Rep. Delgado Discusses Vaccine Distribution

KINGSTON – Recently, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) met with Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan at the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston. The Congressman and County Executive’s meeting focused on understanding the county’s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Their conversation also included a discussion of the most recent coronavirus relief package passed by Congress this week, and their shared commitment to ensuring the next round of COVID relief legislation includes urgently needed funding for state and local governments.

“As the nation begins to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, it is critically important that communities across our district are prepared to distribute this safe and effective treatment that will save lives. I appreciate the opportunity to sit down with Ulster Executive Pat Ryan and discuss the county’s protocol and efforts to build confidence in the vaccine. This nationwide effort will take the cooperation and coordination across all levels of government, including robust federal support,” said Rep. Delgado. “Additionally, our conversation focused on the urgent need for state and local government funding in future federal relief packages. I reiterated my commitment to my bipartisan Direct Support for Communities Act, which would ensure our localities can directly access federal funds regardless of their population size. It is imperative that our federal government meet the needs of our communities and ensure counties have the resources required to continue essential services and begin vaccine distribution.”

“I thank Congressman Antonio Delgado for listening and learning about Ulster County’s robust plan to distribute the vaccine to our frontline workers and our senior citizens,” said County Executive Ryan. “Additionally, we discussed the Congressman’s Direct Support for Communities Act. Local governments have been responsible for providing critical public health assistance, emergency management and human services. In response to this pandemic, these services have become even more critical — oftentimes, making the difference between life and death. In this time of great need, local governments have stepped up to protect our residents, from running 24/7 emergency operations centers, testing thousands of constituents, standing up medical treatment sites, and much more. All of this while experiencing catastrophic revenue losses due to declining sales tax revenues and anticipated reductions in state aid. I am encouraged that Congressman Delgado has recognized the work that we have done and is fighting for much-needed funding.”