Governor Cuomo today formally requested that President Obama issue a major disaster declaration for the State of New York as a result of severe storms and major flooding that occurred on June 27 and 28. Previously, the Governor declared a State Disaster Emergency that included the Mohawk Valley as well as local counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, where More than 13,000 people were without power at the height of the storm, and one person was swept away by the flood waters and is presumed dead.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that creates new penalties for texting-while-driving for young and new drivers to better protect New Yorkers on the road.  The new law imposes the same penalties on drivers with probationary and junior licenses for texting-while-driving and using a hand-held cell phone that they now receive for speeding and reckless driving: 60-day suspensions for first convictions and revocations of 60 days (for junior licenses) or 6 months (for probationary licenses) for subsequent convictions within 6 months of the time a license is restored after suspension. This is effective immediately.

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State Senator Jim Seward announced legislation he sponsored that will extend the emergency medical technician five-year recertification demonstration program, has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.  The legislation provides active volunteer EMTs additional time to meet recertification requirements through July 1^st 2018 in Delaware, Otsego, & Schoharie counties among others.  The law will take effect immediately.