With summer approaching, two lawmakers are hoping to pass a bill that would require crosswalks to be placed near most athletic fields and playgrounds in New York state. The bill, known as Erin’s Law, would require at least one crosswalk installed across all roads abutting playgrounds and athletic fields, […]
Politics
Governor proposes an overhaul of NY’s blue laws
Bills would also reduce fees and paperwork for craft brewers and small wholesalers The governor is introducing legislation that would overhaul the state’s blue laws and reduce paperwork for craft brewers and cut down the fees paid by small wholesalers to further expand New York’s growing brewing, distilling […]
More schools committing to buying locally produced foods
The number of school districts committing to purchasing local fruits and vegetables has increased to 134 districts in 24 counties across the state, according to the Office of General Services, which oversees a federal pilot program that provides funding. OGS Commissioner RoAnn Destito announced that the participating school districts […]
Both houses pass veteran benefits bill, but will governor sign it?
A bill (S.7160/A.9531) that would extend eligibility for additional credits in the state retirement system to all veterans working for state and local governments has now been passed by both houses after it cleared the Assembly on Wednesday. But after being vetoed twice by the governor in recent years, […]
NYSUT: Voters approve 99 percent of school budgets this week
Voters across the state approved 99 percent of school budgets Tuesday, according to a preliminary estimate by New York State United Teachers. “We are extremely pleased with the vote of confidence in our public schools by New Yorkers in every region of our state,” said NYSUT President Karen Magee. […]
Tedisco looks to step into Farley’s Senate seat
It’s official. Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, the outspoken and independent-minded assemblyman from Glenville, has thrown his hat in the ring for the open 49th Senate District, hoping to replace longtime Senator Hugh Farley, who announced his retirement last week. The Republican legislator, a master of tapping into public sentiment, and […]
Gibson stepping away from politics; won’t run for governor in 2018
Congressman Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, has announced that he will not run for New York State Governor in 2018. Gibson was widely considered as a possible candidate for the 2018 gubernatorial election against Andrew Cuomo. But on Monday, Gibson announced he intends to step away from politics entirely. Gibson released a statement […]
Hospital staffing bill gains widespread support in Assembly
Nurses and nursing students recently stormed the capital in a large rally to support higher staffing levels in all acute care facilities and nursing homes. As the bill makes its way through the Assembly, and continues to pick up sponsors, supporters are optimistic the bill may pass this session after […]