A federal judge rejected requests by attorneys for State Senator Tom Libous and his son Matthew for more information about the government’s cases against them. U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti, denied motions that sought to force prosecutors to produce a “bill of particulars” that would provide more details about the charges. Thomas and Matthew Libous were indicted following a federal investigation, into allegations the senator helped his son get a job at a Westchester County law firm, and convinced a lobbying firm to pay part of his son’s salary. Both have entered not guilty pleas.
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The annual Sidney Alumni Weekend will get underway tomorrow morning with a Golf Tournament & tomorrow night with an icebreaker at the Sidney VFW. Sidney Alumni Association spokesman Greg Davie told WCDO what is scheduled Saturday & Sunday:
(Greg Davie 7-17-14)
More information about the alumni weekend or the association is available at Sidney alumni.org.
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New York regulators proposed establishing a framework for commerce in virtual currency that would apply to firms involved in receiving, transmitting and storing it, as well as retail conversions. The proposal by the Department of Financial Services would establish a so-called “BitLicense.” Merchants and consumers who use the virtual currency Bitcoin and others to buy and sell goods and services wouldn’t need a license. However, those buying and selling virtual currency as a business would. The proposal is intended to establish consumer protections and prevent money laundering. The proposed rules will be published next week, followed by a 45-day comment period. Read more at dfs.ny.gov.
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Governor Cuomo has raised another $8.5 million for his re-election campaign fund, adding to an account that now boasts a balance of more than $35 million. Cuomo reported $6.8 million in campaign expenses, Republican Rob Astorino, raised $3.4 million in the past 6 months, with a current campaign balance of $2.4 million.
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Congressman Chris Gibson announced the House of Representatives passed the Highway Transportation and Funding Act of 2014, to make the Highway Trust Fund solvent until a full multi-year Transportation Reauthorization bill can be passed. The Highway Trust Fund will reimburse states for road and bridge improvements; it extends the solvency of the trust fund through May 2015, ensuring that urgent transportation infrastructure projects in New York State continue unabated.
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Governor Cuomo announced $3.6 million was awarded, to support education and job-training programs that help low-income workers find employment. The funding allotment includes $270,000 for Workforce Investment Board programs for Otsego County. The funding is available to help with costs of uniforms, transportation or child-care for people on public assistance to find and achieve employment. People eligible for the program include unemployed adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and individuals receiving public assistance.
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The Delaware County Local Development Corporation closed on 2 loans totaling $118,000. The loans were made to Natural Gardens LLC and the Andrew Hinkley Insurance Agency, which together anticipate creating approximately 22 new jobs in Delaware County over a 2-year period. Natural Gardens will turn 80 acres of land into a teaching farm & event center for parties, weddings and corporate events, which will be complete with a microbrewery. The Andrew Hinkley Insurance Agency, from Harpursville is moving to 53-55 Main Street in Sidney. More information is available at economic development programs in Delaware County at 746-8595.