The New York State Budget won't be finalized until at least April 10 after Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature agreed to an extension. Hochul said in a statement, "New Yorkers are concerned about public safety, the rising cost of … [Read more...]
Gov. Hochul Nominates Dr. James McDonald as State Health Commissioner
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the nomination of Dr. James McDonald to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health. Dr. McDonald has been serving as New York's Acting Commissioner of Health since January 1. He is a … [Read more...]
Bail Reform, Housing Issues Holding Up State Budget
Housing and bail reform disputes are holding up the passage of the New York State Budget. The April 1 deadline for the budget came and went with no bills being passed. The Democrat controlled Legislature is taking issue with two proposals by … [Read more...]
NYS Directing Schools to Review Safety Plans in Aftermath of ‘Swatting’ Calls
While New York State has heightened monitoring in response to over a dozen "swatting" calls received by school districts last week, Jamestown Public Schools has also provided a safety update. Governor Kathy Hochul met with state public safety and … [Read more...]
NYS Police Investigating False Swatting Calls Involving Schools
New York State Police are investigating a series of false swatting calls involving schools across the state. WPIX reported that Governor Kathy Hochul said her office was aware of at least 34 school swatting incidents on Thursday. Various police … [Read more...]
Modified Court Ruling Opens Doors for WNY to Receive Cannabis Licenses
A federal court ruling has opened the doors for five New York regions, including Western New York, to receive conditional cannabis licenses. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit modified an injunction that now "bars the issuance of … [Read more...]
Chautauqua County Executive Wendel: County is On ‘The Precipice of Greatness’
Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said the county is "on the precipice of greatness" in his State of the County address. Wendel said the 2022 contribution to the general fund balance was $19.4 million, "This contribution is created in part by … [Read more...]
Drug Pricing Program That’s Set to End Could Affect Local Healthcare Centers in the Millions of Dollars
A prescription drug program that's set to sunset could affect local healthcare facilities, including The Chautauqua Center and Evergreen Health Services, to the tune of millions of dollars. TCC CEO Mike Pease said through the 340b program, TCC has … [Read more...]
Agriculture Buildings Now Exempt from Natural Gas Ban in Proposed NYS Budget
Agriculture buildings, such as barns, are now exempt from a natural gas ban proposed in the New York State executive budget. State Senator George Borrello advocated that the change be made to Governor Kathy Hochul's 30-day amendments. Borrello … [Read more...]
Robert Megna Returns as NYS Budget Director
A familiar face has returned as New York State Budget Director. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Robert Megna has been appointed as the State Budget Director. He previously served as Budget Director under Governors David Paterson and Andrew … [Read more...]
