Oswego County TodayPoliticsFREE Independent News for Oswego County

Fighting Stigma, Raising Awareness During National Mental Health Awareness Month

May 21, 2019 Contributor

Recently, a group of students from the Phoenix Central School District came to Albany for a very special visit. These students, led by their teachers Carol Blackburn and Colleen Longley, had earlier come up with an idea to better help young people discuss, understand and even cope with mental health issues they may face.

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Advocating for People with Disabilities

May 20, 2019 Contributor

It was less than 30 years ago when the Americans with Disabilities Act passed Congress and was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush.

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The Heartbreaking Truth About Lyme Disease

May 14, 2019 Contributor

Recently, Robin Phillips, the mother of a high school student in Oswego County called my office, upset with the fact that the new New York State budget eliminated $1 million in important funding to fight Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. As someone who has fought for years for support that has helped fight Lyme disease and raise awareness, I share her frustration.

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Farmworkers Labor Act Would Harm Local Farmers

May 13, 2019 Contributor

There is a bill gaining support in Albany that, if enacted, would further reduce the amount of farms in our state. The bill is called the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act.

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Community Spotlight: Watertown’s Thompson Park Zoo

May 7, 2019 Contributor

When I spend time with my grandchildren, I often try to find activities for us to do that are not just fun, but also educational. In our region, we are fortunate enough to have a number of places families can go to enjoy a day together and learn something at the same time.

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Public Dollars Should Not Support Political Campaigns

May 6, 2019 Contributor

For years the Governor and the Assembly Democrats have pushed for state-funded political campaigns. With one-party rule, publicly-funded political campaigns are nearing reality. This year, the budget authorized spending of up to $100 million annually to fund statewide political races.

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Help Improve Our State Parks At ‘I Love My Park Day’

April 30, 2019 Contributor

Did you know that in 2018, a record 74 million people visited New York State parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails? From hiking and fishing to golf and beaches, there’s something for everybody in the New York State parks system.

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New York State’s Linked Deposit Program Benefits Economy

April 29, 2019 Contributor

In 1994, the state began the Linked Deposit Program to assist and encourage firms, manufacturers and small businesses to make investments. This program offers reduced-rate financing to makes it less expensive to borrow money.

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Distracted Driving Is Dangerous Driving

April 23, 2019 Contributor

As technology improves, and becomes more mobile, the number of people using that technology while driving only continues to grow. That is why, during the month of April, the nation marks “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” – a time to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and teach people the importance of maintaining focus behind the wheel.

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Criminal Justice Reforms Contained in Budget Flawed and Dangerous

April 22, 2019 Contributor

While not directly related to NYS fiscal issues, some of the biggest policies included in this year’s state budget were changes to our state’s criminal justice system. The biggest of those changes was the elimination of cash bail for most crimes other than certain qualifying offenses.

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