Category: New York State
Lawmakers take aim at court fees, surcharges in New York: Look to end cycle of debt
State and federal lawmakers say it’s time for an end to excessive court fees. In fact, they are calling for an end to them entirely. If you receive a ticket, or appear in court — there’s a fee attached. The fee is ... MORE
Toxic algae blooms in Skaneateles Lake raise urgency of Syracuse’s bid to use pesticide to protect drinking water
Stakes are rising in the simmering debate over whether to allow the city of Syracuse to apply a pesticide to northern sections of Skaneateles Lake in a bid to safeguard its source of unfiltered public drinking water. Traces of the toxic bacteria microcystin — ... MORE
Lawsuit aims to kill mask mandate in New York schools
There’s a new push at the state level to end mask mandates in schools. A lawsuit has been filed challenging the state’s requirement that people wear masks while in school buildings to slow the spread of COVID-19. State Sen. George Borrello, R-57, ... MORE
New York ranks highest on WalletHub for teaching jobs
WalletHub says that New York State is the best state in the country to be a teacher. The reason? Job opportunity and work environment. The state also ranks first for annual salary and spending per student in public schools. The turnover rate ... MORE
State won’t waive CDL requirement for bus drivers despite shortage: Tells districts to ‘think creatively’
State officials are taking action to address the school bus driver shortage, which has been reported across New York since late-Summer. Governor Kathy Hochul announced an extensive plan including short-term steps to remove barriers and recruit traditional and non-traditional Commercial Driver’s License ... MORE
New York DEC announces most small game hunting seasons begin Oct. 1
New York DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that most small game hunting seasons will open on Friday, Oct. 1, with special opportunities for youth and military members. “Every fall, more than 60,000 hunters venture afield to pursue New York’s abundant small game ... MORE
Enjoy one of New York’s free fishing days this Saturday
This weekend, New York residents can fish for free for one day. Saturday, Sept. 25, residents can fish for free in celebration of the annual promotion of outdoor activities. The last free fishing day for 2021 is Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Information ... MORE
Representative Lee Zeldin shares his leukemia diagnosis but says he is in remission and expected to live a normal life
Republican New York State Representative Lee Zeldin shared that he was diagnosed with leukemia last November, but is now in remission and still plans to run for governor. He explained that he was diagnosed with early stage chronic myeloid leukemia and that ... MORE
Senate blocked a measure to provide pathway to citizenship for immigrants, but Democrats and advocates remain optimistic
Advocates continue to push to have New York provide a pathway for immigrants to obtain legal status following a ruling against it in a sweeping domestic spending package. The measure would have helped 8 million undocumented immigrants. The Senate parliamentarian blocked that ... MORE
Tom O’Mara denounces the release of incarcerated individuals from State prisons thanks to Less is More Act
State Senator Tom O’Mara is denouncing the move by Governor Kathy Hochul to begin releasing more and more inmates from state prisons under a new law she signed today known as the “Less Is More Act.” O’Mara said that Hochul’s signing of ... MORE
Republican senator supports lawsuit against the state regarding mask mandates in schools
A lawsuit has been filed against New York State for the mandate of masks in schools. Supporting the lawsuit is Republican Senator George Borrello, a private religious school, and a parent advocacy group. This is just one more lawsuit surrounding mandates. Recently, ... MORE
Qualifying families will receive the maximum food stamp benefits for September, or an extra $95
New York residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be getting maximum benefits this month. The state plans to receive $200 million for families on food stamps. The benefits for residents outside New York City will begin this week and ... MORE
Governor Kathy Hochul signs “Less is More” into law, prompting the release and avoiding the incarceration of technical parole violators
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law that will keep New York State residents out of jail for non-violent parole violations. The law is called “Less is More” and focuses on eliminating the practice of locking people up for missing an ... MORE
New York is recovering financially after the the pandemic damaged the economy
It looks like the New York State economy is recovering after all, following the extra $2.1 billion in revenue the state will be getting annually for the next 4 years. The money is from the federal government in the form of aid ... MORE
The workforce within long-term care facilities has always suffered, but what happens if it gets even worse?
Long-term care facilities have been suffering from staff shortages since before the pandemic, but now they’re the worst they’ve been. Following the pandemic, more workers left, and now with the vaccine mandate quickly approaching, many more are expected to leave. Healthcare workers ... MORE
