Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kaye was sworn into the New York State Assembly on Jan. 1 in a ceremony at Middletown city hall, where local and state officials praised her campaign and Kaye announced plans for her first piece of legislation and three constituent offices.

Kaye said she has "my first piece of legislation drafted already" and described a bill developed with the New York State Police and the Sullivan County district attorney that would require bail for crimes involving opioids and fentanyl. "This is a very small little carve out but I think it's going to make a huge quality of life issue," she told the audience, saying the measure is intended to reduce a revolving-door effect she described in Monticello and elsewhere in the district.

The swearing-in drew elected officials and party leaders from across the district. Mayor Joe, who opened the program, welcomed attendees and noted the ceremony’s purpose: "we come together to celebrate an important and joyful occasion, the swearing in of our assemblywoman, Paula Kaye." Roberta Williams read remarks on behalf of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. A state senator who spoke at the event praised Kaye’s campaign and approach, saying, "She ran a campaign that was above partisanship, and, and went to every door..." and predicted Kaye would "go to Albany to make policy."

Kaye said her office will operate from three locations to serve constituents: an expected Monticello office on Broadway (targeted to open Jan. 15), an office upstairs in Middletown city hall (sharing space with the state senator and Rep. Pat Ryan), and regular hours at Walk Hill Town Hall. She introduced members of her initial staff: Rachel Steingart as chief of staff, Drew (from the Monticello office), and Alejandra, who Kaye said speaks English, Spanish and French and will staff weekday office hours in Middletown.

Kaye recognized her husband, Jonathan, and local party leaders and volunteers who supported her campaign, and she invoked the late Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther’s tenure, saying she intends to continue constituent-focused service. She repeatedly framed her office’s approach as "people over politics," and said staff will help residents regardless of political views.

The ceremony included a prayer from Pastor Mulqueen and a musical performance by Laurie James. After Kaye repeated the oath — "I, Paula Elaine Kaye, do solemnly swear..." — the mayor announced, "Congratulations. Ladies and gentlemen, our new assembly person, Paula Kaye." Attendees were invited to take photographs after the program.

Kaye described the opioid-related legislation as an early priority and said she was working to find a legislative partner and to coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors; she did not provide a bill number or a legislative timeline. She also gave details about constituent services and office openings but did not specify staffing levels or an exact Monticello street address beyond "Broadway at 461 Bridal" and the Jan. 15 target date for opening the Monticello location.

The ceremony was part oath and part public introduction of Kaye’s immediate priorities as the new representative for the 100th Assembly District, including public-safety legislation and expanded local constituent access through multiple offices.