Dutchess County Legislature

09/02/2026

For Immediate Release: Upcoming ‘Affordability Fair’ organized by Dutchess County Legislator, Eric Alexander

Poughkeepsie, New York - (September 2, 2026) Following an announcement shared on his social media channels, Dutchess County Legislator Eric Alexander (D-District 25) is releasing details about his upcoming Affordability Fair at the Amenia Town Hall on September 17, 2026. At the Affordability Fair, supported by many local elected officials including Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature, Yvette Valdés Smith, “local residents can sign up for free home delivery of hot meals, get help reducing their utility bills and ensuring their home are properly insulated, and countless other free services/programs offered by county and state governments,” said Legislator Alexander.

Full text of the press release (English & Español) is in the comments below.

09/01/2026

For Immediate Release: Public Safety Chair / Legislator Eric Alexander to Host Public Flock Forum with DA Parisi and Sheriff Imperati

Poughkeepsie, New York - (August 26, 2026) Dutchess County Legislator and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Eric Alexander (D-25), announced a public forum on Flock technology with District Attorney Anthony Parisi and Sheriff Kirk Imperati at the Pleasant Valley Town Hall on Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:00PM.

“This event will allow our Sheriff and District Attorney to continue their efforts to inform our communities about their use of Flock technology and will provide our residents with a forum to ask questions and express concerns,” said Legislator Alexander. “We share the goal of providing transparency and engaging proactively with our communities.”

Full text of the press release (English & Español) is in the comments below.

08/31/2026

Reminder for all DUTCHESS COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Sign up for your free LAP Training! See the flyer and QR code for more information.

For Dutchess County Elected Officials - Sign up for LAP Assessment Training and learn how it's being used to support DV victims and survivors: https://forms.gle/R3RCPvGWKpVbKD8h7

08/27/2026

For Dutchess County Elected Officials - Sign up for LAP Assessment Training and learn how it's being used to support DV victims and survivors: https://forms.gle/R3RCPvGWKpVbKD8h7

08/11/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess Legislature Bans Dangerous “Gas Station” Kratom Concentrates - While Protecting Adults’ Access to Natural Leaf

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - (August 10, 2026) The Dutchess County Legislature voted unanimously this evening at their Legislative Board meeting to ban the sale and distribution of concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, the potent, lab-enhanced kratom derivatives increasingly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, often in candy-like packaging. The measure targets the dangerous concentrates and lab-made analogs while preserving the right of adults to access natural kratom leaf for its traditional uses. The ban will go into effect once it’s signed by the County Executive and filed with the Secretary of State.

Full text of the press release (English & Español) is in the comments below.

08/11/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislature Increases Pay for Preschool Special Ed Providers

Poughkeepsie, New York - (August 10, 2026) At their Legislative board meeting this evening the Dutchess County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution increasing the reimbursement rate for providers of Preschool Special Education (PSE) Related Services by $20 per service. A total of 1,497 children are currently enrolled in PSE in Dutchess County, and there are still approximately 246 additional service placements needed, due to the shortage of qualified providers. The resolution passed unanimously with the new compensation rate going into effect retroactive to July 1, 2026. Since its introduction by Legislator Emma Arnoff, a host of school superintendents from local districts and representatives from BOCES and the Childcare Council have joined an outpouring of Dutchess residents supporting the resolution.

Full text of the press release (English & Español) is in the comments below.

08/10/2026

Monday, August 10
Legislative Board Meeting, 6:30 pm
22 Market Street, 6th floor
Open to the public
Agenda: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Calendar-Page.htm
Livestream: https://totalwebcasting.com/view/?id=dutchess

08/07/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislative Committee Votes to Increase Pay for Preschool Special Ed Providers

Poughkeepsie, New York - (August 6, 2026) At the Family and Human Services Committee meeting tonight, the Dutchess County Legislature passed a resolution increasing the reimbursement rate for providers of Preschool Special Education (PSE) Related Services by $20 per service. A total of 1,497 children are currently enrolled in PSE in Dutchess County, and there are still approximately 246 additional service placements needed, due to the shortage of qualified providers. The resolution passed out of committee unanimously.

Full text of the press release (English & Spanish) is in the comments below.

08/07/2026

For Immediate Release: Dutchess County Legislature Moves to Ban Dangerous “Gas Station” Kratom Concentrates - While Protecting Adults’ Access to Natural Leaf

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Dutchess County Legislature has put forward a local law to ban the sale and distribution of concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, the potent, lab-enhanced kratom derivatives increasingly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, often in candy-like packaging. The measure targets the dangerous concentrates and lab-made analogs while preserving the right of adults to access natural kratom leaf for its traditional uses.

Full text of the press release (English & Spanish) is in the comments below.

08/03/2026

Thursday, August 6
Legislative Committee Meeting, 5:30 pm
22 Market Street, 6th floor
Open to the public
Agenda: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Calendar-Page.htm
Livestream: https://totalwebcasting.com/view/?id=dutchess