The Peru Gazette

August 13, 2026 CLINTON COUNTY, NY – Clinton County today celebrated Heart Aerospace’s announcement that the Heart X1 demonstrator successfully completed its historic first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.- 

Spanning 106 feet, measuring 76 feet nose to tail and weighing more than 25,000 pounds at takeoff, the X1 is the largest battery-electric aircraft ever flown. The milestone places Plattsburgh and Clinton County at the center of a significant moment in the evolution of electric aviation.

The piloted mission lasted 27 minutes, reached an altitude of 1,100 feet above ground level and demonstrated more than one megawatt of power from the X1’s all-electric propulsion system. Powered entirely by batteries, the aircraft used approximately $5 worth of electricity during its first flight. The mission included taxi, takeoff, climb, maneuvering and landing, demonstrating all-electric flight at a scale relevant to commercial airline operations.

Heart Aerospace selected Plattsburgh International Airport for the X1 program because of its extensive airfield infrastructure, 11,750-foot concrete runway, relatively low air-traffic density and location within the North Country’s growing cluster of transportation and aerospace innovators.

“Today, the eyes of the aviation world are on Clinton County, New York,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairperson Mark R. Henry (Area 3-R, Chazy). “The first flight of the largest battery-electric aircraft in history is an extraordinary achievement for Heart Aerospace and a tremendous source of pride for Clinton County. This milestone shows that our airport is more than a transportation asset. It is a place where the future of aviation is being developed, tested and proven.”

The flight was conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental Category. Before receiving authorization to begin piloted flight testing, the X1 underwent an extensive ground-testing program that included structural, propulsion and systems testing, as well as low- and high-speed taxi tests.

“This is an exciting moment for Heart Aerospace and for Clinton County,” said Clinton County Legislature Airport Committee Chairperson David G. Bezio (Area 4-D, Plattsburgh). “A great deal of work and coordination went into preparing for this flight, and I want to recognize the Heart Aerospace team, our airport staff and everyone who helped make it possible. Having a milestone of this significance take place here demonstrates the value of Plattsburgh International Airport and the opportunities it can bring to our community.”

The X1 is a full-scale demonstrator representative of Heart’s ES-30 production aircraft. It was developed to validate key technologies, aerodynamics and flight performance, as well as Heart’s organizational capabilities to design, build, test and operate an electric commercial aircraft. Heart established its X1 flight-test base at Plattsburgh International Airport as the company advanced the aircraft through ground testing, FAA review and final flight preparations.

“Supporting an experimental flight program of this scale requires tremendous coordination, professionalism and attention to safety,” said Plattsburgh International Airport Director Patrick Sharrow. “Our airport team has been proud to work alongside Heart Aerospace and its flight-test team throughout this process. Seeing the X1 take flight from Plattsburgh International Airport is an unforgettable moment and a powerful demonstration of what this facility is capable of supporting. With additional hangar, industrial and testing space available, we are well positioned to support other companies working to build the future of aviation.”

The milestone further establishes Clinton County as a destination for next-generation aviation and transportation technology. Heart Aerospace joins a growing group of innovative companies and institutions utilizing the region’s infrastructure, workforce and strategic proximity to major United States and Canadian markets.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we envisioned as we worked to build Clinton County’s reputation as a hub for advanced transportation and sustainable aviation,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency and Clinton County Director of Economic Development. “Heart Aerospace could have chosen locations around the world for this milestone, and the fact that this historic flight took place in Plattsburgh speaks volumes about our airport, our regional assets and the relationships that made it possible. We are also developing the talent aviation companies need through programs such as Clinton Community College’s Mechanical Technology A.A.S. degree, helping ensure that companies locating here have access to both world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Our goal now is to build upon this achievement, support Heart’s continued success and ensure that today’s global attention creates additional opportunities for Clinton County.”

Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a conventional fixed-wing, 30-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner, for FAA Part 25 certification. The company is targeting entry into service in 2031 and has received customer commitments from major air carriers including United Airlines, Air Canada and JSX.

