Tenney unveils 2025 report showing her efforts for 24th Congressional District
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
OSWEGO – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released her 2025 Annual Report, showcasing how her office delivered for working families, farmers, small businesses, veterans and seniors across the district.
The report (click here) highlights expanded constituent services, strong legislative action, and a continued commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Serving NY-24 in 2025 has been a privilege, and this year delivered meaningful progress for families and small businesses,” Tenney said. “My office returned $27.5 million to constituents who were owed benefits, resolved 2,600 constituent cases, and responded to tens of thousands of calls and messages from those seeking help.
“On the legislative front, I supported the Trump Tax Cuts to deliver permanent relief for working families, seniors, farmers, and small businesses, and backed dozens of bills that advanced through the House. This annual report outlines how these efforts delivered real results for Upstate New York and where the focus remains as we head into the new year.”
Constituent Services
- Returned over $27.5 million in benefits or back pay to residents of NY-24.
- Completed 2,600 constituent cases, helping people cut through federal red tape.
- Answered more than 16,000 constituent calls and messages.
- Provided over 850 commendations and proclamations to veterans, first responders, students, and community leaders.
- Wrote 110 grant letters to support local community projects and economic growth.
- Attended over 130 community events across the district.
Accessibility and Transparency
- Explained every vote cast in Congress, surpassing 1,000 detailed vote explanations on the website.
- Responded to more than 78,000 constituent messages seeking answers and accountability.
- Continued to provide clear breakdowns of Washington actions that affect costs, security, and local priorities.
Delivering Results for NY-24
- Introduced 67 bills and cosponsored 472 bills on critical issues like economic growth, national security, and election integrity.
- Supported 45 bills that passed the House of Representatives.
- Helped advance 11 bills that became law, including measures enacted in the Trump Tax Cuts that deliver permanent relief.
- Secured wins that support local priorities: tax credits for advanced manufacturing, stronger protections for family farms, and rural hospital support.
- Advocated for energy affordability and reliability, including preserving nuclear credits important to Upstate New York.
Highlights for the District
- Backed efforts that helped secure the release of an American held abroad.
- Passed H.R. 323, Renaming a Post Office to Honor Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz
- Pressed for stronger border security and enforcement to protect public safety and stop illegal trafficking.
- Supported workforce development initiatives and small business outreach efforts across NY-24.
Travel advisory rescinded; 62 trees toppled from fierce wind
Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: A fallen tree lies on a road at the Carlton Town Park this morning. Many trees were knocked down from the powerful winds.
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke rescinded a travel advisory, effective at 3 p.m. today. That advisory had been in place more than 24 hours since early Monday afternoon.
An advisory isn’t a ban but discourages from unnecessary driving.
“We continue to experience some wind and snow creating winter driving conditions,” Bourke said. “National Grid would like residents to know that they continue to restore power in treacherous conditions and to stay safe and avoid any downed wires. Please report an outage to National Grid.”
The sheriff said the 911 center has been very busy with storm-related calls since Monday morning.
From 5 a.m. Monday to 12:30 p.m. today, dispatchers handled 159 weather-related calls included 62 for trees down; 23 for wires down; 4 for wires arcing; 1 for pole down; 13 for water problems; 32 to notify highway departments for tree removal; and 24 to utility companies when a fire department wasn’t needed.
There were 19 additional medical calls during this time, Bourke said.
Winter weather advisory for Orleans with 3 to 5 inches of snow today, 2 to 4 inches on Wednesday
Photo by Tom Rivers: These electric utility vehicles are at the Save-A-Lot parking lot around 1:30 p.m. There were about 15 of the vehicles staging there. National Grid has brought in reinforcements to try to get the power back on for customers in Orleans County.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County from today through 1 a.m. on Thursday.
The Weather Service said Orleans County can expect 3 to 5 inches of snow today and another 2 to 4 inches on Wednesday. Winds will also be gusting as high as 45 miles per hour.
The advisory also includes Niagara, Monroe and Genesee counties.
