Governor Cuomo discussed his plans to strengthen the Upstate economy, with income tax cuts for middle class families, free tuition at SUNY & CUNY Schools for middle class families, and the continuing of the Regional Economic Development Councils.

(Cuomo 1-23-17)

Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor’s 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.
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Governor Cuomo announced a series of actions to firmly secure access to reproductive rights in New York State. The State will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles regardless of the future of the Affordable Care Act; contraceptives are available in amounts exceeding one month’s supply at a time; and all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The announcement coincides with this weekend’s Women’s Marches in Washington D.C., across New York State and across the country, as well as the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision.
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On Thursday January 19th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on charge of obstructing governmental administration, felony assault, and felony assault on a police officer following a report of an assault in progress at a Restaurant in the Village of Stamford. Deputies allege that Bennett repeatedly struck another person leading to a fractured vertebra, and then kicking a Deputy in the face. Bennett was later arraigned in Stamford Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer to eliminate a ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. An investigation was launched following a complaint last year about Cigna’s policy. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy’s Law, which is named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance denial. The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.
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Nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual women’s Trailblazer Award, presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community relations & Human Rights. The award honors an Oneonta Area woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in her field or in the community that has enhanced the visibility & Stature of women. Nominations are due by February 21st, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s office arrested 23 year old Branden Ward of Brookfield for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and additional vehicle and traffic violations. Ward was charged when correctional officers received information of narcotics attempting to be brought into the Chenango County Jail. Ward is accused of selling narcotics, and was later found to be in possession of heroin, suboxone, and marihuana. Ward was also allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license & was wanted by the New Hartford Police Department on a separate charge. Ward was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail & will reappear in court at a later date.
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State Police stopped a vehicle traveling west on State Route 17 in the Town of Sanford for a traffic infraction. Troopers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered approximately 7 ½ pounds of marihuana. 22 year old Andrew Reid of Queens, was arrested for second-degree criminal possession of marihuana, he was arraigned in the Town of Sanford Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. 20 year old Andeka Morgan of Queens was charged with unlawful possession of marihuana and released.
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that the income tax filing season officially begins today. New York taxpayers with household income of $64,000 or less in 2016 can qualify to use Free File software, the Tax Department is hosting 54 Facilitated-Self Assistance sites throughout New York State, each staffed by Tax Department experts. More information is available at tax.ny.gov/fsa.
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The Unatego School District Board of Education will be deciding next month on the recommendations from a Facilities study on the district’s buildings. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-23-17)

Richards said that the 2 Elementary school buildings are each about 90 years old & would require millions of dollars in renovations, however the need for the extra space is negated by the fact that the district population has decreased by 28% over the last 10 years.
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THE UNADILLA CHAMBER of Commerce IS HOSTING THE 4 CHAMBER MIXER at Green’s Long River Inn, Unadilla today. The Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm for members of the Unadilla, Sidney, and Bainbridge & Afton Chambers of Commerce.