WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and nine of their Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to expedite and increase payouts, especially for specialty crop farmers, in disaster and economic assistance programs in the face of trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and natural disasters.
“Farmers across the country and in New York are facing soaring input costs, increasing uncertainty caused by this administration, and the growing impacts of natural disasters, and they cannot afford further delays in critical assistance,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy, and I will continue pushing this administration to ensure farmers in New York and across the nation have the resources they need to thrive.”
“As farmers face continued trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and natural disasters, we encourage you to expedite economic and disaster assistance that will benefit all farmers, including specialty crop growers,” wrote the senators. “While significant assistance flowed quickly to farmers in the summer and fall, payments were limited to 35 percent of approved applications.”
“As a result, less than $6 billion out of the $16 billion available has been paid out to farmers more than a year after Congress provided the funds and nearly three years after some farmers faced losses,” the senators continued. “Farmers are talking to their lenders right now to make plans. Adjusting the factor and making additional top-up payments now will expedite assistance now when farmers need it most.”
The senators also highlighted that of “the Farmer Bridge Assistance program of $12 billion, just $1 billion of that total is for specialty crops, sugarbeets, and other crops.” The senators urged USDA to develop “a program that reflects the unique needs of specialty crop growers. We also encourage you to ensure this assistance truly meets the needs of all farmers.”
Along with Gillibrand, Klobuchar and Slotkin, the letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).
BUFFALO – Officials and volunteers gathered today to launch Appeal 2026 in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Fund for the Faith, with a goal of raising $8 million by June 30.
“Through more than 100 years of economic hardship, social change, and personal struggle, Catholic Charities has remained committed to serve anyone in need – regardless of faith, race or circumstance – with compassion and dignity,” said Daniel Mecca, Appeal 2026 chair. “The demand for these crucial programs and services continues to grow as we witness poverty affecting families in every corner of Western New York.”
Catholic Charities assisted more than 135,000 individuals, families, and children across all faiths and throughout all eight counties of Western New York last year.
“The $8 million goal set for Appeal 2026 reflects the economic realities Western New Yorkers are dealing with, and the difficult environment not-for-profits are facing; however, the true need in our community is much greater,” said Chuck Hayes, chief communications and development officer, Catholic Charities of Buffalo. “While the number of donors to the annual Appeal has declined in recent years, the need remains and, in many cases, has increased. That’s why again this year for Catholic Charities to provide HOPE for all, we need help from all.”
The annual Appeal helps fund dozens of programs and services administered by Catholic Charities along with several ministries through the Fund for the Faith. As Western New York’s most comprehensive human services provider, Catholic Charities’ programs and services touch the lives of nearly one out of every ten people in Western New York, regardless of faith, race, gender, or any personal circumstance.
These services include counseling, mental health support, food pantries, domestic violence programs, housing assistance, family stabilization, and support for older adults. The Fund for the Faith provides needed funding for programs that support the faith experience across all parish communities, including hospital chaplaincy, and training for ordained and lay ministers, among others.
“Each year, this Appeal invites us to reflect not only on what we believe, but on how we live those beliefs—how we care for the poor, the vulnerable, and all who find themselves in need of hope and life’s basic necessities,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher. “We are living in difficult and uncertain times, a reality that the poor and marginalized face especially. When public safety nets fray, the essential resources made possible by the Catholic Charities Appeal helps to fill the gaps, to accompany those who feel forgotten, and to let them know that they are not alone.”
This year’s Appeal patron is St. Peter. To donate to Appeal 2025, visit ccwny.org/donate or call 716-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting HOPE4WNY to 44321 or scanning the QR code found on Appeal materials.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400 to find help through Catholic Charities.
WNY STAMP project is pushing forward with plans to build a 2.2 million square foot (think 40 football fields) data center adjacent to the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and Tonawanda Seneca Nation Big Woods.
This monster will use 500 megawatts of our electric power, enough to supply every residence in Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Orleans counties combined. It will essentially be operated by Apollo Global Management, one of the largest private equity corporations in the world.
