FreshConnect Brings More Produce to Rural Areas; Farmers' Markets Show Bountiful Harvests of Upstate New York
Jul 30, 2012
With August upon us, farmers' markets and local produce stands are displaying a bountiful harvest. From flowers, to peaches, to honey and all the makings for a great salad, the markets have something to offer us all. I enjoy visiting the local farmers'...
Free Cancer Screenings Available to Uninsured; Income Limits do not Apply
Jul 23, 2012
I recently had the opportunity to meet with health professionals who work to prevent cancer and help detect the disease in its early stages. I wanted to draw attention to a great program they manage available to residents in both Oswego and Onondaga...
Improvements Needed to Make NY Truly 'Open for Business’, Part 2
Jul 16, 2012
Last week in this space, I described ways in which we can jump-start our economy and better compete with other states. Our state has a new slogan: NY Open for Business. There are nice commercials running on the airways and television stations with a...
Improvements Needed to Make NY Truly ‘Open for Business,’ Part 1
Jul 9, 2012
Our state touts a new mantra and website: NY Open for Business. While this is true in many ways, we can stand to improve just how open for business we are to both existing and new businesses. I wanted to make you aware of legislation I have signed on...
Study Reports Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise; I-STOP to Help Combat Abuse
Jun 29, 2012
A study out last week reports that prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Thankfully, this session we passed the I-STOP bill. This legislation creates the Internet System for Tracking Overprescribing (I-STOP) program. This is a “real-time” registry...
Dairy Day Brings Home Lessons of Farming, Value-Added Products
Jun 18, 2012
We had some fun last week in Albany at the annual Dairy Day. One newspaper quipped "Dairy Day ups Cheese Intake in the Well of the LOB (Legislative Office Building)." This was the case, though whether the Times Union meant this in more ways than one...
Mandate Relief, Economic Development, Community Safety Top My To-Do List During Last Days of Session
Jun 11, 2012
Much has been accomplished this session—a stark contrast to the recent past in Albany. We passed the budget on time and did not raise taxes. We expanded the DNA databank—something I’ve supported for years. We also committed to our communities...
Fruit Farmers Need Federal Disaster Relief;
Raising Thruway Tolls for Trucks Grinds Gears for Business;
Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease
Jun 4, 2012
While many enjoyed the record warm temperatures March offered, fruit farmers held their breath and wondered what this would mean as trees began to bud earlier than they could remember. Hard freezes followed in April, which irreversibly damaged this year's...
Business Incentives, Tax Reductions Pass In Albany
May 25, 2012
There were a number of pro-business policies enacted this year in Albany. I’m pleased to announce the Foreign Trade Zone in Central New York will expand. The Governor recently signed this legislation that I co-sponsored into law to help draw more...
Remember FAST For Stroke Prevention
May 7, 2012
Few know the warning signs of a stroke. Learning them and acting FAST can save your life or the life of a loved one. FAST is an acronym. It stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time. The National Stroke Association recommends performing the following...
Identity Theft: Ways to Prevent Becoming a Victim
May 1, 2012
An estimated 8.6 million households were victims of identity theft in 2010, the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports. I hear from people on a regular basis who have, unfortunately, been among those statistics.
Once the theft has been...
Organ Donors Can Register Online; One Donor has Potential to Save 8 Lives
Apr 23, 2012
In recent years, New York was criticized for having a low organ donation rate compared to other states. This month, the process became easier, and those who wish to donate their organs can do so online.
Currently, more than 2.7 million New Yorkers...
Sex Offenders Banned from Online Games; Laws Work to Protect Children, Families
Apr 16, 2012
More than 3,500 accounts of New York registered sex offenders were recently banned from online video game venues as part of “Operation: Game Over,” in participation with Microsoft, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Disney Interactive...
Legislation Expands Foreign Trade Zone to Create Jobs, Investment in CNY
Apr 9, 2012
I was pleased to co-sponsor legislation that aims to draw more businesses to Central New York. In March, the Assembly unanimously passed legislation that will expand the Foreign Trade Zone. The Senate also passed this bill and it awaits the Governor’s...
Budget: Spending Kept In Line; No New Taxes; Investments Made in Schools, Jobs and Parks
Apr 2, 2012
As I write this column, we are closing out on a long week of budget talks and have just passed the state budget in Albany. I was happy with the budget process. It was done during the daylight and lawmakers had plenty of time to review the bills before...