Governor Cuomo traveled to Binghamton Monday to sign into law a series of bills to help address the growing heroin and opioid epidemic, as well as prescription drug abuse, in New York State:

(Cuomo 6-24-14)

State Senator Tom Libous also commented:

(Libous 6-24-14)

The legislation includes insurance reforms for individuals suffering from heroin and opioid addiction; Measures to strengthen penalties and give law enforcement additional tools to crack down on heroin distribution; Provisions to ensure the proper and safe use of naloxone and Support for enhanced public awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse.

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3 out of 4 New York high-school students graduated on-time last year, but a large gap in graduation rate continues to exist between white students and black or Hispanic students, according to the state Education Department. Last year, 74.9% of public-school students graduated within 4 years, 86.5% of white students received a diploma, compared to 59.2% of Hispanic students & 59.7% of black students. The gap was significant between wealthy and poorer school districts as well, In “low need,” districts, the graduation rate was 94%, In “high need,” urban districts, the rate was 65.9%.

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A Local group known as “Stop The Pipeline” is hosting a meeting tonight in Oneonta, regarding the Constitution Pipeline and Tennessee Pipeline Proposals, which could see more pipelines placed under the southern tier.  The meeting will run from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Universalist Unitarian Church at 12 Ford Avenue in Oneonta.

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Environmental groups are happy state lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow larger off-road vehicles on New York public trails. Sponsors of the bill said raising the weight limit of ATVs from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds would put safer, slower machines on trails and roads and provide more people with access to public land, environmental groups said it would cause more erosion and pollution. The measure was rejected by the state Assembly before the legislative session was adjourned Friday.

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The commission in charge of regulating ethics and lobbying in New York government has created a tip line and website for people to report alleged violations by state officials and lobbyists. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics launched the website at jcope.ny.gov. People can also call 1-800-87-ETHICS to report violations, including improper gifts, conflicts of interest, abuse of power and sexual harassment. Staffers from the investigation division of the commission will operate the tip line during business hours.  The commission will also will also distribute posters promoting the tip line and website to state facilities