A few short months ago, we set out to create a new spending plan for New York State that strengthens the middle class, grows our economy, creates brighter futures for students and increases, as well as improves, opportunities for people here in our region, and beyond. I’m pleased to report that we succeeding in achieving those goals.
In effort to provide the Governor and Legislative leaders the political victory of claiming the budget was passed on time, both the State Senate and Assembly worked all night on Thursday in effort to get it passed. However, due to the sheer size of the budget, its complexity and the complete lack of transparency during budget negotiations, it took the Assembly until 8 p.m. April 2 to pass the final budget bill.
Each and every day, libraries across our region, as well as our state, open their doors and invite patrons into a world of knowledge, learning and entertainment. From April 10 to 16, we recognize libraries for the tremendous services they provide to our communities, as well as promote their use through “National Library Week.”
March is Women’s History Month and many of the early crusaders who fought for the right to vote lived in Upstate New York. Men and women helped this cause but three Upstate women in particular, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Matilda Josyln Gage, are credited with shaping the national conversation in the mid and late 1800s, which led to Women’s Suffrage in 1920.
Just recently, I hosted “10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” at the State Capitol to raise awareness about the important role Fort Drum and its soldiers play in our region, state and nation. This special event, which has taken place five years in a row, helps to teach my colleagues, legislative staff members and visitors to the Capitol about the mission of the 10th Mountain Division and the positive impact Fort Drum has on our region, as well as our entire state.
With less than two weeks to go before the state budget is due, one of the most contentious issues remaining is whether the state’s minimum wage should be increased to $15 an hour. This issue does not have to be included in this year’s budget, but rather could be accomplished in a standalone bill.
With less than a month to go before the April 1 state budget deadline, state legislators, party conferences, interest groups and other constituencies are making a final push to influence what is included in this year’s state budget. Topics like a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave and so-called ethics reform have dominated state news.
Here in Central and Northern New York, there are certain things that signal the start of spring. Warmer temperatures, the first sight of flowers sprouting from the ground and of course, trees being tapped for sap that will be turned into maple syrup and other maple products.
When it comes to our region, there’s a long list of what makes it special. For me though, one of the best things about Central and Northern New York is the people who go the extra mile to make our communities better. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we remember the women of the past, and the women of the present, who are making a difference.
There are programs locally that help adults prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce. WEP is one such program that assists people who are on public assistance gain further employment and job skills. It’s one of the many programs managed by the local department of social services offices in conjunction with employment and training offices that assists people in gaining valuable job skills, help with job readiness training, placement services, and job searches.
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