More than $410 million in state subsidies (our tax dollars) have already been poured into this boondoggle, with not a single one of the promised 9,000 jobs having been created.
This massive data center will raise our electricity bills, strain power supplies, create constant noise and air pollution, imperil wildlife, and destroy the rural nature of the area.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 11:09 am
Group will make debut performance at Memorial Day Parade
MEDINA – The school district will be starting a the Medina Mini-Mustang Band in early March, with the group of fifth- and sixth-graders to make their debut performance during the Memorial Day Parade on May 25.
Medina typically has 80 to 100 students in the marching band in grade 7 to 12. The Mini-Mustang Band will give the elementary students a taste of the marching band, and hopefully encourage more of them to join the Mustang Band as they get older and enter seventh grade.
The Mini-Mustang Band will be led by Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch, who are both assistant band directors of the Mustang Band.
Leno-Denise is the junior high band director and a general music teacher. Busch teaches primary school music and also directs the Glee Club.
The Mini-Mustang Band will rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. They will wear a uniform T-shirt for Memorial Day.
Leno-Denise and Busch said the band gives students two more hours a week on their instruments and will prepare them to join the band, which they said is a source of community pride for Medina.
The Board of Education on Tuesday approved the Mini-Mustang Band. Leno-Denise and Busch said they will be reaching out to students and families about being part of the new band.
Medina music teachers went over their very active music program at the district during Tuesday’s board meeting.
They also highlighted another new initiative, a jazz performance at Lyndonville on April 24. “A Night of Jazz” will feature performances by Lyndonville, Medina and likely other districts in the county. It is a concert put on by the Orleans County Music Educators Association. Some of the teachers also are expected to perform.
The jazz concert is expected to be hosted by other districts in the county in the future.
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson said the county supports the new tax exemption for veterans signed into law by Governor Hochul this past December. The new law exempts qualifying veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability from local property taxes.
“The Orleans County Legislature is fully supportive of legislation that provides benefits like this exemption to those who made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Johnson. “Like other counties across the state, we are waiting for guidance from the state over implementation, as things seem to be in flux. But I want to stress is that, to the extent we have any say over this, we will be fighting for our veterans.”
Nikolas Mroz, Director of the county’s Veteran Service Agency, said his team has been in regular contact with state officials and is trying to get clarification for the many veterans who have already called his office.
“We do know that the date for this exemption to be included in the tax roll is October 1 which means it would take effect for 2027 for those who qualify,” said Mroz. “There are around 120 vets in Orleans County who have a 100 percent disability rating and receive the current tax exemption, and based on the criteria in this new law, they may or may not qualify for the new exemption. But this situation is fluid and there could be changes.”
Mroz encouraged any veterans with questions to call his office at 585-589-5219.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 10:06 am
MEDINA – The Medina unified bowling team, which has won several Section 6 titles since it started in 2018, is welcoming Roy-Hart students on the team.
The Medina Board of Education on Tuesday approved an intermunicipal cooperation agreement with Roy-Hart, allowing R-H students to be on Medina’s unified bowling team this school year.
The season is starting now and runs until mid-March. There will be 18-20 students from both school districts on the team, which includes special education and general ed students.
Roy-Hart will be responsible for transportation for its students and will also pay Medina school district $337 for each student-athlete on the team. This is the first time Roy-Hart students will be on Medina’s unified bowling team.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 8:40 am
Photo by Marsha Rivers: The shore of Lake Ontario is shown on Tuesday morning at Lakeside State Park in Carlton.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County from 4 p.m. today until 1 p.m. on Thursday with 3 to 6 inches of snow expected.
The advisory also includes Niagara, northern Erie, Genesee and Allegany counties.
“Rain will change to snow by this evening,” the Weather Service said. “Periods of snow will result in snow-covered roads and limited visibilities. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.”
