We owe a lot to the brave men and women who put their own personal health and safety on the line to protect us. That’s why just recently, I was proud to join with my Senate colleagues in approving a measure to help further protect the health of volunteer firefighters who become sick due to the hazards they face while serving their communities.
At first glance, “free” college sounds very attractive. Why not? The cost of higher education continues to increase at a rate far outpacing inflation and many graduates end up being saddled with huge student loan debt.
With more than 10,000 miles of snowmobiling trails available to explore in New York State – and especially throughout Central and Northern New York – many outdoor enthusiasts like myself spend a significant amount of time on their sleds during the winter months.
About 2 million people hunt, fish and trap in the state, ranking New York third in the nation in the number of sportsmen and women obtaining licenses and permits. Local communities and the state benefit economically from the license sales and associated activity.
From community events to awesome places to visit, there’s so much that makes Central and Northern New York special. In an effort to highlight all that’s unique about our region, I’m launching “Senator Ritchie’s Community Spotlight.”
Last week, in lieu of a traditional State of the State address to the legislature, the Governor made six speeches throughout the state that outlined his policy priorities for 2017. Some of the major policies that he said he would be advocating for are (i) free college tuition, (ii) expanding the child care tax credit, and (iii) making various “social justice” reforms.
The 2017 legislative session is under way in Albany. Pursuant to the state constitution, the Governor is required during every session to communicate to the legislature the condition of the state. This, in the modern era, has been known as the Governor’s State of the State address. Traditionally, it has been given in early January by means of a speech in the Assembly chamber.
With the arrival of a New Year comes change, and that includes change for New York State, too, as in 2017, a number of measures aimed at making life better for people in the Empire State go into effect.
Looking back at 2016, there are many accomplishments worth noting and other items that remain on the to-do list. After a tumultuous year, the community finally received good news August 9 that FitzPatrick would remain operational and that Exelon had reached an agreement to purchase FitzPatrick from Entergy. This announcement came after the new Clean Energy Standard was adopted by the Public Service Commission.
The holiday season can be a difficult and lonely time of year for our service men and women who are deployed overseas, in veterans hospitals and army installations, away from family and friends. That’s why I am thrilled that so many people across Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties took the time again this year to send holiday greetings through the “Christmas Cards for Our Troops” program.
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