Across New York State and our nation, heroin and opioid abuse is on the rise, leading to more drug overdoses and deaths in recent years than ever before. Heroin abuse and the use of opioids are very serious problems. But, the good news is we’re taking steps to fight back.
There has been some good news lately involving dairy and the local economy. New York was recently named the top yogurt producer in the nation. This is the second year our state has earned this distinction, in large part due to the Greek yogurt producers who call New York home.
Following a long winter, motorcyclists across the Central and Northern New York region are eager to hit the road. As summer approaches, it’s extra important for those on both two wheels and four to safely share the road. As the calendar page turns from May, which is also Motorcycle Safety Month, to June, I’m happy to report that a bill I sponsored to help make our roads safer has passed the State Senate.
There are a number of measures I sponsor that would expand women’s rights and protections, as well as serve to better protect children. I wanted to highlight a few this week that would help the punishment fit the crime and also, make it easier for women and children to access services when in need.
Living so close to Fort Drum, we see firsthand the tremendous sacrifices our soldiers make in the name of defending both our country and our freedom. While we should show our appreciation to veterans and current service members year-round, May – which is Military Appreciation Month – presents special opportunities to recognize our troops.
Memorial Day is a time for family picnics and parades. More importantly however, it’s also a time we honor our veterans and pay homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country. As a state, we can always do more for those who have fought for our freedoms. To that end, I sponsor and support a number of bills that will improve the lives of our veterans.
More vitamins and minerals, protection against diseases such as heart disease and cancer, a lower number on the scale and freshness that is second to none, these are just some of the benefits of eating fruits, vegetables and other foods found at your local farmers’ market.
I receive a lot of questions about how schools are funded and how that money is spent. There is good reason for these questions because a lot of money is involved. State aid to schools comprises $21.8 billion, roughly 24 percent, of our $92.3 billion state operating budget. In addition, it is estimated local school taxes raised approximately $20.3 billion in 2013. The New York state lottery also funds education and provided $3.04 billion in 2012, according to the latest data available.
Four point two million. According to the National Institutes of Health, that’s the number of Americans aged 12 or older who said they had used heroin once in their lives. What’s even scarier? It’s estimated that of those users, 23 percent will become dependent on this highly addictive and deadly drug.
The Legislature recently passed the “Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act” and it was signed by the Governor. The goal is to increase participation of service-disabled veteran-owned business and award up to 6% of all state contracts to such businesses. I was pleased to vote in support, and in fact, I co-sponsor a similar measure called NY Jobs for Heroes
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