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Orly the Ox completes busy year as bicentennial mascot for county

Posted 3 January 2026 at 10:33 am

More 200 social media posts, TikTok videos and many appearances

Photo by Brenda Tremblay: In one of his boldest outings, Orly the Ox went kayaking on Glenwood Lake and made it close to the Medina Waterfalls on Aug. 18. He met up with the Buffalo paddle People, a kayaking group that goes to sites all over WNY. Orleans County is popular with kayakers, especially the Oak Orchard Creek and Glenwood Lake in Ridgeway.

Photo by Isabella Zasa: Orly the Ox made it to the top of the Mount Albion Tower in one of his journeys in Orleans County in 2025. Orly had more than 200 social media posts on Facebook and Instagram about local historical sites, notable residents of the past and local attractions. Orly also went kayaking, hydro-biking, skateboarding and tackled many adventures in Orleans County during all four seasons. Orly also is featured on about 200 TikTok videos.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub contributor

ALBION – Orly the Ox has completed a busy year promoting Orleans County, highlighting prominent spots and other locations and people that were lower profile.

Isabella Zasa and Tom Rivers were the driving force behind Orly’s adventures in 2025. Zasa works as a tourism assistant and digital content creator for the Orleans County Tourism Department, Rivers is the Orleans Hub editor. Both are members of the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee.

The committee picked an ox as a mascot for the county to celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2025. Oxen were critical in transporting early settlers across rough terrain. The oxen helped clear land and plow fields. They are somewhat underappreciated for their important role with the early settlers.

The committee wanted to recognize the oxen and acknowledge their link to the pioneers. The group also decided to have an ox in costume as a fun way to promote the bicentennial.

“Orly” was initially intended to just appear in Medina’s Parade of Lights in 2024, walking in front of the Bicentennial Committee’s float that included an ox statue. But Orly was popular along the parade route. (Lucy Rivers, the daughter of Tom Rivers, wore the costume in that parade with her sister Cordelia following up at Albion’s lighted parade in December 2024.)

Orly’s look was created by Robyn Watts of Medina, who makes many of the costumes for the Medina musical products and also for Lake Plains Players. She gave Orly a vest with all 10 towns, four villages and some of the hamlets. She also embroidered some of the early names – Newport for Albion and Saltport for Holley.

Zasa noticed how Oswego County uses a character, Ozzy the Elf, to highlight sites in that county. She suggested an ox be used to showcase places in Orleans County. Orly was activated last January for the task, and he kept up a busy pace, with at least five social media posts a week.

Zasa and Tom Rivers worked as team on the social media posts. They would share the duties of wearing the costume, taking the photos and writing the blurbs.

Zasa put together an active social media presence for Orly on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. Tourism’s Facebook followers have nearly doubled in the past year from 2,300 to 4,500 and many of the Orly posts get hundreds of likes.

Catherine Cooper, Orleans County’s historian, loves Orly and said he has helped the community better understand local history.

“Orly’s delight in exploring the treasures of Orleans County is infectious,” Cooper said.

Zasa said the Orly posts connected with many in the public, who enjoyed the authentic storytelling over AI-generated content.

“We covered the bigger attractions and hit the smaller niche things,” she said. “It was to promote the county in a fun way.”

Photos by Marsha Rivers: (Left) Isabella Zasa, a tourism assistant and digital content creator for the Orleans County Tourism Department, takes a picture of Orly on West State Street in Albion by the historical marker for Grace Bedell, an Albion native who wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln, urging him to grow a beard during the presidential campaign in 1860. Lincoln took her advice. Bedell, 11 at the time, was living in Westfield at the time when she sent the letter. (Right) Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, takes a photo of Orly holding a cake with “200” with the Orleans County Courthouse in the background. This was right before the April 15 anniversary of when Orleans County was officially recognized by the State legislature as its own county, after splitting off from Genesee County. Rivers and Zasa took most of the Orly photos and wrote the features about him in 2025. They also took turns wearing the Orly costume throughout the year.

Orly picked up fans outside of the county, too. The NYS Canal Corp. often would like and share his social media posts and invited Orly to the bicentennial celebration to kick off the 200th anniversary of the canal season, a ceremony that was cancelled due to flooding on the eastern end of the canal.

