Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart has introduced long-stalled legislation to reform Monroe County’s Code of Ethics. The legislation is similar to a bill that did not pass last cycle, but adds some important measures. The reforms proposed in this legislation would do the following: “It’s my hope that this legislation has bipartisan support to finally… Continue Reading Legislator Barnhart Introduces Ethics Reform

The past year has flown by, filled with work on important issues and projects. Here is a rundown: Monroe County Budget and ARPA Funding: I was pleased to vote for the $1.3 billion 2023 budget. The budget features better compensation for human services workers as the county experiences challenges with recruitment and retention. We also passed more funds for… Continue Reading End of 2022: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

The drive2Bbetter traffic safety community messaging campaign to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety has been relaunched after Legislator Rachel Barnhart brought a proposal to the administration, Causewave, Common Ground Health and Reconnect Rochester. “We have a serious problem with aggressive driving and failure to respect pedestrians and bicylists who have the right to share the… Continue Reading Safe Driving Campaign Relaunched

Legislator Rachel Barnhart spoke at a press conference held by Rochester Firefighter Jerrod Jones, who was forced to attend a racist and misogynistic party while on duty. Watch full press conference. Below are video clips of Firefighter Jones and Legislator Barnhart from the event.

The members of the Democratic Caucus of the Monroe County Legislature, express oursincerest regrets and condolences on the killing of Rochester Police Officer Anthony P.Mazurkiewicz. Officer Mazurkiewicz served the citizens of Rochester for 29 years and his deathis another tragedy for our city. Ongoing violence in our community has led to too many lives –lost… Continue Reading Democratic Caucus Statement on the Death of Officer Anthony P. Mazurkiewicz

The Democratic Caucus of the Monroe County Legislature is deeply disturbed by the “Reawaken America Tour” stop scheduled at the Main Street Armory in Rochester in August.  This tour features speakers who support extremism, including QAnon conspiracy theories, Christian nationalism, the Big Lie, violent insurrection, attacks on LGTBQ rights, and anti-vaccine falsehoods. The tour promotes… Continue Reading Democratic Caucus Condemns Reawaken America Tour Stop in Rochester

Legislators Rachel Barnhart and Sue Hughes-Smith appeared on WXXI’s Connection to discuss their concerns about Monroe County’s proposed gas tax holiday. The average driver would save $4.17 a month under the plan. They would prefer the $10 million in lost revenue be directed to help people in need, including people who don’t have vehicles. Listen… Continue Reading Legislators Discuss Gas Tax Holiday

Members of the Democratic Caucus of the Monroe County Legislature released a document outlining their priorities to work on in the coming year. The Legislative Agenda encompasses many issues from economic recovery from the pandemic to arts, transportation, and the many issues facing our communities. Democratic Leader Yversha Roman said, “These priorities that we’ve outlined… Continue Reading Democratic Caucus Unveils Agenda

As our second pandemic year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to recap my work in the Monroe County Legislature on behalf of the 21st District and look ahead to what’s next. We have accomplished a great deal, and many challenges and opportunities remain. Keeping Our Community Healthy After learning parts… Continue Reading Looking Back, Looking Ahead