Kassay Lists Local Project Totals

State Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) is seeking re-election on a record that includes specific capital projects and state funding allocations. She spoke with TBR News Media on October 30, days before the November 3 general election, to outline her first-term achievements and upcoming legislative goals.

Kassay pointed to $6.5 million in state money secured for the Stony Brook Mill Pond Dam and Harbor Road. That figure includes $2.2 million allocated for a playground and sports courts at Coram Elementary School. An additional $800,000 went toward accessibility upgrades at the Coram Fire Department. She also noted funding directed to local fire departments, schools, and community groups, alongside legislation that permanently preserves the Port Jefferson Station-Setauket Greenway.

The candidate, a former Port Jefferson village trustee and environmental scientist, said affordability is the top concern raised by constituents. She highlighted rising utility bills as a primary driver of household financial stress. Kassay said she works to expand eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship by raising the household income cap from $125,000 to $150,000. She also supports state programs that help homeowners improve energy efficiency to lower heating costs.

On transportation and energy, Kassay said she supports exploring registration rules for faster electric bikes. She cited concerns about the Long Island aquifer as a reason to oppose large-scale data centers in the region. She argued that such facilities place undue strain on local water and electricity resources. Her agenda also includes improving waste management, updating safety rules for children using AI chatbots, and expanding the reuse of treated wastewater to irrigate golf courses.

Kassay described her role in Albany as a direct extension of local needs. “My biggest responsibility is being in that room and speaking up for Suffolk County,” she said. She contrasted her background as a small-business owner with traditional political careers. “I ran my first time because I thought there were too many politicians in politics,” she said. “I still think there are too many politicians in politics, and so I’m very proud to be a public servant in government for the people.”

Challenger Will Sussman (R) did not participate in the interview session.