Today will reach a high of 42 with an overnight low of 12 degrees. On Thursday the high will be 18 degrees with 2 to 4 inches of snow possible and an overnight low of 11.
The highs then include 30 on Friday, 34 on Saturday and 24 on Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 10:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Eric Valley, Medina’s athletic director and head football coach, shares his reasons for supporting a merger with Albion for football at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels. Next to him, from right to left, are Board of Education members Donnell Holloway, Jennifer Buondonno, Kristin Grose and Annette Allis.
MEDINA – The head football coach and athletic director at Medina made his pitch to the Medina Board of Education for a partnership that once was thought unthinkable: joining the Medina and Albion football teams.
The two school have been bitter rivals at football going back to the 1890s. But the rivalry has faded in recent years as both schools have struggled with student participation to field teams.
Now the two schools are discussing a merger of their football programs at the varsity, junior varsity and modified levels.
“Yes, it’s our rival but it makes a lot of sense for us,” Eric Valley, the Medina coach and athletic director, said during this evening’s Medina Board of Education meeting. “The opportunity is great.”
Joining the programs would give them enough athletes for teams at varsity, junior varsity and modified levels, Valley said. They would have enough for scrimmages and majority of players wouldn’t have to play both offense and defense, nearly every play of the game. The players could be at their own grade levels and not be needed to move up. Playing at their own grade level, and not necessarily both offense and defense will be safer for the players, Valley said.
Medina has had partnerships with other districts before, with Lyndonville and Barker both having students on the Medina Mustang team. Albion and Medina are discussing creating a new program that would have a new mascot and colors.
Valley and Medina Superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski have met with their Albion counterparts – coach David Skrip, superintendent Mickey Edwards and athletic director Lauren Kinard.
They support a merged program but it will go to their boards of education for a vote with Albion to make a decision on Feb. 9 and Medina to follow on Feb. 10. If they approve it, Section 6 will also need to give its OK.
Courtesy of Eric Valley: A name and colors aren’t finalized, nor is the merger, but the uniforms could have maroon colors with two shovels on the helmets to represent the two communities that both grew after the digging of the Erie Canal.
The merged team would likely be in the Class B division. Right now Albion and Medina are both C schools.
The following schools currently compete in the B division: Pioneer, Lake Shore, West Seneca East, Lackawanna, East Aurora, Iroquois, Lew-Port, Williamsville South, Dunkirk, Ocean, Maryvale, McKinley, Amherst, Depew and Cheektowaga.
Teams need to have a minimum of 16 players. The projected participation for 2026 with a merged team includes 29 at varsity, 40 at junior varsity and 35 at modified.
Valley wants to building a new program while maintaining a connection to each community. That’s why he endorses calling the team the “O.C. Rivals.” Caledonia-Mumford and LeRoy merged their programs this past season and they called their team the Rivals. They had been bitter rivals for generations.
The Medina and Albion high school football rivalry dates back to the 1890s, making it one of the oldest football traditions in the country.
Valley showed a look for the team’s uniforms and helmets. The logo includes two shovels that Valley said show a connection for both communities to the digging of the Erie Canal, which initially was completed in 1825.
Valley went over other highlights of the merged program:
Each school host two games at all levels
Each school host their own homecoming
Sectional playoff games will alternate from year to year between schools
Practices will be split as evenly as possible between the two districts (likely alternating each week)
Each district will be responsible for hiring coaches to represent their district per their collective bargaining agreements
Each level will have coaches from each district
Tentative plan is for 5-year commitment for the merger
Each district will be financially responsible for transportation, equipment, training services, coaching, supervision, police and ambulance coverage
Districts will split the cost of new uniforms, decals and helmets
Other issues to consider: cheerleading squads, booster involvement, fundraising, record books, traditions, and dual participation athletes.
A group from Albion and Medina discussing the merger like the name “O.C. Rivals” for a merged football program. They prefer to create a new look and name for the team, rather than trying to combine the purple and white for the Albion Purple Eagles, and the red and blue of the Medina Mustangs.
