The Peru Gazette

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Town of Moreau
Saratoga County
Prescribed Burn: On Sept. 10, Forest Ranger Clute, additional DEC staff, and Albany Pine Bush staff conducted a prescribed burn on 18 acres of Big Bend Preserve in Moreau Lake State Park. Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. These burns are regulated by law and regulation and require technical expertise to safely conduct. Controlled burns help prevent the spread of invasive species, and in some areas, prescribed fire is used to reduce the buildup of wood, timber litter, and other fuel to reduce the potential for wildfires that threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. DEC carefully implements prescribed fires only when conditions are favorable to meet land management goals.

Moreau Lake State Park prescribed burn

Moreau Lake State Park prescribed burn

Town of Fine
St. Lawrence County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance from a 65-year-old hiker on the Cranberry 50 trail with a possible food-borne illness. Forest Ranger Ezumah responded by boat across Cranberry Lake to campsite 17. Ranger Ezumah escorted the hiker from Ballston Spa by boat and then to their vehicle in Wanakena. The hiker declined further medical attention and DEC resources were clear at 1:45 p.m.

Town of St. Armand
Essex County
Wilderness Search: Read more »

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Funding Will Further Fuel New York’s Research Excellence; Brings Governor’s Total Investment in Higher Education Research Under Her Leadership to $1.34 Billion

Sept. 17, 2025 Gov. Hochul News Release: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $300 million to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, further catapulting New York’s national leadership in groundbreaking research that saves lives, grows the economy and improves national security. 

“At a time when national investment in research and innovation is at risk, New York State is doubling down and SUNY is on the move,” Governor Hochul said. “The State University of New York at Stony Brook is a research powerhouse and will now be able to reach new heights in quantum. We know that to provide our state and nation with a brighter future, we need to invest today, and that is what New York is committed to do.”

Reversing years of disinvestment, since Governor Hochul took office in 2021, the State University of New York at Stony Brook has received $73 million in additional Direct State Tax Support operating aid and $969 million in additional State capital commitments (including the $300 million for the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub). In addition to increased operating aid, Stony Brook has also received $12 million to support new full-time faculty, $8 million to fully close the “TAP gap,” and access to the State’s $500 million endowment match. The latter provides a $1.00 in Direct State Tax Support for every $2.00 raised by philanthropic activity at the University Centers. Read more »

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Greenfield’s co-founder, Ben Cohen shared a statement on social media announcing his partner’s departure.

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Stewart’s News Release, September 16, 2025 —Stewart’s Shops Eggnog and Strawberry Milk won 1st place in the 2025 World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin.

All counted, Stewart’s won 17 awards at North America’s best dairy products competition, including 1st place for Rainbow Sherbet, Pistachio Gelato and Lactose-Free Milk.

This year’s competition marked the second time in three years that Stewart’s Eggnog was selected as the Best of the Best in North America.

Stewart’s also won 2nd place awards for Chocolate Ice Cream, French Vanilla Ice Cream, Maple Walnut Ice Cream, Mango Dragon Fruit Sherbet and Salty Caramel Gelato.

Stewart’s won 3rd place for Vanilla Dairy Shake Refreshers, Bark in the Dark Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Pandemonium Ice Cream, Limited-edition Dirt Cake Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate Gelato, 1% Chocolate Milk and Unsweetened French Vanilla Half & Half.

This competition is open to dairy producers across the world and serves as the only competition of its kind in North America. These awards are a testament to the skill and dedication of the 21 family farms, who supply our milk, and the partners, who are committed to producing the highest quality milk and ice cream at our plant in Greenfield, New York.

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga County, NY. Stewart’s is known for offering milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline, and other convenience items. Today, there are over 400 Stewart’s Shops in New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Beekmantown Central School District announced its decision to place a staff member on leave following complaints from families about social posts reacting to the Utah shooting.

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“…mums offer our Adirondack ecosystems and the insects that depend on late-season
blooms about as much sustenance as a garden statue. “

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UVM Health Network, the parent company of the state’s largest hospital, is “physically and spiritually distant” from its mission and from Vermonters’ needs, said the chair of the Green Mountain Care Board.

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By John T Ryan (I do not have a video of this meeting because of a camera failure.) 

At the Peru Town Board meeting on September 8, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie addressed an incident that occurred on September 2 in the Peru Town Court. A defendant with a history of mental health issues failed to comply with Judge Jim Kirby’s order to undergo a mental evaluation. Upon reappearance in court, Judge Kirby mentioned the possibility of committing the individual to the Clinton County Jail for evaluation. The defendant reacted becoming disruptive to the extent that the assistant district attorney, who was six and a half months pregnant, expressed serious concern for her safety.

Wylie also recounted a recent suicide attempt in Chazy Town Court, where a defendant brandished a razor blade and cut his wrist. He summarized the situation by saying, “With the mental health and drug issues we have in our community, there’s a lot more opportunity for violence in our town courts. The judges have no means of protecting themselves.” Wylie is worried that his staff members may resign rather than appear in certain town courts.

Currently, the courts in Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, and Clinton have security measures in place. Wylie believes it is time for Peru to consider adding security, especially since it has the second-highest town caseload in the country. Peru Town Justice Scott Thurber agreed, stating, “I’m very concerned about the safety of attorneys and court staff.” Wylie estimated that security would cost between $100 and $200 an hour, but he is uncertain if the Sheriff’s Department can provide the necessary personnel. In response, the board agreed to ask the Sheriff’s Department for court coverage, and Wylie suggested that hiring a retired police officer could be an alternative.

