starting the lecture by sharing his path to elected office, Kennedy discussed his career as an occupational therapist, a professional experience that gave him the opportunity to help geriatric and pediatric populations and was his “inspiration to get involved in government so that I may help even more people in our local community.”
Looking at some of the top priorities in Western New York, he pointed to education as the equalizer for current and future generations to gain long-term financial stability and professional success.
Senator Kennedy and Daemen President Gary Olson
“Higher education institutions like Daemen are investing in our future through innovative programs and providing educational experiences that lead to great careers,” said Kennedy. “We have many wonderful job opportunities in Western New York and it is up to us to cultivate among local college graduates that our community has much to offer professionally and is a wonderful area to raise a family.”
A number of the job opportunities that are available locally are the result of tremendous economic development and a resurgence that the Buffalo Niagara region has experienced over the past decade, noted Kennedy. He discussed connecting area residents with job opportunities, establishment of a new training center, and other efforts that will further boost the local workforce.
In other areas, Kennedy addressed legislation designed to protect and fulfill the needs of many in the community, including Jay J’s Law that he spearheaded to stiffen penalties on repeat child abusers, and New York State’s Paid Family Leave, which is one of the strongest and most comprehensive policies of its kind in the nation.