Medina board members who spoke at the meeting voiced support for the merger.
“The merger is a step in the right direction,” said Donnell Holloway.
He would like to see Medina’s youth program also be revived to help prepare kids to be part of the modified, JV and varsity programs.
He commended Valley and Dave Skrip, the Albion coach, “for putting whatever rivalry aside and doing what’s best for kids.”
Dr. Steven Blount, a board member, said he favors offering students a more competitive program, but he said he was a little leery about a five-year commitment to a merger.
Valley said the five years will help spread out the initial financial costs for new helmets and uniforms and provide some continuity while giving the new program a better chance to succeed.
He anticipates the students from the two schools will be great teammates and develop lifelong friendships.
Board member Annette Allis welcomes the chance for the two schools to field a combined team.
“The merger seems like a good idea,” she said. “We’re all the Orleans County community.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 January 2026 at 10:40 pm
Albion split with Roy-Hart/Barker in a Niagara-Orleans League swim meet this evening.
Albion scored a narrow 61-60 victory in the boys’ meet while Roy-Hart/Barker took the girls’ competition 83-67.
Justin Kania was a double winner for the Albion boys in the 200 Free and 50 Free.
Hendrick Trombley doubled in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Backstroke for Roy-Hart/Barker as Oscar Dergel won the 100 Free, Noah Corraine the 500 Free and Jackson Braun the 100 Breaststroke.
The Roy-Hart/Barker girls had a trio of individual event double winners as Madelina Pavlock took the 200 Free and 100 Breaststroke, Jillian Ossont the 50 Free and 500 Free and Mirabelle Strong the 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke.
Albion’s Keira Sidari doubled in the IM and 100 Free.
Newfane sweeps Medina
Newfane scored a doubleheader victory over visiting Medina winning the boys’ meet 90-76 and the girls’ 103-53.
Noah Kneeland doubled in the IM and Breaststroke and Dylan Lamont in the Butterfly and Backstroke to lead the Newfane boys as Giovanni Wright took the 100 Free and Eli Kneeland the 500 Free.
Bradley Goyette won the 200 Free and Bryson Ford the 50 Free for Medina.
Emma Haseley doubled in the IM and Butterfly and Eden Hillman in the 50 Free and 100 Free for the Newfane girls as Riley Klopfer took the 200 Free, Addison Reis the Backstroke and Kimberly Schmitt the Breaststroke.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 January 2026 at 9:51 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Christian Moss goes in for a layup ahead of Albion defender Elijah Doxey during the Mustangs overtime win over the visiting Purple Eagles this evening.
It was a down to the wire thriller as Medina nipped visiting rival Albion 71-69 in overtime in a key Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball game this evening.
And the Mustangs won it in dramatic fashion on a layup by Preston Woodworth with only 1.5 seconds remaning to snap a 69-69 tie.
A free throw by Albion’s Tyler Cody had sent the contest into overtime deadlocked at 58-58.
There were then two ties and eight lead changes in the wild, sea-saw four minute overtime period.
Albion’s last lead came at 69-67 on a layup off a steal by Elijah Doxey who scored 9 in the overtime period.
Medina retied the game at 69-69 on a layup by Kolton Fletcher with 30 seconds remaining setting the stage for Woodworth’s last second game winning layup.
Jerrell Nealy led the Mustangs with 21 as Fletcher had 12, Woodworth 11, Carlos Doval 10, Christian Moss 9 and Avion Johnson and Hadrian Batista with 4 each.
Albion’s Elijah Doxey goes to the basket between the Medina duo of Preston Woodworth, left, and Christian Moss.
Doxey finished with a game high 27 for the Purple Eagles a Cody added 14, Nate Gibson 13, Wesley Olles 10 and Adam Burgio 5.
Medina jumped out to an 11-1 lead at the outset but Albion answered with an 11-3 run to close the period cutting the deficit to two at 14-12. Nealy and Moss both had 4 and Woodworth and Fletcher 3 each for Medina in the period while Cody had 5 and Gibson a three for Albion.
