New York State of Health is encouraging uninsured New Yorkers to enroll in a plan by January 31st. More than 2.7 million people are enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health, including 1.9 million enrolled in Medicaid, and 827,000 enrolled in non-Medicaid coverage. Consumers who do not enroll in a QHP by January 31 will be unable to enroll in a QHP for the remainder of 2016 unless they have a qualifying “life event” such as marriage, losing employer coverage or, under a new law that takes effect this year, they become pregnant. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan, which is new in 2016 for lower income New Yorkers, is open all year.
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Former gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout has announced her candidacy in the 19 congressional district. Teachout recently moved to Duchess County & is seeking to replace Republican Chris Gibson, who announced he would not seek another term in Congress. Republicans Andrew Heaney & John Faso have also announced their intentions to seek the congressional seat; assemblyman Pete Lopez recently withdrew from the race due to family health issues & will seek re-election in the state assembly.
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State Police arrested 30-year-old Anthony Torres of Oneonta for 3rd degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Troopers responded to a 911 report of a dispute at a home on County Highway 11 in the Town of Laurens. An investigation determined that during a physical argument with his girlfriend Torres pushed her down and choked her. Torres was arraigned at the Town of Laurens court and was released without bail required. His next court date is pending.
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The City of Oneonta has announced that a public informational meeting will be held to discuss the proposed construction of the Neahwa park entrance improvement project. The meeting will be held on February 2nd in the city hall common council chambers on the 2nd floor of city hall. More information is available at 432-6465.
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The town of Sidney zoning board of appeals will hold a meeting at the Sidney civic center today a 5 :00 PM. the meeting is open to the public.
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The CASH Coalition of Otsego and Delaware Counties has announced that residents who meet income eligibility requirements will be able to prepare and file their state and federal income taxes for free. MyFreeTaxes is a service available to individuals and families who made under $62,000 in the 2015 tax year. The program is available for use on any home computer or public computers that are available for use beginning January 31st at CDO Workforce Offices in Oneonta, Delhi & Sidney, The Sidney Federal Credit Union Delhi Branch on Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, & at the Huntington Memorial Library at 62 Chestnut Street in Oneonta. Appointments are required at 432-0061.
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Lawyers for former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam filed a motion in federal court requesting to have their convictions tossed out and a new trial granted. Both were convicted of bribery, extortion and conspiracy charges back on December 11th, Dean Skelos was found to have used his political influence to arrange payments and jobs for his son. They are scheduled to be sentenced on March 3rd.

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The Assembly Republican Conference released a report on heroin abuse, called the Heroin Elimination & Prevention Plan, following 7 forums across the state. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 1-26-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez Comments:

(Lopez 1-26-15)

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin deaths have quadrupled in the decade between 2002 and 2013, and according to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, New York accounts for about 20% of federal drug seizures every year.
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The GO-EDC committee of Oneonta will hold their next meeting today, at 4:00 PM in the conference room of the Hampton Inn off of River Street. The meeting will include a review of their mission statement & the guest speaker will be Sean Jordan, the Executive Director of MVEDD.
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At 12:00 PM, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will outline Governor Cuomo’s 2016 State of the State Agenda During Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Binghamton University, Old Union Hall at 400 Vestal Parkway East in Vestal.
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