About Plattsburgh International Airport Read more »

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

When: September 10th, 2026 at 6:00pm
Where: Durkee Street @ the Riverside Pavilion {Old Farmers market}

The Plattsburgh Police Department is excited to invite you to our 2nd Community Bike & E-Mobility Safety Forum, happening in just one month! Whether you ride a traditional bicycle, an E-bike, a scooter,or any other mobility device, this interactive session is packed with practical tips for riders of all ages.

What to expect:
Clear breakdowns of right-of-way rules and NYS laws for E-bike classifications.
Best practices for safely sharing the road with pedestrians, drivers, and other riders.
Walkthroughs of real-world scenarios.
A friendly on bese we proper lina and base bike ma strance
Bring your wheels! This event we will be adding a group ride and a fun obstacle course where you can test
your skills!

Special Perk:
All attendees will receive a “Friends of Downtown Plattsburgh” bike ticket! Redeem it for exclusive deals at participating downtown businesses– just look for the green signs in their shop windows.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe. See you there!
Authorized release by; Chief Jarrod Trombley

Town of Peru W/S will be closing Maiden Lane @ house #22. We will be digging up the road to replace the sewer line on Monday,  August 17^th from 7:30 am til 3:30 pm.

There will be NO through traffic including Emergency vehicles during that time period.

Community Alert: Fraudulent Online Rental Opportunities

Criminals are posting fake rental listings online to steal your money and personal information. These scams often appear on social media, classified sites, and rental platforms. Scammers copy real photos and details, underprice the property, pressure you to act fast, and demand payment before you ever see the place.

How to Identify Fake Rental Listings

Watch for these common red flags:

The rent is far below market rate for the neighborhood or similar properties. If it looks too good to be true, it almost always is.

Pressure to pay or decide immediately — “Someone else is interested,” “You must send a deposit today to hold it,” or similar urgency tactics.

Demand for money before you view the property or sign a lease (application fees, deposits, first month’s rent).

Payment only by untraceable methods: wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or apps like Venmo/Zelle/Cash App before any legitimate agreement.

The “landlord” refuses to meet in person or show the property, often claiming to be out of town, overseas, or unavailable.

Requests for sensitive personal information early — Social Security number, bank details, driver’s license copies, or credit-score screenshots before you have agreed to rent.

Inconsistencies when you research: The same address listed at different prices or by different contacts; the property appears for sale instead of rent; photos reverse-image-search to other listings or real-estate sites.

Poor communication — vague answers about the property, grammar/spelling issues, or only texting/emailing.

PLATTSBURGH POLICE DEPARTMENT Jarrod Trombley,45 PINE STREET PLATTSBURGH, NY 12901, 518-563-3411

518-566-9000 FAX

Chief of Police

Protect yourself:

Search the exact address online. Read more »

August 14, 2026 – Clinton County, NY – The County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) has released the final feasibility study for the future redevelopment of the Clinton Community College property at Bluff Point. Prepared by CPL, the study examines the physical condition, infrastructure, environmental characteristics, and long-term redevelopment potential of the approximately 104-acre campus overlooking Lake Champlain. The final report was positively received by both the CCIDA Board of Directors and the Clinton County Legislature.

“This study gives us a thoughtful and realistic starting point for considering the future of an incredibly important property,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency. “The final concept reflects extensive feedback from stakeholders, community members, economic development partners, and county leaders. That input resulted in a stronger, more flexible plan that can be pursued in phases and adjusted as additional information becomes available.”

The study finds that the property is physically suitable for mixed-use redevelopment. Its existing infrastructure, natural setting, accessible utility corridors, and opportunities for adaptive reuse provide a strong foundation for future investment.

“Our analysis confirmed that the Bluff Point campus has strong potential for mixed-use redevelopment, supported by its existing infrastructure, natural setting, adaptable buildings, and proximity to regional transportation assets,” said Andrew Kosa, Principal at CPL. “The final framework was deliberately designed to be flexible and phased. The feedback received throughout the process helped refine the vision into a more practical roadmap that can respond to market conditions, infrastructure capacity, available funding, and future development partnerships.”

