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Washington, D.C. – Congressmembers Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Brian Higgins (NY-26), who serve as Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus, are calling on the U.S. and Canadian governments to develop nuanced and particularized guidance for reopening the northern border.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary and the Canadian Minister of Public Safety, Reps. Higgins and Stefanik write, “We appreciate that the incidence of COVID-19 at communities along the border varies and we respect the public health imperative; yet, a one-size-fits-all approach toward allowing travel across the border has the impact of keeping communities apart. There must be bi-national coordination to develop a plan to safely allow for reasonable travel taking into account public health considerations but acknowledging our unique interconnected economies.”
On March 24 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) imposed travel restrictions at Land Ports of Entry between the United States and Canada, limiting crossings to “essential travel” due to the ongoing pandemic. A second notice extended travel restrictions through May 20. A third agreement extended northern border restrictions through 11:59 pm on June 22, 2020. Published reports indicate restrictions will be extended again into July.
Under the current order, “essential travel” includes:
US citizens returning to the US
Individuals traveling for medical purposes
Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions or work
Individuals traveling for emergency or government response
Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g. cargo drivers)
Members of the military
Earlier this week the government of Canada indicated that they would allow individuals to reunite with their spouses, parents and dependent children if visitors observed a 14-day quarantine.
Higgins & Stefanik serve as co-chairs of the Northern Border Caucus, Congress’s oldest and largest Congressional Member organization dealing with the U.S. – Canada relationship. Founded in 1994, this bipartisan group of Members has acted to highlight policy concerns and issues affecting the economic, cultural, and political partnership between the United States and Canada.
Opportunities Abound for New York’s Most Popular Freshwater Sportfish
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner (DEC) Basil Seggos announced today that the traditional harvest season for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass opens on June 20 and closes Nov. 30. In most waters, there is also a catch and release season starting on Dec. 1, and continuing until the start of the regular season, during which anglers can fish for bass using artificial lures. There are special fishing regulations for some waters, and York anglers should check the current fishing regulations guide before heading out to fish.
“New York provides some of the best bass fishing in the country, including the St. Lawrence River, which in 2019 was named the top bass ‘lake’ in the country by Bassmaster Magazine,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As New Yorkers start heading outdoors for the summer season after months of staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends on the water pursuing these exciting sportfish while still recreating responsibly and practicing social distancing.”
Black bass is New York’s number one freshwater sport fish because they are aggressive, typically abundant, and are found in waters throughout New York. Big bass can be caught in small neighborhood ponds, warm water rivers and streams, and lakes of all sizes. Read more »
Sales tax revenue for local governments in May fell 32.3 percent compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Sales tax collections for counties and cities in May totaled $918 million, or $437 million less than 2019.
The sharp decline in revenues was widespread around the state, ranging from a drop of 19.5 percent in Westchester County to a 41.5 percent decline in Tioga County. Nearly every county in every region of the state saw a large drop in overall collections. New York City experienced a 31.9 percent decline, amounting to $196 million in lost revenues for a single month. One major influence is consumers’ online spending, now largely subject to the sales tax. Detail on this activity is not currently available.
“We anticipated that sales tax revenues would continue to drop because of COVID-19 but the May sales tax figures show just how deep it is cutting into municipal finances,” DiNapoli said. “Sales tax revenues are vital funding not only for the state but for municipalities like counties and cities as well. The federal government needs to step up and provide financial help to states and local governments hit hard by this virus to avoid severe cuts to critical services.”
Over the three-month period of the pandemic’s effects, local governments have received $824 million (19.2 percent) less in sales tax revenue than they did during that same period in 2019.
Find out how your government money is spent at Open Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state’s 170,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested data.
Right now, we need to be cautious. I know businesses are anxious to open and we all want to get the economy going but we need to be careful — we can’t make a mistake today that wipes out our hard-earned progress. COVID remains a public health threat and we are seeing worrying spikes in over twenty states. Data from California, Florida, Texas, Arizona and elsewhere show the virus is still spreading fast.
New York is one of the exceptions. As our state reopens, the numbers continue to look good. That’s because we are taking a careful approach to reopening and relying on numbers and data to guide us. But more importantly, it’s because New Yorkers have been smart and we’ve been diligent. New Yorkers are informed, we understand the facts and we have acted responsibly. But we all need to remain vigilant to avoid the spikes other states are experiencing.
Chart of the Day: As New York conducts more daily testing, we are finding fewer people positive for COVID-19. A good sign.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. Five regions will enter Phase 3 of reopening tomorrow. Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier have been cleared by experts to enter the next phase. Phase 3 allows indoor restaurant and food services and personal care services, including nail salons, spas and tattoo and piercing facilities, to resume. Each industry is subject to specific state guidelines that maximize safety and social distancing. Business guidance for Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan is available here.
