The Peru Gazette

Albany, May 14, 2026 – Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Karen McMahon today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to strengthen support for volunteer firefighters across the state (A.6790, McMahon). Editor’s Note – Th law must still be passed by the NYS Senate and signed by the Governor. “The Assembly Majority will always have […]

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Albany, May 12, 2026 – A constitutional amendment sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) to facilitate the sale of Camp Gabriels in the Town of Brighton in Franklin County passed the state Senate today. Senate bill S548 enables the property to be sold or leased and ensures that the funds from the sale go toward […]

Click here for the NCPR story 

Major Investments, Including Comprehensive Path to Universal Child Care, Will Make New York More Affordable for Families Tackles Energy Costs With Sweeping Affordability Package, Including $1 Billion Energy Rebate To Provide Utility Relief to New Yorkers and New Ratepayer Protection Program To Guard Against Rate Increases and Spiraling Costs Albany, May 7, 2026 – Governor […]

Hochul’s counter would limit informal collusion with ICE only in civil matters. Click here for the New York Focus story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

In the aftermath of the 30th Annual Conference on the Adirondacks, David Gibson reflects on what more the state could do for the region Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Albany, April 21, 2026 – “Every state employee deserves a safe workplace. There is a systemic problem within our correctional facilities. We continue to face a staffing crisis. We continue to face a contraband crisis. These problems are not isolated: They are persistent, escalating, and unacceptable. NYSCOPBA’s assessment reflects what staff on the ground have […]

  Albany, April 21, 2026 –  “The recent spate of chemical exposures and violence inside correctional facilities have magnified a crisis situation that Governor Hochul and DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello have willfully turned a blind eye towards for years. Correction officers, civilian staff and incarcerated individuals are less safe than ever inside correctional facilities because this […]

NYSCOPBA to Hochul: State prisons in ‘systemic emergency’ amid surge in violence, contraband Click here for the Spectrum 1 News story which includes NYSCOPBA’s letter to Governor Hochul

Click here for the NBC News 5 story 

NYC politics affects us all  Click here for the New York Focus story 

Department of Corrections Accounted for Over 87% of Total Increase in OT Earnings New York State agency overtime costs increased 22.7% in 2025 for a total of $1.6 billion, while the number of overtime hours increased by 5.9%, or 1.4 million hours, higher than the previous year, according to the annual report issued today by […]

Click here for the NCPR story 

Albany, April 1, 2026 – Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Ron Kim today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that requires mandatory health insurance coverage for acupuncture services (A.622, Kim). “Expanding access to acupuncture services in New York ensures that those suffering from chronic illnesses can access the treatment they need to improve their […]

Clinton County Awarded $50,000 Grant  Albany, April 1, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $10.5 million has been awarded through the federal FY 2023 and FY 2024 State Homeland Security Program to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of 80 cities, towns, villages and counties statewide. Bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine […]

Team was recognized on both Senate and Assembly floors Albany,  April 1, 2026 – Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) and Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) today welcomed and honored the Potsdam Central High School Girls Hockey Team during their respective Legislative Sessions. The team captured the NYSPHSAA State Championship on February 21, with a 3-2 victory over […]

Nearly half a million New Yorkers on the Essential Plan could lose their coverage this summer. Click here for the New York Focus Story  STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL “Last July, New York House Republicans voted for Donald Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, ripping health care away from millions of working families. Today, New Yorkers will […]

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Queensbury, March 27, 2026 – Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today joined Assembly members Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) and Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) at a forum with Queensbury, Lake George and several other regional school districts to discuss the electric bus mandate for schools. This forum included providing legislators with access to both electric buses and discussing […]

$3.3 BILLION IN SALES AND MORE THAN 600 DISPENSARIES  Albany, March 27, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the upcoming five year anniversary of the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which legalized adult-use cannabis, established the Office of Cannabis Management, and laid the foundation for a regulated, equity-driven cannabis industry in […]

Unions want state leaders to sweeten their retirement packages. What would it cost, and what would it achieve? Click here for the New York Focus story 

Governor moves to amend NY Climate Act as legislative leaders signal opposition to rollbacks Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story