Politics

Whether it is the smell of wonderful food or the sound of children laughing as they enjoy midway rides, for many people, local fairs are an annual, summertime tradition. Local fairs in New York State attract millions of people who want to both be entertained and learn more about agriculture, including animals found on the farm, as well as where their food comes from. Local fairs do just that, and highlight New York’s leading industry while also helping people recognize the need to support our hardworking farm families.

Summer is finally here and people are getting back outside to enjoy the warm temperatures and beautiful scenery here in Central and Northern New York. However, the more time we spend outside, the more we have to be on the lookout for certain insects and the diseases they carry. These pests, such as mosquitoes and ticks, continue to threaten the safety of those in our communities.

It will not be long before thousands of high school students throughout our region put on their caps and gowns and walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Every student will have his or her eyes on the future, but every student’s future will be different, and filled with new and exciting experiences.

While the risk of violence is always present in correctional facilities, it seems that in recent times that violence has escalated. Last year, inside New York State prisons, there were 798 reported assaults on corrections staff and 1,220 assaults on inmates by other inmates statewide. In addition, officials confiscated more than 3,000 weapons and contraband items.

Every day, farmers are in barns, fields and yes, even offices, working to see that people here in New York State and beyond have fresh, nutritious food and drink. Not only do our hardworking farmers put food on our tables, their efforts also help to support the strength of our state’s leading industry, agriculture. June is “National Dairy Month,” a time to honor the contributions of the dairy industry to our country.