Author Archives: Diner Dialogues

About Diner Dialogues

Didi Barrett was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election in March 2012 and re-elected to a full term in November 2012. Her district, the 106th AD, covers some of the most beautiful parts of Columbia and Dutchess Counties. She has deep roots in the Hudson Valley and came to elected office after a career as a community activist, writer and longtime leader of not-for-profit organizations. Didi is passionate about the agricultural, natural, cultural and historic resources of the Hudson Valley and their critical importance as economic engines and job generators. She is also a great fan of the iconic diners that dot the region. As a member of the Assembly she serves on the Committees on Aging; Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Mental Health; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development and Veterans Affairs.

Job Training Initiative to Preserve Historic Treasures

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Diner Dialogues

Along with stunning natural resources, the Hudson Valley has a rich cultural heritage. Our wealth of local, state and national historic sites contributes to the region’s growing status as a top tourist destination, while at the same time making it … Continue reading →

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Fighting for Health & Mental Health

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Diner Dialogues

As a mother, the health and well-being of my family is always a major concern. So, as the 2016 Legislative Session came to a close last week, I was especially gratified to shepherd, support and pass several initiatives that will … Continue reading →

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On Eleanor Roosevelt and Memorial Day

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Diner Dialogues

I gave the following remarks at the War Memorial in Hyde Park, NY on Memorial Day 2016. Thank you for inviting me to join you today to share in the 2016 commemoration of Memorial Day. As you may know, this … Continue reading →

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Women’s History: Ten Hudson Valley Stories

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Diner Dialogues

Girls growing up today have to look hard to discover the stories of women and girls who came before them. Often primary research is required — seeking out long hidden diaries and well-creased letters, interviewing elderly relatives and neighbors, sleuthing … Continue reading →

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Time to Restore Public Trust in Government

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Diner Dialogues

As we embark on this new legislative year, I want to address an issue that has been much in the news lately — ethics in Albany. Since first running for office, I have been committed to bringing more transparency, openness … Continue reading →

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Letter to Gov. Cuomo: Wassaic DDSO Site Needs Action!

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Diner Dialogues

Dear Governor Cuomo, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the long delay in finding proper re-use for the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office campus in Amenia’s hamlet of Wassaic. Over the past two years, I have met with … Continue reading →

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Albany Session Wrap Up

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Diner Dialogues

The just completed legislative session may have filled headlines with the drama of arrests and changing leadership, but for me and most of my colleagues the focus remained on fighting for our districts and passing good laws to benefit the … Continue reading →

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Balancing Past and Future in Staatsburg

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Diner Dialogues

A friend recently commented about my Assembly District, saying  “I know you have MANY communities!” and she is right. The Hudson Valley is rich with the sense of community, and that’s one of the things I truly love about this … Continue reading →

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New York State Invests in the Hudson Valley

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Diner Dialogues

From major funding increases for local schools and higher education institutions to MTA payroll tax relief for Mid-Hudson libraries to ensuring the preservation of world-class farmland, the just-passed 2015-16 New York State Budget makes a significant commitment to the Hudson … Continue reading →

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Women’s History Month 2015 — Telling Our Stories

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Diner Dialogues

“History is not just what happened in the past.  It is what later generations choose to remember,” wrote historian and Harvard professor Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in her book Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History.  For too many years, the important roles … Continue reading →

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