“During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away,” The Weather Service said. “Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility and road conditions.”
About 800 National Grid customers in Orleans County also remain without electricity as of 2:25 p.m.
Weather again delays Kendall Tournament
For the second day in a row stormy weather has caused the postponement of the two opening round varsity games of the Kendall boys basketball Holiday Tournament.
The first round varsity games are now scheduled for Friday with Kendall to face Roy-Hart at 11:30 a.m.. followed by Livonia vs. Northstar at 1 p.m.
Kendall is now 3-1 on the season and Roy-Hart 3-2.
The Kendall and Roy-Hart JV teams will play at 10 a.m. Friday.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on Saturday with the JV consolation game at 10 a.m., the JV championship game at 11:30 a.m., the varsity consolation game at 1 p.m. and the varsity championship game at 2:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
The Lyndonville at Alexander and Medina at Maryvale girls games have also both been postponed.
5 stayed at warming center in Albion last night
Site has seen increase so far this winter
Photo by Tom Rivers: Julie Carasone, warming center coordinator for Oak Orchard Health, is shown this morning inside Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, where five people stayed last night. Three were people without a place to stay and two others didn’t have electricity.
ALBION – The warming center at Christ Episcopal Church welcomed five people last night, another bitter cold day.
Three of those people are unhoused without a place to stay and two others lost their electricity from the powerful winds yesterday and wanted a warm place for the night.
The Clarendon fire station also opened as a warming center, but no one chose to stay there overnight, said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director.
Oak Orchard Health is now in its third season of running the warming center at Christ Church, 26 S. Main St., Albion.
The site has 12 cots, coffee, tea, soup and hygiene kits when the temperature drops below 32 degrees at night. Oak Orchard also has the ability through the Emergency Management Office to have up to 90 cots set up.
Oak Orchard was ready with additional supplies and cots if needed last night, said Julie Carasone, warming center coordinator for Oak Orchard Health.
The site typically had 1 or 2 people each night the first winter it opened in 2023-’24, and then 2 or 3 on most days last winter.
This year there are more people, usually 3 to 8 each night, Carasone said.
“This year we have a significant increase in the number of people who are un-homed or unhoused,” she said. “We’ve been very busy this season.”
The warming center is activated on “Cold Blue” nights when the temperature falls to 32 degrees or below. That started early this year – on Nov. 3, Carasone said.
She said some of the people who stay at the warming center are only there for a couple weeks and they are able to get housing and a job. Others struggle to come up with the money for a security deposit and down payment and are there more long-term.
“In Orleans County there is a limited housing supply,” Carasone said. “And rent has become expensive.”
She praised the collaboration among Oak Orchard Health, the Orleans County DSS, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern and Community Action in trying to keep people safe from the cold and headed towards more secure housing.
The warming center is paid for through a state grant to operate the “Code Blue” centers. Oak Orchard Health has two staff that work at the site, one in a six-hour shift from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and then another coming in from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
When the temperature is above 32 degrees, the warming center is not available. Carasone said she hears from the people that they will stay in tents, or by the canal park in Albion, or with family and friends.
They often stay in public libraries, fast food restaurants, laundromats and other businesses during the day, Carasone said.
She also thanked other agencies and the community for helping keep the warming center stocked with supplies for the people staying overnight. The Medina Area Association of Churches, Hands 4 Hope, Community Action and Zonta Club all have helped with materials at the site.
The warming center will likely be available into April when the temperature usually gets over 32 degrees at night.
2,000 still without power in Orleans County
Provided photo: A big tree fell across Route 31 in Albion on Monday evening. This tree was on the north side of Route 31 and fell near Mount Albion Cemetery.
About 10 percent of the National Grid customers in Orleans County are without electricity this morning.
National Grid reports that as of 7:35 this morning 1,973 of its customers in Orleans County (out of 19,724) are without electricity. The power was knocked out on Monday from the high winds taking down wires, trees and branches.
In Western New York, Orleans is one of the hardest hit by outages.
