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Regents exams will no longer be a graduation requirement for New York State students.
The State Department of Education announced the change several months after reviewing the findings of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures. Education advocates are grateful since studies show no evidence exit exams increase student achievement or raise a high school diploma's value.
Juliet Eisenstein, assistant director of the Post-Secondary Readiness Project at Advocates for Children of New York, said there are alternatives for students to demonstrate proficiency with their coursework.
"Those can include capstone learning experiences. They can include credentials that already exist like biliteracy credentials. It could include a performance-based assessment, a CTE program," Eisenstein outlined.
The options depend on the subject area and what students feel best display their knowledge of each subject. Though Regents exams will not be a graduation requirement, students will still have to take them to meet federal Every Student Succeeds Act requirements. A timeline is slated to come in the fall but Eisenstein pointed out it will be a while before this goes into effect.
Students would still be able to use Regents exams to show their proficiency in a certain subject but other options will also be available. The exams do not meet all students' needs, particularly those with learning disabilities. In her work with students, Eisenstein argued high-stakes exams push kids away from high school graduation.
"This idea that Regents exams help prepare students for high school is kind of a myth," Eisenstein contended. "In fact, exit exams tend to increase high school dropout rates particularly for students of color and for students from low-income neighborhoods"
Analysis of graduation data from 11,000 school districts over a decade found dropout rates for 12th graders were 23% higher in states requiring exit exams without alternative paths to graduation.
A new report finds New York's rising cost of living and having living-wage jobs are priority issues for young voters.
Research shows a single person has to make almost $27 per hour to afford to live in New York State. On average, tipped-wage workers make almost $18 an hour with tips.
One way to help young voters is eliminating the $10 subminimum wage.
Saru Jayaraman, co-founder and president of One Fair Wage, said this could slow down so-called "tip-flation."
"As long as the restaurant industry gets this exemption that they don't have to pay the minimum wage," said Jayaraman, "every other industry that's facing staffing crises, rather than doing what they should be doing, they are also attempting to introduce tipping as a way to replace what they really need to do - which is to raise wages."
A bill ending the subminimum wage for restaurant workers has been introduced in New York's Legislature, but faces opposition from groups such as the National Restaurant Organization.
Restaurants argue forcing them to raise wages would erode their already narrow profit margins, and force them to lay off staff or cut hours.
But restaurants in other states are seeing dividends from paying workers a full minimum wage - plus tips.
Several states have ballot measures this year for voters to decide whether to end the subminimum wage. Seven states, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., have abolished the subminimum wage.
By providing a living wage, the businesses can attract people to work in an industry struggling with its post-pandemic recovery.
Jayaraman said incidents of sexual harassment decline for restaurants paying workers a full wage.
"When you're not so dependent on tips to make up your base wage, you can reject harassment from customers, because you can count on a wage from your boss like every other worker in every other industry," said Jayaraman.
Studies show female tipped workers in states using the federal sub-minimum wage experienced sexual harassment twice as often, and were told by management to wear "sexier clothes" three times as often than workers in states without a tipped minimum wage.
A new report found New York kids' well-being is improving despite lingering pandemic issues.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book ranks the state 29th, up from 30th. While some indicators saw mild increases, education saw vast growth but it is not a sweeping victory. Fourth graders' reading and eighth graders' math proficiency dropped considerably since 2019.
Abe Fernandez, director of children's aid at the National Center for Community Schools, said the numbers show the pandemic's continued impacts.
"Even though kids' schools are back in session and in some ways people feel like things are back to normal, those numbers suggest that there's still a lot of impact," Fernandez contended. "Kind of the long-term effects of the pandemic and I think we've lost a lot of ground when it comes to academic achievement."
Chronic absenteeism among students is up in New York state, following a national trend. The report showed 30% of students were chronically absent, almost pre-pandemic levels. Fernandez feels investments in New York schools will reduce absenteeism and drive better student outcomes.
While the pandemic has affected education, the report showed it is not the only reason student outcomes declined. Educators, lawmakers, and researchers have been concerned about academic preparedness for some time.
Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said compared to other nations, the U.S. is not equipping students with the best education.
"Our economy is propelled by a prepared workforce," Boissiere emphasized. "In order for our economy to work well, it's important that we prepare young people with the skills that they need so that they are entering the workforce prepared."
She added education disparities are worse for students of color, kids in immigrant or low-income families, or those attending low-income schools. The gaps can affect their ability to thrive as adults.
New York State's legislative session has ended with climate bills a top priority.
Legislation such as the Climate Change Superfund Act awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature. Other bills such as the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment Act passed with the budget. The bill speeds up clean-energy project permitting and power grid interconnection.
Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, said speeding up the process benefits the state.
"Many of the renewable-energy projects that have been proposed have been stalled because of lack of capacity on the transmission lines near them to actually put the electricity on the grid so that New Yorkers can access it," Wells explained. "There's no sense in building a project that can't actually deliver to people."
This after the state's grid operator, New York Independent System Operator, received a C-minus on an interconnection report card. Its lowest scores were for providing useful interconnection alternatives and interconnection process results.
Wells noted enacting the measure builds off the Build Public Renewables Act passed in the 2023 state budget.
Other barriers such as the numerous processes projects undergo before connecting to the grid can hold them back. A New York State Comptroller report found application delays are holding up renewable-energy projects siting permits for more than three years.
Despite the challenges, Wells is confident New York can achieve its 2030 climate goals.
"There's no shortage of projects being brought forward that will help meet that goal," Wells pointed out. "The trick now is just, I don't think there's any new laws needed or major changes to the structure that are necessary. I think it's streamlining what we've got and hitting a rhythm to get these projects built."
One foreseeable challenge is assembling enough skilled laborers to build the projects. Trade union leaders in the state are eager to work on them with a labor force ready to do so. A nationwide 2022 report showed not speeding up transmission increases greenhouse gas emissions by 800 million tons annually.
New York elected officials are kicking off a tour to tout the benefits of electric vehicles.
The Elected Officials to Protect America tour is planning stops in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia, to encourage state leaders to transition their states to EVs. New York climate goals stipulate all new cars sold in New York will be all-electric by 2035.
Asm. Angelo Santabarbara, D-Amsterdam, said climate change's growing impacts make the transition necessary.
"The fact is, our world is facing serious climate change issues and we've been seeing this for quite some time," Santabarbara pointed out. "We are also seeing the effects of that. We've seen it year after year. From the first year I've been in office, I've seen the effects of climate change devastate our communities, from flooding to fires."
This year, one of the worst hurricane seasons is predicted. As storms intensify, so does the damage. But Santabarbara is one of many who see electric vehicles as another tool to stave off climate change.
Legislation is easing the process of building up EV charging infrastructure but he noted more needs to be done.
The electric vehicle transition is also being seen as a way to improve public health. Breathing particulate matter leads to health effects like heart disease and respiratory issues.
Jason West, director of energy and sustainability for the City of Albany, said tailpipe exhaust makes up much of the city's greenhouse gas emissions.
"As the global burning of fossil fuels relentlessly raises the planet's temperature, air quality and its damaging health effects will only get worse," West asserted. "Extreme heat, heart and lung disease amplifies mental health issues, and compounds the traumas faced by those in environmental justice communities."
Challenges have kept EVs from being more widely accepted. Affordability is an issue for some, although state tax credits and consumer incentives are helping with that.
Alex Cornell du Houx, president and co-founder of Elected Officials to Protect America, noted a major threat to EVs is misinformation.
"Everyone's probably heard of some rumors and 'facts,' supposedly, that are about EVs, which are just put out there as disinformation," du Houx emphasized. "It's practically pretty amazing how you can paint an EV as something that causes fires all the time, when the alternative literally combusts."
The new Buffalo Bills stadium may not be the best environmentally but it has some green qualities.
The steel for the stadium is being made locally and climate-consciously, using an electric-arc furnace. Studies show the process emits 75% less carbon than traditional steel manufacturing.
Brian Raff, vice president of sustainability and government relations for the American Institute of Steel Construction, said there are outside benefits to using electric-arc furnace steel.
"The supply chain for EAF steel is just a circular economy," Raff pointed out. "Everything that is waste, considered waste at one point, gets put back into the supply stream, gets shredded, melted down, and then made into new steel over and over and over."
Some downsides to electric-arc furnace steel are higher impurities and inclusions, and uneven heat distribution.
Other environmental benefits of the new stadium include reduced water usage, better stormwater flow, and a modern electrical system. The stadium will have 14% fewer spectators, also reducing other environmental impacts. Highmark Stadium will be completed in 2026.
Beyond the environmental impacts, the new stadium's construction creates 10,000 union labor jobs for western New York, and 60% of the 25,000 tons of the steel used for the stadium will be developed in New York.
Raff emphasized making the steel locally will have an economic ripple effect.
"25,000 tons of steel means millions of man-hours, and so that means it's going to keep those fabrication companies moving," Raff explained. "Cash is coming in the door, which means they're able to pay their employees. All of that money will be saved and spent in the local economies."
The project also creates greater opportunities for minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. An important part of the labor agreement negotiations was having local workers involved in the new stadium's construction.
With less than a month left in the New York Legislature's session, environmentalists are pushing for the HEAT Act's passage.
Last-minute stalling from the Assembly kept it from being in the 2025 budget. The bill phases out gas line extension allowances and gives the Public Service Commission authority to align utility companies with the state's climate laws.
Lisa Marshall, advocacy and organizing director for New Yorkers for Clean Power, said lawmakers have no time to play politics with the state's climate future "in a time where we've had the hottest year on record, record-breaking floods, our train system flooded out, air that children can't go outside and play and breathe for weeks on end. And, they can't see it's necessary to crack down and get to work and start to move the climate plan forward, then that's on them."
Passing the bill has faced misinformation campaigns from fossil-fuel companies and some skepticism from lawmakers about relying entirely on electricity. They have argued it's not useful if the power goes out, but infrastructure would prevent many fossil-fuel energy sources from working correctly with the power out, too. Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she'll sign the bill if the Legislature passes it.
Reports show New York won't reach its 2030 climate goals because of clean-energy projects falling through and climate legislation failing to pass.
Michael Hernandez, New York policy director for Rewiring America, noted that the Public Service Commission and utilities are required by law to build out gas pipes, keeping New Yorkers stuck on fossil fuels. He said the HEAT Act changes that.
"This is the way forward," he said. "This provides the pathway where we can start to consider what are the other ways that we can innovate and improve our energy infrastructure."
The HEAT Act could cut utility bills nearly in half for one in four energy-burdened New Yorkers. Some shortcomings for New York's climate goals include three offshore wind projects recently being canceled because of "material modifications."
New York's 2025 budget improves access to mental-health services.
Budget legislation stipulates commercial insurers have to pay rates similar to Medicaid for in- and-out-of-network behavioral health services.
While many New York adults can access care, younger people can't because of insurance coverage.
Matthew Shapiro - senior director of government affairs for the National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State - said people are glad this broadens access to often limited mental health services.
"We hear from people all the time that they can't access care, they can't find a psychiatrist, they can't find a social worker, they can't find someone who'll prescribe medication," said Shapiro. "It can be very, very difficult, especially in parts of Upstate New York where these services just aren't readily available."
Some insurance companies pushed back, saying it would raise customers' rates. Shapiro noted that this will hopefully resolve long-standing issues in obtaining mental-health care.
A state Attorney General's office report finds 86% of the listed, in-network mental-health providers were either unreachable, not in-network, or not accepting new patients.
The budget allocates millions of dollars to other programs that establish new inpatient psychiatric beds statewide, and increase mental health support for first responders.
But, Shapiro noted that other insurance companies' barriers prevent New Yorkers from getting the best mental-health care they can.
"It's so important those people get the medications their doctor believes are best for them, and their individual set of symptoms as quickly as possible," said Shapiro. "So, eliminating things like fail-first procedures and what they call step-up procedures."
He added that these policies can significantly set back a person's recovery.
A 2024 survey finds 1 in 5 adults required to fail first had to visit the emergency room or be admitted to a hospital as a result of the policy.
New York's 2025 budget takes proactive steps to address rural housing.
In the budget, $10 million was allocated for improvements to rural housing built by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Section 515 program. Rural housing organizations asked for $25 million but are grateful the state is taking action.
Mike Borges, executive director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York, said another bill the Legislature should pass makes the Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program permanent.
"Basically what that does is provide grants to low- to moderate-income people to replace their mobile homes that are dilapidated and unsafe," Borges explained.
He would also like to see administration fees increase for nonprofits taking part in the Access to Home Program, which provides accessibility modification for low- to moderate-income residents. Reports showed it got requests totaling $12 million but only got enough funding for $1 million in improvements. The Senate is poised to pass both bills, leaving the Assembly as the final hurdle.
However, the budget was not perfect for rural housing. Borges said one shortcoming for the 2025 budget were cuts to the RESTORE program, which provides housing restoration for seniors. He said New York should take action now to continue improving rural housing preservation and development.
"We need a comprehensive housing initiative that looks at the obstacles to building and renovating, repairing housing in rural communities," Borges contended. "The three main obstacles to that are local capacity, infrastructure and targeted programs for rural housing."
He added rural areas do not often have the same resources and capacity as urban communities. Because rural housing is in short supply because of the aging housing stock, there have been stark population declines from rural New York communities.
New York's 2025 budget creates universal access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program.
School districts statewide will have the resources to help high schoolers complete the application. Those who do not fill it out must sign a waiver stating they know of the available aid but are not pursuing it.
Sen. Andrew Gounardes, D-Sunset Park, the bill's sponsor, said FAFSA's required information can be daunting.
"Some students or some families are well-prepared and well-equipped to review that document and provide that information; some students might not be," Gounardes acknowledged. "Some students might not even know where to turn to get that information, especially if they're the first in their family to pursue college if they're the first generation here."
Some schools have moved closer to charging $100,000 a year for tuition, which Gounardes said can deter students from considering college. But through the FAFSA process, scholarships and grants can provide enough to shave the number down to a more reasonable figure. A Sallie Mae report showed college spending is up as families spend close to $28,000 each year on college.
Feedback for the proposal was positive, considering most high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are likely to go to college after graduation. Gounardes argued the state can build on the progress by reviewing admissions practices to ensure they are fair and do not exclude students from certain backgrounds.
"In particular, I think it's high time we end legacy admissions," Gounardes emphasized. "There's no reason why we should have affirmative action for privileged kids in New York state, especially from institutions that receive significant public dollars either for grants or construction or awards or this or that or whatever."
He introduced a bill ending legacy admissions, which is still in committee. Among public and private colleges in New York, 42% still consider legacy applicants for admissions.
The state of New York is removing forever chemicals from various places, just as the Environmental Protection Agency issued limits on PFAS in drinking water.
New York's medical aid-in-dying bill is gaining further support. The Medical Society of the State of New York is supporting the bill. New York's bill allows terminally ill people with only six months to live to use this option, with safeguards requiring two physicians' approval.
New York State housing advocates say they are furious about the so-called "good cause eviction bill" in the new state budget.
It grants tenant protections to people in New York City but all other municipalities will need to opt in. It also requires renters to know their landlord's portfolio to determine eligibility for "good cause" eviction protections and the information can be hard to find.
Ritti Singh, communications organizer for the group Housing Justice for All, said previous iterations would have balanced tenant and landlord interests.
"What it required landlords to do was to show they had a valid cause of eviction, which would include nonpayment, violating the lease, causing trouble, if the landlord wanted to move into the unit," Singh outlined. "It also allowed tenants to contest rent increases over 3%, or 1.5 times the rate of inflation."
For all its potential benefits, a New York University study noted "good cause" eviction comes with just as many drawbacks. It can discourage maintenance investments in buildings, and increase the cost of resolving landlord-tenant disputes. Singh noted the bill was not designed to crimp a landlord's ability to do business but to make the housing system fairer.
Cities like Rochester and Ithaca are close to declaring housing emergencies due to rising rents. Municipalities must have a vacancy study rate below 5% to declare a housing emergency. Singh pointed out the housing crisis affects renters statewide.
"Rents are rising faster in Syracuse than they are in New York City," Singh emphasized. "In March, rents hit record highs in New York City. Rural New York is expected to see a surge of evictions over the next decade, and Long Island renters face the highest cost burdens in all of New York State."
Newburgh declared a housing emergency last year but the Orange County Supreme Court recently overturned the decision. The petitioners' attorney argued Newburgh's vacancy study was inaccurate. The Emergency Tenant Protection Act does not cover the city's renters now and jeopardizes other tenant protections the city has proposed.
The New York HEAT Act might not make the final budget.
The bill reduces the state's reliance on natural gas and cuts ratepayer costs by eliminating certain rules. It was in both legislative chambers' one-house budgets, but last-minute scrambling could remove it.
New York League of Conservation Voters Policy Director Patrick McClellan said, aside from people's preference for natural gas, other challenges have made the bill hard to pass.
"I think that there has also been some irresponsible fear-mongering against this bill from some people who oppose it," said McClellan, "basically telling people this means that their natural gas service is going to be taken away from them tomorrow, or it's going to happen without warning, and that's just not the case."
The bill would not mean gas companies could walk away from providing service to new customers, since its effects occur over a longer period.
Rural lawmakers have been skeptical about relying solely on electricity, since people could lose power in bad storms.
If the bill isn't part of the budget, McClellan said the Public Service Commission can do more to require gas utilities factor climate change into their long-term plans.
It will take more than one bill for New York State to reach its climate goals.
McClellan said developing thermal energy networks is one way to build on what the HEAT Act would do, and provide good ways to decarbonize on a larger scale instead of going house by house.
"You're able to get a larger number of buildings and people all at once," McClellan explained. "The other exciting thing about thermal energy networks is, because you are talking fundamentally about piping systems that are underground, it's an extremely similar skill set for people who already work in the fossil fuel industry."
The bill would also eliminate the Hundred Foot Rule. This requires utilities to connect new customers to a gas line for free based on their distance to an existing main gas line, typically 100 feet.
This rule allowed utilities to shift around $1 billion in costs onto about 170,000 ratepayers.
Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day, and New Yorkers have reason to start early planning.
A new report cites rates of Alzheimer's disease growing among the state's 65+ population, with a projected 460,000 older New Yorkers being diagnosed with Alzheimer's by 2025.
Corinne Carey, senior New York campaign director for Compassion & Choices, feels the best first step for health care planning is exploring a person's values. She said many questions should be considered during the planning process.
"Is it important for you to be free from pain at all costs?" Carey outlined. "Is it important for you to be treated the way you want? Is it important to you to know how your body will change? Is it important that you not be connected to machines?"
One way to help people get started is Compassion & Choices' Dementia Values and Priorities tool. It is designed to help people document their health care wishes before developing dementia or an illness affecting their decision-making abilities.
Experts advise people to revisit and update their plans every five to 10 years, rather than chuck them aside in the filing cabinet.
Some people delay health care planning because they feel it is hard to have such conversations.
Jessica Empeno, national director of clinical engagement and education for Compassion & Choices, said not having a person's wishes creates numerous challenges.
"There is a much higher risk for receiving treatments that may not be beneficial, that could be burdensome, and could be really expensive," Empeno pointed out. "Copays and things like that are not inexpensive for people."
