Governor Cuomo announced a proposal this week, mandating full disclosure of tax returns by candidates for public office is included in the 2019 Executive Budget:
(Cuomo 1-17-19)
Cuomo said that a candidate for public office must disclose their tax returns to the State Board of Elections no later than 60 days before a general election, There is currently no requirement that elected officials disclose their past tax returns in New York State.
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Freshman Congressman Antonio Delgado of the 19th District has received his committee assignments this week. Delgado will serve on the House Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Agriculture remains the top industry of New York State.
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State Senator Fred Akshar released the 1st in a series of new online surveys this week in an effort to listen to constituents of the 52nd Senate District on the many issues set to come before the State Senate this year. The first question is on the “DREAM Act”, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants to apply for state-funded, free college tuition assistance programs for New York State colleges or universities. The DREAM Act would also create a private scholarship fund specifically for undocumented students. Constituents are urged to visit nysenate.gov/questionnaires/fred-akshar.
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The Jericho Arts Council announced that due to the impending winter weather, the “Storm Front; A Tribute To Billy Joel” Concert, originally scheduled for Saturday night has been cancelled. More information is available at 288-3882
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Governor Cuomo announced that $22 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant funding has been awarded to the Upper Mohawk Valley Memorial Auditorium Authority for the construction of the Nexus Center in downtown Utica. The Nexus Center will be a 169,000 square-foot facility for hockey, lacrosse, soccer and other field sports. The $44-million facility will be adjacent to the Adirondack Bank Center, the home of the AHL Utica Comets.
Governor Cuomo today announced a proposal to increase criminal penalties for assaulting the press is included in the 2019 Executive Budget. the legislation would increase the penalties of assault against a journalist while performing their duties to a felony level offense. Similar elevated protections exist for other professions, including nurses, utility workers, MTA employees, emergency medical service technicians and process servers.
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State Lawmakers passed a package of bill earlier this week, to make voting easier across the state, Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented:
(Crouch 1-17-19)
The bills are expected to be signed into law by Governor Cuomo.
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The Concerned Citizens of Oneonta will host an “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGIES: 21ST CENTURY SOLUTIONS” panel discussion today in Oneonta. The discussion will be held at the Elm Park Church at 401 Chestnut Street from 7:00 to 9:00 PM tonight, topics include: Economic development, renewable energy possibilities, existing conservation and renewable energy programs, job creation with fossil fuels vs. renewables, and the Clean Energy Community and Climate Smart Community programs.
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