Other counties with outages served by National Grid include:
- Cattaraugus: 830 without power out of 32,268 customers
- Chautauqua: 73 out of 41,420
- Erie: 2,248 out of 288,213
- Genesee: 628 out of 27,513
- Monroe: 399 out of 21,809
- Niagara: 1,573 out of 83,683
- Wyoming: 114 out of 3,608
Travel advisories are in effect for Orleans, Genesee, Erie and Wyoming counties with the sheriffs in those counties recommending no unnecessary travel.
High winds postpone Kendall basketball tournament games until Tuesday
Due to today’s high winds the two opening round varsity games of the Kendall boys basketball Holiday Tournament have been postponed until tomorrow.
Kendall is now scheduled to face Roy-Hart at 3:30 p.m. followed by Livonia vs. Northstar.
The Kendall and Roy-Hart JV teams will play at 2 p.m.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on Friday with the JV consolation game at 10 a.m., the JV championship game at 11:30 a.m., the varsity consolation game at 1 p.m. and the varsity championship game at 2:30 p.m.
Clarendon fire station added as warming center
More than 2,600 still without power in Orleans County
The Clarendon fire station on Route 31A has opened as a warming center for people to stay and warm up and charge their devices. The fire station at 16169 East Lee Rd. will be open all night for people to stay or stop by.
Christ Episcopal Church in Albion at 26 S. Main St. will also be available as a warming center. Anyone that needs access to the warming center at Christ Church is asked to call (585) 340-1355 to make arrangements prior to going.
UPDATE at 7:50 p.m.: The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church at 10 East Park St. in Albion also announced it will be open as a warming center until 10 tonight.
There will be snacks and beverages available, as well as the chance to charge phones.
National Grid is reporting at 7:06 p.m. that 2,683 of its customers are currently without electricity.
Those totals by municipality include:
- Albion – 183
- Albion village – 539
- Barre – 367
- Carlton – 178
- Clarendon – 524
- Gaines – 157
- Holley village – 1
- Kendall – 82
- Lyndonville village – 2
- Medina village – 7
- Murray – 259
- Ridgeway – 173
- Shelby – 166
- Yates – 45
Gold Star Family license plates now available in NY
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C–Batavia) today commented on the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) announcement of new Gold Star Family license plates.
The new plates will give qualifying family members a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifice of their fallen loved ones and will be offered alongside the existing Gold Star Mothers license plate.
Assemblyman Hawley’s bill, A.2334, has long supported efforts to waive registration fees for Gold Star parents and family members who apply for commemorative plates. He welcomed the unveiling of the new plates and thanked DMV Commissioner and former state Assembly colleague Mark Schroeder for his work in making them available to Gold Star Families across New York. Hawley also said he plans to amend his bill to ensure the DMV includes this new plate when waiving registration fees for eligible Gold Star Families.
Qualifying family members can order the new plates now by visiting the DMV’s website.
“I’m proud to see the DMV take this important step supporting our state’s Gold Star Families and my legislation and providing them with another way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Hawley said. “One of my goals as an assemblyman has been to ensure these plates are accessible and affordable for qualifying families. This announcement marks real progress, and I look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Schroeder and my colleagues in Albany to make sure Gold Star Families will be able to obtain these plates for no registration fee.”
Orleans teams earn Scholar-Athlete Awards
Some two dozen Orleans County varsity teams have earned New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete awards for the Fall season.
To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team, the average of 75% of the roster must be 90.00 or higher for the marking period.
Albion has five honored teams including Boys and Girls Cross-Country, Boys and Girls Soccer and Volleyball.
Holley has a quartet of honored teams including Boys and Girls Soccer, Volleyball and Cheerleading.
Kendall has a trio of honored teams including Boys and Girls Soccer and Volleyball.
Lyndonville also has three honored teams including Boys and Girls Soccer and Volleyball.
Medina has nine honored squads including Boys and Girls Cross-Country, Boys and Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Football, Golf and Cheerleading.