The Mustangs maintained a narrow five point, 33-28, lead at the half as six players contributed baskets in the second quarter. Doxey scored 7 and Burgio and Gibson both hit threes during that stretch for the Purple Eagles.
Medina upped the lead a bit to 8, 42-34, to open the third period as Nealy had a two and a three and Moss a pair of baskets.
However, Albion answered right back with a 13-2 scoring burst to close the period and rally back into a 47-45 lead. Cody had 6, including a slam dunk, and Olles a three to lead that Purple Eagles rally.
That set the stage for a back and forth fourth quarter and a wild sea-saw overtime period which finished with the Mustangs claiming a thrilling two point victory on Woodworth’s last second layup.
Medina is now 3-1 and Albion 2-3 in N-O action. The Mustangs next visit Akron (3-1) and Albion hosts front-running Wilson (4-0) at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Akron 64, Roy-Hart 36
Akron downed Roy-Hart 64-36 as Ben Gerstung scored 19 and Derren Brooks, Blake Gerstung and Brodie Hill each netted 12.
Matt Aquilina scored 11 and Vinny Fazzio 9 for Roy-Hart which slips to 0-4.
Newfane 64, Barker 59
Newfane evened its N-O record at 2-2 with a 64-59 win over Barker as Mac Capen scored 22, Camlo Flowers 14 and Kasey Wheat 12.
Donovan Hefferon scored 17 and Carter DerSarkissian 13 for Barker.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 January 2026 at 9:12 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Leah Pawlak, who had the game winning three, puts up a shot here ahead of Medina defender Caliyah St. Louis. The host Purple Eagles scored a narrow 55-53 win.
Staying in the thick of the league title chase, Albion nipped visiting rival Medina 55-53 in a key Niagara-Orleans girls basketball game this evening.
Trailing 53-52, Albion rallied to claim the slender victory in dramatic fashion on a clutch three by Leah Pawlak with 26 seconds remaining.
Albion improves to 4-1 heading into Friday’s key contest at undefeated (4-0) defending champion Wilson.
Melia Prince scored 15, Pawlak 13 and Jocelyn Friedl 12 to lead Albion’s balanced attack as Aailyah Jones added 9, Brianna Lewis 4 and Semaj Miller 2.
Caliyah St. Louis took game high honors for Medina with 20 as Alexa Demmer added 15, Sam Heschke 10, Emberlyn Oakes 4 and Autumn Cornelius and Harmoni Wilson 2 each.
Albion jumped out to a 14-8 lead at the outset as Pawlak scored 6 and Friedl 4.
Medina though answered with an 18-1 run to close the period and rally into an 11 point, 26-15 advantage. St. Louis had 7 and Heschke 6 to lead that rally.
The Mustangs maintained a six point, 33-27, lead at the half but the Purple Eagles came battling back in the third quarter with 15-6 scoring edge to regain a 42-39 lead. Friedl scored 6 as Prince and Pawlak both tallied 4 to lead that comeback.
That set the stage for a decisive sea-saw fourth quarter.
Medina pulled back into a 44-44 tie on a three by St. Louis but Albion answered with a 6-0 run including two baskets by Jones and one by Prince to go back up 50-44 with 3:30 remaining.
The Mustangs in turn answered back with a 9-0 run to regain the lead for what proved to be the last time at 53-50. Demmer had two baskets and a three and Wilson a basket to key that rally.
The last rally and the win though belonged to the Purple Eagles.
Two pressure free throws by Prince pulled Albion to within one at 53-52 and Pawlak followed up with the dramatic game winning three.
Medina is now 1-3 in N-O action heading into Friday’s home game against Akron at 5 p.m.
Akron 52, Roy-Hart 39
Clara Bogdan scored 14, Abby Gerstung 12 and Olivia Novak 10 to lead Akron past Roy-Hart 52-39.
