Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that five cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant have been found in New York State. She said the cases appear unrelated and been confirmed through sequencing to be the variant. All cases were in people in … [Read more...]
Christmas Lights, Decorative Light Must Have Warning Label for Lead in NYS
Christmas lights and holiday decorations will now carry a warning label in New York State for lead. Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring that seasonal and decorative lighting products manufactured, sold, or distributed in the state … [Read more...]
Gov. Hochul Signs Order to Help Boost Hospital Capacity, County Health Dept Announces New Contact Tracing, Quarantine Rules
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced urgent action to boost hospital capacity and address staffing shortages ahead of potential spikes in COVID-19 cases this upcoming winter. Hochul signed an Executive Order allowing the State Department of Health … [Read more...]
‘Nourish New York’ Program Signed Into Law
State Senator George Borrello joined Governor Kathy Hochul as she signed the "Nourish New York" program into law this weekend. The Nourish New York initiative reroutes New York's surplus agricultural products to the populations who need them most … [Read more...]
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Expanding Protections for LGBTQ+ Community, Victims of Sex Trafficking
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that expands protections for the LGBTQ+ community and those who have been victims of sex trafficking. One bill gives utility customers the right to be addressed and acknowledged by their preferred name … [Read more...]
Governor Hochul Establishes Substance Use Disorder Education and Recovery Fund
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation establishing the Substance Use Disorder Education and Recovery Fund. The legislation authorizes gifts on personal income tax returns for substance use disorder education and recovery. Money in this fund … [Read more...]
Paid Family Leave Will Include Care for Siblings in NYS
Paid family leave in New York state has been expanded to include caring for siblings. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill Monday that will go into effect January 2023. Under the current law, employees cannot take leave to care for a sibling with a … [Read more...]
Court Rules Against Religious Exemption for NY Healthcare Workers Vaccine Mandate
New York State health care workers will no longer have a religious exemption to the state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate after a federal appeals court vacated a temporary injunction Friday. CNN reports the three-judge panel in the US Court of Appeals … [Read more...]
NYS In Strong Fiscal Position Following Mid-Year Financial Plan Update
New York State is in a strong fiscal position based on the mid-year update to the state's Financial Plan. Governor Kathy Hochul said the state's economic growth is beating expectations with revenues projected to be an additional $4 billion higher … [Read more...]
Anti-Gun Violence Legislation Signed
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a package of legislation to combat gun violence and to address ghost guns. One bill prohibits the possession of unfinished frames or receivers by anyone other than a licensed gunsmith or dealer in firearms. The … [Read more...]