Zasa said Orly helped people learn about the county, with people from other towns seeing assets that didn’t realize. The post about Orly climbing Mount Albion Tower included comments from people in Medina who didn’t realize there was a 68-foot-high tower in the back of the cemetery.

Rivers has worked as a local reporter for nearly 30 years now. He has done features about many of the local sites over the years. He saw the Orly features as a challenge to see how well he knew the community. He was also able to draw on historical columns from Catherine Cooper and past county historians, Matt Ballard and Bill Lattin.

Another way the community got to connect with Orly was via the Flat Orly challenge, where people could color printouts and take him on an adventure, snapping a commemorative photo. Flat Orly was featured in New York City, Iowa and other states. These photos were featured on Orly’s social media pages.

Orly was named the Grand Marshall of Albion’s Strawberry Festival. He also attended the Lyndonville parade, Barre tractor parade, and the Albion Christmas parade.

Orly was intended to be a 2025 phenomenon, and then head to retirement. But Rivers and Zasa said Orly is much loved by many people who would be sad if he went away.

They concocted a storyline were Orly meets up with a long-lost brother, Scout, and the two will work together in 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA.

Zasa and Rivers also want to make a book of Orly’s 2025 adventures, an effort that will be a fundraiser for the Cobblestone Museum.

Click here to see Tourism’s Facebook page to see more of Orly’s adventures.

Photo by Isabella Zara: Orly the Ox ended his active year of 2025 by being reunited with his brother Scout at Welker Farms on Sanderson Road in Shelby. Scout was added to the storyline for Orly, giving him a brother as a partner in 2026 to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country. Robyn Watts made both of these ox costumes. Orly has a vest with the names of towns, villages and some of the hamlets in Orleans County. Scout has a more patriotic themed vest.

Orleans Community Health receives grant to expand pediatric services

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 January 2026 at 8:14 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced it has been awarded a grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to expand pediatric services, live-saving education and family support programs for children in Orleans County.

The funding will help OCH deliver a holistic and equitable approach to pediatric wellness, addressing critical needs in a rural community where child poverty, limited transportation, high infant mortality rates and a shortage of medical providers continue to impact families. More than 1,500 children and families are expected to benefit within the first year of the initiative, according to information provided by Scott Robinson, director of Marketing for OCH.

“Families in our community deserve access to care and education that protect children’s health and empower parents,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “This generous grant allows us to expand resources beyond the clinic walls – bringing safety education, mental health support and essential pediatric equipment directly to the families who need it most.”

The project supported by the Garman Family Foundation will include:

  • Free Infant CPR and Newborn Care Classes for parents and caregivers, eliminating the need for families to travel long distances for live-saving training.
  • A Pediatric Wellness Fair, offering education and health resources for local families.
  • Mental Health and Behavioral Support Tools, including the certification of a pediatric nurse practitioner in the evidence-based COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) program and the use of anxiety-reducing tools during visits.
  • Preventative Child Safety Resources, including helmets, first aid kits and coping tools to reduce emergencies and injuries.
  • Important Clinical Upgrades, including pediatric exam tables and an infant warmer for safe and effective care.
  • A New Children’s Reading nook and Books Distributed at Well Visits to promote early literacy and development growth.

Leah Brunner, pediatric nurse practitioner who serves children in both OCH’s Medina and Albion offices, shared how the funding will enhance care from the moment the families walk in the door.

“Parents want to feel confident caring for their children, and kids deserve a safe, supportive place to grow,” Brenner said. “With this grant, we can offer families more education, more tools and a more welcoming pediatric environment. It strengthens care for every child who comes through our doors.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is a 501 ©3 organization whose mission is connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Since 1919, they have enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York Community.

Lady Lions edge past Lady Rams

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 January 2026 at 8:54 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Courtney Aquilina puts up shot between Lockport defenders Alizah Barry (7) and Arden Anterline (24) during the host Lady Rams lo the Lady Lions this evening.

Roy-Hart dropped a narrow 51-47 decision to visiting Lockport in a non league girls basketball game this evening.

Emma Buzak scored a game high 25 points to lead Lockport as Arden Anterline had 9 and Ava King 8.

Courtney Aquilina sparked Roy-Hart with 21 as Millie Owens had 9, Adella Dukes 8, Zoe Healey 3 and Brooke Corser, Kylie McOmber and Peyton May 2 each.