Adella Dukes scored a game high 22 and Millie Owens added 9 for Roy-Hart.
Newfane 54, Barker 33
Newfane earned its first N-O win by downing Barker 54-33.
Emma Johnston led Newfane with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Elise Monaco led Barker with 14 points.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 5:04 pm
‘We need more than band-aid solutions.’ – Rob Ortt
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, r-Batavia, and State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda have both issued statement critical of proposals in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “State of the State” address.
Assemblyman Hawley said Hochul offered “empty rhetoric” and he faulted her for driving up costs for New Yorkers.
“At a time when nearly 80% of New Yorkers say they are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, Kathy Hochul offered no meaningful solutions during today’s address,” said Hawley. “Let me be clear: Today’s speech was nothing more than a campaign stunt from one of the nation’s most unpopular governors. Hochul may claim to care about rising costs, but New Yorkers are not buying it.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:
“The Governor’s State of the State put a large emphasis on this year’s political buzzwords: affordability and public safety. However, it failed to mention that the current affordability crisis and deterioration of safety in our communities is the direct result of years of bad policies coming from Democrats in Albany.
“Unless we are putting money back into the pockets of New Yorkers, we are not delivering affordability. Unless we stop prioritizing the rights of criminals, we are not delivering public safety. We need more than band-aid solutions, we need to truly address the underlying factors that have led us to where we are today.
“Our conference has unveiled our Save NY agenda that will truly improve the quality of life for New Yorkers, and help them keep more of their hard earned money. We will continue to stand in opposition against radical policies that harm our state, and continue to advocate for common sense alternatives that deliver real results for our constituents.”
Photos by Darren McGee/Office of Governor: Kathy Hochul delivers her 2026 State of the State Address today in Albany.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today delivered her 2026 State of the State address, outlining more than 200 initiatives to make life more affordable, keep New Yorkers safe, and expand opportunity.
The Governor’s proposal lays out a clear, actionable plan to meet the challenges families face today, while preparing New York for the road ahead. The Governor provides a path to universal child care, to lowering energy bills, protecting consumers, and confronting the rising costs that hit working families hardest. The plan continues to invest in public safety with strategies that work—including targeted enforcement, cutting-edge technology, and a mental health system that treats people with dignity while keeping communities secure.
“I’ve said from the beginning: Your family is my fight. And in this moment, when the future feels full of promise, but under real threat: your future is my fight as well,” Hochul said. “I fight everyday to make life more affordable, keep people safe, and expand opportunity — not shrink it. My 2026 State of the State lays out a clear, actionable plan to meet the challenges families face today, while preparing New York for the road ahead.”
Making New York More Affordable
Governor Hochul is committed to making New York a place where all our families can afford to live. Since taking office, she has moved aggressively to put money back where it belongs—in the pockets of working people. In 2026 she is doubling down on these efforts in ways people can feel. To do that, Governor Hochul proposes:
Putting New York State on a pathway toward achieving universal, affordable child care, increasing funding by $1.7 billion to provide care for children around the state
Cracking down on fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for everyday New Yorkers, and ensuring bad actors can’t get large payouts
Tackling rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for providers and expanding automatic discounts
Protecting renters by increasing the income eligibility limits for New York’s Rent Freeze programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities
Tackling utility costs by demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities, empowering the State to fight more effectively for lower bills, and supporting New Yorkers to make energy saving investments like weatherization and smart thermostats
Helping New Yorkers put food on the table with additional investments in the Department of Health (DOH)’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and tackling theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Eliminating State income taxes on tips
Freezing tuition for SUNY and CUNY students for the seventh year in a row
Gov. Kathy Hochul greets the crowd at her “State of the State” address today. In the background is an image of the Shark Girl character at Canalside in Buffalo.
