WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 27 passed a series of bipartisan measures to combat human trafficking and provide much-needed services to human trafficking victims.

Rep. John Katko served as an original co-sponsor on two of the bills, HR 350, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention & Recovery Act and HR 460, the Human Trafficking Detection Act.

“Human trafficking is a modern-day version of slavery, and as a former federal organized crime prosecutor, I’ve seen its horrors within the borders of the United States,” said Katko. “I’m proud to serve as an original co-sponsor on comprehensive legislation to raise awareness of these heinous crimes, boost protections for domestic human trafficking victims, and combat exploitations in the United States.”

Human trafficking is a significant, global problem.

The FBI has reported that sex trafficking is the fastest-growing business of organized crime and the third-largest criminal enterprise in the world.

Specifically, HR 460 ensures that sufficient training is provided for those working at our borders to detect, intercept, and disrupt human trafficking.

HR 350 requires a review of state and federal trafficking prevention efforts and identifies strategies to prevent children from becoming human trafficking victims.

MORRISVILLE, NY – Morrisville State College recently announced the students who were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve an average of 3.0 to 3.99 for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Nicholas Meyer of Cato

Jacob Drabot of Central Square

Zachary VanAllen of Central Square

Andrew Billa of Cleveland

Anika Roberson of Cleveland

Zachary Coe of Constantia

Amber Gass of Constantia

Mark Vliet of Constantia

David Rice of Lacona

Alexis Cook of Martville

Paula Conklin of Oswego

Kaylee Schreyer of Parish

Nichole Sharp of Phoenix

Ryan King of Pulaski

Maria Miner of West Monroe

Alexandra Hutchinson of West Monroe

Megan Costen of West Monroe

Amy Gass of West Monroe

Morrisville State’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

In addition to being named to the 2014 President’s Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll, the college was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an institution in the top tier of the Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate. For more information visit www.morrisville.edu

Strong support for reforming Common Core, concerns regarding raising the minimum wage and support for making the state’s 2 percent tax cap permanent are just several of the results released on Jan. 28 from State Senator Patty Ritchie’s 2015 Legislative Survey.

In total, nearly 4,000 Central and Northern New Yorkers participated in the survey, which touched on topics ranging from government spending to investments in our state’s agriculture industry.

“As state senator, it’s very important to me to make sure the opinions of my constituents are accurately represented when I’m in Albany,” said Ritchie. “I would like to thank the thousands of constituents who took the time to weigh in on the major issues that affect them. This feedback will be truly invaluable as I work to fight for their interests as the legislative session continues.”

Some of the key findings in Senator Ritchie’s survey results included:

79 percent of participants believe a new law should be passed to make the state’s 2 percent tax cap permanent;

90 percent of participants support a law that would “cap” state budget increases to prevent overspending;

89 percent oppose the “DREAM Act,” a legislative proposal which would make illegal immigrants eligible for taxpayer-paid tuition benefits;

71 percent support reform of Common Core;

75 percent believe a full repeal of the Gap Elimination Adjustment, a budget gimmick introduced before Senator Ritchie was elected, which has cost school districts across the state upwards of $8 billion since its introduction in 2010, should continue to be a priority in the next State Budget;

77 percent support reducing taxes on businesses that create good-paying jobs; and

72 percent support increasing funding for the “Young Farmers NY” program; an initiative launched by Senator Ritchie to help encourage more young people to pursue careers in farming.

In addition, participants were also asked for their opinions on how to spend the state’s $5 billion windfall.

According to results, most felt funds should go towards highway and bridge projects in an effort to improve infrastructure as well as create jobs and to pay down existing state debt.

Ritchie’s legislative survey represents her latest effort to call on constituents for their opinions on major issues.

Previously, she has organized surveys on topics such as outdoor recreation and education as well as hosted public forums and telephone town halls on issues such as heroin abuse and synthetic drugs.

MINETTO – Plans are under way for a night of fun and laughter at the Mardi Gras on Feb. 13 at the Minetto United Methodist Church.

Plans for Mardi Gras are under way with Gary Visconti, left, heading up kitchen duties for the spaghetti supper, Frank Bickel, center, planning music with the Sounds of Brass to play, and Rick Sivers, who will MC the show and provide the comedy program for the event. Mardi Gras is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Minetto United Methodist Church.

The church returns to offering this winter escape with all the hilarity that has been part of Mardi Gras for years.

Rick Sivers returns as master of ceremonies and bring his blend of stories and character portrayals to entertain everyone.

The Sounds of Brass, who first performed for a Mardi Gras more than 10 years ago, will return with some snappy numbers for the dinner guests.

This year, the Mardi Gras has been combined with the church’s Valentine’s spaghetti supper, so it will be dinner theater with a combination of food, jokes and music for everyone to enjoy.

Immediately following dinner will be the crowning of the Bishop of Fools, the Lord of Misrule and the Abbot of Unreason from the dinner guests and then will come the show and lots of laughs.

Reservations for the Mardi Gras can be made by contacting the church office at 343-3465.

Seating is limited, so make your reservations early.

Cost for dinner and the show is $15 per person.

Proceeds will benefit the work of the church.

The Minetto United Methodist Church is located at the intersection of State Route 48 and County Route 8 in Minetto and is fully handicap accessible.

Assemblyman Will Barclay announced Jan. 27 that there is still time for volunteer firefighters to receive tuition reimbursement through the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

FASNY has developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP) as an incentive for people to join New York’s volunteer fire service. This program will provide tuition reimbursement to student volunteers.

The deadline to apply for the spring semester is Feb. 6.

“FASNY’s HELP program is the perfect opportunity for individuals to engage in community service and pay for their continuing education,” said Barclay. “Volunteer firefighters are in high demand all across the Central and Northern New York areas, and this program could help meet the demand while allowing individuals to give back to their community and obtain a quality education.”

The FASNY HELP program allows community college students to receive tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades.

According to FASNY, the goal of the program is to help recruit and retain volunteers to fill a shortage left by the loss of emergency volunteer workers over the years.

To apply, candidates must first complete their local fire department’s volunteer membership process and the Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form.

“Our emergency volunteer workers are the backbone of rural communities, and we must continue to help with the retention and recruitment of these volunteers by appealing to the younger generations who will hopefully continue to provide this valuable service to residents and taxpayers,” said Barclay.

To apply, visit http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/, email HELP@fasny.com, Attn: John D’Alessandro, deputy volunteer programs coordinator, or call FASNY toll free at (855) 367-6933.

The program was made possible through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the Department of Homeland Security.