Without discussion or debate, Republicans on the Monroe County Legislature tabled legislation that would provide relief to struggling restaurants. The move happened during Monday’s Agenda Charter Committee meeting, on a day hundreds of restaurants learned their indoor dining rooms would close indefinitely. Legislator Rachel Barnhart introduced the measure to cap third-party food delivery service fees… Continue Reading On Dark Day for Restaurants, Republicans Turn Their Backs

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart has introduced legislation to temporarily cap the commission fees charged to restaurants by third-party food delivery services, including GrubHub, DoorDash and UberEats. These fees can reach 30 percent or more of the purchase price. The pandemic has placed an enormous financial strain on restaurants. Delivery and takeout options are critical… Continue Reading Barnhart Introduces Legislation to Cap Food Delivery App Fees

Statement from County Legislator Rachel Barnhart: The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the need for high speed, affordable broadband. This is especially true for students who are learning remotely. That’s why I am excited to share some important news. As the school year began, Rochester City School District teachers and families complained that Mi-Fi devices, secured… Continue Reading Funding for RCSD student internet access announced

(September 15, 2020) – Rochester City Councilmember Mary Lupien (D, East District) and Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart (D, 21) are asking the Department of Justice for a civil rights investigation into how law enforcement has responded to protests over Daniel Prude. They have sent a letter to Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Dreiband, who leads… Continue Reading Lupien, Barnhart ask for DOJ probe into Rochester protests

Nearly six months after a Black man experiencing a mental health crisis was asphyxiated while in police custody, the public has learned of his death. Daniel Prude stopped breathing on the cold, wet pavement as he was naked and restrained by officers laughing at him. Mr. Prude’s humanity did not matter to those entrusted with… Continue Reading Statement on Daniel Prude

Dear Neighbor, I hope these challenging times find you in good health and spirits.  If you need assistance with food, housing, childcare or mental health, please call 211 or visit Monroe County’s COVID resource page. I am always available to answer your questions by phone or text at 585-210-3246. You can also send an email… Continue Reading Summer Newsletter

Public can submit comments to FCC until July 22   Stop the Cap!, a consumer advocacy group, and Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart are urging the FCC to reject Charter Communication’s petition to allow data caps on Spectrum’s broadband customers. Charter wants to be released two years early from conditions imposed by the FCC as part… Continue Reading Stop the Cap! and County Legislator Rachel Barnhart Urge FCC to Reject Charter Petition to Allow Data Caps

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is calling for a comprehensive plan to deal with the problem of illegal use of fireworks in our neighborhoods.  It is imperative that we address this situation as we approach the July 4 holiday. Over the weekend, media reports indicate a city resident suffered a serious hand injury. Last summer,… Continue Reading Barnhart Calls for Fireworks Plan

County Executive Adam Bello did the right thing in vetoing these unnecessary patronage jobs. My colleagues in the legislature acted irresponsibly when they approved these positions, as the county is facing a massive budget deficit and uncertainty in the months ahead. When the elections commissioners were pressed about why these positions were needed, they revealed… Continue Reading Barnhart Praises Bello’s Veto of Patronage Jobs