The Peru Gazette

“Reinstating the 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminum right in the middle of a pandemic was an ill-advised course of action. As the Co-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Committee on the Council of State Government’s East, I introduced a resolution that was unanimously passed to rescind this decision which we knew would have detrimental effects not […]

This weekend, we celebrate the dedicated men and women throughout the state and across the country who comprise our incredible workforce. It was in New York that Labor Day was first celebrated, and we continue to fight for the respect, pride and dignity of all our workers. Over the long weekend, I encourage New Yorkers […]

Newsletter This July and August, the Assembly passed legislation that will help New Yorkers during this unprecedented crisis. I combined my monthly newsletter for July and August because of my frequent COVID-19 updates. Check out my legislative efforts and community events from the past two months below. Please note that this will be my last […]

The New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) today announced employer contribution rates for the State Fiscal Year 2021-22 will increase from 14.6 percent to 16.2 percent of payroll for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and from 24.4 percent to 28.3 percent of payroll for the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS). NYSLRS is […]

Source: Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver heads to prison

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that he is issuing Executive Orders that will: Extend the “temporary illness” option to elections not administered by the Board of Elections this November. Mandate county boards send a mailing to all would-be voters notifying them of the deadlines and methods to request an absentee ballot. Directing the Board of […]

“My office continues to field dozens of phone calls and emails from concerned parents and educators regarding our regions readiness to reopen the schools. Our school districts are doing all they can to put plans in place to keep our children safe, but they need clearer guidance.  Safety remains the top priority for everyone, most […]

COVID-19 August 11 Updates DOH Travel Advisory Updates Hawaii and South Dakota were added to the list of states and territories on the Department of Health Travel Advisory list. Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island were removed from the list. For more information on the travel advisory, visit this website. To report a violation, visit […]

“The North Country entered Phase IV over a month ago and it is unacceptable that so many small businesses remain closed due to lack of guidance released from the State. Gyms and fitness centers, bowling alleys, movie theaters, attractions, and other business not yet given guidance are still closed although we have been in the […]

COVID-19 August 6 Updates DOH Travel Advisory Updates Rhode Island was added to the list of states and territories on the travel advisory list this week, and Washington D.C. and Delaware were removed. For the full guidance, visit this website. To report any violations, visit this website. Here is the current list of state and […]

COVID-19 July 30 Updates Unemployment Updates Under current federal law and US DOL guidelines, this is the last benefit week for the extra $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, or FPUC, payments in New York through the federal CARES Act. This may change if Congress takes action to extend Americans’ unemployment benefits. The Department of Labor will […]

* New York’s budget crisis means funding consequences for schools, local governments and hospitals, and now that list is growing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that the state will postpone a $3 billion environmental bond act that was set to appear on the ballot this November for at least one year. If passed, the Restore […]

Source: Prison visits to resume | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

COVID-19 July 29 Updates 5 Hour Driving Course Updates Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that DMV licensed driving schools can now conduct distance learning Pre-Licensing Courses. In order to safely meet the demand for driver training while adhering to social distancing guidelines, the State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued guidance to driving schools allowing them to […]

Source: Local lawmakers to voice support of bowling alley reopenings | Local News | pressrepublican.com

State Senator Betty Little has been appointed to serve on the board of the Olympic Regional Development Agency (ORDA).  Her nomination by Governor Andrew Cuomo was confirmed today by the State Senate. “I’ve long advocated for ORDA as a member of the Assembly and Senate,” said Little.  “To serve on the board will truly be […]

            The Randy Preston Road Salt Reduction Act (S.8663/A8767) has now passed in both the Assembly and the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) and Assemblyman Dan Stec (R-Queensbury), was passed unanimously by the Assembly on Monday, July 20, 2020. The Senate passed the bill yesterday with only one member voting […]

COVID-19 July 23 Updates SLA Guidelines There are new FAQs for the recent State Liquor Authority guidance that was released last week which include important information about what counts as food under the guidelines. Here is an important question included in the guidance: Q: I operate a restaurant or bar, and I understand that I must serve sandwiches, soups, or […]

Source: Racist graffiti found in Cadyville Recreation Park | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: A.M. Roundup: Judge hopes to ‘send message to Albany’ with Silver sentencing

            Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that a bill he introduced – the Randy Preston Road Salt Reduction Act –to better protect the health of North Country families and safeguard Adirondack waterways and sources has passed the Assembly (A.8767). “The North Country is no stranger to harsh, snowy winters, which is why the safety […]

Source: Sheldon Silver sentenced to more than 6 years in prison – New York Daily News

COVID-19 July 15 Updates New York COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that an emergency COVID-19 rental assistance program will be launched this week. The program, which is designed to reach those individuals and families with the greatest need, will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program […]

“With the recent guidance for reopening schools released by New York State, over the last few days I have heard from many school administrators, teachers, faculty and parents from our local school districts. While it is great to see guidance available for schools to create reopening plans, it is clear this will not be an […]

COVID-19 July 13 Updates DMV Updates Clinton County DMV has returned to appointment only. Please visit this website to make an appointment: Franklin County DMV in Malone is still open by appointment only- please call 518-481-1606. Franklin County DMV in Malone also has a drop-box available where patrons can leave their paperwork. The Saranac Lake DMV office, unfortunately, […]