2. Starting today, localities can open public pools and playgrounds at their discretion. They must use health data and metrics as a guide to inform each decision.
3. The total number of COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 2,042, from 2,190 the day before. Sadly, we lost 36 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. Following a spike in domestic violence cases, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa today issued a report outlining the COVID-19 Domestic Violence Task Force’s initial recommendations to reimagine New York’s approach to services for domestic violence survivors. The recommendations, which I have accepted, call for overhauling and reimagining a 40-year-old system to meet survivors where they are and to empower them to have the maximum control of their future. Read the full report by the task force here.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: In East Windsor, NJ, Greg Dailey has used his service as a newspaper delivery man to help senior citizens in his neighborhood. Over the past two months, Mr. Dailey has made over 500 grocery runs and has offered his service to pick up necessities free of charge.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
The North Country is permitted to open under Phase Three tomorrow Friday, June 12.
Limited indoor seating at bars and restaurants will be permitted, as well as personal care services such as spas, tanning, cosmetology, massage therapy, nail salons, waxing, tattoos, and piercings.
Many people in Clinton County who requested an absentee ballot have expressed concerns about receiving their absentee ballot.
Some who live at the same mailing address who sent their absentee ballot requests at the same time are receiving their absentee ballots days apart.
The Clinton County Board of Elections is aware of this issue and asks for your patience.
The Board of Elections received thousands of applications in a very short timespan and are responding to these requests as best as they can.
Clinton County Office and Court Updates
As of June 5, Clinton County courts expanded their in-person proceedings.
The Supreme and County court is offering in-person proceedings for essential cases.
Non-essential parties can request in-person proceedings and the assigned judges will make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
County and City Criminal Court will have in-person proceedings on a case-by-case basis.
Family Court, Surrogate Court, and City and Civil Court will have in-person proceedings for essential cases and all other cases will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Clinton County offices will expand their services under Phase Three.
The Clinton County DMV will be opening by appointment soon- stay tuned for more updates.
Yard Sales Update
Garage and yard sales – as informal events for the sale of used goods by private individuals in residential settings – are permitted to operate so long as sellers ensure that:
Occupancy of the space used for the sale is limited to the number of people who can be safely and appropriate spaced such that each person is at least six feet away from others and, in no case, should the space be occupied by more than 10 people at any given time, in accordance with Executive Order 202.33, as extended.
Appropriate face coverings must be used by people in areas or situations where they are likely to come within six feet of another individual, in accordance with Executive Order 202.17, as extended.
Adequate hand hygiene supplies (e.g. hand sanitizer) and regular cleaning/disinfection protocols are in place. Sellers may consult the New York Forwardsafety plan template for additional precautions that they should consider implementing during such sales.
The Clinton County Department of Health is urging people to please use caution and to do the most you can to protect yourselves while operating yard sales or when at larger gatherings and celebrations.
Clinton County Fairgrounds Drive-In
This Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, the Clinton County Fairgrounds will debut its new drive-in movie treat with evening showings of the film Grease.
Gates will open at 7:30 pm and the film will begin at approximately 9 pm on both evenings.
Admissions are $8 adults and $5 for children, or $20 per carload.
Please have exact change if possible.
Saranac Lake Milk Drive-Thru
Glazier’s and the Rotary Club of Saranac Lake are hosting a free drive-thru milk pick-up at Saranac Lake High School on Saturday, June 13 from 9 am-12 pm.
There are 600 dairy boxes to give away that include sour cream, string cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and milk along with 2700 gallons of milk.
All boxes are first come first serve while supplies last.
PPP Updates
The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, signed into law on June 5, 2020, amends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to give borrowers more freedom in how and when loan funds are spent while retaining the possibility of full forgiveness.
The following changes have been made to PPP under the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020:
Lower the requirements that 75% of a borrower’s loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs and that 75% of the loan forgiveness amount must have been spent on payroll costs during the 24-week loan forgiveness covered period to 60% for each of these requirements.
If a borrower uses less than 60% of the loan amount for payroll costs during the forgiveness covered period, the borrower will continue to be eligible for partial loan forgiveness, subject to at least 60% of the loan forgiveness amount having been used for payroll costs.
Provide a safe harbor from reductions in loan forgiveness based on reductions in full-time equivalent employees for borrowers that are unable to return to the same level of business activity the business was operating at before February 15, 2020, due to compliance with requirements or guidance issued between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, related to worker or customer safety requirements related to COVID–19.
Provide a safe harbor from reductions in loan forgiveness based on reductions in full-time equivalent employees, to provide protections for borrowers that are both unable to rehire individuals who were employees of the borrower on February 15, 2020, and unable to hire similarly qualified employees for unfilled positions by December 31, 2020.
Increase to five years the maturity of PPP loans that are approved by SBA (based on the date SBA assigns a loan number) on or after June 5, 2020.