The conceptual framework, known as Voyage Champlain, envisions four complementary areas that could incorporate housing, recreation, hospitality, cultural programming, education, and community gathering spaces. Potential elements include:

• Workforce and market-rate housing
  • Townhomes and residential development
  • All-season recreational amenities and trails
  • Adaptive reuse of existing campus buildings
  • Community, cultural, and educational spaces
  • Hospitality, dining, and complementary commercial uses
  • Preservation of open space, historic character, and views of Lake Champlain

The framework is intentionally flexible and is not a final development plan or a commitment to construct every element shown in the study. Rather, it provides a roadmap for evaluating opportunities, attracting potential partners, and making informed decisions about the property over time.

“This is a unique property with tremendous history and potential,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) “The Legislature’s positive reception of the report is an important step, but we also recognize that successful redevelopment will require careful planning, realistic financial analysis, and strong public and private partnerships. This study provides us with a foundation for that work. We have an opportunity here and we must be prepared to seize it.”

The recommended approach emphasizes phased implementation based on market demand, infrastructure capacity, funding availability, and the interest of qualified development partners. Housing is identified as a potential early component that could establish activity on the property and support future recreational, commercial, hospitality, and cultural uses.

“The revised study offers a much more practical and responsive vision for the property Economic Development Committee Chair Joshua Kretser (D-Area 9, Plattsburgh). “It reflects the feedback that was provided throughout the process and recognizes that redevelopment must happen thoughtfully, in phases, and with a clear understanding of market demand and infrastructure needs. The committee looks forward to continuing that work as additional information and potential partnerships are developed.”

Before any major redevelopment decisions are made, the report recommends several additional steps, including:

• Detailed utility and infrastructure analysis
  • Environmental review and site investigations
  • Market and financial feasibility studies
  • Continued community and stakeholder engagement
  • Identification of public, private, and philanthropic partners
  • Development of an appropriate governance and implementation structure

“We’re looking forward to seeing the Bluff Point redevelopment take shape and the potential it has to help address some of the needs within our community,” said Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing, Operations & Business Development at the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “The revised framework appropriately combines vision with flexibility, providing a foundation for continued analysis and partnership while allowing the ultimate direction of the property to respond to real market opportunities.”

The study represents the beginning of a longer planning and redevelopment process. Future decisions will be informed by additional technical analysis, market conditions, potential partnerships, available funding, and continued input from county leaders and the community.

“The release of this report does not mark the end of the planning process. It gives us a responsible path forward,” Ryan said. “Our next steps will focus on validating the market, understanding infrastructure needs, exploring partnerships, and continuing to engage the Legislature and the community. Any future development will need to be financially sustainable and provide a clear long-term benefit to Clinton County.”

The final Clinton Community College Bluff Point Campus Feasibility Study and concept materials are available at:

https://www.clintoncountyida.com/work-with-us/featured-projects/p/item/2811/clinton-community-college-feasibility-study

Chicken and Biscuits 

Vegetable 

Bread

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 

All are invited and welcome!

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Ravioli
Salad
Bread
Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972.

All are invited and welcome!

• Town of Peru W/S is cancelling the road closure on Maiden Lane. 

  We will be rescheduling it at a later date.

Homicide suspect is known to frequent Clinton County and the Plattsburgh area

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the vtdigger story 

“Already, the network has proposed $140,000,000 in cuts to expenses such as administrative staff, clinician time and supply costs.”

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA & REGULAR MEETING AGENDA FOR AUGUST 10 2026

Local Law #1 of 2026 

TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCY REQUIREments FOR THE DEPuTY TOWN CLERK 

1. Call the meeting to Order 

2. Pledge Of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. Motion: To Open the Public Hearing 

5. Discussion: Proposed Local Law #1 of 2026 – “A Local Law to change the Residency Requirements of the Deputy Town Clerk

6. Motion: To Close Public Hearing 

7. Motion: Adjourn 

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in coordination with NEIWPCC, offers funding for projects that interpret the region’s natural and cultural resources, as well as Artist-in-Residence programs that engage the public through the arts.

