Troy Talk
National Suicide Prevention Month – The Importance of Dialing 9-8-8
A helpful change in preventing potential suicides and easing mental health crises has arrived. And it’s fitting that during September, which is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we can draw attention to dialing the new phone number, 9-8-8 for anyone suffering from a mental health crisis. With this change, callers can expect compassionate, accessible care and support that is available to anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide or a mental health or substance abuse crisis.
Ringing the Bell for Better Education
As the unofficial summer slowly slides to an end, it bumps into the approaching Labor Day holiday. Though some school districts around the country have already started, many of us connect the days after Labor Day with the beginning of school. We associate this period with a fresh start. It is a time to learn, a time for fun, and a time to reunite with classmates.
August is National Water Quality Month: An Opportunity for Improvement
In August, the perfect time to celebrate National Water Quality Month, we enjoy the benefit and privilege of our waterways, and heeding the perennial warnings of remaining hydrated during our recent hot spells by drinking plenty of water. Yet, unsurprisingly, many take drinking water for granted even though we all understand that safe drinking water is a must for us to live.
Community and Police Relations: A Way Forward
This week there were many “National Night Out” events being held in communities throughout our district to highlight one of the most critical issues we face as law-abiding citizens: how to improve police-community relations. In recent years, it seems that the relationship between the two (or lack of it) fills the news cycle with negative messages and disturbing videos. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This is why I sponsored two pieces of legislation that I believe will help restore faith and confidence in this relationship.
A Workable Solution to Lowering Our Property Taxes
Everyone likes rebates, especially if it’s applied to a tax bill. You do the math in your head and recognize that though you’re obligated to pay the tax, the rebate – it’s money in your pocket – eases the pain of paying. Simply put, rebates do put some money in taxpayers’ pockets, but they don’t necessarily lower property taxes.
The ‘Bigness’ and Personal Appeal of Small Business
July is Independent Retailer Month, and I can’t think of a more appropriate time to visit our local, independently owned retailers. It makes economic sense, adds cohesion to our communities, and boosts our locally owned businesses.