A verification change was announced for STAR or School Tax Relief Program. Homeowners are now being required to verify their income with the state. Previously income was verified by the municipalities and towns. The state is asking those enrolled in the STAR Basic program to add one more step after an audit revealed potential waste and abuse. People enrolled in STAR Basic will be able to verify by phone, or online at tax.ny.gov. All paperwork must be submitted by December 31. The state will mail information this month to affected homeowners.
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Governor Cuomo announced measures to support and encourage farmers to reduce energy costs, improve business operations and enhance environmental planning. The Department of Agriculture and Markets is launching the Dairy Acceleration Program, and making available $1 million in funding, to help dairy farmers develop individualized business and environmental plans. To be eligible, a dairy cattle farm must have complete financial records. Preference will be given to farms with under 300 cows. For more information go to agriculture.ny.gov
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Civil Service Commissioner Jerry Boone announced today that New York State has hundreds of internships available, and reminded college students to apply for Fall semester internships before the application deadline on September 3. New York State created a website that allows students to view and apply for internship opportunities across an array of state agencies both downstate and upstate. The program is open to resident graduate and undergraduate students as well as students who attend schools in other states, but reside in New York. To apply, visit nysinternships.com.
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State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah announced the name for the New York Health Benefit Exchange, ‘NY State of Health.’ Also announced were the insurers that will offer health and dental plans to individuals and small business owners when NY State of Health opens for enrollment on Oct. 1st. For more information go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Town of Greene woman for Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. 28 year old Kimberly Haughton was found to be in possession of precursors, solvents, and chemical materials used to manufacture meth in the Town of McDonough. Haughton was released and will reappear in Town of McDonough Court at a later date
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested a town of Norwich man for resisting arrest. 33 year old Todd Vance was charged following a traffic stop in the town of Smyrna. Vance fled from the scene into a wooded area and was located at the Rogers Conservation Center. Vance was arraigned in town of Sherburne Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $3,000 bail.