Governor Cuomo announced $13.6 million in Community Renewal Funds for 44 projects in regions around the State, following yesterday’s Regional Economic Development event. Winning entries came from the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the North Country. Locally, The Mohawk Valley Council will fund 21 projects, including: 7 in Otsego County, The Southern Tier Council will have funding for 9 projects, including Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi & The Town of Delhi to assist in the companies’ expansion, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Microenterpise Program funds for Delaware County to assist in establishment of 15 agricultural microenterprises and create 22 jobs;
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Governor Cuomo highlighted results from the first-ever Farm to Table Upstate-Downstate Agriculture Summit, which was held yesterday in New York City, to explore ways of increasing access to fresh food for underserved populations and growing New York City markets’ access to upstate agricultural producers. A number of proposals will be studied in order to get more upstate produce to the downstate markets, agriculture is still the #1 industry in New York State.
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Afton School District residents will vote on a proposal to purchase property located at 43 Caswell St. (the former site of the village garage). The property will be used for parking spaces for staff and students, and parking for athletic events. The property also includes an existing red Morton building which will be used for storage. Purchase price is $45,000, and will have NO EFFECT on the tax rate. Vote will take place in the Lobby at Afton Central School, on Monday, December 8th from noon until 9pm.
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Republicans in the state Senate claim that the new federal immigration order could cost New York as much as $2 billion in Medicaid costs. In a letter, Republican Leader Dean Skelos estimated as many as 300,000 immigrants could enroll in Medicaid under the federal policies ordered last month by President Obama. The state has yet to weigh in on what the cost of the new immigration rules will have on New York, which has a large immigrant population. The state Department of Health said it is reviewing the president’s order. Gov. Cuomo will release his state budget proposal next month.
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Sunday marks the final day of the open enrollment period for Medicare, the one chance Medicare users have each year to make any changes they wish to their plan. Medicare plans can change, and users are encouraged to review their plan. If a Medicare user is taking new medications or has been given any new medical diagnosis, his or her plan might not cover new needs. Eligible people can compare plans and enroll in new ones at medicare.gov. Changes made during open enrollment period will go into effect on Jan. 1st
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Governor Cuomo launched a statewide toy, coat and school supplies holiday giving drive to benefit families in need throughout New York. The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to bring the toys, coats and school supplies, which will be distributed to families in need. The drop-off locations will collect donations through December 19.The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State office building at 44 Hawley Street
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Governor Cuomo called for reviews and reforms within New York’s criminal justice system, in the wake of a Staten Island grand jury’s decision, not to indict a police officer in the death of Eric Garner. Cuomo pledged to put the criminal justice review at the top of his agenda for the next legislative session. Ideas could include changes to the state’s grand jury process. The governor also called for better training and more transparency in police departments.
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The Chenango county health department will hold their last free rabies clinic of the year tomorrow. The clinic for dogs’ cats & ferrets will be held at the Norwich fire station from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
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The Chenango Chargers will be holding a one-day registration for the 2015 Spring Soccer Travel Teams. It will be held one day only prior to the Jan. 1st deadline. Registration will be held from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. tomorrow at the YMCA in Norwich. For more info call 334-5038 or visit the Chenango Soccer Facebook Page.
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