P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-19-22

State Lawmakers are getting a chance to see the Executive Budget proposal from Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Peter Oberacker told WCDO News of his initial impressions, and hopes for the state budget:

(Oberacker 1-19-22)

Assemblyman Joe Angelino also commented about the Governor’s budget proposal:

(Angelino 1-19-22)

The budget, as unveiled by the Governor, totals 216.3 billion dollars, lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget passed on time.

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The Otsego County Department of Health reported their 100th death from COVID 19 in their latest report. The County has had 5 deaths already this year, they reported 128 new cases, and they have 8 hospitalized and a positivity rate of 16.8% over the previous 7 days.

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The State Department of Health today announced the publication of the largest comparative study of its kind on immunity to COVID-19 from vaccines and from previous infection. The study, based on 32 million cases, found that both vaccination and a prior infection provided protection against future infection and hospitalization. The study concluded that becoming vaccinated and staying up-to-date with booster doses remains the most effective and only recommended way to gain immunity to COVID-19. More information about the Department’s study is available at health.ny.gov.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $12 million added to the Drive Clean Rebate program to help consumers save up to $2,000 on the purchase of an electric vehicle and $2.7 million awarded to local governments to purchase electric vehicles and install zero-emission charging stations for public use to address climate change. The Rebates range from $500 – $2,000, they are available on more than 60 models of vehicles and consumers receive higher rebates for the purchase or lease of longer range, all-electric vehicles with a base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of less than $42,000. More information is available at governor.ny.gov.

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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $420,000 in federal funding to develop and implement regional economic development strategies throughout New York State. The funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration and will promote public-private partnerships to diversify and strengthen regional economies in New York. The Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board receives $70,000 for the Development and implementation of economic development strategies for 8 counties, 129 towns, 54 villages and the cities of Binghamton, Ithaca, Cortland, Oneonta, and Norwich.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-19-22

State Police at Sidney are looking to identify a white male subject, who was caught on a surveillance camera at the Bainbridge Coin Laundry on West Main Street in the village of Bainbridge November 20th, and is a suspect in a larceny investigation. Anyone with information asked to call State Police at (607) 561-7400, pictures can be viewed on the state police Facebook page.

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Bassett Healthcare Network temporarily suspends visitation to inpatient units across all of its hospitals beginning today. Network officials say the community virus spread around Central New York remains high with the Omicron variant, leading to measures to protect the safety and health of its patients and staff. The announcement affects A.O. Fox in Oneonta, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, more information is available at bassett.org.

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