P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-16-21
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the suspension of the state hiring freeze through the end of the fiscal year, Following the release of the updated State Financial Plan projecting $2.1 billion in revenue above projections. Lifting the hiring freeze will enable state agencies to grow their work-forces after the number of workers in Executive Agencies declined by more than 10,000 between March 2020 and August 2021.
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The Independent Redistricting Commission met Wednesday & released 2 proposed maps for Congressional Districts. The newly created independent commission is tasked with drawing the lines for Congressional seats & state legislative offices. The maps are being drawn based on the 2020 census; the meeting was recorded & can be viewed at nyirc.gov.
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The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased over the month by 28,000, or 0.4%, to 7,519,400 in August. The increase was double the national average for August, the state unemployment rate dropped from 7.6% to 7.4% in August.
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Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing the Downsville Covered Bridge over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the Town of Colchester on Thursday, September 16th. The structure will remain closed until the Corbett Bridge is reopened. Motorists should use alternate routes.
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Binghamton University has reported 187 COVID-19 cases among on-campus students and staff over the past 2 weeks, that number is 15% of positive cases across the entire SUNY system. SUNY officials reported a total of 1,259 cases during a 14-day period through Tuesday September 14th at its 64 campuses. SUNY Binghamton reported 93% of their students are currently vaccinated; Students are required to get vaccinated by the end of the month or risk being unregistered from their courses.
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The Friends of Rogers is hosting their 3rd Annual Electric Car Show on October 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne. The Friends of Rogers will also have the 2020 Tesla Model 3 on display, tickets for the raffle of the Tesla are available at the show or they are available online at friendsofrogers.org, the last day to purchase raffle tickets is October 15th at 6:00 PM.
A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-16-21
Delaware County Public Health reports that Vaccinations rates have stalled at 49.6 & 85% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, 17% of the positive cases are Pre-K to 12th grade students & employees. The County reports 59 new cases in the previous 2 days, with 195 active cases, 4 hospitalized & 369 quarantined.
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The US Small Business Administration will offer a free webinar training and tutorial on its enhanced the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to better serve and support small businesses still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels. The SBA is taking new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes. The webinar will take place this morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. To register, go to eventbrite.com.
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Governor Kathy Hochul announced new efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccinations and prepare for booster shots upon FDA approval. The Governor has directed the State Department of Health to authorize basic emergency medical technicians to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, which immediately adds more than 2,000 fully trained vaccinators back into the State’s program. An additional 50,000 basic EMTs will be able to receive the required training in order to help administer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses. The Health Department is continuing to work with local health departments to reach out to medical practices, clinics, and other providers in their counties to encourage participation in the upcoming COVID 19 Vaccination booster program.
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NYSEG reported power outages across the Tri-County Region this morning, with 3790 without power in Chenango County, about 400 in Delaware County and 240 in Otsego County. Crews are working to restore power as soon as possible.
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