Politics

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin deaths have quadrupled between 2002 and 2013, surpassing traffic accidents as the leading cause of accidental deaths. The increase in drug use and addiction has affected every demographic, race and age group in the nation. My colleagues and I recently held a series of hearings across the state to gather input from local officials, health care providers, parents of addicted children, and individuals addicted to heroin.

While some brows furrow at the sight of snow, others who love winter sports like ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice skating and skiing are eager to get out and enjoy the winter weather. I am among those who enjoy our four seasons and I like to ski, snowmobile and ice fish when I have the time.

Last week, Governor Cuomo delivered his State of the State address which, contrary to protocol, he combined with his 2016-17 budget address. The speech lasted nearly two hours and set forth the Governor’s priorities for the 2016 legislative session. The following are some of the highlights of his speech.

The 2016 legislative session is under way in Albany. In years past, session usually began with the governor delivering his State of the State Address, which traditionally is followed, a few weeks later, by his budget address. The governor, in a departure from protocol, has again this year decided to combine his State of the State Address with his budget address.