New York State is still without a budget as the State Legislature is expected to reconvene today to pass another budget extender. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday saying that a budget extender … [Read more...]
State Legislators Adjourn Until April 10 to Continue Budget Deliberations
The New York State Budget won't be finalized until at least April 10 after Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature agreed to an extension. Hochul said in a statement, "New Yorkers are concerned about public safety, the rising cost of … [Read more...]
Bail Reform, Housing Issues Holding Up State Budget
Housing and bail reform disputes are holding up the passage of the New York State Budget. The April 1 deadline for the budget came and went with no bills being passed. The Democrat controlled Legislature is taking issue with two proposals by … [Read more...]
Sen. Borrello Urges State Parole Board to Reconsider Release of Edward Kindt
State Senator George Borrello is urging the State Parole Board to reconsider the approval of the release of a man who killed a Salamanca woman. Edward Kindt was convicted of the rape and murder of Penny Brown on Mother's Day in 1999. Because he … [Read more...]
Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, Bill Reintroduced in Congress to Make it Permanent
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, meaning come 2:00 a.m., we all move our clocks forward one hour. But a bill has been re-introduced in Congress that could eliminate that. Last year, Florida Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine … [Read more...]
Library Directors Asking NYS Representatives to Restore Library Funding Cut in State Budget
Library directors will be lobbying state representatives to restore a $3.5 million cut in library aid as well as a $20 million cut in library construction funds to the state budget. Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System Executive Director Janice … [Read more...]
NYS Dept. of Labor Adopts Farm Labor Overtime Regulations
Farm labor overtime regulations have been adopted by the New York State Department of Labor. The phased-in, gradual reduction in the overtime pay threshold will begin on January 1, 2024, with the threshold set at 56 hours. The process will … [Read more...]
Second Year Of Youth Hunting Pilot Program Successful in NYS
The second year of a pilot program allowing youth to hunt deer in New York State has been successful. State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the program allows mentored 12 and 13-year old hunters to harvest … [Read more...]
Chautauqua County Could Face $4.3 Million Budget Hit in NYS Budget
Chautauqua County Government could be hit with a $4.3 million shortfall this year should New York State move forward with clawing back Medicaid funds. The Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Program (E-FMAP) funds are monies from the federal … [Read more...]
Gov. Hochul Presents $227 Billion State Budget
Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled her $227 billion state budget for 2024-25. This budget is $5 billion more than the current year, with a 2.4% increase in all spending. Hochul said public safety is her top priority, budgeting $337 … [Read more...]
