Politics

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.

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.

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.

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.