Governor Cuomo today signed a comprehensive package of legislation for the limousine industry. The package includes seatbelt requirements, immobilization of defective limousines, increased penalties for illegal U-turns, GPS requirements, regular validation of vehicle and driver safety information, new commercial driver’s license requirements for limousine drivers, creation of a passenger task force and drug and alcohol testing. The package of bills followed the October 2018 Crash of a modified Limo in Schoharie that killed 20 people, including all 17 passengers & the driver.
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State Police in Troop C held several sobriety checkpoints and had increased patrols during Super Bowl weekend, 3 people were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Charged were 49 year old Melissa Bevins of West Winfield, 21 year old Devlin Nagle of Montrose, Pennsylvania & 22 year old Ryan Ripic of Endicott, all 3 were issued appearance tickets.
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Overall growth in local sales tax collections statewide in 2019 was relatively strong, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections across the state, totaling $18.3 billion, grew by 4.7%% from the previous year. Sales tax collections increased more rapidly during the second half of 2019 & 13 of the 17 cities that impose a sales tax experienced increases in year-over-year collections in 2019, the City of Oneida had the strongest growth of 8.6% followed by Norwich at 8.4%.
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State Budget Hearings are underway in Albany, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments about where they are in the process:
(Crouch 2-3-20)
Crouch said that the Revenue projections from both house are always different, Lawmakers then have until April 1st to get the budget implemented in time for the start of the new fiscal year.
State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Enforcement Detail in Chenango County on January 23, All 15 retail establishments were found to be in compliance with no sale to alcohol to an underage operative. During the Underage Drinking Initiative, retail establishments are checked utilizing a trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operative who cannot lie about their age or give a fake date of birth. When asked for identification, they show their real ID.
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Governor Cuomo announced an update on the status of testing for the novel coronavirus in New York State. As of today, samples from 12 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Of those, 11 have come back negative. One sample, from New York City, is awaiting results from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State. Additionally, today the Governor announced New Yorkers can call a hotline at 1-888-364-3065 where Department of Health experts will be available to answer questions regarding the Novel Coronavirus.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old William Merrill of Delhi for Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, in violation of State Agriculture and Markets Law. Merrill is accused of beating a dog December of 2019 in the Town of Meredith. In accordance with the new bail reform laws, Merrill was released with an appearance ticket where he will appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.
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Business owner and Otsego County Legislator, Peter Oberacker, announced his intent to seek the nomination for the 51st Senate District. The seat is currently held by Senator James Seward who will be retiring at the end of the year.
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