Constitution Pipeline Company announced that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued an order approving construction of its proposed pipeline to increase natural gas supply to New York and New England markets, subject to certain conditions that will ensure the protection of natural resources. The 124-mile Pipeline will travel from Pennsylvania, through Broome, Chenango, Delaware and into Schoharie County, construction will begin as early as the first-quarter next year. Studies indicate that the environmental impacts would be to less than significant levels with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures by the company and FERC.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the state would convene a summit of agricultural, food, and distribution leaders to brainstorm ways to sell more upstate produce in New York City this Thursday in Manhattan. Currently, locally grown produce has remained as only a small percentage of the overall food sales in the state, in spite of Agriculture being the state’s largest industry. Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy will chair tomorrow’s summit.
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Oneonta Police have arrested 29-year-old Adam Egal of Oneonta on burglary & petty larceny charges. Egal is accused if breaking into a dorm at Hartwick College over the Thanksgiving break, staying there illegally for 3 days & stealing alcoholic beverages & cash.
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Governor Cuomo announced the first round of businesses certified as New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. The 21 newly certified businesses cover a range of goods and services including construction services, financial services and a variety of commodities. The designation makes each business eligible to participate in contracting opportunities with the State. More information & applications are available by calling (844) 579-7570 or emailing veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.
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The Southern Tier Independence Center is offering help to those looking to enroll in the next round for the Affordable Care Act. Center spokesman Chad Eldred said that there are many misconceptions about what the law means:

(Chad Eldred 12-3-14)

Those who would like more information about the Center can call 724-2111 or log on at stic-cil.org. The deadline to file in this round is Febraury 15th.
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Congressmen Chris Gibson is calling on Governor Cuomo to sign into law the Lyme disease bill that passed the State Legislature this year. The Patients’ Rights/Doctor Protection Bill provides that physicians who treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases according to medical standards should not be subjected to investigations of their medical licenses by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Cuomo has not indicated if he will sign the bill.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said the $5 billion dollars in extra money New York is reaping from the bank settlements should not be viewed as a surplus, and should not be spent as though there will be more money coming in the future. DiNapoli said it should not be used for recurring expenses, like tax cuts or increased school aid. According to projections, the state still has a structural deficit of nearly $2 billion dollars for the upcoming budget year. Cuomo and legislative leaders have said they want the $5 billion dollars to be kept separate from the budget and placed in an infrastructure fund.
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The State Department of Taxation and Finance launched the continuing education component of New York’s regulations to protect consumers who hire tax preparers. The training program builds on the first phase of the regulations – tax preparer registration, which began in 2010. Each year, about 70% of tax returns are completed and filed by paid tax preparers. The training program will ensure that those who prepare taxes for others are adequately trained. For more information go to tax.ny.gov
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