She added if a person moves or travels a lot, they should have more than one advanced directive.
One challenge in planning can be the options a person has, such as considering certain surgeries and understanding the side effects of different treatments. Empeno noted having a professional sit down and review the options can help people feel less overwhelmed in health care planning.
New York restaurant workers need to know their rights to better navigate their workplaces. A new report finds high rates of what it calls "occupational segregation" in the restaurant industry, which can relegate some people to lower-paying jobs.
Workers' rights organizations are counteracting this with training programs. Alima Iskakova, a server for Exquisite Staffing, a catering company, said the CHOW training from Restaurant Opportunities Centers United is helping her.
"Since I completed this training course, I am more confident when it comes to job interviews," she said. "I am more confident - like, when it comes to these types of interviews, plus with all my experience and the knowledge that I got from ROC United, I have a higher income."
She was also trained in safe food handling, OSHA certification and other need-to-know information about the restaurant industry. These courses are available in several cities beyond New York.
The report also notes that, unlike training offered by organizations such as the National Restaurant Association, these courses prioritize developing restaurant workers' power to support individual career development.
The report says racism and sexism abound in the restaurant industry. White men make up a majority of higher-earning positions, such as bartenders.
Although these training courses are helpful, Iskakova noteed that not knowing English can be a disadvantage. She said other cultural differences can make this work challenging.
"In the hospitality industry, even like when people come here as an immigrant, they don't know the rules, they don't know the laws," she said. "And ROC United, they help us to do the cover letter, resume. There are certain things - like, there is a difference."
Another challenge she encountered was the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Iskakova said her work has been interesting, but she's got ambitions outside of food service. Along with photography, she's a communications major at CUNY.
As federal agencies crack down on "junk fees." experts feel they can learn a thing or two from New York.
The state is one of 13 to pass facility fee reforms, which are growing as more hospital systems merge with independent physicians. The fees can vary in price and are used to help hospital systems maintain various clinics. New York passed a bill requiring hospitals to disclose them to patients in advance.
Diane Spicer, supervising attorney for the group Community Health Advocates, said consumers are getting nickeled and dimed by facility fees.
"Facility fees are usually small in comparison to some of the medical debt cases that we handle," Spicer acknowledged. "$250, $500, $200, but they all add up."
The fees are part of the growing national medical debt crisis. A KFF report found national medical debt totaled at least $220 billion in 2021. About 910,000 people in New York report having medical debt, despite more people having health insurance.
The Federal Trade Commission will hold a hearing on junk fees this month and national community health groups signed a letter calling for a ban on facility fees.
Mona Shah, senior policy and strategy director for the nonprofit Community Catalyst, believes the fees do not serve their original purpose, including fees for telehealth visits.
"I mean it's as simple as there is nothing currently that bans a hospital from saying you cannot charge an individual facility fee for a telemedicine visit," Shah pointed out.
Hospitals and medical centers have been pushing back, arguing the fees are an important source of revenue to cover operational and overhead costs. The American Hospital Association has opposed previous Congressional legislation banning facility fees because they said cuts to hospitals and health systems could severely affect patients' care.
Of New York's many outdated laws, the adultery law could go this year. A bill repealingthe 1907 New York adultery law passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.
Adultery is a misdemeanor crime carrying a penalty of up to 90 days in jail. The repeal's current sponsor is Long Island Assemblymember Charles Lavine, D-Glen Cove. The repeal bill has wide support, but Lavine noted there's been pushback and hate mail about its passage too. He says the adultery law has always been controversial.
"When it was enacted in 1907, there were many letters to the editors of the then-responsible press complaining about the legislature taking it upon itself to regulate human nature and morality," he explained.
The 1965 state law commission sought to repeal the law, but never did. This was because some politicians argued repeal then would seem as if the state were 'endorsing' infidelity.
A new report finds New Yorkers are getting the most out of their tax filings, thanks to a new resource.
The Internal Revenue Service's free, online Direct File Tool walks people through an interview to help filers claim tax breaks they're eligible for.
One goal of this tool is to close what's known as the "tax credit uptake gap."
Liza Schwartzwald, director of economic justice and family empowerment with the New York Immigration Coalition, said people often don't claim credits they're entitled to - like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
"They may not know they need to file for them in particular ways," said Schwartzwald. "They may not know they're even eligible. They may be lower-income earners and think, 'You know maybe if I don't owe taxes this year, I don't owe very many taxes, well maybe, you know, I don't need to file or maybe I don't know how to file, or maybe it's too expensive for me to figure out how to file.'"
Along with the benefits for families, this tool can benefit the state too. As more people can file their taxes, this creates additional tax revenue.
For now, IRS Direct File is a pilot program in New York, but a nationwide roll-out is estimated for 2029.
In 2029, the report predicts each filer will save $160 in filing fees - and countless hours on their taxes, totaling $11 billion annually between the two.
But, as beneficial as the tool has been, the program is at risk of falling victim to politics.
The recent federal budget includes a $20 billion dollar IRS funding cut. Adam Ruben - the campaign vice president and vice president for political strategy with the Economic Security Project - said beyond this, deserved or not, the agency has to rebuild its reputation.
"A lot of people have had bad experiences with the IRS, or get an IRS letter in the mail, and it makes them very nervous," said Ruben. "And so, I think the IRS has a trust deficit that they need to overcome. I feel optimistic that Direct File is a powerful tool to doing this."
He added that IRS Direct could help boost the agency's image.
As the program grows, the report shows it can spare more than 400,000 people from having to undergo an IRS correction proceeding or audit.
A new report shows the costs different regions of New York face from climate change.
It says taxpayers were on the hook for more than $2 billion - or $300 per household - in climate costs last year.
In 2023, New York City faced $309 million in climate change-related costs, the highest in the state. Long Island was second at $276 million and continues seeing impacts from intense storms.
Cate Rogers, deputy supervisor with the Town of East Hampton, said climate change is taking a toll on local industry.
"We have a rising water temperature that is increasing algal blooms," said Rogers. "It has impacted greatly and decimated our Peconic Bay Scallop fishery, which was very important to year-round local families, generations of fishermen."
This is where the Climate Change Superfund Act comes into play. This bill requires companies who've contributed to climate change to bear some infrastructure investment costs.
Elected officials across the state signed a letter supporting the bill. Estimates show climate change infrastructure costs in New York could reach $10 billion annually by 2050.
But, if nothing is done, a major disaster could cost the state around $55 billion in the next decade.
The report also shows the different regional impacts of climate change.
The Capital District - for instance - might see massive flooding, while places like Western New York see harsher blizzards in winter.
Albany County Legislator William Reinhardt - D-Dist-33 - said repairing roads, bridges, and culverts are becoming annual priorities.
"All of these things we are seeing - more severe problems and costs coming from the changing weather patterns," said Reinhardt, "they are are causing, you know, more flooding than they ever did before - knocking out culverts in ways that they historically didn't happen."
New York isn't alone in considering this kind of legislation. Record flooding last year prompted Vermont to create a similar bill.
Storms there caused a billion dollars in damage taxpayers would be responsible for.
If Vermont passes the bill, the state stands to get more than $2 billion from companies like ExxonMobile, Chevron, and BP.
New York transportation safety officers will see improved working conditions thanks to a newly ratified contract.
The new American Federation of Government Employees and the Transportation Safety Administration agreement creates an engaging workplace for employees.
Some points in the agreement include a new grievance and arbitration process to resolve cases quicker and better leave conditions.
Mark Schumacher, chief union steward with AFGE Local 2222, said this contract will also help with employee retention.
"We have had a lot of attrition through the years," said Schumacher. "A lot of young employees get into the TSA and then they jump to other agencies, because the pay is not commensurate with the difficult work that we do, nor are the benefits."
Between late 2022 and mid-2023, TSA attrition rates dropped 61%, due in part to a new compensation plan.
The contract is significantly longer than the 2020 contract, with 37 total articles. It may seem like a lot, but even something like uniform rights can have meaningful impacts on these workers' lives.
The new contract is valid for seven years, with an option to be extended for another year if both parties agree. It's currently under review by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Schumacher noted that feedback has been highly positive to the contract. He said he's glad this contract recognizes TSA employees' challenging work and some conditions they do them under.
He said they have to work during government shutdowns without pay, and have had certain funds directed away from the agency.
"Those monies have been funneled off to other government agencies to pay down debt," said Schumacher. "We just had the good news that those ticketing fees are going to be put back into TSA where they should have been and they'll help pay our salaries. That'll help get better technology to protect the flying public."
More than $4 billion in fees were collected in 2023.
Some contract elements almost didn't remain.
During the contentious federal budget process, Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to reverse pay increases for TSA workers who weren't transportation safety officers. But, it wasn't in the final budget.
It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment," and backers have said it would make clean-energy projects' permitting and interconnection processes more efficient. As states prepare their power grids for the renewable energy boom, many grid operators need to catch up, according to a new report.
Senior and older adult advocates in New York are pointing to certain health care plans to help people get the best bang for their buck.
Dual-use special-needs plans offer Medicare and Medicaid coverage together for eligible people, although the plans are designed for people who have low incomes, have certain medical conditions, and have unique health care requirements. In New York, 42% of residents were registered for the plans in 2021.
Heather Leddick, Counseling and Assistance Program health insurance information coordinator at the New York State Office for the Aging, described how the plans help those with chronic illnesses.
"They may have access to a network of providers who again specialize in their condition, and offer better coverage for prescription drugs used to treat their condition," Leddick outlined.
She added because the programs offer both Medicare and Medicaid coverage, they have preventive benefits such as exams, shots, lab tests and screenings. Along with Medicare Parts A and B coverage and Medicaid benefits, the plans can have other lifestyle benefits. Some include coverage for glasses and hearing aids, as well as allowances for daily items such as healthy foods and other over-the-counter products.
The pandemic has bolstered concerns about being insured, though a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found the uninsured rate dropped 18% during those years.
Dr. Gina Williams, associate medical director for UnitedHealthcare, said people should be better informed about preventive care post-pandemic.
"Everybody's kind of going into a phase where they're not only thinking about acute illness, but they're thinking about overall care," Williams observed. "What was the impact of the pandemic from a psychological standpoint? Do you need more support and then you also need more coordination of benefits?"
More people have been losing coverage because the public health emergency ended. The Commonwealth Fund reported as of midsummer 2023, close to 4 million people lost their Medicaid coverage. Overall estimates show nearly 15 million people will lose their coverage as the process continues.
As New York housing advocates demand state lawmakers pass a bill to keep landlords from evicting renters without "good cause," a new report cautioned them about getting what they wish for.
A New York bill aims to regulate the fashion industry's effects on climate change.
The Fashion Act would hold clothing and footwear companies accountable for their effects on the environment.
Fashion accounts for up to around 9% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, more than the aviation industry. The bill also creates a remediation fund for environmental, community or labor-related projects.
Rich Schrader, northeast government affairs director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, described how enforcement of the bill would work.
"The bill will create an enforcement mechanism that the attorney general in New York State will be responsible for," Schrader explained. "It's given a monitoring investigative and enforcement set of authorities. That's to ensure the companies are in compliance."
He pointed out the attorney general could fine companies not in compliance with the guidelines.
Fast fashion companies like Shein have only made things worse, studies have shown. The companies make clothes designed to be worn less than a handful of times before they're tossed away, ending up in a landfill. Fast fashion is responsible for around 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The bill has been referred to the Assembly's Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee.
A United Nations report found more than one-quarter of signatories to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action are working with lawmakers on climate-related issues and regulations.
Maxine Bedat, executive director of the New Standard Institute, said issues persist in greening the process of making clothes.
"The textile mills, which are the ones that would be responsible for decarbonizing, are not getting any price premiums from the brands that they work with to decarbonize," Bedat noted. "There is zero incentive for them to decarbonize even though the technologies are there."
She argued more collaboration is needed between brands and manufacturers to develop an incentive structure. Bedat sees the New York bill as the foundation to build on, which a federal bill could do. The FABRIC Act would establish safer working conditions for garment workers and improve industrywide sustainability.
Today is Equal Pay Day, and a new report finds the wage gap between men and women is closing. The Institute for Women's Policy Research data show full-time working women made 84 cents for every dollar paid to men in 2022.
Weekly earnings in 2023 were at almost 87 cents for full-time working women. For all workers, New York ranks 14th with a pay-equity ratio of around 77 percent.
Jamila K. Taylor, the Institute's president and CEO, said as good as progress has been, more work needs to be done.
"We do have to strengthen equal payand pay transparency at the federal level. Some states have done this, but it's not something that is across the board. And, so having a national policy put in place at the federal level will help make things more uniform," she explained.
She'd also like to see a national minimum-wage increase, and feels eliminating the tipped minimum wage could help close the gap faster.
Such global events as the pandemic didn't impact the gender pay gap, despite 45% of mothers across the country being out of work.
New York law does make it illegal for employers to pay their workers differently based on "substantially similar work." This isn't based on job title but on skill, effort, responsibility and the similarity of working conditions.
At the current pace, the report finds the wage gap won't be closed until 2053. The report also shows women of color face a higher gender wage gap. Latina women face the largest racial gender wage gap, being paid around 59 cents on the dollar compared with white men. Black women earned almost 66 cents on the dollar to white men in 2022.
This stood out to Taylor, who said there are challenges to bridging all wage gaps for women.
"Ensuring that we're dealing with this in a comprehensive way. That means creating more opportunities for women in the workforce, no matter what the occupation is. I think that's going to be key," she continued.
She added that lawmakers need to come together about national policy to eliminate the gender wage gap. In 2021, the Paycheck Fairness Act passed the U.S. House but failed in the Senate. The bill would have required the U.S. Department of Labor to conduct studies about eliminating gender pay disparities. It would also have required the department to provide information on wage discrimination to help build education about it.
Senior and older-adult groups are frustrated by cuts to services in New York's budget proposal. This includes cuts to home-care programs and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
It comes a year after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state's Master Plan for Aging, a legislative framework to help New York seniors age in place.
Rebecca Preve, executive director of the Association on Aging in New York, feels this lack of funding undercuts the state's dedication to helping seniors. She described how service providers are dealing with already low funding.
"And what that means is, if you go to your locality to ask for a home-delivered meal or a personal care aide to assist you in your home, because of the funding issue, a lot of people are being placed on waiting lists for those services," Preve explained. "In the state, currently, we have about 18,000 service lines that are waitlisted."
She added that doesn't begin to capture the numbers of people at a crisis point who are reaching out to their local Office for the Aging. The pandemic increased service demands for local Offices for the Aging. But the difference now is, there aren't any federal stimulus dollars going out to fund these programs -- and yet the need for services remains.
According to Preve, if the state doesn't boost this funding, seniors will either leave the state or possibly die from a lack of necessary services.
Without proper caregiving services, this responsibility falls to family members. An AARP report shows family caregivers in New York provided $39 billion in unpaid care in 2021 -- a $7 billion increase from 2019.
Preve noted without a fully funded support system to help them, things just get harder for these caregivers.
"We know that working caregivers are missing time at work. They're either leaving the job market entirely for their caregiving duties, or they're cutting down the number of hours that they're able to work," she stressed. "We know that the mental-health impact on caregivers is incredibly significant."
Considering the ongoing challenge, Preve isn't certain what lies ahead. She noted some people rely on skilled nursing facilities or Medicaid instead of Office for the Aging services. But some might make too much to qualify for Medicaid, making them ineligible.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new congressional maps into law.
The move comes a few days after Democrats in the legislature rejected maps drawn by the state's Independent Redistricting Commission. Lawmakers felt the commission's maps were too similar to 2022 maps, which heavily favored Republicans. Rejecting those maps sent the state back to square one after the New York Supreme Court ordered new maps to be drawn last year.
Jeffrey M. Wice, adjunct professor and senior fellow at the New York Law School's New York Census and Redistricting Institute, said the state's redistricting process was designed to fail.
"It was based on a constitutional amendment approved by the voters in 2014 that was poorly conceived," Wice asserted. "It had faulty wording and it left lots of loose ends."
He added the amendment was specifically designed to retain the then-Republican majority in the state Senate. Approval of the most recent maps ends New York's redistricting debate at least for now. But Wice thinks now is the time for lawmakers to work on making the redistricting process more transparent, with more public input and perhaps a new amendment to the state Constitution.
Voting rights advocates were equally concerned about the commission's maps. Some worried they had created districts where majority-white communities could overrule the needs of minority voters.
Rosemary Rivera, executive director of Citizen Action of New York, said it would have taken power away from those who need it most.
"People who are low-income, people of color who have a hard time accessing power to begin with, and then, you begin to dilute their voice and vote," Rivera outlined. "It becomes a problem in terms of what we truly want, which is an inclusive and representative democracy."
While some are happy the new maps unify previously disconnected communities, others feel more could have been done. Rivera added several districts across New York City are still splitting minority communities, leaving them without as much power to elect candidates they want.
Community health center leaders from New York and across the nation are meeting in Washington this week. They'll be strategizing about how to address the country's primary-care crisis.
This means examining solutions to workforce shortages, inflationary costs and other issues. New York ranked sixth on a report's top ten listing of states with high medically disenfranchised populations.
Paloma Hernandez, board chair for the National Association of Community Health Centers, noted that workforce issues need serious attention.
"After the pandemic, with the COVID funding ending, many of us faced a lot of challenges in just being able to recruit and retain staff," said Hernandez. "So providers, the primary-care provider shortage is very real to us."
While Congress has approved short-term stopgap measures to fund the federal government, Hernandez said she hopes to see long-term funding sustain necessary programs.
Bipartisan legislation is pending in both chambers of Congress to increase health-center funding and key workforce programs. Now, it's up to lawmakers to reach an agreement.
Losing health-care coverage post-pandemic has only made things worse. People automatically enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic were dropped when the public health emergency ended.
Hernandez said this leaves health centers in a predicament.
"There are so many people who were covered with insurance during the pandemic, and now they're in the process of having to reapply and many of them falling off the rolls," said Hernandez. "So, we have people who need care, we don't have enough providers to provide the care that we have."
An Association of American Medical Colleges Report finds demand for primary-care physicians will grow faster than supply.
By 2034, the report finds the shortage will range from almost 38,000 to 124,000 physicians.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for expanding primary-care access and increasing Medicaid rates for providers participating in the Patient-Centered Medical Homes care model.
New York activists are voicing serious concerns about the state's new congressional maps.
The state's top court ordered new voting-district maps to be drawn by an independent commission last year, but critics of the new maps point out they are similar to 2022 maps, which favored Republican candidates. Groups have signed a letter demanding state lawmakers create new maps to prevent districts where majority-white communities overrule the needs of people of color.
Tamika D. Mallory, co-founder of the social justice group Until Freedom, said the new maps could lead to low voter turnout.
"When people don't see candidates that they believe in, people that they trust and people who they know have a real, true understanding of the dynamics of their community and their needs," she said, "people do not feel motivated to go to the polls."
She likened the current situation to Southern states, now engaged in lengthy legal battles to redraw district maps that disenfranchised Black voters. Given the ire of voters and lawmakers, it's uncertain whether New York's maps will be approved, but new maps are needed soon for April's presidential primary and the November general election.
