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Governor Claims Federal Tax Law is ‘Economic Civil War’ but Fails to Show Facts Beyond Rhetoric

January 22, 2018 Contributor

In his State of the State address given earlier this month, Governor Cuomo called the recently passed federal tax reform bill “economic civil war” that will raise New Yorker’s property taxes and income taxes. Unfortunately, no explanation for this statement was provided. As a result of this type of overheated rhetoric coming from the Governor and others, confusion continues to reign as to what effect the new tax law will have on New York state.

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Saving Lives One Donation At A Time

January 16, 2018 Contributor

January marks National Blood Donor Month. It is a time to recognize the lifesaving contributions of blood donors, and renew the call for more donations. The American Red Cross, which supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, says the winter months are the most difficult time to collect blood.

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National Blood Donor Month Observed in January

January 15, 2018 Contributor

January is selected for two reasons. First, during January fewer people donate because of the cold and flu season and inclement weather. Second, given that many people make resolutions in January, the American Red Cross hopes people will consider making a New Year’s resolution to become regular blood donors.

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Shaping The Future Of Agriculture One Voice At A Time

January 9, 2018 Contributor

As we welcome in a new year, 2018 brings a new opportunity for New York State to highlight what makes it so special. Agriculture – our farms, growers, producers and related agribusinesses – leads the way. As New York State’s leading industry and a major driver of the state’s economy, this is the time to make sure it remains as such.

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Old Tax Law Progressive, New Tax Law Progressive

January 8, 2018 Contributor

There seems to be a substantial amount of confusion as to what effect the newly enacted Federal Tax bill will have on residents of New York state. The confusion stems from the fact that (i) taxes are complicated, (ii) what people pay in taxes depends on individual circumstances, and (iii) the political rhetoric about the tax bill and its effects has been misleading and in certain cases inaccurate. In order to understand the effects the federal tax legislation will have on New Yorkers, there needs to be a general understanding of how the federal income tax system works.

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‘Tis The Season Of Giving

January 2, 2018 Contributor

Generosity is powerful. All throughout the year, I have seen so many people go out of their way to help their community, their family, friends and neighbors. It simply amazes me every time someone in our community does something that brings a smile to the face of another – even if it’s someone they’ve never met and perhaps never will.

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Newborn Screenings Can Save Lives

January 1, 2018 Contributor

After a baby is born, hospitals perform a variety of screenings for the baby. Some tests are completed by a physical exam or through the use of a medical device at the hospital, but many genetic disorders can only be detected with a blood sample. In an attempt to help minimize the effects of some genetic disorders, in 1965 New York began the Newborn Screening Program. Since then, millions of babies have been tested and thousands have been identified and treated for their disease.

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Another Step Down The Path Of Recovery

December 27, 2017 Contributor

Earlier this year, our shoreline communities were victims of historic flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Thousands of homes, businesses and properties are still picking up the pieces from the damage they suffered. While visiting many of these shoreline communities as the waters were rising, it became immediately clear that financial help would be needed. That is why I cosponsored the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program, which provided $45 million in funding to impacted year-round and seasonal homeowners, small businesses, farms, not-for-profits and municipalities.

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Making College Affordable

December 26, 2017 Contributor

Finances are obviously a big consideration when it comes to higher education and with good reason. Costs have risen dramatically. The average cost of attending a four-year public college in 1980 was $7,770 (in today’s dollars). Today these average costs have increased to more than $20,000 a year.

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State’s Crime Rate Drops in 2016; DNA Databank Helps Solve More than 20,000 Crimes

December 20, 2017 Contributor

New Yorkers consistently rank public safety high on the list of importance so it is good news that in 2016, the number of crimes in the state reached an all-time low. In addition, the crime rate in New York has steadily declined since 1990 with few exceptions. According to the latest data compiled by the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York was the sixth most violent state in 1994, but today it is the safest large state in the nation.

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