Ritchie

With the arrival of a New Year comes change, and that includes change for New York State, too, as in 2017, a number of measures aimed at making life better for people in the Empire State go into effect.

The holiday season can be a difficult and lonely time of year for our service men and women who are deployed overseas, in veterans hospitals and army installations, away from family and friends. That’s why I am thrilled that so many people across Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties took the time again this year to send holiday greetings through the “Christmas Cards for Our Troops” program.

When a soldier completes their military service, many are looking for employment as part of a successful transition back to civilian life. Too often, our veterans who have sacrificed so much defending our nation, are finding it difficult to find new careers, despite often being highly qualified for the jobs that exist.

Like many motor vehicle laws, New York’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when passing authorized emergency vehicles pulled over on the side of the road, was created to save lives and prevent injuries. Recently, I was proud to support a bill (Senate bill 7938) that expanded New York’s Move Over law.

It’s the holiday season.And, that means the smell of Christmas trees is in the air. One of the things countless people look forward to each and every year is the beauty and smell of a fresh-cut evergreen tree in their homes.

Many of us will also be heading out to take to the stores looking for that holiday bargain. However you choose to do your holiday shopping this year, if you are still thinking about what to get those special people in your life, you may also consider shopping right in your own backyard at locally-owned farms and businesses.

Now that winter weather has made its appearance across Central and Northern New York, motorists traveling on our roadways need to be prepared for the snow, ice and all other elements that make driving during the season hazardous. Everyone knows the unpredictability of winter weather conditions can make travel challenging for even the most experienced drivers.

The cold can take a toll on many of our most vulnerable, including senior citizens and those on low- or fixed-incomes, who find themselves struggling with whether to keep the heat on, or have the money to pay for other necessities.

It goes without saying that providing quality health care, including dental care, is critically important to the well-being and growth of children. However, in rural regions of our state accessing care can be a challenge.