Interpretive projects will further the goals of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) and may fall into one of two categories: the CVNHP Special Program or Core Grant Program. Special Program grants are intended to support multi-jurisdictional or regional initiatives that interpret a “confluence” of any of the CVNHP’s three interpretive themes: Making of Nations, Corridor of Commerce, and Conservation & Community.

CVNHP Core Grant projects may highlight the above interpretive themes, engage youth in local heritage, support museum and library collections, or sponsor internships at museums and historic sites.

Artist-in-Residence projects will recruit artists to highlight the basin’s science, culture, and history to build greater public understanding and appreciation.

“Both the cultural heritage and Artist-in-Residence grant programs exemplify one of our guiding principles: that appreciation leads to understanding, which leads to greater stewardship,” said Jim Brangan, Interim NEIWPCC Division Director of Lake Champlain Programs. “Through creative projects that interpret our connection to this region, partners are bringing more people into the shared effort to protect and restore the Lake Champlain watershed.”

Applicants to CVNHP grant programs will first submit a project pre-proposal and a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal for funding consideration. Pre-proposals are due on October 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and awarded projects are anticipated to begin work in December 2027.

Applicants to the Artist-in-Residence grant program will submit full proposals, due on September 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in February 2027. An additional RFP for 2027 Artist-in-Residence projects in Québec will be issued separately.

The CVNHP and Artist-in-Residence grant opportunities are supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC by the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, respectively, on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

The CVNHP was established by the U.S. Congress in 2006 to recognize the importance of the historical, cultural, and recreational resources of the region and to assist efforts to preserve, protect, and interpret those resources. The National Heritage Area also works to enhance the quality of the tourism economy and to encourage working partnerships among state, provincial, and local governments and non-profit organizations in New York, Québec, and Vermont.

The 17^th annual CVNHP International Summit will be held in Burlington, Vermont on September 23, 2026. While attendance is not required, the summit hosts a Foundant primer and offers networking opportunities to develop competitive projects for this funding opportunity. Please register at this link.

The proposal guidelines, list of eligible entities, submission requirements, and an electronic submission application link are available below:

• CVNHP Grants:  https://champlainvalleynhp.org/resources/grants/

• Artist-in-Residence Grants: https://lcbp.org/grants/

For more information about CVNHP and Artist-in-Residence grants, please contact Jim Brangan at jbrangan@lcbp.org.

Ilyssa Rae Brown is growing over 50 varieties of flowers: zinnias, sunflowers, celosia, snapdragons, calendula…

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 5:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 6:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, August 11. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Bus Bids

• Personnel Appointments

• Start of School Update

• Revised Academic Calendar

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perucsd.org).

43 people have received rabies post exposure shots compared to 15 at this time last year.

Plattsburgh, August 7, 2026. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is urging residents to not release bats that are discovered in their homes. Bats can carry the fatal rabies virus and once symptoms appear in people or pets, there is no cure. It is important to consult with the CCHD team to determine if anyone in the home was exposed to the animal. Any person or pet that comes into contact with an infected animal is at risk of getting rabies.

“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it or confine it to one room and immediately call the Clinton County Health Department to determine if the bat needs to be tested.” explained Amanda Masten, Senior Public Health Sanitarian in the Environmental Health & Safety Division at CCHD. “So far this year 43 people have received rabies post exposure shots compared to 15 at this time last year. Many of these could have been avoided if there had been a bat available to test”.

Follow these precautions to lower your risk of rabies exposure:

• Catch The Bat: If you discover a bat in your home, safely capture or contain it in one room and immediately call the health department at 518-565-4870. The Rabies Officers can help determine if the bat needs to be tested. If there is no bat available to test, then you and your family may need to receive post exposure rabies shots.

