Governor Cuomo today announced health insurers cannot discriminate or deny coverage based on gender identity. This action will ensure that transgender or gender nonconforming individuals receive coverage regardless of whether they present as the gender to whom the service is typically or exclusively provided. The announcement builds upon previous actions to support health insurance access for all New Yorkers, including previous guidance instructing insurers that they may not deny medically necessary treatment for gender dysphoria.
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The State Department of Motor Vehicles has not done enough to prevent automotive repair shops and inspection stations from operating without valid registrations, according to an audit issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The audit revealed DMV has established little in the way of controls to restrict unregistered repair shops from operating, approximately 23,600 automotive businesses had expired licenses or registrations. Auditors selected 170 used car dealerships and repair shops with lapsed registrations and found 22% were still operating.
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Governor Cuomo today signed legislation for additional protections for students and expanding anti-tampering laws to prohibit unlawful alteration of any official student record in any primary, intermediate, high school or college. The prior law prohibited the unlawful altering of grades, credits and awards on a student’s record. The new law makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly alter any official student record, also those certified or licensed by the State Education Department who are found to be in violation of this new law would be subject to further disciplinary action.
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The Chenango County Environmental Health Department announced that The Village of Afton has the best tasting drinking water in Chenango County. Afton’s water may be able to move on to compete & win at the State Fair, where fair goers are asked to judge each year.
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The Broome County STOP-DWI program announced that they would NOT be holding the annual Chris Thater Memorial Bike Races later this month. The races were held for 33 years, they were named after Christopher Thater, who was a 23 year-old cycling enthusiast and Binghamton University graduate who was killed by a drunk driver in Broome County in 1983.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s office arrested 34-year-old Richard Tyler of Oxford for False Personation & Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle following a traffic stop in the Town of Preston. Tyler provided a false name and date of birth to the police, Deputies were familiar with Tyler, who was out on Parole, he was also found to be driving with a suspended license. Tyler was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash bail.
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Governor Cuomo signed legislation to regulate pet dealers and crack down on unscrupulous practices in this industry. The bill requires incorporated animal shelters, rescue organizations and other non-profit entities that offer animals for adoption to register with the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The legislation fixes a loophole and requires not-for-profit entities to comply with all documentation and vaccination requirements for pets brought into the state for purchase.
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22nd District Congressional candidate Anthony Brindisi will hold a press conference on his plan to rebuild infrastructure in Binghamton & The Southern Tier in Binghamton today. Brindisi will speak at 11:00 AM at Confluence Park IN Binghamton.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host “Bainbridge Days” next month, spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 8-15-17)

More Information is available at the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
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Chenango County Department of Health announced that a free rabies clinic is being held today in Afton. The Clinic will run from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Afton Town Garage, more information is available at 337-1673 or co.chenango.ny.us.
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