Politics

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.

When a soldier completes their military service, many are looking for employment as part of a successful transition back to civilian life. Too often, our veterans who have sacrificed so much defending our nation, are finding it difficult to find new careers, despite often being highly qualified for the jobs that exist.

Like many motor vehicle laws, New York’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when passing authorized emergency vehicles pulled over on the side of the road, was created to save lives and prevent injuries. Recently, I was proud to support a bill (Senate bill 7938) that expanded New York’s Move Over law.

It’s the holiday season.And, that means the smell of Christmas trees is in the air. One of the things countless people look forward to each and every year is the beauty and smell of a fresh-cut evergreen tree in their homes.

Many of us will also be heading out to take to the stores looking for that holiday bargain. However you choose to do your holiday shopping this year, if you are still thinking about what to get those special people in your life, you may also consider shopping right in your own backyard at locally-owned farms and businesses.