The Peru Gazette

Source: Heastie: Bail Law Is Being Sensationalized

Essex County was down

Mid-Hudson Region and New York City Have Strongest Growth

Posted on the Airborne Speedway website

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Source: Who’s spending the most to legalize marijuana | CSNY

Source: North Country houses of worship look at added security | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: DEC commissioner: Budget about climate change | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: DOCCS: Some Clinton Annex staff treated for possible exposure | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Special Board Meeting – February 5, 2020

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 4:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The sole purpose of the meeting is to further discuss and consider taking action on a proposed modified lacrosse program. At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting. 

The full Board agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org). 

All are welcome. 

The EITC Coalition the Adirondack Region established the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP TaxAide sites. Representatives present at today’s news conference included (L-R): Project Manager Jose Pitchard, UFirst Federal Credit Union V.P. Jody Carpenter, United Way Director of Development Kathy Snow, IRS Tax Consultant Kathy McNulty, RSVP Director Kate Gardner and AARP District Coordinator Carrie Johnson

By John T. Ryan 

Plattsburgh – Today is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. If you or someone you know qualifies for EITC the impact can be significant. “People who don’t apply may be missing out on a federal refund of up to $6,557 plus an additional New York State tax credit,” said Kathy Snow Director of Development of the United Way of the Adirondack Region. The Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work for someone else or own or run a business. If you qualify you must file a federal tax return even if you owe no tax or are not required to file. You could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or receive money back. The amount of credit or refund is based on if you are single or married and if you have no children or the number of children living with you. 

Determining qualification in this region is easy because there are eight free of charge tax preparation sites located in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. Last year the eight sites processed over $6 million in income tax refunds. 

Clinton County’s tax preparation site is located at the Senior Citizens Council, 5139 North Catherine Street in Plattsburgh. It is one of the busiest in New York State. Its qualified RSVP tax preparers began preparing returns on January 27th and will be doing so through April 10th. Appointments are not needed or taken. 

SeaComm Federal Credit Union and UFirst Credit Union are participating on Super Saturdays. After having made an appointment taxpayers can stop by either institution for free tax filing assistance. Both institutions are also offering free information about asset building, banking and savings.

The EITC threshold for tax year 2019 is $56,000. The threshold is based on adjusted gross income limits as shown below: 

Earned income and adjusted gross income must each be less than: 
$50,162 ($55,952 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children 
$46,703 ($52,493 if married filing jointly) with two qualifying children 
$41,094 ($46,884 if married filing jointly ) with one qualifying child 
$15,570 ($21,370 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying child 

The maximum tax credit for 2019 is: 
$6,557 with three or more qualifying children 
$5,828 with two qualifying children 
$3,526 with one qualifying child 
$529 with no qualifying child 

Click here to see tax preparer locations, dates, times and needed documents 

Editor’s Note: The total tax refunds processed originally read $1 million. It is actually $6 million and that has been corrected. 

Source: Feds deny Adirondack Wildlife Refuge’s renewed request for permits | NCPR News

Source: DEC Issues Final Plans for Sentinel Range Wilderness – – The Adirondack Almanack

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. has elected Michele Bushey to serve on it’s Board of Directors. 

Ms. Bushey is a well respected teacher at Saranac High School and is also well known as a Labor Leader through her work with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and also the Northeast Labor Council. She has a long history of community engagement and philanthropy through her work as a teacher, union leader, and compassionate citizen. 

John Bernardi, President and CEO, said, “We are very pleased to have Michele join our Board of Directors. She has an amazing level of enthusiasm and a very strong commitment to helping her friends and neighbors in our region. We look forward to the wisdom and value that she will bring through her extensive experience and expertise. She is a top notch individual. Our organization is very fortunate to have her support and leadership.”

Ms. Bushey said, “I am deeply honored to become a United Way of the Adirondack Region Board Member. As a teacher and through NYSUT work, I have first-hand experience of seeing the value the United Way has consistently brought to families of the North Country. I am excited to bring as many new connections as possible, to advance the work of the United Way. Being a life-long resident of the North Country, it is a genuine honor to be part of this amazing organization to improve the quality of life for those in need or in crisis. I am inspired by the United Way Board and staff, and by all in our community who invest time, funds and interest to help members in our community.” 

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is a health and human service organization with a network of 41 partner agencies serving Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. The organization’s mission is to be a leader in community partnership building and to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.

Source: AAA study warns of fatal crashes involving drivers who used marijuana – The Buffalo News

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From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft proposal for their new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which rendered all of New York ineligible for the $16 billion allocated in Phase I of the plan to expand high-speed broadband access. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik called the Chairman of the FCC directly and sent a bipartisan letter with the New York delegation asking them to reverse this decision, and to reiterate the need for unserved areas in the North Country to be included in the funding. Today, FCC Chairman Pai sent a letter to Congresswoman Stefanik stating that the proposal will be revised and areas of New York will be considered for Phase I eligibility under the general criteria.

“Expanding access to high-speed broadband is critical to the economic wellbeing of our region,”  said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The FCC reversing their decision to categorically exclude New York is an important step in the right direction, as this will open the door to much needed investment in the areas of North Country that still lack broadband connectivity. However, the FCC’s treatment of areas without high-speed access despite some state investment will be central to the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund fulfilling its goal of truly closing the digital divide. I will to continue to work closely with the FCC throughout the development of this important initiative to expand rural broadband access in the North Country.” 

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Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stefanik has announced a USDA Primary Agricultural Disaster designation for all twelve counties in New York’s 21^st Congressional District. This designation comes after excessive rain and weather events caused massive losses during the 2019 crop year. This designation makes farm operators eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans. Farmers in these counties have 8 months from the date of this declaration to apply for emergency loans, and they are encouraged to act as soon as possible.

“The weather events this past spring, including excessive flooding in many areas, took a toll on farmers across upstate New York” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I am glad USDA has made this designation and will be offering aid to producers, who are vital to the North Country. I encourage any farmers who have questions about this application process to reach out to my offices directly.”

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