In a more positive development, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG might be able to continue supplying power to its customers during the culvert installation process on Telegraph Road. He expects a decision from NYSEG by the end of September.

The board passed a local law allowing it to propose exceeding the 2026 tax cap if necessary. No members of the public attended the 5:45 p.m. public hearing that preceded the board meeting.

Given the number and cost of the wastewater treatment plant and culvert replacement projects, the board voted to engage an audit firm to oversee the financial aspects of these projects. Supervisor Craig Randall commented that this decision is prudent, as the town may spend between $45 million and $50 million on these initiatives.

In other actions, the board accepted the resignation of Code Enforcement Officer Robert Guynup, effective September 30, with his last day in the office being September 22.

The meeting then adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

Event at a glance

• What: Comedy Night benefiting Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY
• Headliner: Ray Harrington (with a Vermont Comedy Club-curated lineup)
• When: Thursday, Sept 18, 7:00 PM
• Where: Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh, NY
• Why: Funds raised support resources, connection, and advocacy for our local autism community

A new report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli analyzed the federal tax provisions enacted under Public Law No: 119-21 at the beginning of July and how they may impact New Yorkers. While the bill made permanent many tax changes included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), it includes new tax breaks for seniors and the working class that are largely temporary, according to DiNapoli’s report. These minimal tax benefits, along with the significant cuts in safety net spending included in the legislation, will put a larger burden on New Yorkers trying to make ends meet.

“Many of the tax benefits in the federal legislation passed in Washington this summer will continue to go to those with higher incomes,” DiNapoli said. “This was a lost opportunity to improve the tax code; instead, the new federal law adds complexity and creates inequities. Low-and middle-income New Yorkers will see few long-term benefits while bearing most of the burden of the bill’s significant spending cuts to vital programs.”

Summary

The TCJA included provisions, such as a higher standard deduction and increased child tax credit, that alleviated the federal tax burden for many New Yorkers. The new federal law permanently extended and enhanced many of these provisions.

The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates that under the new law, over one-third of the net tax reductions in calendar year 2027 will be for those with incomes over $500,000, more than 10 percentage points higher than under the TCJA. The JCT also estimates that the enacted changes will reduce federal revenues by more than $5.1 trillion over the next ten years, which may adversely impact the distribution of vital federal funds to states and localities.

The newly enacted provisions reportedly aimed at helping working class Americans are temporary and limited in scope. New deductions for seniors, tip income, overtime pay, and interest on new car loans are in effect only for tax years 2025 to 2028, and limited to taxpayers with Social Security numbers.

These deductions target a small portion of the population or treat taxpayers with similar wages or even in the same business unequally. For example, approximately 6% of the jobs in New York are in occupations, such as wait staff, bartenders, personal care workers, delivery drivers and hotel staff, that regularly and customarily receive tips. As a result, parking lot and coat room attendants, who will benefit from the deduction for tipped income, could potentially have their federal tax burden eliminated while childcare workers and home health aides who generally do not receive tips will not.

In 2031, when these temporary provisions expire, JCT estimates those with incomes of less than $30,000 will see their federal tax liability increase.

SALT Deduction Lifted Temporarily

The new federal law permanently limits the itemized deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) paid to $10,000. For tax year 2025, the limit is increased to $40,000 for taxpayers with incomes up to $500,000; the limit and income threshold are further increased by 1% annually in tax years 2026 to 2029. In 2030, the limit reverts to $10,000 for all filers.

In tax year 2023, more than 1.5 million New York residents itemized deductions and included deductions for state and local taxes paid under the State personal income tax; 76% reported tax payments in excess of the $10,000 federal cap. Of these taxpayers, nearly all with incomes under $100,000 will be able to fully deduct their SALT payments under the temporary, higher limit, and over 87% of those with incomes between $100,000 and $500,000 will as well. However, for over 445,000 of these filers, the higher federal standard deduction will likely provide a larger tax benefit.

Child Tax Credit Changes

Taxpayers with children will also see limited relief from the increase in the child tax credit to $2,200 per child starting in tax year 2025. The credit will also be indexed to inflation after 2025. There is also a refundable portion of the tax credit, which was reduced under the new law and will no longer be indexed to inflation, reducing the benefit for lower income taxpayers. In tax year 2022, nearly 2.1 million New York taxpayers claimed $6.1 billion in federal child tax credits, $1.8 billion of which was refundable.

For taxpayers who pay for childcare, the nonrefundable credit as a share of these expenses was increased for those with incomes less than $105,000. However, the maximum amount of expenses eligible for the credit remains unchanged at $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more, failing to address the rising cost of childcare for most families. The average cost of childcare for one child in New York in 2023 was nearly five times the $3,000 cap allowed for the credit. In tax year 2023, nearly 310,000 resident New York taxpayers claimed the federal child and dependent care credit, just 3.3% of total filers, the largest number of claimants were those with incomes over $105,000.

Decoupling Question

With the passage of the TCJA, the state chose to decouple the tax law from many of the provisions that impact either New York taxpayers or tax collections. As a result, provisions in the new federal law that made policies in the TCJA permanent are not expected to have a revenue impact. However, if the state does not pass legislation to decouple those provisions that were not included as part of the TCJA, it could affect New York collections as early as State Fiscal Year 2026-27 when taxpayers file their annual tax year 2025 returns.

These provisions include the new “above-the-line” deductions for overtime pay, tip income, and interest on new car loans. While the change in the child tax credit is not expected to impact New York’s tax collections because of previous legislation that de-coupled it from federal provisions, the child and dependent care credit is calculated as a percentage of the federal credit which could cause a decline in state revenues.

Report

Tax Provisions Under the Federal Reconciliation Bill