As community needs differ from one to the next, Mallory said she worries about how the new maps could affect the distribution of resources. She added that neighborhoods shouldn't be broken by congressional lines that would skew district issues.
"Those communities are able to stay together, vote together," she said, "and ultimately put people in place that have the type of mindset and political agenda that will enhance the needs and serve the needs of the people."
Mallory said there's plenty of community feedback from people concerned about having elected officials they once voted for no longer representing them. But polls show around 85% of Americans are unfamiliar with their state's legislative redistricting. Even so, 24% say they're dissatisfied with how it's been handled.
A new report outlined the need to preserve rural New York's affordable rental housing.
The report from the Regional Plan Association report showed by 2027, hundreds of rural tenants will be displaced each year as a decades-old program ends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Section 515 program provided low-cost financing for developing affordable multifamily units. The properties boomed in the 1980s and '90s, but their mortgages expire soon.
Mike Borges, executive director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York, said the state should continue funding the properties.
"We're asking for a $25 million investment by the state to support this initiative that would rehab these properties," Borges explained. "These properties, you know, are 30 years old or older, and in need of a lot of repair and rehabilitation."
Beyond the funding, he added New York can also address barriers to rural development, including building up water and sewer infrastructure, programs for rural needs, and better funding support for local housing nonprofits.
New York's aging stock has left rural housing in short supply, which has been a primary factor in an exodus from rural New York neighborhoods.
The New York State funds would be used as a stopgap measure in place of federal action. Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2025 budget proposal slashes funds for rural housing programs.
Borges noted the federal government's budget impasse is a sign rural housing is not a high priority.
"That's why we're asking the state to address the program because we don't have a lot of faith in the current divided Congress in addressing pressing problems facing the country," Borges emphasized. "Housing being one of them."
As New York's budget process continues, Borges is hopeful the Hochul's cuts will be reversed, with more funding added. A Marist Poll found 31% of rural New Yorkers want the state government to increase funding for the development of new homes.
New York disability rights advocates are working to break barriers in numerous legislative areas, including those in transportation, housing, and employment. Another area of focus is voting and accessible polling places. A Brennan Center for Justice report finds almost all of New York's polling places aren't disability accessible - leaving them unable to accommodate a quarter of the state's population.
Sharon McLennon-Wier, executive director with the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, said this can be improved.
"We're looking at accessible ballots, especially electronic ballots
for those who are blind, visually impaired, learning disabled. If they're able to submit an accessible ballot through absentee ballots that would be helpful because maybe they're unable to get someone to get them to the polls," she said.
She added the State Election Board should also train poll workers on using ballot marking devices. The Brennan Center's report finds in 42% of polling places surveyed, ballot marking devices weren't set up to ensure a disabled voter's privacy. Bills about training poll workers and enabling electronic absentee ballots are pending in the Assembly's Elections Committee.
In education, McLennon-Wier said proper sexual education for people with disabilities is important. Certain disabilities might require a person to have help with daily life, but she noted this can leave a person in more vulnerable situations. Providing this kind of education could help reduce the amount of sexual assault people with disabilities face.
"So, we want people with disabilities to be taught about their bodies, taught about inappropriate touching, taught about how to get good reproductive healthcare, how to understand hygiene, good health, regarding the reproductive process," she continued.
The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics finds sexual assaults of disabled people rose 27% between 2017 and 2019. Moreover, a 2023 survey notes 48% of women with disabilities have experienced sexual assault or harassment in the workplace.
Community health center leaders from New York and across the nation are meeting in Washington this week. They'll be strategizing about how to address the country's primary-care crisis.
This means examining solutions to workforce shortages, inflationary costs and other issues. New York ranked sixth on a report's top ten listing of states with high medically disenfranchised populations.
New York's Legislature will take up several bills regarding forever chemicals.
The bills would eliminate unnecessary per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in household items such as cosmetics, menstrual products, and others. Legislation will also focus on removing PFAS from waterways as well.
More than 3,400 New York waterways including the Hudson River contain the chemicals. Recent studies find some forever chemicals are still in the river despite the Environmental Protection Agency's multiyear dredging effort.
Kate Donovan, Northeast regional lead for environmental health for the Natural Resources Defense Council, describe how important the bills are.
"And, it's a really important step to starting to turn off the use of this chemical and the products specifically, because there's alternatives to PFAS in all of these things," Donovan pointed out. "There's no reason these products even need that chemical to begin with."
She noted there is little opposition to the bills since most companies want to eliminate PFAS on their own. Last year, the Legislature took up a bill requiring State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit holders to report any amounts of PFAS chemicals in their discharges. Though the bill failed in committee, it will be taken up again this year.
For now, getting PFAS out of drinking water is done by wastewater treatment plants. Donovan argued cleanup of the chemicals should fall to those who put them in the waterway.
"They are being told this is the level of PFAS that can come into your drinking water, and they're having to do all these measures to filter the water," Donovan noted. "But we know they aren't the polluters. They didn't create the problem. The PFAS is coming from other places, and where is it coming from?"
Beyond household items, there are other large concentrations of PFAS chemicals in the state. Department of Defense facilities are one of the largest concentrations of PFAS. In New York, 13 installations belonging to three branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Defense Logistics Agency are near drinking-water sources.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing a rule on overdraft fees that would benefit New Yorkers. The rule closes a loophole exempting overdraft fees from provisions in the Truth in Lending Act.
New York housing advocates feel the state is not taking the affordable housing crisis seriously.
The recent budget proposal and State of the State address neglected to talk about reducing high rental costs and protecting tenants from unlawful eviction.
A Rand Corporation report noted state policies haven't taken steps to address systematic barriers and cost drivers limiting housing production.
Cea Weaver, campaign coordinator for Housing Justice For All, sees towns and cities taking steps to solve their affordable housing problems.
"Across the state, tenants are working to opt into rent control in New York City, in Rochester, in Ithaca, in Syracuse," Weaver outlined. "Other places, Hudson Valley. New Yorkers are opting into rent stabilization so, that's an important measure that keeps people housed."
She argued passing good cause eviction protections and creating a housing access voucher program could reduce housing issues. Opposition has come from the real estate industry, which wants to keep things status quo.
While Gov. Kathy Hochul has said people are leaving New York due to a housing shortage, Weaver noted it is due to rising costs. The Fiscal Policy Institute reported on average, savings from lower housing costs are 15 times greater than savings from taxes for former New Yorkers.
Housing affordability is an issue voters across party lines want addressed. Weaver acknowledged despite the inertia in the Legislature to get this done, a lack of political will is the ultimate hurdle.
"I think sometimes in an election year, people make the decision to just keep their head down and do nothing when they really could do something brave," Weaver asserted. "There's an assumption that 'If I don't move, maybe they won't see anything, everything will be OK,' or something like that. It's annoying. It's really, really silly."
It is uncertain how much longer the issue can be put off. Cities across the state are declaring housing emergencies due to high rents and costs. Newburgh declared one in 2023, with Ithaca and Rochester facing similar issues.
A 2021 survey found 77% of Newburgh residents would leave because of high rents since they're spending more than 30% of their income on housing alone.
The New York HEAT Act is again making its way through the state Legislature. The bill aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances and gives the Public Service Commission authority to keep utility companies in line with the state's climate laws.
In previous years, the bill has gotten far, clearing the Senate chamber in 2023. Much of the bill is in Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2025 budget proposal.
Anshul Gupta, policy and research director with New Yorkers for Clean Power, contends gas utilities are spreading misinformation about the bill.
"The most common one is that our electrical infrastructure, our electrical grid, cannot handle the load of shifting the heating, space and water heating, from gas to electricity," Gupta said.
He noted this stems from a report showing the electrical grid could have trouble meeting summer peak loads. Though it's more than able to handle the winter, downstate summer peak use is left to peaker plants. But these are slowly going away.
Gupta said in the next decade, New York's winter peak isn't expected to exceed the summer, and by then the electrical grid could handle that load.
Gupta believes building decarbonization and generating zero-emission electricity are other energy policies New York should be focusing on. The state has worked hard on its climate goals, but he's uncertain if it can achieve them on time.
"Right now, it doesn't look like we're on track to meet those goals, and we need to double down on ensuring that we have enough offshore wind and transmission as well as onshore wind and solar generation in the pipeline," Gupta continued.
He added these projects need to continue being built instead of lingering in development. But some offshore wind projects in New York were cancelled because the company's contracts were negotiated before construction costs rose during the pandemic.
Now, some reports find that unless those issues are resolved, the state might not achieve its 2030 climate goals.
A proposed bill would help New York families struggling with the high cost of living.
The Working Families Tax Credit bill combines the Empire State Child Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the dependent exemption into a single tax credit. A University of Washington report finds almost two of five households in New York cannot afford basic needs.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2025 budget proposal is missing key funding priorities for rural housing, according to a coalition advocating for the issue.
The new budget cuts funding for programs to help rural areas address housing needs, including cuts to the Rural Preservation Program used by nonprofits in their communities.
Mike Borges, executive director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York, feels it is a step backward, compared to last year's more ambitious budget. He described the types of funding needed to help rural homeowners.
"What we need is capacity-building funding," Borges explained. "That funding that goes to nonprofit housing organizations so they have the capacity to do the work that's needed in their communities. We need money for infrastructure. Rural communities lack water and sewer, a lot of them do."
He added rural areas' lack of this infrastructure is often a barrier to developing more housing. Borges emphasized he is hopeful as the budget process continues, the Legislature will reverse the cuts suggested by Hochul. A Marist Poll found 31% of rural New Yorkers want state government to increase funding for developing new homes.
Outside factors have also been to blame for the lack of housing being built in rural New York. In particular, high construction costs during the pandemic prevented developers from breaking ground on rural projects, and Borges noted the disinvestment is translating into an exodus from rural communities.
"They see the housing stock declining. They see the population declining. I think that kind of goes hand in hand," Borges observed. "If people don't have someplace to live, they're going to move and relocate elsewhere."
A Rural Housing Coalition of New York report showed rural counties have seen 50,000 people leave in the last decade. And a 2021 New York State Comptroller report showed 10 rural counties had 5,500 fewer housing units than they did in 2016.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State initiatives are ambitious for the state's future. The focus now is on how to make them a reality.
In particular, children's advocates feel the governor's promises to bolster literacy and child mental health are much needed.
New York has ranked poorly in both focus areas in recent polls and studies. Community hospitals have received $50 million to expand mental health treatment, for children and adults.
Randi Levine, policy director for Advocates for Children of New York, argued poor literacy skills have been an issue far too long.
"We hear from families of older students, who haven't learned the fundamental reading skills they need to fill out a job application or to read their science textbook," Levine reported.
Hochul's plans come at a time when the state will need to step up and fund them. Because federal pandemic education funds are drying up, some schools are facing fiscal cliffs. New York City schools are seeing unique circumstances, since Mayor Eric Adams is proposing $500 million in cuts to education programs. Levine and others are awaiting Hochul's budget proposal on Tuesday to know what role the state plans to play.
States across the country face reading deficiencies. It has been a long-standing issue, made worse during the pandemic. Levine noted those years especially took a toll on marginalized students' ability to learn.
"Students with disabilities had a difficult time, in many cases, learning through a screen," Levine recounted. "Students who are English language learners, who didn't have a parent fluent in English to sit with them and have them navigate the computer system."
And yet, even as children are back in classrooms, a National Council on Teacher Quality report found 40% of reading instruction is counterproductive to effectively teaching kids how to read.
A solution to rural New York's housing problems could lie in manufactured homes.
A 2023 report found manufactured homes comprise around 2.5% of New York's housing stock. In rural counties, it jumps to more than 10%.
Local and state groups have been working to improve this form of housing.
Ben Carver, director of manufactured homes for Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, said the benefits of manufactured homes boil down to economics.
"Manufactured houses are substantially less expensive than a traditional stick-built home," Carver pointed out. "They offer, by and large, the same amenities, unless we're talking about a mansion of some kind, right? They cost less to build. The installation process is maybe a month, as opposed to a year for a stick-built home."
He noted the stigma of living in aged trailers has kept people from pursuing this kind of housing. But Carver feels the industry has turned a corner, with modern manufactured homes baring little resemblance to what they once were. Stereotypes often overlook the real challenges this kind of housing can face, such as exploitative landlords and deferred maintenance practices.
In 2021, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services bought Auble's Trailer Park and has been transforming it into Compass MHC. Work on the project has been arduous since it is new territory for the organization. Carver noted the project differs from others because development usually starts from scratch.
"What we were doing and what we still are doing is this huge infrastructure project," Carver emphasized. "It means turning the ground inside out so we can replace sewer mains and water mains, electrical infrastructure, and then paving on top of that. But we're doing it all within the context of someone's home, and their driveway, and their lawn."
He added the group is looking to work on other manufactured home projects in the future and is on the lookout for other trailer parks they could improve.
Government accountability groups want increased transparency in New York criminal court decisions. This comes after a new report finds only 6% of decisions are published annually.
Some state and local lawmakers are on a long list calling on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to require big oil companies to help offset the costs of damages caused by climate change.
More than 60 New York elected officials have signed a letter emphasizing the need to keep up with climate extremes through local projects to protect coastlines, restore wetlands, elevate or buy out threatened homes, improve water and sewer systems, retrofit public buildings and more.
Dominic Frongillo, co-founder and executive director of Elected Officials to Protect America and a former council member and deputy supervisor in Caroline, said the major question is who will pay for the projects?
"In Caroline, New York, we were hit by two 100-year storms in five years, causing millions of dollars in public infrastructure damage," Frongillo recounted. "Our taxpayers can't support that. We need the Climate Change Superfund Act to protect our communities and protect our taxpayers from the damages caused by 'Big Oil.'"
A study from the State Comptroller estimated from 2018 to 2028, more than half of New York's municipal spending outside of New York City was, or will be, related to the climate emergency.
The Climate Change Superfund Act passed the state Senate earlier this year and is supported by more than 240 environmental, faith, civic and labor groups.
In the decade from 2011 to 2021, New York was hit by 16 major climate-related disasters, for which FEMA allocated more than $17 billion in assistance.
Cate Rogers, a council member for the Town of East Hampton, said when funds to help communities hit by extreme weather run out, additional support will have to come from local and state governments, which she claims is unfair.
"The funding burden must fall directly on the polluting big oil companies that are responsible for the climate emergency, not our taxpayers," Rogers argued. "We cannot stand by and let 'Big Oil' continue to post record profits while we clean up their mess."
East Hampton just secured a $600,000 state grant for a plan to consider moving downtown Montauk if it becomes necessary. Rogers noted regardless of which government entity pays for the necessary expenses, it is still coming from taxpayers rather than the polluters.
Legislation to allow medical aid in dying bill has been introduced in New York State every year since 2015, and its backers say 2024 could be the year it finally passes.
The bill would allow terminally ill people with only six months to live to use this option rather than endure unending pain.
Proponents point out that numerous safeguards are key components of the bill, including requiring two physicians to approve the request.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin - D-Scarsdale, the bill's sponsor - said she is convinced the reason it hasn't passed yet is fear of the unknown.
"Any new concept - and this is relatively new, new for New York, anyway - takes time," said Paulin. "Death is certainly a very sensitive topic - it's going to happen to all of us one day, and people avoid thinking about it. In this context, the concerns are forcing someone to do it, protections around it, all of those things."
Given that it's a complex and emotional issue, Paulin said she finds it's taken quite some time to educate people about it.
Opponents often refer to medical aid in dying as "assisted suicide," but the latest Siena College poll finds more than half of New Yorkers would support a medical aid-in-dying law.
Currently, ten states and Washington, D.C, have medical aid-in-dying laws.
Corinne Carey - campaign director for New York and New Jersey with the nonprofit Compassion & Choices - said she was concerned the pandemic might turn people off to this concept.
Instead, she said she finds it got more people interested in pursuing what she calls a "good death."
"No death is a 'good death,'" said Carey, "but certainly New Yorkers know that they don't want a death where they are separated, isolated from loved ones and suffering at the end."
A substantial number of New York lawmakers cosigned the bill, and Carey noted that it's up to the state's leadership to get this legislation across the finish line.
Rural New York organizations are working to tackle issues with rural housing. Rural counties throughout the state are suffering from aging housing stock and an ever dwindling supply.
In 2021, the New York State Comptroller found 10 rural counties had 5,500 fewer housing units than in 2016.
Megan Murphy, executive director of the rural housing organization Adirondack Roots, said places like Essex County are seeing the ripple effects of rural New York's housing problems.
"The county itself has dozens of jobs that are going unfilled because one of the hardest parts of this is that hiring in people from outside, they're not able to find housing," Murphy observed. "We're hearing this from health care institutions, we're hearing this from nonprofits, and from others."
She argued solutions require new rental units and affordable housing projects in rural areas. Murphy added while most rural counties are facing a housing shortage, the problems look different in each place. Essex County, for example, needs increased funding for Adirondack Roots' existing home rehabilitation, and New York State's mobile home replacement program.
New York State is investing in rural areas. Several new rental developments have been built across the state in 2023. But Murphy pointed out new projects are expensive and potential renters are already struggling to make ends meet with low wages.
"When you're talking about new builds, it's 'how do we figure out how to create a situation where we can either reduce the cost of building, or create a situation where there is a subsidy for folks so that they can get into new homes?'" Murphy explained.
She emphasized it also applies to maintaining existing homes. Murphy acknowledged there is no silver bullet to the issues surrounding rural housing, but contended it will take an interconnected, holistic approach to solve them.
Congress' proposed cuts to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children will have significant effects on New York families.
Should the cuts come to fruition, 328,000 families in the state could lose WIC benefits. Nationally, the cuts would affect more than 5 million families.
David Nemiroff, president and CEO of Harmony Health Care Long Island, said draconian cuts are the last thing WIC families need and argued WIC needs a boost in funding, not a cut.
"We haven't seen a change in funding for nine years," Nemiroff pointed out. "We have computers that are nine years old and they're falling apart. It needs some basic infrastructure to manage the program and then it needs just dollars to support the people working in it. I believe, personally, an investment in WIC will reduce health care costs and other costs down the line when you have a good social safety net."
The cuts are being proposed at a time when child food insecurity is on the rise. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found around 9% of children were food insecure at different times during 2022, up from around 6% in 2021. The report also showed more than half of food insecure respondents were in one or more federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.
Inflation and the rising cost of living have only brought more people to the WIC program. Nemiroff noted the pandemic only broadened families need for WIC. He observed having a foot in both worlds of food assistance and health care demonstrated how one affects the other.
"When we were testing people for COVID, we were giving out food boxes because people had to isolate," Nemiroff recounted. "WIC shot up in terms of people needing WIC benefits because they had to be home, and folks had trouble sometimes working because things had to be shut down."
The Food Research and Action Center reported New York saw a 6% increase in people using WIC during the pandemic, and child participation was up 14%. Despite the numbers, the data show WIC is still not reaching enough people who need it.
New York has made a massive investment in renewable energy. The state is committing $300 million to create the nation's first offshore wind blade and nacelle manufacturing facilities.
In addition to three massive offshore wind projects, 22 solar and wind projects across the state are also being funded. Altogether, these projects will generate around 6.5 gigawatts of electricity - enough to power more than 2 million New York homes.
Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, noted it has been a challenge to get to this point.
"In New York, you win a contract from the state and then you continue on your path to get your permit and your interconnection, and that can take four, five, six, seven years. And, unfortunately, what's happened in those intervening years is we had the COVID pandemic and unprecedented inflation," Reynolds explained.
Companies developing offshore wind projects have a case before the state's Public Service Commission to raise their strike prices, the amount they will be paid per megawatt hour of electricity produced. Orsted and Eversource want a 27% increase for the Sunrise Wind project, which would raise their strike-price from around $110 to around $140 per megawatt hour, but the petition was rejected.
This investment will create 8,300 jobs for the state's renewable energy workforce.
Fred Zalcman, director of the New York State Offshore Wind Alliance, said the state has to ensure the workforce is trained to develop these projects.
"We do need to make sure that New York's workforce, skilled men and women of labor in the skilled trades, are prepared for this new activity," Zalcman explained.
A state estimate shows job growth for offshore wind is expected to reach at least 10,000. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority finds that as of December 2021, the state had 165,000 clean-energy jobs, with jobs in energy efficiency leading the pack.
New York environmental groups want Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill making it easier to know where lead pipes are located.
The Lead Pipe Right to Know Act would require information about the location of lead pipes be made accessible online for New Yorkers to easily access.
The Natural Resources Defense Council finds there are more than 360,000 lead pipes across the state.
Robert Hayes, director of clean water for Environmental Advocates New York, said the bill will do more than eliminate lead pipes.
"At the end of the day, it's going to take money to dig up lead pipes - and we've seen really historic investments made at the federal level to replace lead pipes through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, we need the state government to step up with a similar type of commitment," Hayes explained.
He noted advocates are also calling on Hochul to include an extra $100 million for lead service line replacement in the upcoming budget. Since 2017, $5 billion has been dedicated to clean water work, although less than 1% has gone to fixing lead pipes.
Estimates find it will cost at least $2.5 billion to replace all lead pipes in the state.
Along with state and federal investments, municipalities can take initiative on removing lead pipes too. Earlier this year, the city of Troy established its Get the Lead Out Plan to remove the city's estimated 14,000 lead pipes.
He added that this plan could serve as a framework for other towns and cities looking to get the ball rolling on lead pipe removal.
"Since May of this year, Troy has replaced about 80 lead pipes and intends to continue that. That's what local governments need to be doing all across the state," Hayes said. "These pipes are in almost every city in New York, from Buffalo to Albany to New York City, and we can't wait any longer to get the lead out of drinking water."
A New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning report finds 41% of water service lines are made of lead or possibly made of lead pipes. This means 21% of the city's residents live in a household with lead or possibly lead service lines.
A report from the U.S. Department of Defense finds 245 of its 275 installations are close to groundwater sources, including 13 in New York State. The danger is, these installations could be leaching PFAS "forever chemicals" into primary water sources of nearby towns and cities. Comments from Jared Hayes, senior policy analyst, Environmental Working Group.
New York health experts are preparing people for the health-care coverage open-enrollment period.
Between 2010 and 2021, the number of New Yorkers without health insurance declined from almost 12% to a little more than 5%.
As people consider their coverage, Stacy Villagran chief operating officer with the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York, said people need to be aware that Medicaid's auto renewal ended with the public health emergency.
"For the last three years, everybody in the programs have been auto renewed because of the public health emergency," said Villagran. "So, there are some folks that have never had to renew during the last three years, like it's the first time they've been enrolled in these plans."
She added that people need to be cognizant of any notices they receive from their local Department of Social Services or New York State of Health.
The Kaiser Family Foundation finds more than 338,000 people have been disenrolled, while around 654,000 had their coverage renewed.
But, the language of health insurance can be complex.
Dr. Rhonda Randall - chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare's commercial operations - said people need to familiarize themselves with terms such as deductibles, coinsurance premiums, and copays.
She noted that people are starting to look for mental health coverage or if their plan covers telehealth visits.
"Many people are getting their virtual care services and their telehealth services from their local physician, which is great," said Randall. "And then in addition to that, many plans cover 24/7 virtual care. And you might have access to a variety of things like on-demand virtual care."
The nonprofit FAIR Health finds telehealth visits in Northeastern states such as New York have been mostly used to diagnose or address mental health issues.
An Oliver Wyman survey finds at least half of Gen Z-ers are being treated for at least one mental health issue, almost twice that of previous generations.
Flood risk will soon have to be required on individual properties in New York. Here's what that state law means for homeowners.
Interest on federal student loans will begin accruing for borrowers in New York and across the nation starting this month. The Education Data Initiative finds $93 billion in federal student loan debt belongs to New Yorkers. The average amount of debt is almost $38,000 among the almost 2.5 million student borrowers in the state.
Brian Walsh, director of advice and planning with the personal finance company SoFi, said the new students should consider the return they receive on education before taking on student loan debt.
"At the end of the day, the loans are going to have to be paid back, and you want to make sure that you borrow enough money in order to get an education and further your earning power, and improve your quality of life, and things like that," he said. "But, you don't want to borrow too much money where it's going to negatively affect major aspects of your life."
Some of these major events could be buying a house, getting married and having kids. Walsh advised people be proactive about their repayments and check with their loan servicer to see when repayments begin in October.
As so many people prepare to repay their student loans, Walsh noted there could be challenges such as high inflation and interest rates that have stretched people's finances. Focusing solely on the monthly payment is a common mistake people make when repaying their loans, he said.
"Current monthly payments are important because they need to fit into your monthly budget. But, when it comes to loans, it's really a tradeoff between what you pay now and the amount you pay over the lifetime of the loan. So, you need to kind of go into that with eyes wide open that a lower payment isn't always going to be best for you," Walsh explained.
He said the interest rate will have a big impact on the cost of borrowing. A higher interest rate could mean paying back more money than initially borrowed. But, he added with federal student loans, the interest rate is set based on the type of loan and when it was taken.
As 'Gen Z' New Yorkers enter the workforce, their healthcare needs and concerns are varying from previous generations. Along with differences in their healthcare needs, how people in their teens to mid-20s learn about healthcare options is changing, too. While older generations took more expert opinions to heart as they selected their healthcare plans, studies find Millennials have been more likely to research online reviews.
Congress is divided on how to fund the Head Start program in its upcoming appropriations bill. While the Senate is keen on investing more money for the program, the House is looking to cut around $750 million. In New York, these cuts would eliminate a little over 4,300 seats in the HeadStart program.
Larry Marx, CEO with The Children's Agenda, said the implications of this funding cut and others like it are dire.
"What we will see is more children who aren't ready for kindergarten, more health issues for children and families, more food insecurity," he said. "We'll be seeing more housing instability, and seeing a lot more mental health problems as a result of all of this."
Proponents of the cuts feel this is a way to reduce what's considered excessive government spending. After seeing the compromises made to pass the debt ceiling, Marx said negotiations cannot begin with a lower benchmark for funding HeadStart. These cuts could stagnate progress to improve the number of young children not in school in the state. The Annie E. Casey Foundation finds this remained at 42% over the last decade, well below the national average.
Some experts see this as another in a long line of issues children and their families are facing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with learning loss, Kate Breslin, president and CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, said there are other issues potentially harming children and families.
"Congress allowed the improved child tax credit, which was implemented during the pandemic," she explained. "Congress allowed that to expire despite the fact that it lifted millions out of poverty."
She added the Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program unwinding has strained families further. In New York, this has led to a little over 338,000 people being disenrolled from Medicaid. Now is the time for Congress and elected officials to bolster programs for children and families, rather than slash their funding, Breslin said.
Who should have final say on where cell phone towers are located? This Congressional bill would limit local authority.
In honor of National Honey Bee Day, New York environmentalists want Gov. Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.
The bill prohibits selling neonicotinoids and use of seeds coated with the pesticides. It also requires the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to review the latest science concerning active ingredients in them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds neonicotinoids can jeopardize more than 200 plant and animal species protected by the Endangered Species Act.
New Yorkers and people across the nation are being victimized by a plethora of scams.
The Federal Trade Commission reported impostor scams cost New Yorkers almost $600 million between 2022 and 2023.
Across the country, investment scams have caught more people than any other. Scammers cashing in on the cryptocurrency craze took around $4 billion from people in the U.S. in 2022, double the amount people were scammed out of in 2021.
As construction on the new Buffalo Bills stadium gets underway, Western New Yorkers are preparing for the jobs the project will create. Along with myriad community benefits, construction will create 10,000 union labor jobs for the region.
The New York State Legislature is considering a bill to end court fees many consider predatory.
Senate Bill 313 takes aim at numerous fines, fees and surcharges added to any crime, from traffic violations to felonies.
A group of New York state social workers wants more funding for a veterans' mental-health program.
The Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative educates community providers about veteran-specific issues and cultural competency for working with them. The group seeks $100,000 to fund a position to link the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project with the clinicians in the initiative.
Amelia Lochner-Malave, director of operations and development at the National Association of Social Workers New York Chapter, said it's important to learn how to help providers.
"So, this is going to incorporate a few things," she said, "creating an evaluation of clinicians on intake, seeing where they are in terms of their knowledge and cultural competency with veterans' issues."
She said the person in this role would also create a baseline curriculum for clinicians working with veterans, but acknowledged not everyone sees the value of mental-health services if they haven't had experience with them. The state of New York already has invested several million dollars to expand the Veterans Peer Support Project statewide.
While clinicians are trained to address numerous mental-health issues, Lochner-Malave noted that this program goes beyond that. Particularly, she said, she thinks improving cultural competency can increase the trust a veteran might have for a clinician.
"You cannot meet the needs of that person if they're truly speaking almost like a different language, which is true, you know - the veterans have their own culture and their own language," she said. "And you need to be able to respect and be aware of that before you can address any of these other issues."
She said it's especially important to show humility and a deeper understanding when covering tough topics such as suicide prevention. A 2022 New York Health Foundation report found the rate of suicides among New York veterans has stabilized in recent years, but there are signs the progress is fragile.
The New York State Public Employees Federation is launching a campaign to improve publicly employed social workers' conditions.
A bill in the New York state Legislature would implement new standards for Child Protective Services. The bill requires CPS workers to get a court order and inform parents and caregivers of their rights before searching homes.
New York State's Legislature is considering several bills to get the state to utilize ethical and sustainable supply chains. Learn more about it here.
A recent report from the Prison Policy Initiative calls for better state laws to keep incarcerated parents close to their kids. It finds 12 states including New York have measures designed to improve a child's access to incarcerated parents, but not all of these laws have the same protections.
The New York State Legislature is considering a bill to allow the creation of public banks. The New York Public Banking Act would authorize municipal and other local governments to form and control public banks through ownership interests such as capital stock. The hope is these banks will invest in community endeavors rather than interests in line with making the bank profit. A report from the Rainforest Action Network said some of the largest banks in the nation are heavily invested in the fossil-fuel industry despite world policy shifts to renewable energies.
As National Reading Month ends soon, libraries across New York and the nation are dealing with the increasing number of book challenges.
New data from the American Library Association finds demands to censor certain books hit an all time high of 1,200 in 2022. This is nearly double the 729 book challenges in 2021.
A New York environmental group feels the Environmental Protection Agency's latest regulations on soot in the air do not go far enough.
The new regulations would reduce fine particulate matter from 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air to between nine and 10.
Anastasia Gordon, energy and transportation policy manager for the group We Act for Environmental Justice, wants to see it reduced to eight micrograms. She thinks the daily standard for particulate matter, which the EPA is not changing, should be reduced as well, pointing to the health hazards air pollution can have.
"They get into your lungs. They get into your bloodstream. They cross the placenta, so they go to your unborn child and can cause preterm birth or infant mortality," Gordon outlined. "Because it's so small but deadly, it causes high rates of asthma and heart problems or heart disease."
Along with the health effects, studies find people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution. A 2021 study found the largest contributors to air pollution for people of color are industry, light-duty gasoline vehicles, and construction and heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
The standards were last updated in 2012, with the EPA required to review the latest science to update them every five years. In December 2020, the Trump administration declined to tighten the standards.
Patrick Drupp, director of climate policy for the Sierra Club, said while EPA Director Michael Regen has reopened the process, more stringent standards are needed.
"The EPA could save up to 20,000 lives per year based on their own science and their own analysis," Drupp contended. "Adopting a more stringent standard, going from the low end of what they proposed of nine to what we're asking for of no higher than eight can save an additional 4,000 lives."
He added everyone has the right to breathe clean air, but the right is being denied to a lot of people across the U.S. While the EPA standard would lower air pollution, Drupp feels the U.S. should meet the World Health Organization's annual standard. Their annual standard calls for fine particulate matter to be at five micrograms per cubic meter of air.
New York environmentalists are protesting banks heavily invested in the fossil fuel industry as part of a national day of action today (Tuesday). Led by the group Third Act, protests across the U.S. will consist of rallies, art installations, and activists cutting up credit cards. According to the Rainforest Action Network's 2022 Fossil Fuel Finance report, the world's 60 largest banks invested over $4.5-trillion in fossil fuels since the Paris Climate Agreement was adopted in 2016.
New York disability-rights advocates are calling for the age cap on the state's Medicaid Buy In Program to be raised or eliminated.
The program is designed for people with disabilities who work and earn more than would be allowable to qualify for regular Medicaid. This ensures people with disabilities won't be at risk of losing vital healthcare coverage, while still earning some income.
The age cap of 65 could cause people to lose coverage they'd need to to get ready for the day.
New York's State Legislature is considering a bill to ensure that companies contracting with the state don't contribute to tropical deforestation.
The Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act holds companies contracting with New York State accountable for any deforestation they might take part in, whether that's through how their product is made or through their supply chain.
A study from the University of Cambridge finds 94 companies have adopted zero-deforestation commitments, although most are not put into practice.
New York's Public Campaign Finance Program is facing delays from the very people who approved it - New York legislators. The program was approved by the Legislature in 2020 and aims to level the playing field of campaign donations for everyday New Yorkers and special-interest groups. One element of the program is a matching system, which allows contributions of less than $250 to be matched by a public fund. This means candidates would have to interact more with constituents for campaign funding instead of dialing for dollars. Legislators feel the uncertainty surrounding the state's redistricting process is why the program needs to be delayed.
A recent report finds nursing homes across New York are going without proper oversight.
AARP New York's report finds about 80% of New York City's almost 300 nursing homes, assisted-living and adult-care facilities didn't receive a single visit from the state's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program during a three-month period in 2022.
The reason for this is that the program has long been underfunded, a trend that's set to continue in Gov. Kathy Hochul's latest budget.
Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, explained what would improve the ombudsman program and keep nursing homes accountable for patient care.
"The Department of Health needs to do a better job," said Mollot. "You know, these surveyors are inspectors. They need to be equipped and supported to ensure that residents are safe and that the facilities are not allowed to perpetuate poor care and demeaning conditions."
He added that what's critically needed is a professional ombudsman staff to meet the needs of nursing-home residents. This means regularly monitoring facilities, providing support to residents, and being a voice for residents too.
AARP New York is calling on a commitment of $15 million in state funding for the ombudsman program to ensure it has enough staff to follow through with serious complaints from nursing-home residents.
Trends for nursing homes across the state weren't much better. The report finds that more than half of facilities throughout New York failed to receive one visit from a Long Term Care Ombudsman.
But, outside of this program, there are challenges nursing homes have been facing for some time. Lindsay Heckler, supervising attorney at the Center for Elder Law & Justice, said one challenge that needs to be addressed is staffing.
"The rules and regulations that are in both federal and state law need to be fully enforced," said Heckler. "So, for example, New York State has the minimum staffing standards that are in effect. The state needs to make sure that nursing homes are doing their job and meeting those bare minimums."
Issues with staffing in nursing homes have been ongoing, but were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a report from the American Healthcare Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, from February 2020 to December 2022, nursing homes across the U.S. lost more than 210,000 workers.
A bill in the New York State Legislature would increase the minimum wage to over $20 by 2026. The Raise the Wage Act would increase New York's $15 per hour minimum wage over the next three years and index each year after to match inflation. Data from the Economic Policy Institute finds if this bill is approved, it would increase wages for about 3 million workers across the state by more than $3,000.
A review of nonprofit hospitals in New York found they are more concerned with making money than patient care. According to a patientsrightsadvocate.org survey of more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide, only 6 of 101 New York hospitals reviewed complied with federal regulations requiring all hospitals to post prices online, as well as making them easily accessible.
A new study shows rural New York is struggling with declining populations and lacking employment.
The State of Rural New York examines about a decade's worth of data and rural counties experienced a population decline of 50,000 people. This was twice the rate of urban counties in the state.
Other issues rural areas are facing include aging housing stock which isn't designed for seniors or people with limited mobility.
Mike Borges - executive director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York - said one part of the solution to revitalize rural counties begins with better funding for numerous programs, including those that allow people to age in place.
"We are advocating for more funding for Access to Home and RESTORE," said Borges, "which are two programs that allow senior citizens to stay in their homes and do repairs and make the homes more accessible to the disabled so they can stay in their communities."
He added that other solutions are providing funding to rural communities for small rental development projects and affordable workforce housing.
A 2020 report shows the Lake Placid community has an unmet need of over 1,500 workforce and affordable housing units.
Borges noted that housing is important to bringing and keeping economic opportunities in rural areas.
According to the report, rural counties have just over 2 million housing units, compared with the 6.3 million in urban counties. Between 2011 and 2020, these numbers increased, but rural counties are shown to have an 18% vacancy rate.
He said the key to getting people back in rural areas is better housing.
"If we want to reverse the population loss, particularly here in New York state," said Borges, "we need to do a better job of building more housing and preserving housing in rural communities. To reverse that decline, again, housing is going to be a number one issue to address along with economic opportunity."
One challenge Borges said he sees in accomplishing these changes is the lack of representation in New York State's government that's dedicated to rural issues.
He said he thinks reviving the Office of Rural Affairs, which developed recommendations for the elected officials on policies and plans to meet rural communities' needs, would ensure rural issues are being thoroughly addressed.
New York lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban radioactive waste from being discharged from the Indian Point Energy Center. This comes as the facility's owner, Holtec International, is considering dumping treated - but still radioactive - waste into the Hudson River.
The river has a history of pollutants being dumped into it, and some 200 river miles are classified as a superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency. During a forum about the implications of Holtec's actions, physicist Dr. Helen Caldicott described some of what could end up in the Hudson, such as tritium.
"You can't remove tritium from water, because tritium becomes part of the water, H3O instead of H2O," she said. "Tritium gets out into the atmosphere from nuclear power plants, and if you're immersed in a cloud of fog near a nuclear power plant, the tritium in the fog can actually enter the skin."
The bill, introduced by state Sen. Peter Harckham, D-Lewisboro, would fine violators $25,000 a day if caught dumping radiological agents into New York State waters. Second-violation fines would increase to $50,000 a day. The bill is under review in the state Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
Up to this point, Holtec International had worked closely with state agencies to ensure a safe process, based partly on the joint proposal to decommission Indian Point.
Dr. Diane Turco, director of Cape Downwinders, said this is a moment when elected officials need to stand up for their constituents.