Roy-Hart grabbed a slender 12-10 lead at the end of the first quarter as Aquilina tallied 8 in the early going while Buzak netted all 10 of Lockport’s points including a pair of threes.

The Lady Lions rallied into leads of 22-21 at the half and 39-34 at the three-quarter mark. Buzak scored 6 in the second period, including a four point play, while Anterline tallied 8, including two threes, and King 4 in the third quarter.

The Lady Rams did close to within two, 42-40 midway through the final period after baskets by McOmber and Aquilina but could not pull even.

A basket and four free throws by Buzak helped the Lady Lions lock up the win

Lockport is now 4-3 and Roy-Hart 2-5.

Brooke Corser puts up a shot for Roy-Hart ahead of Lockport defender Arden Anterline.

Ortt, State Senate GOP want audit of state programs including potential Medicaid fraud, ‘sham daycares’

Posted 2 January 2026 at 6:57 pm

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt

ALBANY – Following disturbing reports of widespread fraud involving taxpayer dollars in Minnesota, members of the Senate Republican Conference have penned a letter to the Governor’s Office urging her to immediately hire a private professional services firm to conduct a truly independent audit of programs administered by state agencies to ensure that public funds are only being distributed to authorized organizations and individuals, and utilized for authorized activities.

Further, Senate Republican Leader Ortt will be introducing a bill to require an independent audit of New York State government programs by a professional third party and to mandate that all findings of fraud or abuse will be promptly referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

These actions follow recent revelations of rampant fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars uncovered by investigative reporting in Minnesota, including schemes that reportedly involved sham daycare centers.

“If Governor Hochul isn’t alarmed by what’s happening in Minnesota, New Yorkers will lose even more trust in how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “The Governor must do her job and guarantee this isn’t happening here. If nothing is amiss, there is no excuse for refusing a comprehensive, independent audit. Failing to act would be an extreme disservice to taxpayers.”

An independent audit is necessary to root out all similar schemes currently underway here in New York, Ortt said. For example:

  • $68 million in Medicaid fraud committed by a Brooklyn adult daycare operator uncovered by the Department of Justice in August.
  • The State improperly paid over $2.6 billion in Medicaid premiums for people who do not live in New York.
  • $13 million in Medicaid fraud for transporting patients to medical appointments.
  • $7 million in Medicaid fraud for fraudulent billing.

“This issue is especially urgent given that dozens of counties across New York have already exhausted their allotted state funding for the Child Care Assistance Program,” the Republican senators state in the letter. “At a time when resources are strained, it is essential that available funds are protected and directed exclusively to those who truly need assistance. Moreover, with reports that your administration may advance a proposal for universal pre-kindergarten in the upcoming legislative session, ensuring these programs are efficient, transparent, and free from fraud should be a shared priority for all New Yorkers.”

Medina Triennial invites public to hear how they can be part of this year’s big arts initiative

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 5:55 pm

MEDINA – The Village of Medina will be hosting a major arts initiative this year, with 50,000 people expected to visit Medina to see works by 35 different artists showcased at 12 sites in the community.

The Medina Triennial is the first initiative of its kind in the region. It will feature artists from around the  world from June 6 to Sept. 7 to see the exhibits and public programs.

The Triennial welcomes the community to see how they can volunteer and be a part of the event. There will be a complimentary brunch and information session at the Triennial’s headquarters on Saturday  from 1 to 3 p.m. The Triennial “Hub” is located at 345 N Main St. (the former NAPA Auto Parts building).

To RSVP, contact info@medinatriennial.org or call (585) 590-9947.

“We’ll be answering frequently asked questions and announcing volunteer/employment opportunities in a very casual sit-down style conversation,” said Federico Rosario, Community Engagement & Programs Coordinator for the Triennial. “This event is an opportunity to hear about the Triennial’s goals and upcoming volunteer and work opportunities.”

The Triennial is an initiative of the New York Power Authority with funding from other sponsors, too.

Lyndonville Lions announce annual Holiday Lights Awards

Posted 2 January 2026 at 3:20 pm

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Carla and Terry Woodworth were recognized for Overall Best Holiday Display Award. They received a commemorative plaque and a bottle of champagne.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lions from Lyn“Who”ville were busy at their Hall.

They were readying awards for those who honored the call. 

Those who hung lights, wreaths and Holiday balls.

Those who strung lights from trees and from walls.

