Zev Brenner speaks with Republican State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick about her political priorities and the local issues impacting her Long Island district. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, beginning with the senator’s focus on government spending and affordability. She expresses concern over the substantial increase in the state budget since 2019 and discusses her efforts to address potential waste, fraud, and abuse within the state’s Medicaid system as a way to improve the financial situation for her constituents.

The senator also discusses the political climate in Albany, arguing that the current legislative majority often prioritizes New York City at the expense of Long Island. She explains that she works to ensure her district receives its fair share of state funding for essential services like local schools and infrastructure. The dialogue then shifts to her legislative work regarding anti-semitism, where she describes her participation in a task force and her support for legislation that would hold colleges accountable if they fail to address incidents of hatred on their campuses. She also advocates for increased security funding for houses of worship.

Reflecting on a recent trip to Israel, the senator shares how the experience gave her a deeper personal connection to the Jewish community she represents. The interview concludes with a discussion about the upcoming election, the role of local versus national politics, and the senator’s encouragement for all residents to engage in the democratic process by participating in the upcoming vote.