The Peru Gazette

Source: Parole changes could be next criminal justice push in Albany

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that he helped pass the 2021-22 state budget, which includes funding that he secured for the North Country Veterans Association (NCVA) and other essential programs and services for local veterans. “Despite the fiscal challenges facing our state, I fought to ensure the state […]

Source: Albany shouldn’t raise taxes when it’s rolling in federal dough (Editorial) – syracuse.com

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that he helped secure $275,000 to support the North Country Chamber of Commerce in the 2021-22 state budget. “The North Country Chamber of Commerce is a critical resource not only for our local communities but for all of New York State,” Jones said. “The organization and its dedicated staff have […]

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that he helped secure several measures that will be included in the approved 2021-22 state budget to support North Country families and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Jones also will vote against the Excluded Workers Fund due to its flawed policy and concerns with potential inaccurate activity in an already […]

Source: City & State Albany Agenda

Source: State Worker Raises Restored in Budget Deal

“New York’s budget has ballooned to a whopping $217 billion, which is an astonishing increase of more than $41 billion in just two years.  Despite the billions and billions of federal dollars to plug the state’s budget hole, this year’s budget includes more than $4 billion in new taxes to fund more spending. “High taxes […]

Source: Details emerge on the $212B state budget agreement | City &

  Senator Dan Stec today said budget negotiations underway in Albany include a proposal that would set aside $2.1 billion in unemployment insurance benefits to be paid to illegal aliens, ex-convicts and others working ‘off the books’.   The so-called “Excluded Worker” proposal was advanced by Senate Democrats last month as part of their one-house […]

Source: New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana

Source: Lawmakers probe N.Y. cell service task force progress | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Upstate New York lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo March 30 looking for updates on the status of a state-funded task force created to probe cellular connect

Source: Mobile sports bets, more casinos and lower taxes: Hot gaming topics in NY budget debate – syracuse.com

Source: Showing digital proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test in New York

“I have voted to decriminalize cannabis possession in the past, but I believe legalizing recreational cannabis use just goes too far. Many people in the recovery community have reached out to me with their concerns about legalizing cannabis and considering how the pandemic has only exacerbated the opioid crisis in the North Country, I do […]

Source: Recreational marijuana in NY: Cuomo, lawmakers release details of legalization plan – syracuse.com

Source: N.Y. to fast track cannabis legalization | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | According to the New York State Association of Counties, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the legislature have reached a three-way agreement to legalize adult-use cannabis sales. 

Source: Local reps applaud new nursing-home guidance | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | After pushing state leaders for clearer and updated guidance, local representatives are applauding the March 25 change to expand nursing-home visitation policies.

Senator Dan Stec today said he is very pleased Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) aligned state nursing home visitation guidance with those of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The new guidance replaces a February state directive that required a facility be free of covid-19 for […]

Source: Marijuana legalization bill ‘really close’ after lawmakers resolve driving roadblock | NCPR News

“Infection rates are continuing to decline while more and more people across the North Country are getting vaccinated, especially residents of nursing homes where the vaccination rate has reached 87%. With that in mind, the Department of Health needs to provide clear guidance to nursing homes that allows more visitation. Too many people have been […]

Source: Assembly opens impeachment inquiry against Cuomo | NCPR News

Source: “Really, Really Close” for Cannabis Legalization in New York

“After visiting local vaccination sites and hearing from so many of my constituents who want the vaccine but are not yet eligible, it is clear that the state vaccination distribution network is working efficiently and is prepared to open eligibility for all New Yorkers. While it is great that eligibility expanded this week, many people […]

Source: Who can’t get high-speed Internet access? No one knows for sure. | NCPR News