Republicans in both houses of the legislature are urging the Assembly leadership to pass Brittany’s Law, to create a registry of violent felony offenders, similar to the sex offender registry created under Megan’s Law. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch supports the bill:

(Crouch 5-21-14)

Brittany’s Law has advanced in the Senate in each of the last 4 years, it is named after 12 year old Brittany Passalacqua who was murdered in 2009 in Geneva, by John Edward Brown, who was on parole after serving time for violently assaulting his infant daughter, Brittany’s family was unaware of his violent history.

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All area school Budget votes and assorted propositions passed around the tri-County region yesterday. The state education department noted that 97% of district proposed budgets at or below the state’s property tax cap, and close to that percentage passed. Unadilla Valley Voters elected Victoria Gregory, Richard Potter and Kimberly Murray to school board, Oneonta District voters elected Amy Burnsworth and Daniel Buttermann to the school Board to 3-year terms.

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Long time general Clinton canoe regatta participant Dave Price is being elected to the Regatta Hall of Fame on Saturday, for his contributions to the Clinton since the late 60’s. Price was asked if there was a moment along the way containing special memories:

(Dave Price 5-21-14)

Price has been a Regatta committee member and 2 time chairman, he helped initiate the famous “700-Mile Club” & he will be the Race starter in Cooperstown for the 37th time on Memorial Day.

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State lawmakers & advocates for the disabled are pushing legislation to change the “Handicapped” sign picture and also remove the word “Handicapped” from those signs. Advocates claim the word is outdated & offensive; the new sign would portray a person in a wheelchair in motion. Bills have been introduced in the Assembly & the Senate, however its unclear if the proposal will be voted on before the end of the session in mid-June.

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Former Governor David Paterson will take over as chairman of the state Democratic Party, as party leaders from across New York kick off their convention today on Long Island. Paterson became governor in 2008 when Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned following a prostitution scandal. Democrats will begin nominating their statewide ticket today; a new poll shows their candidates with commanding leads.

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The state health department is releasing a “Youth Sexual Health Plan” to address HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy prevention. The health department said the plan is a guide to ensure that age-appropriate, medically accurate and unbiased sexual education programs are available to all youth. Goals include reducing teen pregnancy; providing HIV and STD screening through school-based centers; increasing access to contraception services; and promoting healthy and safe relationships and decision-making. The plan can be viewed at health.ny.gov