The Executive Budget holds down spending and boosts state reserves, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The proposed budget increases potential out-year gaps and gives the Executive new latitude to move and spend money outside the formal appropriation process, including billions of dollars in financial settlements. The Division of the Budget projects spending from State Operating Funds in the next fiscal year to total to increase by 1.7%, DiNapoli however estimates that spending would actually increase by 3.1%.
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Former Walton teacher Stephanie Fletcher will serve 6 months in jail, followed by 10 years probation, following sentencing in Delaware County Court. Fletcher pleaded guilty to 2 counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual act for performing sexual acts with 2 underage male students from the Walton school district, while serving as a teacher there. Fletcher will be placed on the state’s Sex Offender Registry as part of the sentence for the conviction of sex crimes.
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Several area fire departments responded to a fire at 1377 Turnpike Road in New Berlin. The fire started in the chimney early Saturday morning, & spread to the rest of the structure, it is listed as a total loss. No injuries were reported, The New Berlin Fire Department was assisted by fire fighters from North Norwich, Pittsfield, South New Berlin, Earlville, Sherburne, West Edmeston and Smyrna.
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Governor Cuomo announced that $7.3 million in funding would go for the construction and rehabilitation of 19 affordable homeownership developments that represent more than 500 homes across the state. Local governments and not-for-profits that demonstrated specific affordable housing needs within their communities were eligible to apply through the Affordable Housing Corporation; locally, $320,000 Will go to the City of Oneonta for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 8 single family affordable homes & $350,000 will go to the City of Binghamton for the rehabilitation of 40 affordable units.
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Area community college students are being reminded about the tuition reimbursement program from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. The Higher Education Learning Plan provides tuition reimbursement to students attending college for up to 80 credit hours, who are also volunteer firefighters. The deadline to apply has been extended to February 20th, more information on the program and how to apply is available at fasny.com.
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Governor Cuomo today congratulated 226 new members of the State Police at the 202nd session graduation ceremony from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy in Albany. The new State Troopers will report for duty beginning February 12 to posts throughout the state, 52 new troopers are reporting to Troop C Headquarters in Sidney. For the following 10 weeks, the new troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.
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The B-G Boys Basketball game tonight is rescheduled to Thursday against Hancock. officials at the Hancock School District reported that there was a Gas Leak, which cancelled all classes & activities today. Thursday’s Hancock game with BG will begin with the JV game at 5:30 PM and the Varsity at 7:00 PM.
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The Floyd L Maines Veterans Arena will host The Price is Right Live! On April 8th at 7:30 pm in Binghamton. Tickets will go on sale Friday February 13th 10am at Arena box office, ticketmaster.com or by phone 800 745 3000. The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to play various games featured on the long running TV series, and win Prizes such as appliances, vacations and possibly a new car.
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