"Let's see," she said. "Can our laws really protect the people? And can our legislators and elected officials do the best for the people? This is a real big test."
Earlier this month, at a meeting of the Indian Point Closure Task Force and Decommissioning Oversight Board, residents spoke against dumping the waste and recommended other methods. One option is leaving the waste in tanks onsite, so radioactive agents are safer to remove. Others include transferring it to out-of-state sites and possibly allowing the wastewater to evaporate.
Proposed legislation in Albany would mean increased protections for women's healthcare providers.
Brought forward by state Sen. Shelley Meyer - D-New Rochelle - the bill is part of a larger effort to make New York a safe haven for a pregnant person's right to choose.
Medication abortions made up more than half of all abortions in the U.S. in 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Meyer said since the pills can be prescribed through telehealth, she said she wants to protect New York-based doctors from other states' laws banning abortion.
But she said she's already hearing concerns about whether the protections outlined in her bill are sufficient.
"It gave a false sense of security to providers, that there couldn't be criminal consequences for them," said Meyer. "That extradition could occur, or some other consequences, if they engaged in acts that were deemed criminal by another state."
Other concerns include legal challenges heading to the U.S. Supreme Court that could result in restrictive federal legislation.
But Meyer said she's ready to meet whatever challenges are in the bill's path.
The Senate has approved the bill, '1066-A,' and it is now being considered by the Assembly.
Along with Meyer's bill, other legislation has also been introduced to ensure abortion protections.
One is the New York State Equal Rights Amendment, which New Yorkers will be able to vote on in 2024.
While Meyer said she is focused on her own bill, she said she hopes voters understand the importance of this type of legislation to people's lives and families.
"Politically, we have to make sure that women and men understand the stakes of having states outlaw abortion," said Meyer. "I mean, it's not someone's fault that they live in a state where the state legislature and the governor want to make this unlawful. But it has incredible consequences of forced pregnancy, and I am very worried about that."
In 2022, Massachusetts passed a similar law, which Meyer said was the baseline in developing her Senate bill.
A new report found antisemitism is on the rise across the U.S., but awareness of its detriment is rising as well.
The report from the American Jewish Committee showed 91% of Americans know antisemitism is a serious problem. According to the New York City Police Department, hate crimes against Jewish people increased 11% from 2021 to 2022.
Holly Huffnagle, U.S. director for combating antisemitism at the American Jewish Committee, thinks it is great more people are aware of antisemitism's harm, but she pointed out one issue in trying to combat it is people cannot always identify it.
"Many people, they might have been familiar with the term, but they don't know what antisemitism looks like or how to recognize it," Huffnagle explained. "That it's not just a hatred, that it's a conspiracy. That it's about power or control, and it looks different than other forms of racism. So, we, in our efforts, in our educational efforts, we always start with just being able to recognize it. "
Huffnagle noted there are a slew of factors driving the rise in antisemitism, the most prevalent being social media. The report found 82% of Americans saw some form of antisemitism on social media, and 67% of American Jewish people reported seeing it online as well.
Allaying fears of violence for Jewish people has not been easy. The report showed 38% of Jewish people changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism. Huffnagle emphasized there are plenty of questions about where antisemitism fits into ongoing fights against racism.
"There's a blind spot in our society today with rightly fighting racism and victims who are perceived as inferior," Huffnagle contended. "Unfortunately, Jews are still a vulnerable minority group around the world. So, something's missing when it comes to how do we fight antisemitism, how do we know who Jews are, and how do we include them within diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives?"
She added when it comes to combating antisemitism, law enforcement needs to be better at keeping Jewish people safe.
Of the Orthodox Jewish people surveyed, 65% say law enforcement is effective in addressing their security needs, down from 81% in 2021. Huffnagle stressed the next steps are for society, alongside government officials and law enforcement, to take responsibility to educate people properly about antisemitism and Jewish people.
As part of New York's 2024 executive budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul is aiming to further the state's climate action initiatives.
One particular piece of the budget seeks to advance renewable energy through the New York Power Authority. It would allow the agency to use funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to help the state meet its energy-efficiency goals, but some observers feel it is a step in the wrong direction.
Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, described what she thinks the New York Power Authority's role in developing renewables should be.
"We would like them to focus on helping us meet our goals by investing in the transmission system," Reynolds emphasized. "We're going to need, for example, transmissions to bring the offshore wind to shore, to move offshore wind power off of Long Island. That will require investments in the grid there."
Legislation to do this is being considered in the Senate. A previous version of the bill passed the Senate, but has languished in the Assembly.
Reynolds argued it is critical for the state to keep working toward its 2035 climate goals. She noted one aspect of the budget which should help would require all new construction to be all electric in the coming years.
A possible barrier to implementing New York's climate initiatives is a Republican push in Congress to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act. It has allocated billions of dollars to fund climate-smart programs, and is widely regarded as a hallmark in battling climate change.
While New York is one of the states to lead the charge on climate action, Reynolds acknowledged the Inflation Reduction Act was a much-needed tool to aid the fight.
"Here in New York, we are really showing leadership in the fight against climate change, and have been hoping for years that the federal government would do the same," Reynolds pointed out. "The Inflation Reduction Act was an absolute gift in terms of helping our efforts."
According to Democrats on Congress' Joint Economic Committee, repealing the Inflation Reduction Act would lead to increased energy costs for individual households of up to $300 a year.
While most New Yorkers oppose charter schools, Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to better fund them.
According to the 2024 New York State Executive Budget, Hochul wants to remove the regional cap on the number of charter schools in the state. But, a poll from New York State United Teachers and United Federation of Teachers finds this isn't what New Yorkers want.
Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed oppose plans to increase the number of charter schools in the state. Along with 81% of those surveyed, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said he feels strengthening public schools needs to be a priority for elected officials.
"We cannot believe we're here, having these conversations again," said Mulgrew, "when it is clear that parents and the community really do not want an expansion of charters at this point in time because they understand that the resources are being drained from the public schools."
Seventy-nine to 20% of those surveyed would rather see better public schools than an increase in choices of charter schools. When asked what their top priorities are for education, 94% of people want expanded literacy programs for struggling students.
But, only 7% of people said expanding charter schools was one of their top priorities. Currently, 182,000 students attend more than 340 charter schools across the state.
One thing the poll identifies is that numerous elements of how charter schools operate are unpalatable to New Yorkers. Specifically, 81% are against charter schools discriminating against students with disabilities.
But, previous studies including one from the National Council on Disability find this isn't happening as often as it did. NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said he feels charter schools create division in education.
"Eliminating the cap would result in a major transfer of resources from public schools, and for the last year we've been talking about how public schools unite us," said Pallotta. "And they do. We also know, sadly, that if public schools unite us, what the charters have been doing is divide us."
He said he hopes public schools can use their own funding to support extensive growth in numerous programs.
According to the budget, New York State public schools will be getting around $24 billion from Foundation Aid to support district operational and instruction costs.
Doctors are helping New Yorkers learn the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack this February, National Heart Month. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important differences that could help people save a life. Comments from Dr. Srihari Naidu (SHRI-har-ee NY-doh), president, New York Chapter of the American College of Cardiology; and Dr. Ravi Johar (YO-har), chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare.
Misinformation about the effects of offshore wind turbines on marine life could derail offshore wind farm projects in New York and New Jersey.
The issue stems from a string of whale deaths in both states over the last two months. Experts have not found a link between offshore wind turbines and harm to whales, but misinformation has continued to spread.
While controversy rages on about the College Board's Advanced Placement African American Studies course, Black students in a new survey say they want a more inclusive curriculum.
In the survey by YouthTruth, Black students said they feel learning about Black American or African history can be a guiding factor for them to pursue higher education.
A new report shows social workers are not being paid equal to similar professions.
The report, from the National Association of Social Workers New York Chapter finds 34% of social workers surveyed are at the same salary they were when they started their job, which on average began one to five years ago.
Many feel this is one piece of a larger puzzle contributing to social workers leaving the field. Report author Olivia Knox - BSW and policy assistant with the NASW's New York Chapter - said stagnant wages could make people leave the field for something different.
New York pharmacists would be able to dispense abortion medication under newly proposed legislation, and a person could get the prescription from a physician online or by mail. This comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance allowing retail pharmacies to sell abortion pills.
Why are students still behind after the COVID-19 pandemic? What will it take to get them caught up? Those questions and more were considered in new research.
New York's minimum wage would increase to more than $20 an hour by 2026 if a bill in Albany is successful. Known as "Raise Up NY," it would raise the minimum wage over the next three years and index it each year after to match inflation. It would increase wages for almost three-million workers, or about a third of the state's workforce, by 2024.
A new poll shows parents and voters want improved public education and stronger building blocks for those students.
According to the poll, from the American Federation of Teachers, some of the top priorities include reducing class size, helping schools address the shortage of qualified education professionals, and teaching students practical life skills.
Conversely, issues described as the culture wars - like opposing a "woke" agenda or removing "offensive" books - were a low priority.
Kara McCormick-Lyons - president of the White Plains Teachers Association and vice president of the American Federation of Teachers - said some teachers fear getting in trouble for teaching honest history or introducing kids to different experiences.
She identified why these issues are far from people's minds.
"Voters really see that the culture wars are a distraction from what's important and what kids need," said McCormick-Lyons, "which is again, focusing on the social emotional part of school, focusing on the fundamentals and the building blocks to success."
Only 34% of those surveyed felt addressing these issues is necessary to prevent students from being indoctrinated into a liberal agenda.
Along these lines, 27% of voters, and 21% of parents think teachers go too far in promoting a "woke" political agenda in the classroom.
The poll also notes 80% of those surveyed say improving the quality of public schools is a top priority, instead of providing a wider choice of schools.
With all the information this poll provides, McCormick-Lyons described what the future of public education needs to be.
"If we really want the promise of a better future for our children to come to fruition," said McCormick-Lyons, "we all have to come together and advocate so that they can get the basic fundamentals in a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone feels welcome, and is available to learn because they have the services that they need."
Along with this, McCormick-Lyons said she finds there are concerns about learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One priority she said she feels embodies this need is the want to expand literacy and reading programs.
New York ranked third on a list of the top 10 states for green buildings in the U.S. The report from the U.S. Green Building Council found 142 projects in New York were LEED certified in 2022, equaling 3.17 million square feet.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, green building is the creation of structures which are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient during the building's life, including schools, office buildings, and residential homes and apartment buildings.
Today is National Day of Racial Healing, which aims to encourage more dialogue about race and racism. Events commemorating the day in New York include conversations about the legacy of Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and a forum of community leaders promoting racial healing in health equity work.
The day, hosted annually by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is also designed to encourage people to take action toward creating equitable opportunities for all people to thrive.
La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, said healing is essential for racial equity.
"We know that we all have been harmed by racism," Tabron said. "We know that it is a legacy that we must heal from and we believe that racial healing makes those connections, and builds connections across people, that allows us to then think about what's best for all. "
Two town halls also are being televised about these topics, one on MSNBC and one on Telemundo. The Kellogg Foundation is launching a series of tools to help people talk about racism and racial healing. Tabron said while these types of conversations might be uncomfortable, they are necessary to achieve greater racial equity.
This is the seventh year of the National Day of Racial Healing. Tabron has found as people come together, communities have improved from a better understanding of racial issues, and she called this day a starting point.
"While we honor this day of action, following Dr. King's vision, that it truly becomes a way of being. And as we are creating policies and legislation in our communities, we use this way of connecting to make sure that those policies work for everyone," she said.
She added people have to be willing to do the work to open these dialogues for more community voices to join the conversation. Tabron added a lot of work and transformation can happen when people connect across their shared humanity.
While Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State speech addressed key issues affecting New Yorkers, some feel the solutions fell short. In her speech, Hochul spoke about building more housing to combat the housing crisis, strengthening mental-health care, public-safety improvements and raising the minimum wage to combat the high cost of living.
A recent report from AARP New York finds older rural New Yorkers are struggling to age in place due to a wealth of disparities.
The two biggest issues outlined in the report are housing and transportation access, each with its own set of challenges.
New York is the sixth state to approve legislation for what's known as natural composting.
Natural composting is when, after death, a body is put into a vessel with materials that will help it compost faster.
Though it's still relatively new, the process is being seen as one way to reduce death's carbon footprint. Caitlyn Hauke, past president of the Green Burial Council, described how natural composting is more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial.
Urban areas in US cities are estimated to lose an average of 36 million trees every year. This results in economic losses of up to $786 million and risks having an adverse impact on already worsening climate change. The worse part? Many of these trees are considered “waste” and sent off to landfills. “More wood from cities goes into landfills than is harvested from US National Forests,” says J. Morgan Grove, a research forester at Baltimore Field Station, USDA Forest Service. “40% of this wood can be reused for furniture, flooring, outdoor play areas, mulch, compost, soil improvements, bioenergy and even carbon sources for growing mushrooms.”
New York's 2019 climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, set an ambitious energy goal: a completely zero-emissions electrical grid by 2040. About half of New York's electrical power currently comes from fossil gas plants, and most of the rest is split between hydropower and nuclear. Solar and wind make up just about 6 percent. To meet the goal, New York needs to build a lot of new energy projects, and fast.
A large portion of this money comes from the Environmental Protection Agency for Brownfields job training, with $2 million coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The hope is to ensure a strong environmental benefit while providing more economic opportunities to underserved areas.
New York has seen growth in offshore wind investments, which advocates hope will continue into the new year.
In 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $500 million investment in offshore wind for cleaner energy, as part of a goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2035.
Another step forward for the industry is redevelopment of the 73-acre South Brooklyn Marine Terminal for the staging of construction, operations and maintenance for several offshore wind projects.
Congress has approved a $25 million funding boost for the National Labor Relations Board, and labor experts hope it will allow the agency to better handle a swath of petitions from people who want to unionize their workplaces.
According to the board, more than 2,500 union petitions have been filed between September 2021 and October 2022, the most the agency has seen since 2016. But since 2014, the board has also seen a 25% decline in funding.
Erin Mahoney, organizing coordinator for the Communications Workers of America-District 1, described what a better-funded board would be capable of.
"A well-funded National Labor Relations Board would mean that we would go back to having on-time elections, and not waiting weeks for those to be determined, sometimes months," Mahoney pointed out. "We'd be able to see decisions made more quickly when employers put forward like frivolous appeals and things like that."
Though the agency received $25 million, several members of Congress signed a letter saying the agency should receive $368 million of additional support. Mahoney noted if a hike had not been approved, it would have further delayed ongoing union organizing efforts across the country.
The agency was preparing for dire consequences if the funding didn't come through. In November, the board's Chairwoman and General Counsel sent a letter to members of a U.S. House subcommittee, urging them to approve a budget increase.
Sara Steffens, secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America-District 1, explained what a lack of funding would have meant for worker's rights.
"Really there is only one place, the National Labor Relations Board, that protects workers in these situations," Steffens emphasized. "So, if they are underfunded, it's like tying the government's hand behind its back when it comes to enforcing labor laws."
The board had already implemented a hiring freeze to weather the effects from low funding. The letter added the board expects to use the additional budget amount for a pay increase in January, and to cover non-labor-related inflation costs.
Although the holidays are one of the happiest times of the year, people with mental illness may not see it the same way. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 31% of adults said they expect to feel more stress this holiday season compared with last year, which could lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Experts find being around family at the holidays can introduce numerous triggers for a psychological episode.
Environmental Reporter Peter Mantius has been covering the Finger Lakes region for years. He's seen the ups-and-downs of environmental issues ranging from a proposed incinerator in Romulus, to landfilling at two major operations located in Seneca and Ontario counties, as well as the rise of bitcoin mining at Greenidge Generation along Seneca Lake.
The Cayuga Salt Mine, operated by a company called Cargill, was recently cited by his reporting for being allowed to maneuver around state environmental law. The DEC has effectively given Cargill a pass to operate despite some major concerns about safety of its salt mine operation under Cayuga Lake. The company employs more than 200 people and Cargill is one of the largest companies on the planet.
On Wednesday, we caught up with Mantius to talk about his reporting, the risks experts say are not far-fetched, and what that could mean for residents surrounding Cayuga Lake.
Student advocates in New York have petitioned state education officials for alternate pathways to graduation. The Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma has sent a petition signed by 1,200 New Yorkers to state leaders urging them to separate Regents exams from graduation requirements.
Under Senate Bill 9601, the state Department of Criminal Justice Services would develop a curriculum for gun-safety training. The legislation comes several months after the Supreme Court struck down the state's concealed-carry laws, which required that a person show "proper cause" to want to carry a gun.
Compared to most states, New York is doing a good job of making sure children have health coverage, according to a new report.
The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families finds the rate of uninsured children in New York State was 2.6% percent last year.
Results of a new survey show many young people are worried about losing access to birth control.
The survey, by the nonprofit Power to Decide, found about seven in 10 young adults think the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which protected the right to an abortion, will also limit access to birth control.
Federal lawmakers have stepped in to try to codify rights to birth control, with the Right to Contraception Act, which passed in the House but is stalled in the Senate.
Tara Mancini, director of public policy at Power to Decide, noted there are actions which could be taken at the state level.
"We've seen some states work to amend constitutions to give folks the right to abortion," Mancini observed. "Michigan was even more broad, recognizing the right to, not just abortion, but sexual and reproductive health care."
As part of World AIDS Day, a report finds through treatment, patients are able to suppress HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.
According to data from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, in New York, almost 89% of people receiving medical care are virally suppressed.
A bill passed by the New York State Legislature would provide ratepayers with a voice in utility rate increases. The utility intervenor bill would provide for funding to allow individuals or not-for-profit groups to have a seat at the table when utility companies go before the state's Public Service Commission for a rate increase. High inflation and rising costs have been prompting rate increases across the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy prices in October were up 17.6% from the previous year.
Across the U.S., about 6.5 million people over age 65 have Alzheimer's Disease. In New York, about 410,000 in the same age group are afflicted, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Here's a closer look at what that means.
New York State's Outdoor RX Coalition is launching a website to spread the word about its services. Established in late 2020, the coalition is a partnership between the New York State Division of Veterans Services and the Sierra Club. It was born through the state's Outdoor RX Act. The program gives veterans opportunities to engage in outdoor therapeutic activities that research shows can benefit their mental health.
It can be a long road to finding permanent homes for kids in the New York State foster care system, but many find it worthwhile. Megan Battista is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter who saw this in Merriah, a child in a temporary foster home that wasn't on the path to permanency. A closer look at foster care system in New York.
With Election Day upon us, concerns abound about the safety of elections, and one of so many reasons the 2022 elections are expected to be safe is the role of poll workers.
According to a Marist Poll, 24% of New York voters see preserving democracy as a top issue.
Two new affordable housing developments in Central New York should help alleviate the region's affordability problem.
The Wheat Street Apartments in Cayuga and Village Grove in Trumansburg are promising lower prices in the face of rising rents.
New York's largest nurses union has affiliated with the largest nurses union nationwide. The New York State Nurses Association voted to affiliate with National Nurses United to help numerous nurses gain better working conditions in their respective hospitals. This comes amid growing union efforts among nurses and other medical staffers, mostly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York State Nurses Association President Nancy Hagans said the affiliation with NNU was an obvious decision.
