Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Cannabis Control Board voted to waive licensing fees for two years for Adult-Use Conditional Cultivators. Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in the cannabis industry, stating, “Farmers are the backbone of our State, and we’re making sure the family farms across New York that are building our cannabis industry have a real chance to succeed.”The fee waiver will benefit dispensaries transitioning to non-conditional license types, such as cultivation licenses and microbusiness licenses. Chris...
There were 1,091 VA home purchase loans issued in New York in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023 totaling $367.1 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of construction at the Sullivan County International Airport, marking the beginning of a project aimed at modernizing the airport and boosting economic growth in the Catskill Region. The initiative, which received $18.5 million from the Governor’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will see the replacement of the airport's 55-year-old terminal with a new, energy-efficient building.The new terminal, spanning 15,000 square feet, is set to offer enhanced amenities for travelers and...
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the availability of the Election Protection Hotline for the upcoming April 2, 2024 presidential primary election in New York. The hotline will be operational during the early voting period from March 23 to March 30, offering assistance to voters facing various issues related to casting their ballots.In a statement, Attorney General James emphasized the importance of ensuring that every New Yorker can exercise their right to vote, stating, “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and my office will always...
Governor Kathy Hochul has officially opened the application process for the $10 million Next Move NY initiative in the North Country. The initiative aims to strengthen workforce opportunities for transitioning soldiers and their families. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of Fort Drum to the region's economy, stating, "Next Move NY is creating a robust workforce training pipeline to help soldiers and their spouses receive in-demand job training while connecting them with employers, allowing them to thrive, succeed and ultimately stay in the North Country."...
Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a $102 million effort to enhance care and treatment for individuals grappling with serious mental illness. The plan includes the development of 26 Critical Time Intervention (CTI) teams and additional 'Safe Options Support' teams, with a focus on youth and young adults. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health crisis, stating, “New Yorkers struggling with serious mental illness deserve care, treatment and support.”Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH),...
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an investigation into the unfortunate death of Nathan Scott that occurred on March 18, 2024, after an encounter with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).According to reports, the incident took place at the intersection of Remsen Avenue and East 57th Street in Brooklyn, where "three NYPD officers fired their service weapons at Mr. Scott who had fired a semiautomatic weapon on a public street." Mr. Scott was subsequently taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A...
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $4 million to establish a new Intensive and Sustained Engagement team in the city of Rochester and Monroe County, aimed at serving individuals with complex mental health needs. The initiative, administered by the state Office of Mental Health, will introduce New York's fourth peer-led team focusing on providing intensive support services to individuals with complex needs, particularly those facing challenges in accessing traditional forms of mental health care.Highlighting the importance of peer-led programs, Governor...
New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, announced a settlement with Syracuse landlord Todd Hobbs for failing to address lead-based paint hazards at his rental properties. The $175,000 settlement will be used for a tenant relief fund to aid families affected by lead poisoning.Attorney General James expressed her concern over Hobbs' negligence, stating, "Todd Hobbs put families’ health and well-being in danger and betrayed their trust." She emphasized the importance of protecting children,...
Governor Kathy Hochul marked the beginning of spring by introducing the New York Blooms Report, a weekly guide aimed at helping New Yorkers discover the beauty of roses, lilacs, tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias at various attractions across the state. Hochul highlighted the significance of the season, saying, "Spring is an exciting time in New York as the temperatures get warmer, the birds return from their winter migration, and the flowers bud and bloom in both our own gardens and in the many parks and botanical gardens throughout the state."The reports, managed by...
New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, announced a settlement with Syracuse landlord Todd Hobbs and his companies for failing to address lead-based paint hazards at his rental properties. The $175,000 settlement will be used to compensate families affected by lead poisoning and to address lead hazards at Hobbs' properties."Todd Hobbs put families’ health and well-being in danger and betrayed their trust," said Attorney General James. "As a result of his failure to properly address lead-based...
New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the recent decision by the Second Department to uphold the state's stringent gun safety laws. In a statement released on Mar 20, 2024, Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of these laws in the ongoing battle against gun violence."In the wake of the horrific shooting in my hometown of Buffalo, New York passed some of the strongest gun safety laws in the nation — including strengthening our 'red flag' laws to keep dangerous weapons away from people who pose a risk to themselves or others," Governor Hochul stated.The...
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated Agricultural Literacy Week in New York, announcing a full slate of reading events planned across the state throughout the week. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, and New York staff members are joining thousands of volunteers across the state to visit classrooms and engage with students through a book reading and hands-on activities. Now in its 19th year, Agricultural Literacy Week is a statewide effort organized by New York Agriculture in the Classroom to educate students...
Governor Kathy Hochul has revealed that construction is commencing this spring on a permanent water transmission line to establish a new water source for the village of Hoosick Falls. The endeavor is part of a 2023 agreement between New York State and Saint-Gobain and Honeywell to implement the new water supply and tackle perfluorooctanoic acid contamination from historical industrial operations in the area."No community should have to question the safety of their drinking water, and we're continuing to make important investments to protect New Yorkers and ensure...
Governor Kathy Hochul today emphasized the importance of New York’s Move Over Law being expanded to encompass all vehicles stopped on highways, in an effort to enhance overall highway safety. Effective March 27, 2024, drivers will be mandated to take necessary precautions, such as slowing down and changing lanes, to prevent accidents with any vehicles stopped along the roadway.“The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, especially those pulled over to the side of the road,” Governor Hochul affirmed. “If you see that you are approaching a disabled vehicle, slow down...
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of River Avenue, a 245-unit affordable and supportive housing development in the Concourse section of the Bronx. The transit-oriented development includes over 20,000 square feet of commercial space and offers on-site supportive services for families and individuals experiencing homelessness."River Avenue will provide a safe, modern, and affordable place for individuals and families to call home and will be nothing short of transformative for those experiencing homelessness," Governor Hochul said. She further emphasized her...
New York's Redistricting Long Fight is OverAfter a three-year battle, the New York State Legislature has finally enacted a new map for the state's congressional districts, as reported by John Faso in an op-ed in the Daily News. The process, which involved extensive legal disputes and court decisions, has now come to a conclusion.The new map, as described by Faso, does not significantly differ from the one drawn by a court-appointed expert in 2022, despite threats of further legal challenges. Faso highlights that the redistricting process in New York was governed by a...
Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a comprehensive effort to safeguard New Yorkers in anticipation of the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The initiative, featuring the distribution of limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses and a campaign to raise awareness about scams, aims to ensure the safety of individuals during this rare celestial event.Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of providing resources for New Yorkers to enjoy the eclipse safely, stating, "The total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-generation experience for our state, and it’s...