Extend the deferral period for borrower payments of principal, interest, and fees on PPP loans to the date that SBA remits the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount to the lender (or if the borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, 10 months after the end of the borrower’s loan forgiveness covered period).
In addition, the new rules will confirm that June 30, 2020, remains the last date on which a PPP loan application can be approved.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is welcoming the announcement that Phase Three of the business re-opening process can begin TOMORROW in the North Country region.
All Phase Three businesses are reminded that their re-opening must follow state guidelines, including affirming on-line to the guidelines for their sector and creating and having available a COVID-19 safety plan for their operation. The affirmations and the templates for plans for Phase Three businesses can now be found on the Forward NY website, and for those who haven’t taken part in one or more of the Chamber’s safety training webinars, all of them can be accessed at our website at northcountrychamber.com.
The North Country Chamber website continues to be a key online destination for finding information and links of all kinds related to the pandemic and re-opening, including access to our Daily Dose e-newsletter which is distributed Monday through Friday to almost 5,000 business and community leaders across our region and has become a go-to source of timely information and guidance.
Business Categories in Phase 3 include:
Food Service
Personal Care
Personal Services include:
Tattoo & Piercing Facilities
Appearance Enhancement Practitioners
Massage Therapy
Spas
Tanning
Cosmetology
Nail Specialty
Waxing
Public Pools & Playgrounds:
Public pools and playgrounds are allowed to open at the discretion of each locality.
Templates and instructions for all industries can be found at forward.ny.gov.
One of our goals is to take this unprecedented moment and Build Back Better. We are accelerating infrastructure improvements and construction projects from Long Island to Buffalo and continue on essential projects that will benefit the state as we enter the post-COVID new normal.
Today marked the opening of a new Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B. This is the biggest milestone to date in the airport’s ongoing transformation from an airport showing wear and tear to a world-class facility.
Photo of the Day: Today at LaGuardia airport in Queens, I cut the ribbon on the new Terminal B, which will open on Saturday (Photo by Kevin Coughlin)
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. The deadline to submit absentee ballots has been extended to June 23rd. To be counted, primary ballots must be postmarked by June 23rd. A previously issued Executive Order allows all New Yorkers to vote absentee in the June 23rd primary elections and ensures every New Yorker registered to vote receives a postage-paid absentee ballot application in the mail.
2. New Yorkers and local governments can easily track daily COVID-19 testing results through a new dashboard. To complement the early warning dashboard, this dashboard allows people to easily track COVID-19 daily test results in your region and county. View the dashboard here.
3. In the 40 days since we launched Nourish NY, it has provided New Yorkers across the state with access to nutritious food. To date, 353 distributions have taken place, enabling more than 90,000 households to receive Nourish NY products from thousands of NY farms.
4. The total number of COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 2,190, from 2,344 the day before. Yesterday, we tested 62,297 New Yorkers and only 1% tested positive for COVID.
5. Four site-specific permanent art installations were unveiled today at the new LaGuardia Airport. These public artworks reflect the creativity, energy, culture, and spirit of the Empire State, and provide focal points of beauty in the terminal. Public art can show the world who we are and say, when you come to New York you will be amazed and inspired.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: After almost three months of distance learning, the faculty at the Henry Viscardi School miss their students! So they recorded a video montage to share a special message with all. The K-12 school, based in Long Island, serves children with severe physical disabilities and medical complications.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Peru – Peru residents will not see the expected major sewer system upgrade this year. At its Monday, June 8th meeting, the Peru Town Board unanimously rejected a $4,939,995 bid by Rifenburg Construction of Troy. The bid exceeded cost estimates by just over $1 million. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald said COVID-19 restrictions delayed local contractors’ scheduled work; therefore, not a single local contractor submitted a bid. The Board plans to advertise for bids this October with construction in 2021. Town Attorney Matt Favro said the signed property easements expire at the end of 2020. They will have to be resigned.
Supervisor McDonald reported that a recent meeting with municipal bond rating company S & P Global representatives went very well. S&P Global assigned Peru an A+ rating. McDonald said the S&P staff said very few towns receive such a high rating, which should result in lower interest rates for significant projects such as the sewer system upgrade.
The Board accepted the resignation of IT provider Tom Lemieux effective at the end of June. The Board plans to interview Primelink, Inc. and Twinstate Technologies of Plattsburgh. The Board considered hiring a larger provider when they hired Lemieux in February 2019; however, the cost would have been $150 to $175 per hour plus mileage. The Town paid Lemieux $50 an hour.
Lemieux will spend his last few weeks working to resolve software upgrades and system issues that began several weeks ago. The most severe problem involved the loss of all data from 2017 to the present. Lemieux recovered data up to March 2019 and he is working on completing the remaining restoration process.
