Joe Tobia, a Steuben County legislator, is pictured speaking to state lawmakers.

With efforts as far back as 2021 pushing for the creation of a rural suicide prevention council, bi-partisan support seems to be growing throughout the state. Though local political figures like Senator George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, have backed the creation of the council, more advocates are hoping to continue to spread the message of the bill to draw in further support.

Joseph Tobia, D-Corning, is a member of the Steuben County Legislature for District Two, and retired from Corning Painted Post School District after years of serving as the Educational Administrator. Tobia has long been an advocate for bringing more awareness to rural suicide since having to experience first-hand the difficulties of getting the proper care for his son Matthew Tobia. Tobia would spend years receiving rejections to care programs for his son, many of which stated that Tobia’s son did not meet requirements for care. Upon hearing about a similar bill that had been proposed in Maryland, Tobia immediately began researching New York legislation that would be similar. This would be when Tobia would discover bill A8434, which had been initially proposed two years earlier in 2021. Though the bill instantly captured the attention of Tobia, there seemed to be a lack of attention from many others at the time.

“I have been advocating diligently for this bill now for three years, gave live testimony to the Joint Session on Mental Hygiene in February 2025, and cannot understand why such a life-saving committee like this has not been passed into law yet. It is low cost, has received bi-partisan support throughout our Assembly and Senate, and, most importantly, will save lives. There is absolutely nothing negative or bad regarding this bill,” said Tobia. “This is a committee to examine the last months of an individuals life to determine what we might have done to have given those who have died by suicide hope, and a committee to find, then eliminate, the barriers that deny so many of these individuals the services and care they so badly need to keep going in their lives.”

Borrello, a co-sponsor of the legislation, has previously advocated for the bill for many years. Molitor also stated that the bill is a laudable idea that reinforces a push against suicide, something that is a strong belief for Molitor.

The Senate version of the legislation now has three Republican sponsors and three Democrats, with the Assembly version sponsored by Dr. Anna Kelles, D-Ithaca, with two Democratic co-sponsors. Tobia said the increase in bipartisan support is perfect for a bill like this that benefits everyone regardless of political views. Tobia said he hopes the new support and changes that have been made, will prevent the bill from facing the same fate as in 2024 when it was vetoed at the Governor’s desk, said Tobia.

“I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful elected officials in Albany, both Democrats and Republicans, who continue to help me get this bill, once again, to the Governor. I lost my son, Matt, in 2021, and began my fight to pass a bill of this sort in 2023 it is now my mission and goal to see this passed. This fight is not only for those who suffer everyday and see no hope, but also for those people who have lost loved ones to suicide. The pain, sadness, grief, and guilt they carry with them every day is always there and I assure you, it never goes away,” said Tobia. “There are no losers to this bill, it’s a win all around! I cannot think of one reason why this bill should not be signed into law by our governor. Simply put, it will save lives.”