Keeping New Yorkers Safe
During her time in office, Governor Hochul strengthened New York’s bail, discovery, and gun laws, invested record-level funding to support local and state law enforcement efforts, and secured funding to drive down gun violence, subway crime and pandemic-era surges in motor vehicle thefts, retail thefts, and other larcenies. Governor Hochul will continue to drive down crime and protect New Yorkers by:
Stopping illegal homegrown guns by strengthening New York’s nation leading gun laws and cracking down on illegal 3D-printed firearms and firearms that can readily be converted to DIY machine guns
Confronting the unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement by establishing a right to sue federal officers for Constitutional violations and protecting New Yorkers in sensitive locations
Protecting individuals from harassment and obstruction by advancing legislation to establish buffer zones around houses of worship and healthcare facilities while preserving the right to lawful expression
Sustaining record lows in subway crime by putting police on platforms, expanding SCOUT teams, and protecting riders through platform edge barriers
Enhancing resources that are available to support law enforcement officers and first responders, combat crimes, and ensure justice for New Yorkers
Investing in Critical Infrastructure New Yorkers Need
Governor Hochul has demonstrated that we can build at scale and with urgency so that New Yorkers get the housing, transportation, water, parks, and other infrastructure they desperately need. The Governor will build upon this progress by:
Building more housing by enacting common sense policies to tackle the housing shortage and bring down housing costs, and investing additional funding in building or preserving units and innovative manufactured home models
Delivering clean and safe drinking water led by a bold five-year $3.75 billion commitment to water infrastructure
Upgrading our parks by expanding green spaces across New York State to provide children and families opportunities to be outside, unplug and play, and spend time with loved ones
Cutting Red Tape To Better Serve New Yorkers
Governor Hochul is redoubling her commitment to saving New Yorkers time and money through an all-of-government effort to cut red tape and better serve New Yorkers, while making government work for all:
Launching the “Let Them Build” agenda, a set of common sense reforms to get the state out of the way of progress, allowing localities to build housing and other critical projects faster and more affordably while continuing to protect the environment
Reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to speed up the building of zoned and permitted housing while preserving environmental safeguards
Accelerating critical infrastructure projects that New Yorkers depend on
Establishing clear timelines and transparency for environmental review,
Making every New Yorker count in the 2030 census by planning early to ensure we get our fair share
Tackling outdated and burdensome government regulations
Protecting New York’s Consumers and Workers
For the past four years Gov. Hochul has pushed back on institutions that prioritize profit over people, and that fight continues today. Protecting consumers means protecting them online, as well; New Yorkers should be able to trust technology and safely interact with tools that work for, not against them. Governor Hochul will build on this work by:
Creating a new Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity & Trust (DIGIT), to serve as a central, authoritative body for digital safety and technological governance
Protecting New Yorkers’ personal information by cracking down on shadowy data broker industry
Requiring labeling for AI-generated content, protecting elections from misleading or deceptive AI content, and prohibiting misleading ‘discounts’
Ending taxes on tips for hardworking New Yorkers
Fighting workers’ compensation fraud and combating wage theft
Improving disclosures for student loan refinancing and setting cosigner standards for student loans
Driving Innovation and Economic Development by and for New Yorkers
Since taking office, the Governor has ushered in a new era of economic growth by prioritizing job creation, community development and economic revitalization. Governor Hochul remains committed to growing New York’s vibrant economy, bringing jobs back home, revitalizing communities, and cementing New York as the center for innovation:
Driving innovation and economic growth across the state through investments in, quantum technology, biotechnology, semiconductor chip design, and modern manufacturing
Launching Empire AI Beta and creating the first independent AI research center at SUNY Binghamton
Enhancing the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward
Launching the next phase of New York’s Autonomous Vehicle pilot program outside of New York City
Uplifting businesses statewide by eliminating outdated restrictions on dancing, modernizing the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, and investing in equity across the cannabis supply chain
Preparing SUNY and CUNY students for the workforce, connecting them to experiential work experiences, and expanding SUNY and CUNY Reconnect to cover additional in-demand fields such as logistics, air traffic control and transportation, and emergency management
