New York State Senator Pete Harckham hosted a “Coffee and Conversation” gathering on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Mahopac Public Library, where more than 50 residents participated to ask questions and share ideas on a wide range of local and statewide issues.
“These types of events are vital because they give residents the chance to speak with us directly about the issues affecting our community,” said Harckham. “I share the anger many community members feel over rising utility rates, and this conversation showed our shared commitment to finding solutions. As the cost of living continues to rise, elected leaders have a greater responsibility than ever to meet people where they are, listen carefully and respond with urgency.”
A major topic of discussion was the proposed rate hikes by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). The utility has requested approval from the New York State Public Service Commission to increase electric rates and delivery charges by approximately 35%, and natural gas delivery rates by nearly 39.4%—far exceeding the low single-digit inflation rates seen over the past year.
Harckham, who has publicly denounced the proposed increases, encouraged residents to submit comments to the Public Service Commission opposing the hikes. He pointed to the Commission’s recent decision to reduce a proposed rate increase from ConEdison by 85% following significant public outcry from elected officials and more than 18,000 comments from residents.
Attendees also raised concerns about the growth of data centers, driven by the AI boom, and their substantial energy demands. Harckham noted that proposed state legislation would require large-scale data centers to shoulder their own energy costs, rather than shifting the financial burden onto ratepayers.
The conversation also addressed the projected impacts of the enacted federal budget on New York State. The state is expected to lose an estimated $13.5 billion annually in healthcare funding due to Medicaid cuts, potentially leaving 1.5 million New Yorkers uninsured and which will more than double the current uninsured rate. These funding reductions could also lead to hospital closures and the loss of approximately 63,000 healthcare jobs statewide.
Harckham emphasized his ongoing efforts in state government to protect the health and economic stability of New Yorkers, including initiatives to increase funding for water infrastructure and expand energy efficiency programs. Participants also discussed the rising cost of living, mental health resources, substance use disorder treatment, and concerns about the activity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in local communities .
The event began with Harckham sharing insights into the 2026 Legislative Session of the New York State Senate, where he serves as Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, as well as updates on the Executive FY2026–2027 Proposed State Budget. He highlighted his work to secure increased school aid for the Mahopac Central School District and the Carmel Central School District, which have seen funding increases of $7.65 million (23%) and $13.21 million (32.6%) respectively since he took office in 2019.
Since entering office in 2019, Harckham has hosted monthly “Coffee and Conversation” events to stay connected with constituents and ensure their voices are heard.
