The Peru Gazette

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 

Southern Zone Harvest is Highest Recorded Since DEC Began Monitoring in 1955 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunters harvested an estimated 1,759 black bears during the 2025-26 hunting seasons. According to DEC’s tracking of the annual bear harvest since 1955 (PDF), the 2025 statewide bear harvest was second […]

Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026  — Assemblyman Michael Cashman (D – Plattsburgh) proudly hosted the 10th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony, recognizing an inaugural class of eight extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and compassion continue to shape communities across the North Country. Each honoree reflected a shared and powerful idea—to inspire by example. The evening’s […]

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Albany, March 12, 2026    NYS Senator Stec:  “A one-house budget is a statement of values and priorities, and it’s a starting point for final budget negotiations. Judging by the one-house budget passed by Senate Democrats, it’s clear their priorities aren’t in line with the needs of hardworking families. “A recent NYSERDA memo made it […]