Helping New York’s Students Learn and Thrive
The Governor is advancing a bold agenda that strengthens New York’s schools, universities and colleges, youth mental health services, and online safety:
Transforming math and literacy outcomes through evidence based instruction and professional learning
Creating an accelerated teacher preparation pathway for career changers
Establishing the inaugural Empire AI Student Challenge
Investing in high-impact tutoring to accelerate student success
Investing in Indigenous youth education and mentoring and leadership resources for young Black and Latina women
Doubling the size of the Empire State Service Corps on SUNY campuses
Enhancing supports to educate borrowers navigating the increasingly complicated student loan landscape
Directing SUNY and CUNY to develop standardized, system-wide policies governing emergency aid for students, and directing SUNY to permit additional flexibility over tuition liability policies in emergencies
Implementing statewide teen mental health first aid training; enabling kids to support their peers
Protecting kids from predators, scammers and harmful AI chatbots on online platforms
Safeguarding kids online by ensuring fair play in online sports betting and promoting responsible digital citizenship
Keeping New Yorkers Healthy
Where the federal government has prioritized draconian cuts that threaten the most vulnerable New Yorkers, Governor Hochul has invested billions to strengthen and stabilize health systems, expand coverage, lower the consumer cost of care, bolster the health workforce, and drive long-term transformational change within the health sector. The Governor will build on these investments by:
Strengthening safety net hospitals by investing in transformational partnerships
Bolstering patient protections by keeping drug costs down
Keeping New Yorkers safe by safeguarding our scientifically based vaccine policies and coverage from federal politicization
Strengthening cardiac emergency readiness across the state
Increasing support and resources for New York’s older adults
Securing New York’s Energy Future
Governor Hochul is proving to the nation that an energy transition can be reliable, affordable, and achievable. By treating energy policy as economic policy, the Governor is ensuring that decades from now, New Yorkers will inherit a stronger, cleaner, and more secure energy future. The Governor proposes to build on these efforts by:
Introducing the NYS Affordable Utilities Omnibus Legislation, to ensure oversight and accountability for utilities
Supporting consumers to make energy investments that save them money in the long-term, from investing in weatherization to money back in their pockets for smart thermostats
Requiring data centers to pay their fair share for the massive amounts of energy they consume
Investing in a nuclear reliability backbone for a zero-emission grid and ensuring New York’s nuclear power future is built by and for New Yorkers
Protecting New York’s energy grid from cyber threats
Supporting public schools looking to deploy more solar power
Establishing a sales tax exemption for electricity sold at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Supporting farms through the Sun and Soil Program
Protecting New York’s Environment
Today, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is once again setting the standard by embracing an ambitious, transformative vision for building a clean, resilient, and sustainable future. Governor Hochul’s environmental agenda remains clear: protect our natural resources, hold polluters accountable, and build more resilient communities. The Governor proposes to:
Continuing record investments in the Environmental Protection Fund to safeguard natural resources
Increasing New York’s commitment to clean water projects statewide
Investing in coastal resiliency for local communities
Mitigating flood risk through FloodSafe NY
Enhancing the implementation of waterfront revitalization plans
Expanding access to state parks for all New Yorkers
Establishing the New York State Parks Trades Corps
LOCKPORT – Ben McPherson, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Lockport, has accepted an invitation to become a limited partner in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P., the holding company for the St. Louis-based financial services firm.
“I am honored to be invited to become a limited partner in the firm,” McPherson said. “I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose – to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community.”
McPherson joined Edward Jones in 2019 and has served investors in Western NY for the past seven years. He is active in the community and currently volunteers with the Medina Rotary, Medina Area Partnership and the Orleans/GLOW YMCAs.
Edward Jones currently employs 50,000 associates throughout the United States and through its affiliate in Canada. This is the firm’s 18th limited partnership offering in its 100-year history.
Edward Jones is a leading North American financial planning firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s more than 20,000 financial advisors throughout North America serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.4 trillion in client assets under care as of Sept. 26, 2025.