School districts across New York will be receiving almost $70 million in federal funding for electric school buses, via a grant awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Bus rebate competition. It is part of a $1 billion investment from the bipartisan infrastructure law. New York state has made commitments to having all electric school buses by 2035. One challenge with climate-change initiatives is the initial investment in the new technology.
As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, New Yorkers are contending there is more to do beyond October. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is double that of those without disabilities. Sharon McLennon-Wier, executive director of the Center for the Independence of the Disabled-New York, explained workers with disabilities face numerous challenges on the job. She said in many workplaces, certain stigmas and "able-ism" still exist.
The multipurpose funding, from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, will be used to create grants to help community groups in New York City educate people about Asian American culture. The hope is to alleviate some of the tension that has grown since former President Donald Trump dubbed COVID-19 "the China virus." [READ THE STORY HERE]
Early voting begins in New York this week, with in-person early voting starting on Saturday, October 29. Early voting has been a popular option with New Yorkers ever since it was introduced in 2019. That first year, over 250,000 people voted early. [READ THE STORY HERE]
New York is one of the states opting to expand Medicaid as soon as it could through the Affordable Care Act, and recent studies found a 2014 decision has paid off in terms of better health outcomes.
One positive and unintended consequence of Medicaid expansion was found by researchers at the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse at Johns Hopkins University was fewer cases of child neglect in states with expanded Medicaid, compared to those without.
A new affordable housing development is coming to Lake Placid, an area facing a workforce housing crisis.
Fawn Valley, with six homes and 16 town homes, comes at a time when much of the area's regular housing stock has become short-term rentals. It may benefit vacationers, but workers cannot find affordable housing nearby.
The Direct EV Sales bill, still under consideration by the New York Legislature, would remove restrictions on the sale of electric vehicles. Currently, five stores, all of which are downstate in New York City and Long Island, can sell EVs directly to consumers.
Many New Yorkers will be shopping for new health insurance plans this month, when open enrollment begins. If you are among them, experts advise it is important to be aware of exactly what you are getting.
New Yorkers pay some of the highest health care premiums in the U.S., second only to Alaska.
The TimelyCare app gi ves students access to health services, including mental health counseling.
The EdSights chat bot gives students the answers to FAQs and other information they need to succeed.
A new film is documenting efforts to prevent invasive carp species from entering the Great Lakes. "Against the Current 2: Keeping Invasive Carp Out of the Great Lakes" is a sequel to 2020's "Against the Current," which detailed work on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project near Chicago.
A NYSEG program will pay 90% of the cost.
It will be open to the public and the town is purchasing an electric pickup truck for the Code Enforcement Department.
The Public Health Department has flu, rabies, and COVID-19 vaccination clinics coming up in the next few weeks.
The mural by artist Arthur Hutchinson, depicts the major moments in the Underground Railroad leader's life.
Members of the public are welcome to help the Kashong Conservation Area Committee with trail cleanup and signage, and other maintenance work.
The committee was born out of the state police reform process put in place in 2020.
However, the committee has continued to meet quarterly since submitting a plan tot the state.
The service is offered through the Yates County Veterans Service Agency.
Volunteers use county vehicles to take veterans to their appointments. The service is free.
NY state has launched a program under which it will work with government entities within the state to protect their IT infrastructure.
He says the increase is due primarily to the increased cost of chemicals used to treat the water.
The $13 million in requests will have to be paired down to $10 million.
Taylor says the projects will leverage other investments in the village that could total $80 million.
There's been an increase in fentanyl pills made to look like something else, including a "rainbow" variety made to appeal to kids.
Building and Grounds Superintendent Joe Reese made a report to the county legislature at its last meeting.
The station began to see increased use during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people came to rural areas like Yates County.
The student-run program will help Geneva design a resource recovery park to help reduce its waste stream.
The Ontario County landfill is scheduled to close in 2028.
The building will be built in the town of Benton.
It will give the Health Department a place to conduct vaccination clinics, which it has not had during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ranger Kim has been a National Park Ranger at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park since it opened in 2017.
She's been one of the driving forces behind the growth of the park in its five years.
The Yates County Sheriff's Department has kept the peace for over 200 years. The Sheriff's Department was honored with a proclamation for Sheriffs Week at this month's county legislature meeting.
He says several factors are driving the increase, including boarding more inmates for federal Marshalls, which generates revenue for the county and an increase in people facing multiple charges who have not yet gone to court.
The events were postponed due to rain last week.
Volunteers repair items they can to keep them out of the waste stream. Residents can drop off items they don't want Sunday from 10-noon and take home any of the items they want from noon-2.
She says the software can search records to find out which businesses have not been paying the 4% tax.
There are no contractors available to start construction this year.
The project is being funded with Community Development Block Grant funds, and since those funds must be spent in the year in which they were allocated, the skate park funds will be shifted to sidewalk and curb repair and the skate park will be built with funds from next year's CDBG allocation.
The building is at 22 E. Genesee St.
The City Council holds a public hearing at its Thursday meeting to seek input on the plan to apply for $1.75 million in Restore NY funding.
As political tensions have risen in the last few years, experts are calling for a bigger emphasis on civic education.
In a 2021 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, only half of people surveyed could name all three branches of government, a big increase from 39% in 2019.
Carisa Corrow, a former teacher and founder of the Educating for Good project, feels a premium has been placed on standardized tests. She thinks students should learn more about how the government functions while engaging in more debate. She feels it is being discouraged today.
New York State has been working to ensure disadvantaged communities aren't so vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, as storms grow in power, it may not be enough that the state is bracing these communities.
With sea levels expected to rise, numerous areas across the state could fall victim to more severe flooding.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth began to fill the gaps for in-person visits. However, the shift to a semi-virtual landscape has left some nonprofits without applicants to fill open positions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, telehealth visits increased by 154% in 2020.
in the survey, workers said they wanted better pay, workplace flexibility, and security.
The program works with local educational institutions to provide the type of training workers need to enter the manufacturing field.
The ordinance would update the city's zoning codes to cover situations that have come up since the last update five years ago.
It would also set regulations for the location of cannabis-related businesses.
The sale runs September 30 through October 7 in the Community Room at the library.
He says volunteers are available to pick up books from donors and take them to the library.
The Sheriff occasionally has events where residents are invited to have coffee with the Sheriff and other law enforcement officers and share their concerns.
The Sheriff was joined September 3 in Fair Haven by Acting Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci and Lt. Dan Lester of the State Police.
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, the number of patients younger than 18 increased by about 1% between 2020 and 2021. However, the number has fluctuated since 2017.
A report showed 423 schools are without social workers, while most of the schools with at least one social worker do not meet the recommended ratio of one social worker to every 250 students. Rural school districts are seeing a retention problem since they cannot afford to compete with their urban counterparts.
Senior citizens who have large items they want to dispose of can contact the town, which will send crews to pick the items up.
If possible the items will be recycled.
The city has already secured grant funding for two other aging bridges. Those will be completed first. If the city receives the federal grant, work on the Canoga St. bridge would begin in 3-4 years.
The project is expected to cost about $6,000,000 with a 20% local match.
She says one case was in an observant Jewish community with a low vaccination rate. Another case involved someone who had received the oral polio vaccine in another country.
That vaccine is no longer given in the US.
She says the virus is related to the smallpox virus but is not as serious. It can still cause a rash and scarring.
A small city in New York faces water infrastructure issues similar to the ones making national headlines in Jackson, Mississippi.
Mount Vernon has had water infrastructure problems for decades. In 2020, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York slapped the city with a permanent injunction for not addressing sewage-discharge issues, and for violating Environmental Protection Agency administrative notices.
The New York State Legislature passed two bills aimed at easing medical debt back in May, and a new report indicates they're much needed.
The first bill bans medical liens and wage garnishment; the second regulates the billing of so-called "facility fees," and requires that patients be informed about th
The event will be held Saturday, September 3 from 2-4 p.m. at the historic Overacker Schoolhouse in Middlesex.
Peter Jemison, formerly with the Ganondagan Historic site in Victor will give a talk titled "Who owns the past? We are still here."
It's the church Harriet Tubman attended when she came to Auburn.
The church was purchased by the National Park Service as part of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, which opened in 2017.
The county received a grant four years ago, but it wasn't enough to take care of all the systems that needed repair or replacement.
The county has applied for $400,000 in this round of funding.
NY State law requires nine days of early voting before any election.
Yates County is required to provide 66 hours of election staffing, the same burden placed on larger counties, therefore Yates County passed a resolution asking that the requirement be changed.
Your child's doctor or the school nurse can tell you what vaccinations are required for first-time students and the schedule they must follow through their school years.
The town board is holding a special meeting to discuss an agreement to pay for an expansion of the plant's solid waste capacity, which is being stretched by residential development.
The federal grant, along with a city match, will allow the fire department to upgrade its emergency communication capability.
He says law enforcement has responded to 139 overdoses in Cayuga County so far this year. He says fentanyl is being mixed with a greater variety of street drugs and not just heroin.
Fair officials announced earlier this month that it would no longer allow peace officers to carry weapons at the fair, but after a public outcry, reversed its decision the next day.
The maximum exemptions granted to military veterans will increase, beginning with the January 1, 2024 tax bills, with very little additional cost to other taxpayers.
By working with HeatSmart Monroe, the town will also gain points as a NYSERDA Clean Energy Community, which will qualify the town for additional grant money.
In-person visitation returns for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schenck says every attempted resumption in recent months had to be stopped due to an increased number of COVID-19 cases.
August is National Make-A-Will Month, which experts say is an opportune time for New Yorkers to begin end-of-life planning.
According to a 2021 Gallup poll, only around 46% of Americans have a will, and most of those are age 50 and older. Even fewer have what's known as a "living will," which includes medical-care preferences if they're unable to speak for themselves.
It can be easy to put off, because people assume it's too expensive or might be too complicated, said Sam Young, director of legacy and planned giving for the nonprofit
Compassion & Choices. But he said another big reason is that it's tough to come to terms with the fact that they won't live forever.
"It's really hard to have a conversation with someone about their mortality or their death, and COVID has really made us more aware of this," he said. "It's not just being terminally ill or old - it's unfortunately, any of us can have a situation where we have to face that mortality."
Young said some people assume their last wishes will be left to their families to decide, or they don't have a lot of assets and figure they won't need a will. He said both are myths, and only a written will can be used to determine how a person's possessions will be distributed.
There are numerous ways to go about making a will. The most common is consulting an attorney. Compassion & Choices partners with Free Will, which Young described as a no-cost website that's easy to use, to create a document that then must be witnessed and notarized. But no matter how the will is developed, Young said he just wants to make sure people have one. He said he feels end-of-life planning is a necessity for everyone.
"It's really an opportunity to create a comfort for you and your family," he said, "that your memory and your legacy, and the things that are important to you during your life, are in place at the time of your passing."
He added that Compassion & Choices also provides online guides for dementia directives, power of attorney and other end-of-life-related services.
There are sharp points on the nutlets that can be dangerous. The best time to remove them is when they first begin to form in July.
The invasive species grow quickly and can take over waterways. He says volunteers have removed thousands of pounds this year, especially from around Howland's Island, a popular canoe and kayak spot.
Donations will be brought to the Cayuga County Tomatofest on September 10 for distribution to local food pantries.
The run was started by Sarah and her husband, Eric to benefit the Geneva Family YMCA and the Boy and Girls Clubs.
Although President Joe Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, many are hoping he will declare a climate emergency to provide further funding. It would allow for additional provisions to fight the effects of climate change and reduce fossil-fuel usage in the U.S.
New York State has been seeing the effects of climate change firsthand since 45 counties, or three quarters of the state, are currently under a drought watch. Although this is the mildest of the four drought advisories, there are concerns climate change might only exacerbate future drought conditions in the state.
Whether state courts are allowed to review the validity of redistricting by state legislatures is at the heart of a case to be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.
A ruling in Moore v. Harper would allow for the creation of hyperpartisan voting districts which could not be challenged under judicial review by state courts, allowing state legislatures to be the sole authority responsible for developing the redistricting maps.
The Inflation Reduction Act, newly passed by the U.S. Senate, allocates $369 Billion to fight climate change, and appropriates funds specifically for coastal areas - like New York's - facing climate change's immediate impacts.
$2.6 billion dollars are being set aside to help coastal states build up their resilience to ever worsening hurricanes, floods and rising sea levels.
Read the whole story by visiting www.FingerLakes1.com now.
The town will collaborate with the city of Geneva, Blueprint Geneva, and Growing Cycle, a local vermiculture farm, to administer the grant.
He says as much as 25% of the trash going into landfills is food waste.
On Saturday, August 13, there will be musical performances downtown by AMP from 2-4 p.m. on the Showmobile stage on Genesee St., Hot Club of Buffalo from 4-6 p.m. on the State St. stage and headliners Ruby Shooz from 6-9 p.m. on the Showmobile stage.
On Saturday, August 13, there will be a talk at Willard Chapel about the founders of the chapel, Caroline and Georgina Willard.
The chapel will also host the Summer Festival of the Creative Arts and a chicken barbecue fundraiser for the SCAT Van.
This year's work focuses on the city's northeast quadrant.
It will also include work in the city's East Hill neighborhood, along Genesee and East John Streets. Final paving is expected to be finished in early September.
Early education in New York State needs more support and better resources, according to a new report.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book found in the last decade, the number of kids ages three and four not in school remained the same at 41%.
The $150,000 grant from the state Dormitory Authority was secured by State Senator John Mannion.
Work will include dredging, repairs to a wall, and new signage.
Dr. Lee Humphreys from Cornell University is working on the statewide rollout of an Internet of Things network.
The IoT involves connecting sensors to devices and connecting those devices to the network, providing real time data that can monitor energy use and find problems before they begin.
Dr. Lee Humphreys from Cornell University explains the statewide rollout of an Internet of Things network.
IoT connected devices can give municipalities and residents useful data to control energy use, monitor the health of systems, and more.
The City Council has accepted a $40,000 grant from the Skatepark Project, the non-profit foundation established by skater Tony Hawk.
The city plans to replace the outdated skatepark at Casey Park with a new one.
Restaurant workers have been fleeing the industry throughout the Great Resignation, with no end in sight.
In order to codify necessities for better working conditions, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United has been working to develop the Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights. The set of rights seeks to provide restaurant workers with livable wages, better access to health care, a safe work environment and participation in governance.
He says workers were putting the final touches on the project late last week.
There will be live music at the plaza every Wednesday night in August.
Twenty-one counties in New York are under a drought watch, which could become the norm as climate change heats up the planet.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a drought watch is the least severe on the drought monitoring scale. For now, public water suppliers start conserving water and urge people to reduce their water use.
A system of earthen berms allows water to be moved to where it's most needed.
The levels are carefully regulated to provide the best balance between plants for bird species to feed on and wetland areas for waterfowl.
The event is hosted at the Equal Rights Heritage Center in downtown Auburn Tuesday night.
It features music, food trucks, vendors, kids' activities, and more.
The project makes funds available through the state Energy Improvement Corporation for businesses to undertake energy efficiency improvements.
Mason says the first step in making the funds available to local businesses is to put a local law on the books opting into the program.
The county plans to apply for state Consolidated Funding money for improvements at Emerson Park in Owasco, Frontenac Park in Union Springs and at the Sterling Nature Center.
The county is looking to raise an additional $250,000 in order to make the application for Emerson Park.
The Mayor and members of the City Council went to Maxwell's Food Store following Thursday night's council meeting to present the key to the city to Larry and Bobbie Maxwell.
The long time neighborhood grocery store will close its doors at the end of the day Sunday.
She says the legislature took the action in lieu of a gasoline tax cap after Town Supervisors said it would cost their towns too much money in lost tax revenue.
She says she would like more details on the proposal.
The two main economic development agencies in the county each have named their own Executive Director in recent days.
The moves signify the end of Cayuga Strategic Solutions, the umbrella organization that oversaw both for the past few years.
It will be from 4-6 p.m.
Residents have a chance to drop off unneeded medications, no questions asked. There are also drop boxes located throughout the county.
Each year, the city leases city-owned parking spaces it doesn't need near the Wegmans store on Genesee St.
The store needs the extra parking spaces.
He says the city controls the release of water through the Owasco Lake Outlet Dam.
He says the level must remain within guidelines set by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The garage will be closed for a few weeks to finish renovations.
It is expected to reopen Monday, August 8.
The state has mandated that jails provide MAT to inmates with addictions.
The county is partnering with local social service agencies to implement the program, in addition to the counseling and other help it already provides.
The Sheriff's Department operates five boats on the major waterways of the county, including the Canal System, Cayuga Lake, Cross Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, and Lake Ontario.
The Marine Patrol is staffed by part-time seasonal police officers and civilians who pair up on each patrol to not only perform law enforcement functions but to offer safety checks and assistance to the many who use our beautiful waterways for recreation or sport.
Money raised at this weekend's Party in the Park will go toward projects like Warm the Children and a water quality project on Owasco Lake.
The Auburn club took on management of the Hoopes Park Easter Egg Hunt after the previous sponsor was no longer able to do so,
She says the program has advanced from getting locally-grown foods into Seneca County schools into a more education-based program.
The state Department of Ag and Markets has renewed the program grant.
Tidball outlines the history of the program to get locally-grown foods into Seneca County schools, even before the Farm to School program officially began.
It will be held Wednesday night from 5-7 p.m. at Floral Hall, with tastings of local foods from the Farm to School and SNAP ED programs, as well as local grape juice and wine tastings.
He says the plan will complement the work of the Owasco Watershed Lake Association and the Cayuga County 9 Element plan in a combined effort to protect the water quality of Owasco Lake.
The town hired an engineering firm, that confirmed the state's findings.
There's no problem at the moment, but the town will keep an eye on the little-used bridge.
The plan includes upgrades to county buildings, improvements to the Penn Yan Airport runway and new vehicle purchases.
The toolkit will provide a blueprint for the best methods of keeping runoff from entering Seneca Lake.
The idea was suggested by Seneca Lake Watershed Steward Ian Smith.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has commissioned the Empire State Line, a $180 million power transmission line to increase transmission capacity and integrate more renewable energy into the state's electric grid.
When the new line is completed, the state predicts 70% of New York's electricity will come from renewable sources. It comes one week after the governor signed a package of legislation aimed at increasing climate-change awareness in construction.
Residents and community leaders on Buffalo's East Side have mixed emotions about the store's reopening. The neighborhood is considered a "food desert," with no other grocery stores close by, but residents understandably feel discomfort about shopping in the store again.
She says the contract with the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY was made possible with money provided in this year's state budget.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says some people are taking advantage of the program by moving their cars from space to space throughout the day.
A contract was awarded to First Light of Albany for the final fiber optic cable needed for the project.
She says the project has not moved as quickly as had been hoped, due to approvals needed from the USDA, which is helping fund the project.
The part-time officer would likely be a retired law enforcement officer.
The officer would be employed by the Sheriff's Department, with the cost being reimbursed by the School District.
The reality of "affordable" housing is changing in New York, and advocates for renters' rights argued it is time for an update.