The awards went to some but could have been given to all.

Some displays were massive and some were small.

The Lions traveled the roads to view them all.

Some displays had lights, some had bows and some had nothing, nothing at all.

The Lions recognize them come one and come all.

The winners of awards held them high and they held them tall.

So, the Lions would like to say thank you and Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to all.

The Lyndonville Lions continued a much-anticipated recognition of the Holiday Spirit shown by the Village of Lyndonville and Town of Yates residents. Three categories were awarded in the village and town as the best holiday decorations were singled out.

Winners received a plaque that recognizes the hard work undertaken by those decorating their homes for the Christmas season. They were supplied with a bottle of bubbly to help them celebrate their achievement and the New Year. There were several displays in and around town noted to be worthy of honorable mention.

Best Single-Color Lighting Display

Best Holiday Inflatables Display

Currier & Ives Award – Most Traditional Display

Best Holiday Display in the Town of Yates

Best Holiday Display in the Village

The Lions would like to thank all for participating in the holiday illumination project in and around Lyndonville during the Christmas Season.  We would encourage all to take a moment to view the holiday decorations and enjoy the season.

May God continue to shed his many blessings on our residents and we wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Clarendon holds annual organizational meeting, tables appointing Ierlan to her town positions

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 2:27 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Clarendon Town Board met this morning for the 2026 organizational meeting. From left up front include Town Councilman Fred Seeman, Councilman Chris Caufield, Town Clerk Susan Colby, Town Supervisor Marc Major, Councilman Allen Robinson and Councilman Bruce Hovey.

CLARENDON – The Clarendon Town Board met this morning for its annual organizational meeting where appointments are made and salaries set for different positions in the town government.

The board held off on making appointments to three positions that have been held by Melissa Ierlan. She was charged on Tuesday by State Police with two felonies – falsifying business records in the first degree and second-degree grand larceny with property value exceeding $50,000.

Ierlan has been serving as Clarendon’s code enforcement officer and building inspector, the administrator of Hillside Cemetery and also the town historian. She also is president of the Clarendon Historical Society, which is separate from the town government.

Town Supervisor Marc Major said he has no comment at this time about the allegations against Ierlan. The State Police also hasn’t provided any information except listing the charges on the daily blotter report.

Fred Seeman, Ierlan’s husband and a town councilman, said State Police have provided little information to him and Ierlan except to say the allegations involve the Historical Society.

The board during the organizational meeting tabled filling the code officer/zoning inspector at a salary of $44,440; the cemetery caretaker/administrator at an annual salary of $7,293; and the town historian at a salary of $1,950.

Some of the other appointments include:

  • Cemetery maintenance for $7,150, Tracy Chalker
  • Dog enumerator at $2,280, Susan Colby
  • Planning Board Chairman – David Griggs, with Patrick White as deputy chairman
  • Deputy Town Supervisor at $1,298, Allen Robinson
  • Cleaning Service at $65 a week, Michelle Chalker of Save Time Cleaning
  • Water Superintendent at $10,402, Tracy Chalker
  • Water District billing clerk at $20 an hour, Donna Moore
  • Water District collection clerk at $5,244 annual salary, Linda Barrett

The board also set the following pay rates and salaries:

  • Highway superintendent, $66,977; foreman in highway department, $31.32 per hour; full-time motor equipment operator, $30.73 an hour (top rate) and $30.59 an hour for other MEO; part-time MEO, $22.73 an hour; part-time cemetery laborer, $17.14 an hour.
  • Assessor, $27,281; assessor clerk/bookkeeper to the supervisor, $27,891; town clerk/tax collector, $47,114; primary deputy town clerk, $21 an hour; secondary part-time deputy, $16.20 an hour; part-time records deputy, $16.20 an hour.
  • Planning Board chairman, $126 per meeting; members, $31 per meeting; Board of Assessment Review, $150 per hearing day; secretary to Board of Assessment Review, $250 annual salary; four town council members, $4,202 annually; town supervisor, $12,988; budget officer, $806; town justice, $16,200; court clerk, $20 an hour; registrar of vital statistics, $408 annually.
  • The board also named the Suburban News/Westside News as the official newspaper to carry legal notices; Five Star Bank as the official town bank; the mileage reimbursement rate at 70 cents per mile; and meal reimbursement for meetings/conferences not to exceed $68 per day.

