February 23 Leg Act News
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
If you are interested in joining the Leg Act Committee or want to submit something to Leg Act News, send an email to TCDC at TIOGANYDEMS@GMAIL.COM or MARITA FLORINI at FNPMAF1@GMAIL.COM.
The New York State Democratic Committee
By Marita Florini
The New York State Democratic Committee (NYSDEMs) is the official administrative committee of the Democratic Party whose purpose is to elect Democrats at every level of government across the state. It focuses on the top priorities of all New Yorkers and on electing candidates who will make New York stronger and move the state forward. The chair of the NYSDEMs is Jay Jacobs.
To be a member of the State Democratic Committee, you must be a registered Democrat. All public meetings are open to Democrats. Party organization includes an Executive Committee, the State Committee, and County committees. Max Della Pia and Joan Davis are Tioga’s state committee members. Other committees include the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
The website provides limited information and no commentary on current candidates. There is a page of current elected officials. If you would like to see a list of candidates who are running in 2026, see The Ballot Brief — 2026 U.S. Election Guide.
Epstein Investigations Take a Decisive Turn
By Marita Florini
Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, not on sexual charges. There were multiple allegations that he sent confidential documents to Jeffrey Epstein.
This, along with the list of international names listed in the released Epstein files, points to an expanding international investigation that suggests a global criminal enterprise. The Hill (February 18, 2026) reports that a United Nations Human Rights Council found that the sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation of women and girls occurred against a backdrop of supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption, and dehumanization of women and girls. Such activity may, in fact, qualify as crimes against humanity.
New Mexico has reopened an investigation into the Zorro Ranch, which was previously owned by Epstein. Allegations include rape, trafficking of women and girls, and the burial of two bodies on the ranch, according to the Albuquerque Journal (February 22, 2026).
According to Senator Jamie Raskin, who viewed the “unredacted Epstein files,” the files were still heavily redacted, and President Trump’s name was listed in the files over a million times.
Call Congressman Langworthy to investigate these claims. Also, ask why he was not in Washington interviewing Les Wexner, who provided a deposition to the House Oversight Committee. Wexner was one of Epstein’s closest known associates and top benefactor according to CNBC (February 18, 2026). Langworthy, a member of the oversight committee, did not attend Wexner’s deposition. This is a failure to perform the functions of his office.
Schumer and Gillibrand to Vote on Boundary Waters
By Marita Florini
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Greater Quetico-Superior Ecosystem are in upper Minnesota. A Chilean mining company (Twin Metals) wants to build a copper-nickel mine upstream. In 2023, the Department of the Interior banned mining on federal public land around the Boundary Waters. Congress is using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal the ban. This is a perverted use of this act. Please call Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to urge them to vote no and to Save the Boundary Waters.
The Save America Act
By Marita Florini
There have been several editions of the Save Act in the House. The Senate has its own version. The House passed the Save Act a second time, after the initial Senate vote rejected their version, sending it back to the House for review and possible revision.
What is before the Senators now is the Save America Act. Unlike the Save Act, which required proof of citizenship to register to vote, the Save America Act requires proof of identification to VOTE in any election (NPR February 19, 2026). Both versions in the House and Senate are voter suppression bills and must be stopped.
One hopeful fact is that the Senate will require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster to pass the Save America Act. They now have 49 votes. At this time, all Democrats oppose the bill. We must call Senators to oppose this bill.
Changes to Medicaid Home Care Aide Services
If anyone is losing home health aide service or is aware of home-care patients losing aide service or having to move to a nursing home due to loss of home care coverage, please email me at FNPMAF1@gmail.com
Action Alerts/Events
From 5calls.org
5calls.org is an app you can download on your smartphone or access via their website. Each day, they provide a summary of major concerns that encourage people to voice their opinion, opposition, or support.
Harness people power and use 5calls to guide you through updates and their scripts about pertinent issues when you call your Congressional representative and Senators.
Your House Representative is Congressman Nicholas Langworthy, 202-225-3161; Your Senators are Schumer, 202-224-6542, and Gillibrand, 202-224-4451.
Deescalate, Restrain, Reform ICE - Do not stop calling the legislators! Agreements that allow local police to work with ICE continue to increase dramatically. The White House promises millions in financing. Call House Reps and Senators to stop the murder and abuse of innocent children and adults. The Guardian (February 20, 2026) reports that ICE shot and killed a 23 year old U.S. Citizen and did not report this until recently.
Demand the release of the full Epstein files. Mention that you agree with legal action against those identified in the files who have broken laws. There is growing evidence that this is a vast international criminal enterprise. WE SUPPORT THE FULL RELEASE OF THE FILES REGARDLESS OF WHO IT IMPLICATES.
Oppose the SAVE AMERICA ACT, passed by the House in January 2026. The Senate version adds the requirement for identification when voting. Schumer and Attorney General Letitia James are strongly against this. Call Schumer and Gillibrand to demand they vote no.
MONDAYS AT THE COURTHOUSE. Every Monday from 3:30 to 4:30, there is a dedicated effort to protest. Please join us for an hour. Bring a sign!
February 24 to March 25, 2026, Collect signatures on your petitions.
February 26, 2026, 5:15 pm Coburn Free Library Leg Act Committee meeting.
March 28, 2026, 3 -1 pm Historic Tioga County Courthouse NO KINGS Rally
Tell your friends, family, and neighbors!
Have a sign-making night!
Write a protest song, practice a chant, plan to be loud and visible!
Run for Something!
Do you want to run for office? The deadline to declare a candidacy is approaching.
CALLING ALL TIOGA County DISTRICT 3 ( APALACHIN) DEMOCRATS. WE NEED YOU TO RUN FOR DISTRICT 3 County LEGISLATOR.
Jo Ellen Rose is the only Democrat on the Tioga County Legislature and could use your help. Interested? Contact Joan Davis Jdavis719@live.com.
