Oswego County TodayPoliticsFREE Independent News for Oswego County

Report Shows Shrinking Labor Force in Upstate; More Business Friendly Policies Needed

September 11, 2017 Contributor

Unemployment rates are often viewed as an indicator of how the economy is doing. While these rates provide valuable insight on economic activity, because of how the unemployment rates are calculated, they should not be the sole assessment in determining the health of the economy. The current unemployment rate in New York State is 4.9%. From a statewide perspective, this is good because it shows a measure of economic growth since the recession when the rate was almost 9%.

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Help For Those Impacted By Hurricane Harvey

September 5, 2017 Contributor

President Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Right now, each of us has the ability, in some way, to help those in Texas who have been impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Torrential rain, high winds and widespread flooding have caused what many are calling the most powerful storm ever to touch down in the United States. In its wake, Hurricane Harvey, which has now set a record for the greatest amount of measured single-storm rainfall in the continental United States, has taken lives and left tens of thousands of people homeless.

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New Bill Aims to Reduce Liability for Agri-tourism

September 4, 2017 Contributor

Agricultural tourism is a growing component within New York’s $6.36 billion agriculture industry. More and more farms are inviting the public to have a firsthand experience on the farm and hosting farm tours where visitors can learn about farm operations. Agri-tourism businesses, many of which can be found in our backyards, have increased in recent years.

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As Summer Continues, Don’t Forget To Fight The Bite

August 29, 2017 Contributor

Given the recent wet weather, it’s important that we take steps that help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in places like old waste tires and barrels of water. These common items can serve as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can carry sometimes deadly diseases like West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, commonly known as “EEE.”

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More Outdoor Recreation in Schools Would Improve Children’s Health and Access to Hunting and Fishing

August 28, 2017 Contributor

A few years ago I had the opportunity to chair the Assembly Republican Hunting and Fishing Task Force. During that time, the task force held forums and listened to outdoor enthusiast throughout the state. A primary objective of the task force was to examine how the state could encourage new opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor sports and it was determined that engaging youth was key to its growth. One solution that came out of this task force was to lower the hunting age, which we were successful in doing.

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Getting Ready For Fun At The Fair

August 22, 2017 Contributor

Even though the summer season may be starting to wind down, there is still plenty of fun to be had. In this month’s “Community Spotlight,” I am highlighting a summer tradition, the Great New York State Fair, which kicks off, Wednesday, August 23, and runs through Monday, September 4, at the fairgrounds in Syracuse. Drawing visitors of all ages – including a record 1,117,630 people last year – the Great New York State Fair features something for everyone.

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State Fair Promotes Agricultural Traditions and Family Fun

August 21, 2017 Contributor

The Great New York State Fair will once again kick off on Aug. 23 and run until Sept. 4. Last year, more than 1 million people attended the fair which features animal exhibits, concerts, horse shows, the famous butter sculpture, history, youth exhibits, rides, and agriculture contests. Mixed with these traditional attractions are usually a few new exhibits.

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A Helping Hand In The Fight Against Rabies

August 15, 2017 Contributor

As summer continues, it’s great to be able to enjoy the outdoors and all this beautiful region we call home has to offer. However, wild animals stay increasingly active this time of the year and it’s important that we all take steps to protect ourselves and our pets against hazards, like rabies. Over the last few days, crews began conducting rabies “bait drops” in parts of the North Country.

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529 ABLE Savings Accounts Available Now to Individuals, Families with Disabilities

August 14, 2017 Contributor

Individuals with disabilities and their family members now have a new way to save and plan for future expenses. New Yorkers can now open a tax-deferred 529 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account. The accounts are a savings option for families and money earned through the fund is tax exempt if it is spent on qualified expenses. Similar to the 529 College Savings accounts, contributions to the account may be made by anyone.

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Needed: Your Input On The Future Of Farming

August 8, 2017 Contributor

New York’s farmers work hard to bring the best quality products to their neighbors, tables and kitchens around the state and world. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I know it’s important to get feedback from hardworking farmers to identify ways the state can assist in helping to provide them with new opportunities to expand their businesses. In an effort to help support farmers and their operations, I recently launched a “Farm Family Survey” that seeks input on a number of issues,

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