Neighboring Roy-Hart has three honored teams Field Hockey, Volleyball and Girls Soccer while Barker has six including Boys and Girls Cross-Country, Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Football and Golf.
Akron and Wilson both have nine honorees including Boys and Girls Cross-Country, Boys and Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Football, Golf and Cheerleading.
Newfane has eight honored squads including Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Cross-Country, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Football, Golf and Cheerleading.
“The Scholar-Athlete program remains one of the most meaningful recognitions we provide as an Association,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “The dedication shown by these student-athletes, balancing rigorous academic responsibilities with their commitments to interscholastic athletics, is truly remarkable.”
Barre reschedules year-end meeting to noon on Tuesday
OK Kitchen cancels Thursday dinner due to frigid forecast
The Barre Town Board has rescheduled the year-end board meeting from 6 p.m. today until noon on Tuesday due the rough weather, including a travel advisory. The meeting will be at the Town Hall on West Barre Road.
The Orleans Koinonia Kitchen’s board of directors also has canceled the meal scheduled for Thursday on New Year’s Day due to the forecast of very cold weather.
“We want everyone to stay home and stay safe and warm,” said Faith Smith, the kitchen’s director. “It will be very cold and there will be ice everywhere. Our only concern is for everyone’s safety. We will be back open Thursday, January 7.”
Warming center open in Albion tonight
Site is available for residents of Orleans County
ALBION – The warming center at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion is open tonight for people in Orleans County who need a warm place to stay.
The site is operated by Oak Orchard Health. Anyone that needs access to the warming center/shelter is asked to call (585) 340-1355 to make arrangements prior to going
“Our staff is on standby and ready to help, including providing a warm cup of coffee and a safe place to warm up,” Oak Orchard Health stated on its Facebook page. “Do not stay stranded in the cold. Please call for assistance.”
There are also daytime warming centers that include Hoag Library in Albion at 134 South Main St.; Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina at 620 West Ave.; and the Eastern Orleans Community Center at 75 Public Square in Holley.
Sheriff issues travel advisory, saying no unnecessary driving
Power outages near 4,000 in county
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke has issued a travel advisory urging no unnecessary driving due to many downed trees and wires causing unsafe conditions throughout the county.
“Please exercise extreme caution when traveling, and only travel if necessary,” Bourke said in a press release sent at 1:55 p.m.
Additional information will be released when the travel advisory is lifted, he said.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with keeping our roadways safe,” the sheriff said.
National Grid also reports the number of customers without electricity is up to 3,740 as of 2:35 p.m. That is about 19 percent of National Grid’s 19,724 customers in Orleans County.
Power outages top 2,000 in Orleans County
Drivers dodge garbage cans, recycling carts on windy day
Photos by Tom Rivers: It’s a bad day to be garbage day with powerful winds knocking over the recycling carts and garbage cans. Drivers needed to dodge a recycling cart and toppled cans on East Park Street in Albion.
National Grid reported at 10:45 a.m. that the number of customers without electricity in Orleans County has increased to 2,147. That was up from 564 just after 8 a.m.
The biggest outages are in the Kendall area. National Grid expects that power to be restored there by 11:45 a.m. and the rest of the county back on line by 3 p.m. today.
A high wind warning is in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday with southwest winds at 35 to 45 mile per hour and gusts up to 75 mph.
These garbage cans blew into South Clinton Street in Albion after being emptied by Modern Disposal.
500 in Orleans without power as fierce winds take down wires, trees
Provided photo: A crew works to restore electricity in Barre on Route 98 this morning around 8 a.m. This is in between the Barre fire hall and East Barre Road.
Powerful winds have knocked out electricity to 564 National Grid customers after 8 a.m. today.
National Grid said the power should be back on in the affected areas by 11:30 a.m.
A high wind warning is in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday with southwest winds at 35 to 45 mile per hour and gusts up to 75 mph.
National Grid reports the following outages by county:
- Orleans 564 out of 19,724 customers
- Genesee: 1,228 out of 27,513
- Erie: 1,724 out of 288,213
- Niagara: 177 out of 83,683
