Archive: News

Senator Pam Helming announced that legislation (S.6924) she sponsors banning the sale of Kratom to minors passed the Senate unanimously. The bill would amend the public health law to define and regulate Kratom as well as direct the New York State Department of Health to conduct a study on the benefits and risks of Kratom.

"Over the last year and half, I have spoken with countless individuals and families about the addiction crisis plaguing our communities. In addition to heroin and opioids, there is growing concern over the risks of using Kratom - whether for recreational purposes or as way of treating other addictions. It is important that we regulate and control its sale to minors until we know more about its possible benefits and risks. This bipartisan legislation shows that we take the addiction crisis seriously. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this critical legislation without any opposition in the Senate," Senator Helming said.

Washington - Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) announced Tuesday his legislation to increase the quality and awareness of hospice and palliative care has passed the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and now advances to the full committee for a vote.

"I witnessed the benefits of hospice and palliative when caring for my Mother, and it is an issue that strikes close to my heart," said Reed. "This bill will ensure that our aging loved ones have access to the proper and comfortable care they deserve as they reach those crucial final days with their family.

A plan for major improvements to the Finger Lakes Marine Service marina was considered at a Planning Board public hearing last week.  The plan, prompted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requirements, proposes improvements to just about everything on the property except for the majority of the docks.

"The marina is headed toward becoming an upscale marina," owner Barry Ford said. "It's already started.  We've already 'upscaled' a lot of the customers coming in.  The only way it could survive is to upscale."

Washington – Representative Tom Reed addressed the recent report Monday that Medicare and Social Security is expected to run out of money by 2026 and 2034, respectively.

"We care about those on Social Security and Medicare and are aware of the funding problems they are facing," said Rep. Reed. "We must work to solve this and pass bipartisan reforms to ensure that Social Security and Medicare are available for generations to come."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday to increase protections for immigrant children who have been separated from their families as a result of the Trump Administration's inhumane '"'zero tolerance'"' policy. The legislation will provide parents who have been detained in New York, or are facing deportation from the state, an opportunity to appoint someone of their choosing to step into their shoes and provide emergency care for their child.

"The Trump Administration's heartless treatment of immigrant children violates equal protections and leaves an ugly stain on our country's history," Cuomo said. "By taking action today, these new protections send a message loudly and clearly that New York will never abandon the values that have long sustained and nourished this state and nation, and we will do everything in our power to protect the health and well-being of these innocent children."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday the launch of Open FOIL NY, a new website that provides easy and unparalleled access to public records in New York. Open FOIL NY is a convenient and centralized online location to file Freedom of Information Law requests with 59 New York State agencies and public authorities. For the first time in New York, the public has a uniform method to submit requests for government records through a single website. In addition, New York is the first state in the nation to provide an open-access records request webform that allows the requester to select multiple state agencies for a single records request.

"Open FOIL NY is a giant leap forward, bringing the Freedom of Information Law into the 21st century," Governor Cuomo said. "This initiative will build on the success of Open NY—expanding our award-winning platform to further enhance interaction between State government and the public."