Politics

Financial scams are common problems. The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2017, more than 100,000 New Yorkers lost approximately $40 million in financial scams. These numbers are probably much higher because people are reluctant to admit they have been scammed and, therefore, do not file a report.

Earlier this year, the State Health Department announced some good news: the statewide adult smoking rate has fallen to 14.2%. This is the lowest level since 1985 when New York began using its current system to track smoking rates and it is below the national average of 15.5%.

In 2017, the President set a goal to double the number of apprenticeships in the U.S. because there is a great need for skilled laborers due to retiring baby boomers. AARP estimates that 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day, a trend that will continue into the 2030s. Businesses are in need of reliable, skilled employees who can fill the gaps left by retirees.

When serving in the National Guard, guard soldiers and airmen never know when they will be called to serve the state or country. On the morning of 9-11, two pilots were on alert duty at the Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts when a call came through of a suspected hijacking.

Each quarter the state’s Division of Budget releases updates to the state’s financial plan. The latest report which was published earlier this month included, once again, details on state debt. As one might guess, with our state’s reputation for spending, the state debt load is among the highest in the nation. Our outstanding debt is nearly $54 billion, second only to California.