To the Editor:

As a young person and as the president of the Albany County Young Democrats, I am excited to have a candidate that understands the issues that are important to me and the younger generations. Michelle Hinchey understands what many millennials have gone through in our short adult lives and has lived it herself.

Many of us graduated from college during the peak of the last recession and struggled to find good jobs and pay back our student loans. Now for the second time in our adult lives, we are faced with another economic crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much uncertainty. Offices are downsizing, lay-offs have been unavoidable, and the economy is struggling again. She understands our concerns regarding student debt and financial stability and she has plans to help keep young people in upstate New York.

She also understands firsthand how important it is for us to all have access to affordable, quality health care. I was lucky to be able to stay on my parents’ health insurance until I was 26 through the Affordable Care Act.

I didn't have to worry about getting sick as I knew I was going to be OK and wouldn’t have to go into medical debt if something happened. Not everyone is so lucky. We need someone who understands that quality, affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege.

Early voting starts on Oct. 24 and I hope you will join me in supporting the next generation of leaders and will vote for Michelle Hinchey for Senate!

Cassie Orlan

President

Albany County

Young Democrats

Guilderland