• Ensure Pets Are Vaccinated: Ensure that all pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and domesticated livestock, are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccination not only safeguards pets but also acts as a barrier against rabies transmission to humans. CCHD offers free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. A full schedule of upcoming clinics can be found at

www.clintoncountyny.gov/health/news-and-events.

• Avoid Strange-Acting Wildlife: Exercise caution around wildlife, particularly if they exhibit abnormal or aggressive behavior. Do not approach or attempt to handle wild animals, even if they are injured. Teach children to do the same. Instead, contact a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator. To find one near you visit: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/SpecialLicensesSearchSystem/rehab

• Report Suspected Cases: If you encounter a wild animal displaying unusual behavior such as aggression, disorientation, or excessive drooling, promptly notify local animal control or the health department.

• Prepare Your Home: Keep your property free of stored bird seed or other foods that may attract wild animals. Tightly cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch, or garage. If your home has a chimney, make sure it is capped with a screen. If a wild animal is living in a garage, shed, or other part of your home, contact a wild animal control expert to have them removed.

“Persons who have any physical mobility or other needs, call the telephone number above to arrange for accommodations”Additional information on rabies can be found in CCHD’s North Country Health Effect available at https://www.clintoncountyny.gov/sites/default/files/health/public-promotion/pdf/north-county-health-

effect/rabies.pdf

Applications for Dairy, Livestock, Specialty Crop and Aquaculture Producers Available

August 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today is reminding New York producers that the deadline to apply for the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program is approaching with applications due on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. The program, first announced in Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address, will help offset rising costs and market loss that New York farmers faced in 2025 because of federal tariff policy. Applications for dairy, livestock, specialty crop and aquaculture producers are available here. Farmers are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure all parts are completed and submitted by the deadline. Read more »

Grants to Municipalities, Not-for-Profit Organizations, and State Agencies to Expand and Restore Community Forests 

August 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $20 million is now available through the second round of the Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Program. The goal of CoRe is to support tree planting projects that will create or restore forested natural areas in urban communities across the state.ugust 6, 20This grant round is funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act). Projects funded by these grants will directly contribute to the “25 Million Trees Initiative,” launched in 2024 by Governor Hochul in recognition of the importance of trees and forests for climate resiliency and community health. CoRe also advances New York’s nation-leading climate agenda by increasing tree canopy in underserved communities, restoring natural systems, and improving environmental equity.

“Trees are one of our most effective tools for mitigating climate-related risks such as extreme heat, flooding, air pollution and droughts,” said Governor Hochul. “This funding will empower local partners to expand and restore forested landscapes in their communities that will clean our air and water, reduce flooding and erosion, moderate temperatures, support local economies and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.” 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Healthy urban forests are essential green infrastructure that cool and clean the air, filter stormwater, store carbon, provide wildlife habitat and protect biodiversity. Investment in resilient reforestation will create healthier ecosystems, more vibrant communities, and provide New Yorkers with greater access to forests close to where they live.”

Indigenous Nations, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, not-for-profit organizations, and state agencies may apply for a minimum amount of $300,000 up to a maximum of $3,000,000, with no match required. Up to $4 million of the total funding is available for smaller projects (projects with a maximum funding request of $499,999). The remaining $16 million will be dedicated to larger projects. 

Eligible projects include planting trees, preparing sites for planting, removing competing or invasive vegetation that would interfere with seedling growth and installing tree protection to prevent deer browse. Funds cannot be used for real property (land) acquisition or for planting and maintenance of individual street or park trees. Projects that serve Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) or communities with low Tree Equity scores will receive additional points during scoring. 

DEC will host a webinar on Thursday, August 20, at 1:00 pm to provide information and answer questions about this funding opportunity. Registration is required to attend the webinar. Visit DEC’s website for more information. 

Applications will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the SFS Grants Management System (SFS). Those wishing to apply need to establish an account in SFS. Once registered, search SFS for “Community Reforestation” or “CoRe.” For more details about the grant opportunity, including application and scoring criteria, visit DEC’s website or email urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov. 

