A resolution to change the composition of Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) member-filed by Legislator Anna Kelles (D-Ithaca) passed unanimously (14-0). Kelles referenced the outpouring of interest from the public in this action, stating "This is to uphold and expand the intention of the IDA to create local jobs." Kelles acknowledged the collaboration. Legislator Anne Koreman stated, "A silver lining to this pandemic is it has put everything back on the table. Think, 'what if we were starting the IDA now,' it would make perfect sense for labor to have a seat at the table." Union leaders and public advocates for local labor joined privilege of the floor to express their support for the resolution.

This resolution removes one legislature seat from the IDA, replacing it with a seat designated for a representative from local labor. The resolution as it was passed does not require New York State approval.

Williamsville, NY -- Tops Friendly Markets have partnered with UFCW Local One to provide an additional appreciation bonus for its workers in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The agreement that was negotiated between both parties will provide part-time associates hired prior to June 30, 2020 who worked any hours since September 15, 2020 and remained employed as of December 14, 2020 with a $100 appreciation bonus. Full-time associates who worked any hours since September 15, 2020 and remained employed at Tops as of December 14, 2020 will receive a $200 appreciation bonus.

Washington, DC -- US Reps. Tom Reed (NY-23) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the New Markets Stabilization Act today, bipartisan legislation that will preserve access to the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) for underserved communities and ensure the credit continues to spur economic revitalization as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis continues.

“COVID-19 has impacted every corner of our economy, especially traditionally underserved communities and the financial organizations that support them. Given the critical role New Market Tax Credits can play in driving economic recovery and reducing poverty, it is only fair that we move to stabilize the program and provide investors with the additional flexibility they need to further incentivize emergency relief initiatives,” said Reed.

Village of Lansing-based Rheonix Inc. announced Monday that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an expanded Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Rheonix COVID-19™ MDx Assay and now allows the use of saliva as an approved sample type. The fully automated sample-to-answer assay was initially authorized for use on a range of respiratory specimens under EUA on April 29, 2020.

The ability to test saliva samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, simplifies the sample collection process and streamlines the testing workflow, while reducing the exposure of medical personnel to potentially infected individuals. For patients, this less invasive sample collection method is a welcome alternative to nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, the most prevalent sample type. In addition, use of saliva as a sample type helps to ease critical supply chain issues by eliminating the need for specialized swab or collection devices.