For years, affordable housing has been defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as 30% of a person's gross income, including utilities. But the combination of higher prices, recent inflation and stagnant wages has been eroding this formula.
An organization in Central New York is getting a funding boost to help workers who are still struggling with the financial effects of the pandemic.
The Workers' Center of Central New York says it will use a new grant from the HEAL Food Alliance to help with some of the unexpected expenses its members can't cover, due to rising costs and transportation issues.
The money was allocated by the City Council from American Rescue Plan Act funds received by the city.
The application form is here.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says the first movie of the summer season will be Peter Rabbit 2 The Runaway on Monday at Clifford Park Playground on Mary Street. Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says there's a bonus movie this week.
"Harriet," the story of Harriet Tubman that was rained out during the city's Juneteenth celebration, will be shown Thursday night at the Booker T. Washington Center.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says paving will begin on parts of Genesee and John Sts. in the next few days.
He says there will be some traffic delays and brief street closures, but he says the city will do its best to limit disruptions.
Marketing and Campaign Coordinator Julisa Stone tells us the items that are being collected at dropoff sites throughout the county from now until the countywide Day of Caring on August 4.
This is the fifth year of the personal care drive.
The program begins Tuesday at Lincoln Playground. Activities will include Arts and crafts, Literacy activities, Field games, Playground time, Music lessons by Perform 4 Purpose, Culinary Arts, Dance lessons, Basketball, Tennis, and Court games. Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says the city has worked with CNY in the past and was impressed with their programs.
CNY Sports Management offers experienced coaches and will give parents who want to coach the tools they need to make an impact on athletes both on and off the field. We want our athletes to focus on their grades, and attitudes and will work with colleges to create a pathway to secondary education.
Despite fears when it was passed in 2007 that the tax might hamper tourism, the Yates County Administrator says several new hotels have been built in Penn Yan and the industry has continued to grow.
The County Legislature holds a public hearing July 11 to consider extending the tax.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says the pool is operated by the Auburn YMCA-WEIU under an annual agreement with the city.
He says the pool would probably not operate were it not for the YMCA. He says the organization has experience running aquatic programs.
Mason says the agreement with the Auburn YMCA-WEIU is what makes it possible to operate the pool. He says the "Y" has the expertise to run successful aquatic programs.
In a 6-3 decision Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, diminishing the agency's ability to regulate power-plant emissions under the Clean Air Act.
Some see the ruling in West Virginia v. EPA as a setback for efforts to minimize the effects of climate change.
Some New York health care facilities are getting a funding boost to help train the next generation of doctors and dentists.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $155 million to Teaching Health Centers nationwide, operating primary-care medical and dental residency programs. More than $12 million will go to centers in New York State.
Carole Johnson, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, said she is excited to see the centers doing the legwork to develop training programs.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the name change and change of duties for the county's Department of Emergency Services.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about the local law allowing the town to continue to use teleconferencing for its Town Board meetings.
Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people to have end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before illness or tragedy strikes.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the National Hispanic Council on Aging are teaming up with the nonprofit Compassion & Choices to get people talking about end-of-life planning, hospice, life support, medical power of attorney and medical aid-in-dying.
Another important U.S. Supreme Court ruling this month has been overshadowed by the controversy about overturning abortion rights.
Legal experts say the court has weakened the rights of people who've been arrested in its 6-3 decision in the case Vega v. Tekoh.
Following the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, we talked with Chamber President Jeff Shipley about the issues facing Seneca County businesses and the Chamber's top priorities.
At the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, Senator Tom O'Mara commented on the closure of newer correctional facilities such as Willard, when there are others that are older and more costly to maintain.
At the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano commented on the closure of the Willard Drug Treatment facility.
At the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, Assemblymen Jeff Gallahan and Phil Palmesano, and Senator Tom O'Mara were asked about Extended Producer Responsibility.
At the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, Assemblymen Jeff Gallahan and Phil Palmesano and Senator Tom O'Mara discuss the most recent legislative session.
Opening statements at the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon from Senator Tom O'Mara, and Assemblymen Phil Palmesano and Jeff Gallahan.
Keuka Comfort Home Director Donna Nielsen says they're looking for volunteer paddlers for the Krossin' Keuka swim.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the county's incentive program that allows new workers to get free instruction toward getting their Commercial Driver's Licenses.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the Sizzlin' Summer kickoff Saturday in Auburn.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the return of the Saturday summer market to downtown Auburn.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses how Cornell University's Internet of Things network might benefit the town.
Candidate for Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione says bail reform took discretion away from judges.
Candidate for Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione talks about his plan for having a School Resource Officer in every school system in the county.
Older people in New York are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared with a decade ago, according to the latest America's Health Rankings Senior Report from UnitedHealthcare.
The report found in New York, suicides have increased nearly 10%, frequent mental distress is up about 9% and drug deaths among people 65 and older have doubled in the last 10 to 12 years.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare employer and individual, said the social distancing required during COVID has taken a particularly heavy toll on older people.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discussed the six-month moratorium on new smoke shops in the city.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses the plan to add a vehicle charging station at the Town Hall.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn says the county will receive the fiber it needs for the next phase of its broadband rollout.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti says the county should get out of the landfill business.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses the decision by the town of Seneca to survey its residents to get their thoughts about the county landfill.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the solar lighting installation at the Penn Yan airport.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says two deputies recently underwent hostage negotiator training.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about the move of the town's stormwater control system to a new location.
The Infrastructure Act is providing $1.2 trillion for improvement projects across water, energy, building and transportation sectors. A new report looks at how officials can use funds to address environmental justice.
Ontario County Sheriff candidate Silvio Palermo says he would bring an outsider's perspective to resolving the problems within the department.
Ontario County Sheriff candidate Silvio Palermo talks about brining transparency to the department.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the removal of the Schines Theater marquee as part of the theater's resoration.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about plans for the summer recreation program in Auburn this year.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about the mock DWI investigation at Southern Cayuga High School.
HeatSmartFLX South Campaign Director Erica Herman talks about the energy audits that are part of the process.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the first Rock the Top concert of the season on the roof of the downtown parking garage.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck is working with county mental health officials to develop a threat assessment team to prevent school shootings.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says there should be armed officers in every school district in the county.
Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor talks about the idea of creating a live music venue along the Erie Canal in the village.
Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor talks about seeking public input for project to improve the village.
A new report sounds the alarm about surveillance technology which could be used to target pregnant people if and when Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Since the leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court indicating at least five justices plan to overturn the landmark abortion decision, New York lawmakers have passed bills to protect abortion patients and providers, and to limit the power of other states to extradite people who seek abortions in New York.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the Pride Month events scheduled in Auburn in June.
Seneca Lake Watershed Steward Ian Smith talks about the work on the former Crooked Lake Canal between Seneca and Keuka Lakes.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the tax rate decrease in the adopted city budget.
State Senate candidate Kenan Baldridge discusses the boundaries of the 54th District as drawn by the court-appointed special master.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about changes to two local laws covering what activities wineries and breweries are allowed to have.
The vocal group Heartsound performs a patriotic medley at Memorial Day services in Gorham.
Ontario County Director of Veterans' Services Jeremy Marshall delivers the keynote address at Memorial Day services in Gorham.
Marcus Whitman band director Holly Blueye sings the National Anthem at the Memorial Day observance in Gorham.
The Marcus Whitman Wildcats Marching Band performing at the Gorham-Rushville-Middlesex Memorial Day parade.
Boating safety expert Ira Goldman with America's Boating Club talks about the danger of gasoline vapors accumulating inside a boat.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the return of the city's Memorial Day parade after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus.
Chris Lajewski with Montezuma Audubon Center says we should take down our bird feeders to limit the spread of avian influenza.
Chris Lajewski with Montezuma Audubon Center says avian influenza has begun to spread to birds of prey.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about how she'd like to see the county's fund balance used.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says the proposed Auburn city budget would mean a tax decrease for most residential property owners.
New York elected officials are calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation to transition new buildings off fossil fuels, saying it would make the state cleaner and healthier.
The All-Electric Building Act would require new buildings to have all-electric appliances for space and water heating and cooking by 2023. It also would mandate state agencies to identify policies to make electricity more affordable and accessible for low-income residents.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discusses his displeasure with the final NY election map released this week.
Monika Salvage talks about the study of addiction conducted by HEALing Communities Study.
Boating safety expert Ira Goldman tells us a new law has taken effect concerning the age of fire extinguishers on boats.
Cayuga Community College Board of Trustees chair Marian Brown addresses the 2022 CCC graduating class.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the latest opioid lawsuit settlement money the county will receive.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn discusses an agreement between Yates and Cayuga Counties for use of a communications tower.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about the expansion of mental health services in Cayuga County.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the program allowing county workers to get training for their Class B commercial licenses free.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses the town's contract with Delaware River Solar to provide residents savings on their electric bills.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the county's purchase of fiber for its county-wide internet project.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck takes exception to the release of an 88-year-old man from the Auburn State Prison who had been serving time for murder.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the sendoff for the Operation Enduring Gratitude trip from Memorial City Hall in Auburn Friday.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the gas tax cut that takes effect June 1.
Sarah Smolinski with the Seneca County Substance Abuse Coalition talks about this week's "Don't be a D Student" event in Seneca County schools.
Groups advocating for older New Yorkers say a bill passed by the New York State Senate would help level the playing field for utility customers.
Currently, when utilities go to the New York Public Service Commission to request a rate hike, they can apply to be reimbursed for items like expert witness fees and other costs associated with the proceedings.
Bill Ferris, state legislative representative for AARP New York, said the legislation would give the same option to groups of ratepayers or nonprofits challenging rate increases.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about a proposed local law that would allow the use of Zoom or other teleconferencing for public meetings after the state authorization to do so ends June 30.
Peter Budmen, Assistant Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at HWS talks about returning to Geneva after graduation from the colleges.
Katie Flowers, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at HWS talks about the evolution of the Community Donation program.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about improvements planned for the State St. Public Plaza in downtown Auburn.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the renovation work underway the church Harriet Tubman attended when she lived in Auburn.
Brewery Ardennes owner Derek Edinger talks about the proposal to clarify the definition of agricultural commerce in the town of Geneva zoning code.
Health experts are urging folks to ensure they're ergonomically up to snuff while working from home.
A 2016 report by the United States Bone and Joint Initiative found the United States loses an estimated $213 billion in treatment and lost wages each year due to musculoskeletal ailments.
Cheryl Schwientek - program manager for office ergonomics and health, safety, and environment at the workplace consulting agency Briotix Health - said the pivot to working from home during the pandemic exacerbated those issues.
FLCC Nursing Professor Susan McCarthy talks about the new nursing lab for which the college received a $1.5 million grant.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the proposal to redistrict the legislature by moving some residents to other districts.
According to the Governor's Office, about 40% of New York state's nearly 40,000 Holocaust survivors live in poverty. At a news conference announcing the funding, Hochul said the money would be distributed to nearly thirty organizations who will provide social services to survivors.
Democratic Congressional candidate Vanessa Fajans-Turner talks about the fight for reproductive freedom for women.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about participating in the youth lock-in event hosted by the YMCA and Nick's Ride 4 Friends.
Melissa Nesbit with Seneca Housing says the agency works with landlords, as well as tenants.
Melissa Nesbit with Seneca Housing says the agency has been selected again to administer the Section 8 housing program in Seneca County.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about a group taking on the cat overpopulation problem in Auburn.
Maura Toole with the Lake Friendly Living Coalition talks about adopting lake-friendly living practices.
Kelly Guilfoyle from Drink Like a Girl talks about their first-ever Bridgefest in Rochester.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about a possible increase in trash pickup fees for Auburn residents in the proposed budget.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about the drug take back event Saturday at Kinney Drugs in Moravia.
Richard Cox from the city of Geneva Green Committee talks about the future of trash disposal when the Ontario County landfill closes.
Geneva City Councilor Jan Regan talks about some of the events at Saturday's "Mission Zero" environmental awareness fair at the Geneva Community Center.
Former Geneva Police Review Board chair Jess Farrell says she would be happy to serve again.
Former Geneva Police Review Board chair Jess Farrell says she had a good working relationship with Chief Michael Passalacqua.
Former Geneva Police Review Board chair Jess Farrell hopes the city will start over and try to create a new board.
Former Geneva Police Review Board chair Jess Farrell comments on the court ruling invalidating the board.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about a cooperative water project with the town of Seneca.
Cayuga County Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman talks about the proposal to shrink the legislature from 15 to 11 members.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about plans to institute new security measures at City Hall.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about soliciting memberships for the NY State Sheriff's Institute to allow kids to attend summer camp on Keuka Lake.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the federal SAFER grant that will allow the Auburn Fire Department to conduct a training academy at the new fire station.
Chris Lajewski with the Montezuma Audubon Center says this is a good time of year to take down bird feeders and clean them.
Chris Lajewski with the Montezuma Audubon Center talks about the potential spread of avian influenza, or bird flu, into New York.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses tonight's public hearing for the proposed Nine Element watershed management plan for Seneca and Keuka Lakes.
Reporter Rod Bain on the USDA's announcement of $800 million for climate-smart rural infrastructure.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about the signup process and rules for using the new box turf field behind the Town Hall.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about surplus equipment being sent to the NY State Sheriff's Association for distribution to the Ukrainian military.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses the state's rejection of the town's request for a speed limit decrease on part of Route 14.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the performance of the city's ambulance service in the first quarter of 2022.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's $220 billion budget was signed into law last week, and clean-energy advocates say it includes a strong commitment to addressing climate change in the state. The budget requires all new school bus purchases to be 'zero emission' by 2027, and all school buses in use be 'zero emission' by 2035. New York is the first state in the country to enact this requirement. Deb Peck Kelleher, director of policy analysis and operations at the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, said it is a great win, both for children and the environment.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about the services provided by county government.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about sales tax money that was returned to counties in the recently-passed state budget.
New data show college financial-aid completion rates in New York are five percentage points lower than they were pre-pandemic. An education advocacy group aims to get more students financially on track for college. Analysis from The Education Trust-New York found the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rate gap persists two years into the pandemic, particularly for schools serving students from low-income backgrounds.
Reporter Rod Bain with the USDA talks about the recent White House announcement of a rural infrastructure playbook.
Kim Skellie from El-Vi Farms reacts to this year's state budget from an ag perspective.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says supply chain issues are delaying city vehicle purchases by years.
Cayuga County Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman talks about Saturday's egg hunt at Emerson Park.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about how the town was able to get a lower rate on its electricity bills.
Upstate Fiber Networks President Paul Griswold talks about getting fiber onto existing utility poles in order to expand broadband service.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn comments on the gas tax holiday included in the recently passed state budget.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about the Town Board's decision to postpone a vote on a proposed change to the town's zoning ordinance concerning agricultural commerce.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about plans for a Planned Unit Development off Route 14 south of the city.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discusses the water increase passed last week by the City Council.
Frank D'Orio with Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association talks about their volunteer recruitment drive.
New York has multiple state-run student financial aid programs to ensure the cost of tuition and fees is not a barrier to higher education for economically disadvantaged residents.
However, experts at the state's colleges and universities, especially minority-serving institutions, said many students struggle to meet their basic needs.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about how the City Council will arrive at a final budget proposal over the next two months.
Eagle Scout Rebecca Bober talks about her project that was chosen as Eagle Project of the Year in the Seneca Waterways Council.
Spike Herzig with the Foundation for the Geneva Public Library talks about what the spring book sale will raise money for.
Deb Brewer with the Foundation for the Geneva Public Library talks about the pricing for the spring book sale that begins this week.
New York's game species are literally losing ground, as human development and climate change is restricting their native habitats.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discusses the effort to create a Nine Element Plan for Owasco Lake.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says the City Council received an update from the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council at its last meeting.
YatesINSYGHT Program Manager Andrea Paul talks about how parents can access services through the program.
YatesINSYGHT Program Manager Andrea Paul talks about how the program began two years ago.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about this morning's ceremonies honoring county residents who served in Vietnam.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the plans for a new skate park at Casey Park.
Kat Purbec of the Canandaigua Kiwanis Club talks about the food and beverage lineup for the Chef's Challenge event May 1.
Seneca Falls Performing Arts Center Board President Mary McDonald talks about finding a new home.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about construction of the new box turf field behind the Geneva Town Hall.
Auburn City Manager Jeff Dygert describes the city's approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Auburn Mayor Mike Quill described the state of the city as stable in his address to the City Council.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about Recreational Resource grants provided to two Yates County communities and one business.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the design meeting for the new skate park to be held tonight.
Geneva Athena A.C.E. Scholarship Association President Morgan Kowalski talks about donating to the scholarship program.
A new report makes the case for New York to continue its Excluded Workers Fund, which was started during the pandemic to provide payments to undocumented workers and others who lost income but were not eligible for unemployment benefits.
Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about the town's contract with Aqualogics to install and maintain monitoring equipment at the town's water plant.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn discusses a proposal to adopt weighted voting in the Yates County Legislature.
The Foundation for the Geneva Public Library's Spike Herzig explains the history of the Foundation and its fundraising function.
The New York Senate and Assembly budget proposals each include funding the Fair Pay for Home Care Act, which advocates say is crucial to address a shortage of home health care workers. The bill would raise the minimum wage for home-care workers as high as $22.50 an hour for certain regions of the state.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about American Rescue Plan Act money available to Auburn businesses that have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti says the town has signed a lease agreement with Community Broadband allowing them to use a no longer needed water tower to distribute their high speed internet.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the solar power project at the former city landfill and how Auburn residents can sign up for ten percent savings on their electric bills.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck presents an update on his department's required report under the executive order signed by Governor Cuomo in 2020. He'll address the County Legislature Thursday, March 17.
FLCC Nursing Professor Susan McCarthy talks about the patient simulator in the expanded nursing lab at the college.
Judy Wright with Seneca County Cooperative Extension discusses the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Lodi Town Supervisor Kyle Barnhart talks about holding a public hearing on applying for CARES Act funds for the Lodi Food4All pantry.
Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about work to be done on the Crooked Lake Canal to filter the water flowing into Seneca Lake.
Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about the water flowing between Keuka and Seneca Lakes through the Keuka Outlet.
Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small discusses expanding broadband to rural communities.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck comments on the investigation that led to the arrest of the Auburn High School Resource Officer.
Harriet Tubman descendant Michelle Jones Galvin speaks at the Tubman memorial service at the AME Zion Church.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about the Heroes Ride with Us program, where magnets representing fallen veterans are being placed on Sheriff's Department patrol vehicles.
Courtney Kasper with the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn talks about the traveling Harriet Tubman exhibit coming to Auburn this summer.
Courtney Kasper with the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn talks about the kickoff of the Harriet Tubman bicentennial Friday.
The New York Legislature will approve Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget by April 1. Environmental advocates are pushing for the fiscal plan to include policies that move buildings off fossil fuels. Hochul's budget includes $250 million for electrifying homes as part of a plan to get two million homes in the state electrified or electric-ready by 2030. [Read More]
We asked former Brooklyn police supervisor and candidate for Lt. Governor Alison Esposito what people should know about police officers.
Lt. Governor candidate Alison Esposito explains why she gave up a 24 year law enforcement career to run.