In addition to the CoRe Grant Program, $10 million in funding is still available for urban forest inventories and assessment grants through DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. Applications for this grant will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. For more details about the grant opportunity, including application and scoring criteria, visit DEC’s website or email urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov. 

CSEA Agreements Cover More Than 55,000 New York State Employees

August 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of five-year labor agreements with each of the four bargaining units represented by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). In total, CSEA represents more than 55,000 New York State employees in a wide variety of roles. The agreements run from April 2, 2026 until April 1, 2031. 26 – Each agreement was overwhelmingly approved by CSEA members.

“Every day, dedicated CSEA members perform essential work to keep New York moving, and these agreements recognize those efforts while also serving as a fair deal for New York’s taxpayers,” Governor Hochul said. “Our valued public servants are the backbone of a strong Empire State, and I thank the members and leadership of CSEA for their dedication in continuing to help and serve their fellow New Yorkers.”

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, “I thank Governor Hochul for working with CSEA to reach an agreement that reflects the value of our members and the vital services they provide. Every day, more than 55,000 CSEA members keep our roads safe, care for our most vulnerable neighbors, maintain our parks and campuses, protect our communities and deliver the public services New Yorkers depend on. This contract is an investment in them and in the future of our state.”

The ratified contracts each include the following raises across the five years of the agreement: 4.5 percent, 4 percent, 3.5 percent, 3 percent, and 3 percent. Boosts to location pay and several other unit-specific payments are also included in the contracts. Members also will gain 20 hours of paid pre-natal leave and an increase in the cap for sick leave accumulation. The agreements also include reasonable updates to health insurance that will reduce costs for members by eliminating certain co-pays and providing incentives to use in-network providers.

Click here for the Press-Republican story (You may need a subscription to read it) 

 Assemblyman Cashman votes for Medical Aid in Dying (A9515), February 2025

Plattsburgh, NY, August 6, 2026 –  “The Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Act has finally gone into effect in New York State. After a multi-decade long fight for this change, New Yorkers meeting specific, carefully curated criteria will have this option available to them.”

“I have spent many years traveling to Albany alongside advocates from throughout the state to promote this legislation and have been a supporter of MAID for far longer. Meeting with fellow advocates and their families who have shared their stories as to why this legislation is so important to them, combined with my own lived experiences, have continuously reaffirmed my support of MAID. New Yorkers at large know the importance of providing this option, as polling consistently showed widespread support of MAID’s passage.”

“I am especially glad to see the many safeguards in place to prevent abuse or coercion for those making the decision to partake in medical aid in dying. Many shared their concerns about these potential abuses of MAID, and during the 2025 bill vote we were able to clarify and address these justified worries. The law accounts for clear patient consent and understanding, prevents financial encouragement for partaking in MAID, as well as providing various care plan paths before MAID is presented as an option.

“Terminally ill patients deserve compassion, dignity, and respect, especially in their final moments. MAID provides just that. Everyone should have the ability to determine what is best in their final moments, and I am proud to have supported MAID’s final vote during the most recent legislative session.

“I thank Assembly bill sponsor Assemblymember Paulin for her continued dedication to this issue and all the advocates who tirelessly fought for this bill to come to a final vote.”

Some of the safeguards included in this legislation include:

• Patients must be mentally capable adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live, as verified by two independent physicians; and
• Patient must have a mental health evaluation to determine that they have decision making capacity; and
• Patients must make a verbal request for medical aid in dying, as well as submit a written request; and
• Such request must be witnessed by two individuals, neither of whom can be a relative, heir, or affiliated with an owner, operator, or employee of the health care facility where the patient is receiving care; and
• The witnesses must have no financial interest in the patient’s estate; and
• Patients must record an audio or video request for medical aid in dying; and
• A prescription for medical aid in dying medication may not be filled until 5 days after the prescription is written; and
• Patients must be capable of self-administering the medication, ensuring that the final act is a voluntary and deliberate choice; and
• Physicians are required to inform patients of all available end-of-life care options, including hospice and palliative care.