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.
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.
For families all across New York State, nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of pine, that deep green color and the way a tree brightens up our homes and businesses this time of year. It’s become an annual tradition here in New York to get the family together for a trip to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out that perfect evergreen to take home and decorate. Not only are Christmas trees a big part of the holiday season, they’re a big part of New York’s agriculture industry, too.
As a State Senator with five state correctional facilities in my district, and a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, I continue to see that dedication and hard work every day from correctional officers throughout New York State. Ensuring that our state correctional facilities employ hardworking correctional officers is critical to public safety, as well as the safety of our prisons. In an effort to achieve both of those goals, I have been proud to sponsor Senate bill S.2959-A, which would help ensure correctional facilities across the state have adequate staffing.
Most people’s medicine cabinets contain either expired or unwanted over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs. With the rise in prescription drug abuse, in particular opioids, keeping these medications in the home isn’t safe. Fortunately, thanks to recent federal, state, and local efforts, more opportunities have been created to help people safely dispose of unwanted drugs.
For many New Yorkers agriculture is not just their livelihood, it is a way of life. From food to employment opportunities, because agriculture is our state’s leading industry, every person – one way or another – depends on our farmers and agribusiness owners. While this success is something every New Yorker should be proud of, we cannot take it for granted.
In an emergency where minutes are critical, medical professionals sometimes determine that patients need to be airlifted to a hospital rather than transported by traditional ambulance. This is particularly true in rural areas, where emergency rooms can be hundreds of miles away. During these occasions, decisions need to be made quickly and the last thing EMT personnel and the patient are thinking about is how much the air transportation is going to cost and how will the cost be paid. Unfortunately, situations have arisen where patients who have utilized an air ambulance get the unwelcome surprise of receiving a huge bill (often exceeding $50,000) for the service.
As winter approaches here in Central and Northern New York, many of us are preparing for the drop in temperatures, and an increase in our home heating bills. The cold can take a toll on many of our most vulnerable, including senior citizens and those on low or fixed incomes, who find themselves struggling with the decision of whether to keep the heat on, or have the money to pay for other necessities. For those who find it difficult to manage home heating costs during winter, there is help.
Americans have a long history of volunteering and hold community service as a hallmark of civic life. Militias that formed during the Revolutionary War and our country’s first fire departments, for example, were made possible by volunteers who saw a need and organized to serve a cause. People through the ages at their own accord have volunteered for the greater good. At no time is this honored tradition of volunteerism more evident in our country than during the holiday season.
The US military is made up of the bravest, proudest and most selfless people our great nation has to offer. They join the military, and put their lives on the line, in the name of protecting our freedom. Becoming a member of our military not only gives someone a chance to serve our great nation, it also provides a tremendous opportunity to build important life skills that can benefit them long after their service has finished.
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