Kendall tops Roy-Hart in tourney semifinal

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 January 2026 at 2:05 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Jonas Rhodes drives in for a layup as Roy-Hart’s Matt Aquilina tries for the block. The action took place during the host Eagles win over the Rams this afternoon in the semifinals of the Kendall Tournament.

Pulling away in the second quarter, Kendall went on to defeat visiting Roy-Hart 62-47 in the semifinals of the Eagles Holiday Tournament this afternoon.

Leading by a narrow 11-9 margin, Kendall opened the second quarter with a decisive 15-1 run including 6 by Ryan Gaesser, 4 by CJ D’Agostino and a three by Sammy Conte to pull away to a 26-10 lead.

The Eagles led 30-15 at the half as Gaesser and CJ D’Agostino both had a total of 7 in the period.

Kendall maintained an 18 point, 47-29, lead at the end of the third period. Jonas Rhodes had a three and a two and Jonny Conte a pair of baskets to lead the Eagles in the third period.

Roy-Hart opened the final period with an 11-4 run, including two threes by Vinny Fazzio and a pair of baskets by Matt Aquilina to cut the deficit to 11, 51-40, but the Rams could get no closer.

Vinnie D’Agostino finished with 15, CJ D’Agostino 12 and Gaesser 10 to lead Kendall. Jonny Conte added 8, Rhodes and Noah Morehouse 5 each, Caleb Opalecky 4 and Sammy Conte 3 for the Eagles.

Aquilina finished with a game high 18 and Fazzio 16 to pace Roy-Hart. Jakob West chipped in with 8, Tysen McCaa 4 and Tyler Rothwell 1 for the Rams.

Kendall will now face Northstar in the championship game at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Roy-Hart will play in the 1 p.m. consolation game. Northstar downed Livonia 66-58  in the other semifinal.

Vinny Fazzio puts up a shot for Roy-Hart.

Kendall’s Sammy Conte grabs a rebound away from Roy-Hart’s Matt Aquilina. Backing up the play for Roy-Hart are Tysen McCaa (3) and Vinny Fazzio (5).

Flu cases increase locally, especially among those 60 and over

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 12:28 pm

State-wide the cases decline but hospitalizations are up

The flu continues its rampant spread locally and state-wide. A week ago it was big news in New York when the number of confirmed flu cases was the most since 2004, when the state began to weekly track flu cases.

The number of new flu cases is down a week later, from 72,133 to 49,153. That is a 32 percent drop.

However, the number of people hospitalized by the flu has increased 24 percent from 3,666 a week earlier to 4,546, according to the state Department of Health.

The DOH also is reporting a pediatric death from the flu this week. There have now been two pediatric deaths from the flu thus season, according to the state DOH.

While the new cases were down statewide, in Genesee and Orleans counties the new cases increased from 217 for the week ending Dec. 20 to 224 in the week ending Dec. 27, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In Genesee and Orleans, both counties show the number of younger people getting the flu is declining, but still high. In Orleans the flu cases for people 0-19 dropped from 571.3 per 100,000 to 440.4, while the cases for people 60 and older went from 76.5 per 100,000 people to 181.7 per 100,000. In Orleans, the overall rate of new flu cases per 100,000 people is 196.5, the same as the previous week.

In Genesee, the cases for 0-19 year olds dropped from 553.9 per 100,000 people for the week ending Dec. 20, to 446.2 for the week ending Dec. 27. The cases for people 60 and older increased from 249.3 to 324.1 during that time period. Genesee’s overall flu rate is at 252 per 100,000 people, up from 239.9 the previous week.

State health officials said flu typically peaks in January so the cases may continue to rise.

The Department of Health encourages people to get the flu shot, and take antivirals if it’s been less than 48 hours since symptoms began.

People are also urged to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

People are advised to stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with people who are ill.

ESL Federal Credit Union starts in Medina at former Generations Bank site

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 10:57 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The former Medina Savings and Loan, which has been a Generations Bank site since 2018, is now ESL Federal Credit Union, effective Jan. 1. The bank is located on Maple Ridge Road.

MEDINA – ESL Federal Credit Union is now officially open in Medina after acquiring the assets of Generations Bank.

The two organizations announced an acquisition deal in September 2024. Generations merged with the former Medina Savings & Loan in 2018.

Completion of the deal allows ESL to significantly grow its presence throughout Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, adding eight new locations.

