On March 21 – 22 and 28 – 29, more than 160 maple producers across New York State will open their sugar houses for “Maple Weekend.” Maple Weekends are chock full of events, everything from tours, pancake breakfasts, free samples and more, aimed at showing people just how maple syrup and maple products make their way from “tree to table.”
Recent findings by the Tax Foundation, a Washington-based research organization, should serve as a reminder to the State Legislature and the Governor during this year’s budget negotiations that New York needs to decrease spending, reduce state mandates, and cut property and income taxes. According to the study, “Facts and Figures 2015: How Does Your State Compare,” New York ranked number one in state and local tax burdens, surpassing New Jersey and Connecticut.
The month of March marks National Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the tremendous contributions of women from the past who have made indelible marks on today’s society. While it’s so important to celebrate the accomplishments of women from the past, a big part of National Women’s History Month is learning more about the women of today who are following in their footsteps and going above and beyond to make a difference.
The software was recently implemented. Many aspects about the new system make sense and will hopefully improve inter-agency communication. What is troubling, however, is that last month, upon its implementation, reports circulated that thousands of state agency emails were deleted. With the new system’s implementation, a 90-day automatic deletion policy has also be instituted.
10,400 – that’s how many miles of snowmobiling trails New York State is home to. This expansive network of trails means more than just an enjoyable time for outdoor enthusiasts. Our snowmobile trails also represent a major economic driver for our tourism economy, generating roughly $868 million annually according to a recent study by SUNY Potsdam.
The Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network recently launched an ad campaign called Pass Life On. There are a series of videos which talk about the importance of organ donation titled “The Greatest Person Never Known” which feature a grateful organ recipient. The ad campaign is designed to help improve the state’s organ donation registration rates, which continue to be much lower than other states.
Here in Upstate New York, there are no shortage of days spent inside seeking refuge from the winter weather. If you’re like me, you know that there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Luckily, throughout our region there are dozens of spectacular libraries offering bestsellers, classics, children’s books and all sorts of other types of family friendly entertainment perfect for winter days spent indoors, or any other time of the year.
The second biggest budget item in the state budget is education, which is right behind healthcare. Last year, the state spent $22.3 billion on education. In 2012, combined with the local and federal share of education, New Yorkers spent $58.4 billion on public education. This is a 56% increase over what was spent on a combined basis in 2002. This year, the Governor proposes to spend $23.14 billion on education. This represents a $1.1 billion increase over last year.
As state senator, I’ve been working hard to support our region’s students. One of the major things I have been focused on accomplishing is ending the “Gap Elimination Adjustment;” a budget gimmick commonly known as the “GEA,” which has cost schools across New York State upwards of $8 billion since its implementation.
There have been a number of national and local news stories reporting on the increased cases of measles. The cases have primarily been located in California. However, nationally, the number of cases of measles in the U.S. grew to 635 in 2014, more than the past four years combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In New York, there were three confirmed cases of measles this year. Other preventable diseases also made a comeback in recent years.
All Content Copyright Dot Publishing 2024. All Submissions Become Property of Dot Publishing All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.