In her visit to Seneca Falls, Lt. Governor candidate Alison Esposito said state government no longer listens to the people.
State Senator Pam Helming says the state's budget surplus could fund highway and bridge maintenance if the state gas tax is suspended.
NY State Dairy Ambassador Gabby Taylor of Newark talks about NY dairy products and dairy farmers.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason explains the property tax exemption for Cold War veterans made permanent by the Auburn City Council.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about the state grant financing to pay for construction of a new skate park at Casey Park.
Courtney Kasper from the Auburn Equal Rights Heritage Center talks about this weekend's festival highlighting women in brewing.
Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti talks about plans for finishing the box turf field behind the town hall this spring.
New York is among several states with medical aid-in-dying bills introduced this legislative session. A recent poll found residents are more likely to vote for candidates who support medical aid in dying. Asm. Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, has been trying to get medical aid in dying passed in New York for a few years. She said the New York Medical Aid In Dying Act would allow people diagnosed with a terminal illness and of sound mind the right to make a personal choice. [Read it here]
Montezuma Audubon Center Director Chris Lajewski discusses their invasive species program on Friday, March 4th.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason updates us on major capital projects in the city this year.
It's National Children's Dental Health Month, and health professionals recommend children improve their oral health by upgrading their toothbrush to an electric one, for instance, or evaluating the need for a mouth guard at night to stop grinding. [Read the story here]
The New York Immigration Coalition is among the groups urging the U.S. to take in as many Ukrainian refugees as possible, as Ukraine faces an ongoing invasion by Russia. [Read the story here]
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason tells us about the city's street repair program for 2022.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discusses a multi-year plan to address homelessness in the city.
Lodi Supervisor Kyle Barnhart talks about including the Lodi food pantry in plans for a new town hall.
Lodi Supervisor Kyle Barnhart says bids for building a new town hall might be ready by the April town board meeting.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says his department has hired an Identification Officer. That will help speed up the process of pistol permit applications.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn talks about plans for the Yates County bicentennial celebration in 2023.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck talks about the recruiting open house on Wednesday, February 23.
Waterloo Container CEO Rich Swinehart comments on the letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for the closure of Seneca Meadows by 2025.
Erica Paolicelli comments on the lettter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for the closure of Seneca Meadows by 2025.
Seneca Falls Town Councilor Steve Churchill comments on the letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for the closure of Seneca Meadows by 2025.
Joseph Campbell of Seneca Lake Guardian comments on the letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for the closing of Seneca Meadows by 2025.
Environmental groups, businesses and local elected officials are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to instruct the DEC not to allow Seneca Meadows Landfill to be allowed to operate beyond 2025.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason comments on a plan to make permanent a tax exemption granted to Cold War veterans.
More than 60% of New York State is considered to be a "child-care desert." But some state initiatives could make care available to more families as they continue to recover from the pandemic. Michayla Savitt explores the issue with lawmakers in New York who are trying to create change.
Kyle Belokopitsky, executive director of the New York state PTA, said parents should start internet safety conversations early, when kids are in preschool or kindergarten. She noted parents do not necessarily need to understand everything about the technology their kids use, and talking openly with them can be an important learning opportunity for both. Jonah Chester reports with the New York News Service.
Auburn Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason talks about a program that provides relief for small landlords who have tenants that have been unable to pay their rent due to COVID-19.
Suzanne Macaulay with the Pioneer Library System discusses their new books by mail service.
Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses the renewal of a shared services agreement with the county and surrounding towns.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason comments on the zoning implications of marijuana legalization.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck discusses a study of serious accidents that showed the number one cause was driver inattention.
Cornell Professor Christopher Wolf talks about the study he co-authored on the possible effect of lowering the farm overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours.
The Canandaigua Kiwanis Club's Marianne Gallagher talks about their Classic Antique Show and Sale.
Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti discusses the plan to install sidewalks on the west side of Carter Rd.
Geneva Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director Chris Lavin talks about their new program to support young families in the critical early years.
Geneva BID Executive Director Michael Mills talks about the lantern parade, part of the Geneva Winter Arts & Film Festival wrapping up Saturday, February 12.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason comments on the report from the city's outside auditor to the City Council at Thursday night's meeting.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason on the celebration of the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman's birth, including the arrival in Auburn of a Tubman sculpture from Philadelphia.
FLCC Chief Diversity Officer Sim Convington talks about the NFL's hiring processes in the wake of the news that the NY Giants had apparently decided to hire white head coach Brian Daboll before interviewing black candidate Brian Flores.
Cayuga County Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman on the tabling of a measure that would have directed the county Health Department not to enforce the state's mask mandate.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason explains the City Council resolution calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to classify EMS as an essential service on the level of police or firefighters.
Whitney Beaman from the NY Wine and Grape Foundation talks about their vineyard sustainability program, using the VineBalance workbook.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason tells us the city received American Rescue Plan money for a three-year multimedia campaign to publicize the city's historic and cultural attractions.
Jenna Hotaling with the Finger Lakes Problem Gambling Resource Center says mobile sports betting apps are attracting first time bettors, especially young people.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discusses the City Council resolution urging the DEC to classify Owaso Lake as an Impaired Waterbody.
Abbie Schmitt of Walworth talks about the response when she posted her son, Logan's picture collecting food for his local food pantry on an Aldi Supermarket Facebook group.
Abbie Schmitt of Walworth talks about her seven year old son, Logan's efforts to raise money for his school food pantry.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck runs through the timeline for acquiring body-worn cameras for the department.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says he supports acquiring body-worn cameras for his department.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn says three major projects will be undertaken this year without incurring any additional debt.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn on providing high speed internet to county residents.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn on the plan for a new multi-use facility on the site of the current highway garage.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says while bail reform has been well intentioned, in practice, it hasn't worked.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says a number of repeat offenders since bail reform are substance abusers who can't get the help they need.
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn discusses the weapons ban in county buildings that includes an exception for concealed carry.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason says people who received COVID-related property tax exemptions last year will receive them automatically this year
Geneva restaurant owner Dick Austin discussed the increased cost of to-go containers since the state enacted a ban on styrofoam at the beginning of the year
We asked Dr. Steven Schulz with Rochester Regional Health whether we can expect COVID-19 surges every winter
Pediatrician Dr. Steven Schulz with Rochester Regional Health discusses the importance of eligible kids getting COVID-19 boosters
Hans Walter-Peterson with the Finger Lakes Grape Program talks about the heavy rain right before harvest time.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discussed the purchase of body-worn cameras for the Auburn Police Department.
The Remove the Stain Act, a bill reintroduced before Congress, aims at revoking the Medal of Honor distinctions for those U.S. Army soldiers who served at Wounded Knee and received the highest military decoration possible. The future is uncertain, and its status still stays in limbo.
Yet Native communities continue struggling to cope with generations of trauma that stem from the Wounded Knee Massacre. How do Indigenous peoples deal with their inherited pain and suffering that remains glaringly ignored by a deeply-divided American sociopolitical and cultural society?
“Remembering a Massacre: A Roundtable on Wounded Knee,” a special two-part program, hosted and moderated by Gabriel Pietrorazio, Indigenous affairs editor, invites some of the most influential voices from Indian Country to reflect on the shrouded historical legacy behind one of the most deadly mass shootings in American history, one that still stokes intergenerational grief and trauma for Native communities across the continent.
This two-part program was recorded on Friday, Dec. 17, edited and later produced virtually in Washington, D.C.
The Wounded Knee Massacre is far from a fatal affair in the Wild West. New Yorkers played a prominent role in the violence that happened on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wizard of Oz," born in Chittenango, openly called for the extermination of Indigenous peoples while serving as the Aberdeen Saturday Review's newspaper editor.
First Sergeant Frederick Ernest Toy of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, a Buffalo native, earned a Medal of Honor alongside 19 other U.S. Army soldiers and is still honored with a plaque inside the Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial.
“Remembering a Massacre: A Roundtable on Wounded Knee,” a special two-part program, hosted and moderated by Gabriel Pietrorazio, Indigenous affairs editor, invites some of the most influential voices from Indian Country to reflect on the shrouded historical legacy behind one of the most deadly mass shootings in American history, one that still stokes intergenerational grief and trauma for Native communities across the continent.
This two-part program was recorded on Friday, Dec. 17, edited and later produced virtually in Washington, D.C.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason comments on the work done by retiring City Councilor Debby McCormack
On Wednesday, Ontario County officials held a news conference on the state of COVID-19 in the county at Christmastime. County officials, elected leaders, Health Commissioner Mary Beer and hospital administrators addressed the challenges they are facing and urged the public to get vaccinated, get boosted and wear masks. Speaking were County Administrator Chris DeBolt, State Senator Pam Helming, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, County Health Director Mary Beer and administrators from area health care providers.
Ontario County Health Director Mary Beer says the sickest COVID patients are those who are not vaccinated.
Ontario County Administrator Chris DeBolt says the county hopes to hand out at-home COVID tests December 30th
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason discusses the skate park planning meeting earlier this week.
Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason comments on pilot program offering two hour downtown parking for free.
Paul Winnie, an enrolled member of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, speaks with FingerLakes1.com's Gabriel Pietrorazio, Indigenous affairs editor, in a conversation about the Christopher Columbus controversy and prominent rise of Indigenous Peoples Day into the mainstream discourse.
This special program was recorded on Friday, Oct. 8, edited and later produced by Gabriel Pietrorazio virtually in Washington, D.C.
The full conversation between Charles Bowman, Scott Porter and Seneca County District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz from September 21, 2020, is a FingerLakes1.com audio exclusive.
Charles Bowman recorded a conversation ahead of an impending grand jury with Seneca County District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz on Monday, September 21, 2020.
He was joined by Scott Porter, alocal Seneca Falls appellate and criminal defense attorney.
Charles Bowman of Fayette reflects upon last February when he had been allegedly detained and arrested by the Cayuga Nation Police Department after a brawl occurred following a press conference in Seneca Falls on Sat., Feb. 29.
Almost a year later, FingerLakes1.com unearthed evidence proving that those arrests never actually happened and Bowman weighs in on the latest reporting revelation.
The roundabout on Route 96 is finished, but that doesn't mean work along this busy corridor is over. Here's what's happening.
Ontario County officials Brian Young and Mary Beer give update on COVID-19 pandemic response, as cases rise and a busy holiday week approaches. Beer leads the health department, and gave insights into what contact tracers have encountered, as well as the efforts that are being undertaken to keep the community safe.
Crowds repeatedly chant "We love you," which is directed toward President Donald Trump at the 'Million MAGA March' at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jack Posobiec, a correspondent at One American News Network, speaks about how he perceives the mainstream media while at the 'Million MAGA March' on Saturday, Nov. 14.
One American News Network's Jack Posobiec leads demonstrators in a chant "Turn Them Off" in protest of "mainstream, corporate media" at the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Chris Cane, a resident of San Antonio speaks about what it'll take for him to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election while on the ground during the 'Million MAGA March' on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Democratic challenger Dana Balter candidly speaks about what has changed since 2018 and why she believes that she'll unseat Rep. John Katko [NY-24] in her second attempt to reach Congress ahead of this Election Day.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Monday, October 12.
Democratic challenger Dana Balter believes that the status of the Supreme Court is in limbo and calls for residents in the 24th District to vote for the candidate who cares about Planned Parenthood and law of the land from the landmark case of Roe v. Wade.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Monday, October 12.
Rep. John Katko [R-NY] talks about his bipartisan record ever since joining Congress in 2014, being consistently ranked among the nation's top most bipartisan members in the House of Representatives, according to the Lugar Center and Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy bipartisan index that evaluates how often each representative works across party lines for policy initiatives.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Rep. John Katko [R-NY] acknowledges his connection with President Donald J. Trump and addresses accusations of blind partisanship accusations that were brought against him by Dana Balter, his Democratic opponent for the 24th District.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Dana Balter speaks from personal experience about the challenges that come with running for public office with fundraising for campaign contributions to stay competitive in her consecutive bids for Rep. John Katko's 24th congressional district.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Monday, October 12.
Democratic challenger Dana Balter claims that President Trump's China trade war has been destructive for local farms within the 24th District and that Republican incumbent Rep. John Katko [NY-24] enabled him.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Monday, October 12.
Democratic challenger Dana Balter believes that she's the best fit for New York's 24th congressional district and explains the choice between her and Republican incumbent Rep. John Katko.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Monday, October 12.
Rep. John Katko [R-NY] expresses the choice between him and his opponent in Democratic challenger Dana Balter as he seeks reelection to Congress for a fourth term.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Rep. John Katko [R-NY] defends his record as a moderate Republican ever since being elected to serve the 24th District for Congress in 2014.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Rep. John Katko [R-NY] explains why he supports the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett while thinking back to his time in Congress in 2016.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Rep. John Katko [R-NY] talks about voting in favor of the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019 and keeping his promise about protecting the Affordable Care Act on behalf of the 24th congressional district.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano sees quite a few similarities between Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23] and herself and speaks to them for voters to consider while casting their ballots for who's going to represent them in Congress after this Election Day.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano talks about what it means for her to reach out to the disaffected white voter demographic through the Democratic Party in her rematch bid for New York's 23rd congressional district.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano offers harsh criticism against President Donald Trump and her challenger Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23] for enabling him on the national stage. She also speaks without a filter about Reed and his involvement with the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano talks about her personal connections to New York's 23rd congressional district despite being at the end of constant challenges from her opponent Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23] about her alleged affiliations to special interests.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano calls the record of Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23] into question after being elected to represent the congressional district since 2010.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano explains why her campaign office has filed for a cease and desist after her opponent, Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23] recently ran a television ad, which she claimed to be defamatory in nature.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano speaks candidly about the situation in Corning when the office of Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23] had been vandalized during this election season.
This audio clip came from a conversation as a part of FingerLakes1.com's Race for Congress: 2020 candidate series that had been originally taped on Friday, October 16.
Senator Pam Helming [R-54] who had been appointed by Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt [R-62] for the Health Committee joined her colleagues in the state Legislature on Monday, August 3rd to address the COVID-19 situation inside state-regulated nursing homes with New York State Commissioner of Health Howard Zucker.
A conversation with Liz Comatis from Woody's Bar & Grille in Waterloo, NY. Check out our full-feature here.
Sen. Pete Harkham [D-40], a downstate Democrat has recently sponsored and introduced Senate Bill S8475 in an effort to extend all school board vote counts by one week from Tuesday, June 9th to Tuesday, June 19th. Harkham speaks with FingerLakes1.com about how has he handled the situation and stayed in contact with Governor Andrew Cuomo's office after the executive order to ensure that all votes will be counted this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week FingerLakes1.com live-streamed a debate between the four candidates involved in June's Republican Primary in the 131st District. That seat, which has been held by Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R-Canandaigua) will be vacated at the end of the year. The primary contest is between Manchester Town Supervisor Jeff Gallahan, Former Canandaigua City Councilor Cindy Wade, Seneca County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Shipley, and Seneca County Farm Bureau President Ann Marie Heizmann. Like all candidates running for elected office in 2020 - they have had to deal with the unconventional reality of campaigning during a pandemic. While three of the four candidates have already appeared on FingerLakes1.com as guests on 'Inside the FLX' to discuss their platforms - the debate will offer an opportunity to see where the candidates stand, and differ, on important issues. It was moderated by Josh Durso, who serves as News Director for FingerLakes1.com.
Philip George, an Oneida and Mohawk member who served in the U.S. Army on two tours in Afghanistan explains why he carried the Iroquois flag in his cargo pocket while on-duty during a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 12 at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Philip George, an Oneida and Mohawk member who served in the U.S. Army on two tours in Afghanistan speaks candidly about Clint Halftown's legacy during a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 12 at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Wolf, a Seminole Creek, Irish and Scottish supporter of the traditional Cayuga Nation speaks about how surrounding community members can extend a hand and reach-out during a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 12 at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Stephen Henhawk, who taught cultural language instruction at the Cayuga Nation schoolhouse recognizes that the nation is comprised of survivors and shall persevere during a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 12 at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Stephen Henhawk, who taught cultural language instruction at the Cayuga Nation schoolhouse argues that the nation faces the final stages of colonization under Clint Halftown's leadership during a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 12 at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Mayor Bud Shattuck of Union Springs acknowledges that non-Natives may be harmed if or when retaliatory efforts are instigated in the village while residents are shopping at Cayuga Lake Trading or gambling at Lakeside Entertainment.
Mayor Bud Shattuck of Union Springs argues that county officials have notified the Cayuga Nation that its police force possesses no legal jurisdiction to conduct police operations within Union Springs or the rest of Cayuga County.
Union Springs Mayor Bud Shattuck challenges Barclay Damon lawyer Lee Alcott's statement on jurisdictional authority over fee lands from a previous FingerLakes1.com exclusive.
Barclay Damon Partner Lee Alcott alleges that $5 million in revenue from Cayuga Lake Trading gas station was unaccounted for in 2019 alone after receiving reports from the Internal Revenue Service.
Despite conflicting reports, Barclay Damon Partner Lee Alcott confirmed that detainees were not arrested last Saturday during a violent brawl while also admitting that the Cayuga Nation Police does not possess the proper legal jurisdiction to do so.
Barclay Damon Partner Lee Alcott explained that the Cayuga Nation prosecutor is currently filing charges against detainees that were held by the Cayuga Nation Police.
Barclay Damon Partner Lee Alcott justifies an explanation as to why the Cayuga Nation sought to acquire demolition permits to bulldoze 12 properties on fee lands in Seneca County.
Barclay Damon Partner Lee Alcott weighs in on U.S.C. 232 and why their legal defense has dismissed this law from their consideration.
Barclay Damon Partner Lee Alcott addresses how Clint Halftown and the Halftown Council of the Cayuga Nation now look to the forward in an effort to rebuild the Cayuga Nation in the aftermath of last Saturday's violent brawl.
In a Facebook Live video that aired on Monday, March 2nd, Skaionwatison Delaronde called for men to come down to the Cayuga territory to see for themselves, just like how his father once did.
Just hours after the Saturday showdownwent viral across social media, Paul Delaronde, a founding member of the first Kahnawake Warrior Society calls upon men from all across the Six Nations to “grow some” and "get out there"in aFacebook video posted by his son, Skaionwatison Delaronde.
In a FingerLakes1.com exclusive, Charles Bowman speaks with FL1 News about being unlawfully detained and held by the Cayuga Nation Police during a brawl that ensued following the press conference, which was hosted by the seven condoled chiefs of the Cayuga Nation on Saturday, February 29th.
Cameron Simpson, a Cayuga Nation member talks about the dramatic moments that led to conflict in Seneca Falls over an internal dispute.
Cameron Simpson, a Cayuga Nation member talks about the dramatic moments that led to conflict in Seneca Falls over an internal dispute.
Cameron Simpson, a Cayuga Nation member talks about the dramatic moments that led to conflict in Seneca Falls over an internal dispute.
Cameron Simpson, a Cayuga Nation member talks about the dramatic moments that led to conflict in Seneca Falls over an internal dispute.
Cameron Simpson, a Cayuga Nation member talks about the dramatic moments that led to conflict in Seneca Falls over an internal dispute.