ESL now has 33 full-service branches throughout the Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region including a new branch presence in Cayuga, Orleans and Seneca counties while expanding its footprint in Ontario County. ESL now holds more than $9.8 billion in assets and has more than 1,000 employees.

“We’re excited to complete the acquisition of Generations Bank, marking a significant milestone for ESL and for the communities we serve,” said ESL President & CEO, Faheem Masood. “We look forward to building new relationships with employees, customers, local businesses and partners that are now part of our shared home. We also commit to investing in the people and places across Cayuga, Ontario, Orleans, and Seneca counties.”

Conversion of Generations accounts is expected to take place on Feb. 1. Post closing, the credit union membership grows to approximately 459,000 total members, and nearly 18,200 businesses.

The deal required regulatory approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC), National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), with all regulators providing approval in 2025.

Before ending its presence in Medina, Generations Bank officials on oct. 21 presented $50,000 in donations to nine organizations in the community. The grant recipients included Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (Albion), East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company (Medina), Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund (Medina), The Lee Whedon Memorial Library (Medina), Medina Emergency Food Pantry (St. Peters Lutheran Church), Operation Honor (Medina), Orleans Community Health Foundation Inc. (Medina), Orleans County YMCA (Medina), and People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans County (Albion).

Hochul to propose no tax on tips in next budget

Posted 1 January 2026 at 5:20 pm

Governor cites affordability measures with Middle Class tax cut, higher minimum wage, and expanded Child Tax Credit

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Kathy Hochul

With the new tax year beginning today, Governor Kathy Hochul is informing New Yorkers about a number of tax relief and affordability measures that will begin in the new year.

The Governor is also announcing that in her upcoming FY2027 Executive Budget proposal, she will put forth legislation that eliminates state income taxes on up to $25,000 of tipped income in tax year 2026, which follows federal guidance.

This effort is a continuation of the Governor’s Affordability Agenda. Since taking office, the Governor has advanced policies that have put over $9 billion back in the pockets of New York households through tax relief efforts.

“As we welcome in the New Year, affordability remains my top priority and I am doubling down on my commitment to put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “Starting today, tax rates for the vast majority of lower and middle-class New Yorkers will be cut, families with children will see a sweeping increase in the child tax credit, and minimum wage workers across the state will see their wages go up. I’m kicking the new year off with a proposal of no state income tax on tips, continuing my efforts to make New York more affordable for hard working New Yorkers.”

Over the last 5 years, the costs on everyday essentials like groceries, insurance, utility bills, and goods and services has increased significantly, and Governor Hochul has heard directly from New Yorkers how difficult it can be to make ends meet. As a result, the Governor created her Affordability Agenda, which has delivered over $9 billion in tax relief to New York’s individuals and families since taking office. This most recent proposal of No Tax on Tips, is the latest in a series of efforts to put money back in New Yorkers pockets.

Middle Class Tax Cuts

In the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured a middle class tax cut, which, beginning January 1, 2026, will deliver nearly $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8.3 million New Yorkers. This will provide savings to taxpayers earning up to $323,000 for joint filers. When fully phased in, the middle class tax cut will deliver hundreds of dollars in average savings to nearly 77 percent of filers — representing three out of every four taxpayers.

Sweeping Increase in Child Tax CreditIn the FY2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul continued her efforts to expand New York’s child tax credit, providing critical financial support for more than 2.75 million children statewide. This latest expansion doubled or in many cases, tripled the current credit, offering up to $1,000 annually per child under four and up to $500 per child aged four to 16. This latest expansion marked the largest increase in the credit’s history, significantly surpassing the previous maximum of $330 per child. The expansion will be phased in over two years, with New Yorkers receiving expanded benefits starting in 2026 for children under four and extending to older children in 2027.

Increasing the Minimum Wage

Included in the FY2024 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul created a transformative plan to help low-wage New Yorkers keep up with the rising costs of living by increasing New York’s minimum wage for three years and tying future increases to inflation. Beginning January 1, 2026, New York State’s minimum wage increased to $17.00 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $16.00 per hour in the rest of the state. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earned and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region — the most accurate regional measure of inflation.

Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda

This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda which delivered a $2B Inflation Refund program, delivering up to $400 to over 8.2 billion New Yorkers, and universal free school meals, saving parents and families up to $1,600 a year.