The Tax Relief Commission issued its final report this month. The commission was established by the Governor and was charged with providing recommendations to cut $2 billion in state taxes over three years. Included in its final report were property tax relief recommendations that the Governor will consider.
This past election, voters were asked to authorize that our State Constitution be amended to allow for the construction of up to seven casinos in New York State. Voters approved the measure by a 57% to 43% margin. It was one of the most controversial referendums in recent history. Not only was the measure itself controversial, but the language explaining the referendum was also controversial.
Between the shopping, baking, wrapping and seemingly endless to-do lists that are so characteristic of the holidays, often times, there is little time to remember to get in the spirit of the season and enjoy this time of year before it’s over. While the holidays can be a lot of fun, the busyness can cause many people lose sight of the true meaning of the season.
On any given week, tens of thousands of unsolicited checks end up in New York residents’ mailboxes, making these checks easy targets for criminals looking to capitalize on someone else’s line of credit. Last month, the Governor signed a bill into law that will put the onus on those issuing checks if they are lost or get into the wrong hands.
Here in Upstate New York, winter can be one of the prettiest times of the year.
However, it can also be one of the most dangerous, especially for our seniors.
From influenza to falls, older members of our population are particularly vulnerable to winter-weather related ailments and accidents. Luckily, there are a number of steps that can be taken to increase safety as the mercury plunges.
It is hardly surprising then that the Governor, being the politician that he is, has appointed not one, but two, commissions to examine how to reform New York’s tax system. The first commission he appointed, with the Orwellian name, “New York State Tax Reform and Fairness Commission” released its report last month. Notwithstanding its name, the report contains some good ideas on how New York should reform its tax structure.
This time of year, get-togethers are not only a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, they are also an opportunity to treat ourselves to our favorites, whether it be Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, mulled cider, eggnog or any of the season’s specialties. Much of the food and drink we enjoy during the holidays (and in fact year-round) is produced right here in New York.
It wasn’t too long ago that New York was ranked close to the bottom in terms of organ harvesting and donation rates. In 2010, a little over 2.7 million New Yorkers were registered organ donors. While that may sound like a high number, it was only about 18 percent of potential donors and is dramatically lower than the national average.
From shopping for gifts and decorating the house from top to bottom to parties and visiting loved ones, it’s easy to get lost in the busyness that is the holiday season and forget that there are many people who are going without the things that make this time of year so special.
Common Core – the new academic standards adopted by 46 states intended to make students ready for college and careers – was put into motion for grades K-12 this school year. The State Board of Regents adopted Common Core in 2010 in part to secure more federal aid for education.Beginning in September, teachers in most public school districts across New York were required to teach this brand new curriculum.
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