The Board delayed signing an annual term agreement with AES Northeast, its primary engineer on infrastructure projects such as the sewer system upgrade and complex issues at the treatment plants. Counselor Kregg Bruno said he needed more time to review the contract and commented that he isn’t happy with some of AES’ engineering charges. Bruno would like the Board to consider hiring another firm. After discussion, the Board agreed to take up the matter at its June 22nd meeting. Bruno agreed with other counselors that AES should continue as the primary engineer on its ongoing projects. The Board did approve a short-term AES contract to resolve EPA compliance issues at the water treatment plant. The problem involves filter backwashing, not drinking water quality.
It appears that asphalt will replace the brick pavers in front of the Town Hall. Salt applications have deteriorated the pavers since their 2014 installation. The Board decided to contact Fuller Construction to determine the cost of asphalt paving and packing.
Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup will administer NYS COVID-19 restaurant reopening regulations. Currently, restaurants can offer take-out service and restricted outdoor dining. Livingoods plans to erect a tent in its parking lot. Barriers must protect diners in an outdoor eating area.
Over 100 property owners made their voices heard at three Board of Assessment Review hearings. In a typical year, the five-member Board accomplishes its duties in one session; however, a major property reassessment this year resulted in higher assessments for several taxpayers. The additional hearings raised the Town’s hearing cost from $1,100 to $1,700.
Supervisor McDonald informed the Board that an NYSEG LED lighting program will permit the Town to install LED street light lamps at a cost not to exceed $2,788.85. After learning the bulbs should cut electricity costs by at least one-half, the Board quickly approved participation in the program.
Now that the whole state has begun reopening, we are closely monitoring each region to make sure we don’t see any spikes in COVID cases. Our strategy from the outset was a data and fact-based approach and we continue to apply that same approach as we move New York forward. We are seeing spikes in other states like Florida, and in countries around the globe, which is a very real reason we must be watchful. Just because we reopen does not mean that we need to experience a spike. That’s why we must continue to be smart and diligent.
Tip of the Day: Wear a mask to stop the spread.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. The Mid-Hudson Valley entered Phase 2 of reopening today. Long Island will enter Phase 2 tomorrow, June 10th. You can read more about our New York Forward guidance for Phase 2 here.
2. The new deadline for filing property tax abatements is July 15, 2020. Yesterday, I signed legislation authorizing local governments to extend this deadline in recognition of the hardships many families and businesses continue to face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. New York, in partnership with CORE, has established 11 new testing sites in communities that have been particularly impacted by COVID-19. CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and strengthening communities affected by or vulnerable to crises.
4. Metro-North has taken unprecedented steps in preparing for riders’ return to the service. Trains and stations are cleaned and disinfected nightly, and the state is delivering 500,000 cloth masks, as well as 10,000 gallons and 100,000 2-oz. bottles of hand sanitizer to the railroad. Remember: You MUST wear a mask when riding public transportation systems — it’s mandatory and a sign of respect for your fellow riders.
5. Testing remains a top priority. There are now more than 800 COVID-19 testing sites across the state. More information on where and how to get tested for COVID-19 is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Antonio Gwynn Jr., a Buffalo, NY high school senior, spent 10 hours, by himself, cleaning up damage from protests in the city. In recognition of his selfless work for his community, he was rewarded with a car and a college scholarship from Medaille College.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Please note that this does not mean that the North Country has been cleared to open under Phase 3- these guidelines were released so that we can prepare to move into Phase 3.
Parks and other open public spaces, except playgrounds and other areas of congregation where social distancing cannot be abided
Outdoor, low-risk recreational activities are permitted so long as social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting measures are in place:
Tennis
Batting cages
Aerial rope courses or zip lining
Rope courses including aerial rope courses
Toss/bowl games, such horseshoes, bocce, bean bag toss, croquet
Shuffleboard
Shooting ranges
Swim classes and swim instruction
Flying disc games, such as disc golf and frisbee
Non-motorized boat use and rentals, such as rowboats, kayaks, canoes
Golf and driving ranges, except miniature (mini) golf, with food and retail services subject to the restrictions that are currently in effect within the region.
Drive-in movie theaters so long as social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting measures are in place.
Marinas, boatyards, and recreational marine manufacturers, for ongoing marina operations and boat repair/maintenance, where such facilities adhere to strict social distancing and sanitization protocols.
In regions that are not within the first phase of the state’s regional reopening plan, use of such sites for the purposes of personal use or operation of boats or other watercraft is permissible, provided that no establishment offer chartered motorized watercraft services or motorized boat rentals.
Restaurant activity at such sites are limited to take-out or delivery only.
NY-Forward Statewide Guidelines
The NY-Forward has a section on its website that includes statewide guidelines in industries that were not covered under certain phases- such as dentistry, religious and funeral services, and racing activities.
Guidelines for child care and day camps were recently added to the website.
