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.
During the month of March, we shine a spotlight on all that women have contributed to society throughout the years, and look toward the future as we continue to pave the way for new accomplishments.
New York State is home to nearly 900,000 veterans. They are our neighbors, our family, and our friends. There are many organizations that proudly assist our veterans as a way to thank them for their service and show gratitude for their many sacrifices. One such agency is the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network.
Making our state a better place can only be accomplished when citizens take an active role by making their voices heard and their priorities known. That’s why I’m asking Central and Northern New Yorkers to weigh in on what matters to them through my 2016 Legislative Survey.
Providing our youth with the opportunity for a strong education is one of the most important jobs of our government. Unfortunately, the education system has had its fair share of challenges recently both in terms of funding and from policies stemming from federal and state laws. First among the challenges was the implementation of the Common Core. Common Core is a set of academic standards mandated on school districts by the State Board of Regents.
When you think of dangerous jobs, farming probably doesn’t immediately come to mind. However, with the fatality rate 700 percent higher than all American workers, many of our hardworking farmers face significant threats to their safety. The leading cause of death on a farm? Tractor rollover incidents.
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