Politics

With schools across Central and Northern New York wrapping up classes for the summer, kids and their parents are always looking for something fun and exciting to do. To help families make reading a part of their summer vacations, I am encouraging students to participate in the New York State Senate’s Summer Reading Program. This special initiative helps children have fun, prevents learning loss and allows students to strengthen the skills they have already learned throughout the school year.

Since 2005, the infection rate in St. Lawrence County from Lyme, which is spread through the bite of tiny ticks, has grown 95 times, from virtually zero to more than 100 victims a year. Meanwhile, the statewide rate has increased by about half that amount. According to a 2015 report, Jefferson County saw 60 reported cases of Lyme disease, while Oswego County documented 51 cases of this tick-borne illness.

I know how devastating the high water levels are for so many people in our region and I want to share new information to help homeowners, municipalities and businesses impacted by flooding on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Across Central and Northern New York, women are breaking glass ceilings and devoting their time to improving our region. Recently, I had a chance to honor 30 of these amazing individuals at my annual “Women of Distinction” ceremony. Those recognized through the program, which honors women’s history in the Empire State by paying tribute to outstanding leaders and everyday citizens from today who are making a difference, represent a wide variety of ages, talents and professions.