iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

I’m relieved to hear both aboard the plane that crashed into the Hudson River last night have survived with just minor injuries. Incredibly grateful to our first responders for their quick response and hard work!

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

I’m honored to be given the highest effectiveness score for the ‘23-‘24 session by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. My team and I, including Leg. Dir. Yasmine Bouachri, work hard to ensure our priorities are elevated up in Albany — looking forward to an equally successful ‘25-‘26 session!

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Today marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust and the millions of Jews who were senselessly murdered. We must never forget.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Stay off the roads, be warm, build a snowman if you have a little kid, and thank your local civil servants for keeping us safe today.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

In the meantime, if you would like to express your opinion to local officials, you can submit a public comment to the Chester Town Board at chester-ny.gov/contact. The board meets tonight at 7:00PM at Chester Town Hall and will be streaming live, which you can watch here: youtube.com/townofchester

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

The federal government is seemingly committed to keeping everyone in the dark about its plans, so I will continue to monitor the situation closely and share any updates as I come across them.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

These “processing facilities” have been inhumanely compared to Amazon Prime distribution hubs and the large majority of our community is rightfully opposed to hosting one in Orange County, regardless of one’s broader feelings about immigration or deportations.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Local Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed deep concern regarding this proposal - and for good reason.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

I have significant concerns, not the least of which being the nature of the site itself, which - without capacity for sufficient sewage and located in a floodplain - doesn't seem suited to house anything but boxes.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

I learned of the proposal to open an ICE “processing facility” in Chester just as everyone else did - from the newspaper. No one from the feds have been in contact with my office, or with Chester's Mayor or Supervisor.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

The Senate passed important legislation yesterday protecting our election workers from threats and intimidation. One question left out of the debate, however, was why the bill was needed in the first place. Hint: these vicious attacks started surging five years and two months ago.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

PASSED! Moving NY’s presidential primary to Super Tuesday would give voters a meaningful voice. NY mirrors the nation's demographics but our current primary schedule means our vote happens when it’s practically already decided. New York is too influential for its primary to be simply ceremonial.

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Reposted by James Skoufis

Rebecca C. Lewis @rebeccaclewis.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

State Sen. James Skoufis sponsors a consequential change to move the presidential primary in New York to Super Tuesday. "Presidential candidates only come to New York (now) for one reason, if we're speaking frankly, and that is, they fly in and they collect big checks," he says

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

With average costs of childcare and private preschool exceeding $10,000 annually, no parent should have to make painful decisions about what to prioritize. I’ll be fighting to expand UPK as well as childcare throughout the entire state — every zip code, not just some.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Congratulations to the Orange County Legislature’s new Chair, my longtime friend and former Assembly Chief of Staff, Laurie Tautel!

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Today’s the first day of the 2026 session. Like every year, this one will be filled with opportunities to advance the interests of Orange County and New Yorkers. I will continue to do my absolute best on behalf of the over 300K constituents I proudly represent. Looking forward to a great 2026!

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Finally — and most importantly — this outcome’s impact cannot be overstated for the 400,000 people who live in OC. This is why we run hard campaigns: to effectuate plans to improve people’s lives. I can’t wait to see all that’s to come here in Orange County.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Major thanks and congrats to Matt Turnbull who was uniquely positioned to fill the sudden, quick vacancy in District 1. County Chair @zakconstantine.bsky.social delivered on key elements to help effectuate this new majority. Party leadership matters. A lot.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

This was an opportunity a couple of us saw early on and seized. A reminder that electoral politics ≠ only Election Day. A major win for new Chair and longtime friend, Laurie Tautel, as well as incoming Leader Ramos along with the entire Dem caucus, incl seven (!) new electeds.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

1) a Republican resigned on 1/1 2) a Democrat was appointed to fill that vacancy on 1/5. The chamber became 10-10-1 3) the lone independent, who has been aligned with Republicans during his three decades (!) in the county leg, flipped to support a Democratic majority yesterday

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

🧵 At approximately 4:00pm yesterday, Democrats earned a majority in the Orange County Legislature for the first time in the nearly 60-year history of the chamber…despite finishing the election with nine out of 21 seats (a net of four from pre-election). Here’s how:

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

New York has seen the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week: 71,123 and we haven't yet reached the peak of flu season. Good news is there's still time to get your flu shot to keep yourself and your family protected. Let's start 2026 safe and healthy! Info on OCNY clinics here:

orangecountygov.com

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Each elected official raises their right hand and swears to uphold the constitutions of the state and country, and to serve—not just those who voted for them—but every member of their community. The mandate is clear, and I look forward to partnering with everyone on behalf of our shared communities.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Over the last couple days, I had the privilege to attend swearing-in ceremonies for officials in Woodbury, Cornwall, Middletown, and the Orange County Legislature. At these events, I’m always struck by how unimportant politics becomes.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Communities connect through shared experiences, and grow through expression. To that end, I’m thrilled to announce $144,500 in funding for the arts in Orange County. Congratulations to the local award recipients and I look forward to partnering on the continued enrichment of our community in 2026.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Huge thanks to @democrats.org Chairman @kenmartin.bsky.social for naming me to the DNC’s Executive Committee as an At-Large Member. This DNC is laser-focused on organizing against Trump’s authoritarianism as well as rebuilding our party’s big tent. Honored to be on Chair Martin’s team.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Happy Mother’s Day to Ava’s amazing mom and all the other mom’s out there!

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

In MN this weekend with @youngdems.bsky.social, getting to work in support of the DNC’s vision to return our party to dominance with a populist, working-class outlook.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Some DNC news via @adamwren.bsky.social at @politico.com. Very grateful to @kenmartin.bsky.social for appointing me to the DNC’s People’s Cabinet.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

The only thing dropping faster than Donald Trump’s approval ratings is Tesla’s stock. People are waking up and we will hold this administration accountable every day. We won’t bend the knee to a king in this country.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

750+ people showed up in the small Village of Warwick because we all deeply believe in what Benjamin Franklin said in 1787 at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention: America would be a republic. If we could keep it. We will never bend a knee to a king. Or wannabe king.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

Eid Mubarak to all those who celebrate! May this day bring harmony, peace, and joy.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Let’s talk about the affordability in the Senate’s proposed budget. From toll relief, to senior support, to school funding, it just makes sense to invest in New York.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

✅ $30 million in a new incentive to develop additional senior housing outside New York City. I’ll be advocating for these items and others on behalf of seniors over the next several weeks as we negotiate towards a final state budget.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

The state needs to do more to help senior citizens stay in New York. That’s why I pushed so hard for relief in this year’s Senate budget and it shows: ✅ $2.1 billion over three years for senior citizen tax rebate checks.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

It's time to get in the game! Today I’m paying for a texting and digital campaign to fill every single one of them. Join your committee here: www.ocnydemocrats.org/jointheparty

ocnydemocrats.org

Join the Committee — Orange County, NY Democratic Committee

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

We can't allow ourselves to ever be out-organized again, and local Democratic committees are where grassroots meets party. In counties across the nation, huge numbers of Democratic committee seats are vacant. Here in Orange County, only 357 of 670 town Democratic committee seats are filled.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

So many folks are asking what they can do to fight back in this moment. Yes, donate to the party if you can. Yes, call your member of Congress. But, you want to help create the permanent infrastructure to start winning again? LOOK UP AND JOIN your local town or county committee.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

This is clearly a normal, rational, non-authoritarian thing a President does…

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

USDA: Mr. President, we identified a second strain of bird flu. Trump: 🫣

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

I urge the Legislature and Governor to include this and other provisions in the budget to claw back - and further reduce - the Chancellor’s outrageous salary and taxpayer-funded perks.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

I will soon reintroduce legislation (S.6113 of 2023) requiring approval of any salary plan for chancellors, presidents, and senior staffers of the SUNY and CUNY systems by both legislative chambers and the Division of Budget.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

While New Yorkers bust their asses trying to make ends meet in this state - and his own SUNY students work the night shift to afford their bills - the Chancellor feels he should make nearly four times the salary of the state’s governor. This is elitist. This is offensive.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Yet $750K a year wasn’t enough for this government employee who works for the people. $12,500 a month for housing allowance also wasn’t enough. Knowing the shame associated with a $125K pay raise and $2,500 housing allowance increase, King further tried to conceal the pickpocketing from public view.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

John King took the job of SUNY Chancellor knowing he was re-entering public service. With that should have come the expectation that he would not earn a millionaire’s salary and perks on the backs of taxpayers.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Yet $750K a year wasn’t enough for this government employee. $12,500 a month for housing allowance also wasn’t enough. Knowing the shame associated with a $12k pay raise and a $2k housing increase, King further tried to conceal the pickpocketing from public view.

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James Skoufis @jamesskoufis.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Absolutely appalling. Somehow, even more damaging than a wrestling executive leading the agency. Millions of children will be affected and harmed by this no matter who you voted for.

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