Thruway Authority is owed $276.3 million in tolls
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's recent audit revealed that the New York Thruway Authority needs to enhance its identification, billing, and collection of tolls and related fees, including $276.3 million currently pursued by a ... more
National shortage of Adderall having an impact on local patients and pharmacists
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The US is facing a nationwide shortage of Adderall, leading to extended periods without medication for many who rely on it. The shortage of dextroamphetamine-amphetamine salts, better known by the brand name Adderall, has significantly ... more
Rental and housing protections targeted as final legislative hurdle for this session in Albany
The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus is intensifying its advocacy for reforms focused on education, health, criminal justice, and notably, housing and tenant protections as the current legislative session ... more
Lawmakers say New Yorkers need better access to utility payment help
New York lawmakers, led by state Sen. Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, have proposed legislation designed to automatically enroll eligible households in utility companies' energy assistance programs. The proposal, supported by AARP New York ... more
Federal lawmakers call for emergency funding to support frost ravaged Finger Lakes farms
Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have made an urgent appeal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid Finger Lakes farms, vineyards, and orchards, which suffered significant crop losses due to a recent ... more
Local hospitals revisit vaccine policies: URMC says it will rollback requirements
The New York State Department of Health has initiated the process to rescind the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for workers in regulated healthcare facilities. This move prompted inquiries regarding the status of employees dismissed due to ... more
How can New York’s roads be made safer?
Amy Cohen, a long-time traffic safety advocate after losing her son in a tragic accident, joins several campaigners pushing for stronger safety measures to address the increasing fatalities on New York’s roadways. These advocates are ... more
State trying to address Xylazine overdose crisis
In a bid to tackle the rising crisis of xylazine-related health complications, Governor Kathy Hochul's office has declared that New York State will distribute free test strips to detect the presence of the potentially deadly ... more
State finally ends COVID-19 vaccine requirement for healthcare workers
New York State health officials announced on Wednesday that they are in the process of repealing the mandate for healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This development comes as pandemic-era rules are broadly expiring, ... more
Parents of bullying victims push for legislation, but encounter opposition over safety concerns
Following the tragic suicide of 13-year-old Jacobe Taras, who was a victim of school bullying, his parents are urging New York lawmakers to enact legislation requiring schools to notify parents when a child is being ... more
Report raises alarm over abuse of lost wage benefits among corrections officers
An Inspector General's report highlights concerns regarding workers' compensation lost wage benefits for correctional officers, following numerous complaints of potential abuse of the system. These benefits are intended for workers who suffer job-related injuries, with ... more
Elder parole changes gain traction in New York
A legislative push to reform New York's parole system has gained momentum, with the Assembly Correction Committee advancing a bill Wednesday that could grant parole eligibility to prison inmates aged 55 and older, provided they ... more
Lawmakers unlikely to pass HEAT Act: Good news for advocates of natural gas hookups in homes
The passage of the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition (HEAT) Act, a legislation aimed at curbing new natural gas hookups, appears increasingly unlikely before the end of the legislative session. The bill, revised and resubmitted ... more
Bill would grow outreach in New York through community media
New York lawmakers are considering a bill to broaden statewide outreach through local media. The Local Community and Ethnic Media Commitment Act would require state agencies to spend about 50% of their print and digital advertising budget ... more
Healthcare across New York faces massive staffing crisis
The healthcare system in New York is grappling with a workforce shortage after losing around 47,000 jobs during the peak of the pandemic, according to the USA TODAY Network. The staffing crisis initially impacted New ... more
Excelsior Scholarship is open: How can students get free tuition?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Excelsior Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Excelsior Scholarship, which is managed by the New York State Higher Education ... more
Will milk be served in school cafeterias?
As the USDA contemplates excluding chocolate milk from school lunches due to concerns over children's sugar intake, New York State lawmakers and dietitians are voicing opposition. Lawmakers like Assemblyman Chris Tague, insist on the vital ... more
MeToo founder supports changes to NY’s victim compensation and parole laws
Tarana Burke, founder of the MeToo movement, has backed changes to New York's victims' compensation law and a proposed overhaul of parole. The proposed alterations, part of a last-minute push by Democratic state lawmakers and ... more
State police overwhelmed by Red Flag Law requests
Last year, the expansion of New York’s Red Flag Law, which permits the confiscation of firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others, has led to a significant increase in related cases. This ... more
