Gov. Kathy Hochul presented her executive budget on Tuesday and it shows increases for all five school districts in Orleans County.

Collectively the five districts in the county were budgeted for $121.45 million in state funding for the 2025-26 school year. That is projected to increase by $2,327,334 to $123.78 million in 2026-27, as part of the governor’s executive budget.

Here are the totals for each district:

• Albion – $37,980,717 in 2025-26 to $38,801,718, up by $821,001 or 2.16 percent
• Holley – $21,595,359 in 2025-26 to $22,204,243, up by $608,884 or 2.82 percent
• Kendall – $14,984,382 in 2025-26 to $15,195,968, up by $211,586 or 1.41 percent
• Lyndonville – $12,944,009 in 2025-26 to $13,195,388, up by $251,379 or 1.94 percent
• Medina – $33,948,527 in 2025-26 to $34,383,011, up by $434,484 or 1.28 percent

Hochul’s $260 billion budget provides $39.3 billion in total school aid, a $1.6 billion increase over the previous year, or 4.3 percent.

That includes $779 million more in Foundation Aid, the state’s primary school funding formula. Each district will receive at least a 1 percent year-to-year increase, bringing Foundation Aid to a total of $27.1 billion.

Hochul is proposing a major increase, 52.5 percent or $561 million more, for universal prekindergarten. She wants to make full-day Pre-K universal for all 4-year-olds in the state by the start of the 2029 school year.

The New York State United Teachers issued this statement in response to Hochul’s budget:

“Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal underscores the critical role that public education, from early childhood through higher education, plays in strengthening New York’s families, economy and future,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person.

“NYSUT welcomes the governor’s proposal to increase school aid, including a 3 percent increase in Foundation Aid overall, providing districts with stability while building on the state’s long-standing commitment to public schools. We look forward to additional updates to ensure the formula best serves all of New York’s students. We also strongly support the continued investment in universal school meals, ensuring students are ready to learn and families can count on this essential support.

“The proposal’s investments in early childhood education are an important step forward. By supporting truly universal pre-K, the state is giving districts resources to expand and to bring these programs into public schools and ensure they are delivered by certified teachers.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – An Orleans County Highway Department employee clears the sidewalk of snow this morning on East State Street in front of county jail and courthouse.

Fast-falling snow made the morning commute more challenging today.

There is a winter weather advisory in effect until 10 a.m. today for Orleans County with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour will produce blowing and drifting snow in open areas, the National Weather Service said.

The falling snow is in stark contrast to the First Presbyterian Church, which was built of Medina Sandstone in 1874-1875.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the House passage of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, legislation she co-led with Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) to protect states’ ability to support pregnant women, new mothers, and families through life-affirming care.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 215–209.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act would codify states’ authority to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy resource centers that provide essential services, including prenatal care, parenting education, counseling, ultrasounds and material assistance.

The legislation directly responds to Biden administration efforts to restrict states from directing TANF funds to these centers, despite lacking the statutory authority to impose this restriction and long-established flexibility for states to decide how to distribute these funds.

“The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act ensures women are not left to navigate pregnancy and parenthood alone because of politics,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Pregnancy resource centers serve women with dignity by providing medical care, counseling, and practical support during some of life’s most challenging moments. This legislation affirms states’ authority to support mothers, protect unborn children, and strengthen families without federal interference. Advancing this bill through the House is an important step toward restoring commonsense, pro-family policies that put women and children first.”

GAINES – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce will have its annual Legislatve Luncheon on Jan. 30 at the Fair Haven Inn in Gaines.

The luncheon is a chance to hear from elected officials and their representatives at the local, state and federal levels.

So far, County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt have agreed to speak and take questions at the luncheon, as well as representatives from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.

The theme for the luncheon is “Listen, Learn, Lead: Inspiring Political Dialogue.” RSVPs can be made by email: director@orleanscountychamberofcommerce.com, or by calling (585) 201-8676.

Tickets are $30. Click here for more information on ordering a ticket online. People can also submit questions through an online form (click here).

Region faces brutal cold stretch beginning Thursday

Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: A little snowman is shown on Sunday evening near the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans County and most of Western New York beginning at noon today and continuing until 7 a.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service said 2 to 5 inches of snow is expected for Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

“Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.”

The high temperature is forecast for 33 today and then 30 on Thursday. But the temperatures will drop at midnight tonight and will be in the teens by Thursday night.

The highs are then forecast to be 16 on Friday, 10 on Saturday, 15 on Sunday, 19 on Monday, and 20 on Tuesday, 22 on next Wednesday and 15 next Thursday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul presented a $260 billion budget proposal today that has received a mixed reaction.

Here are some of the responses:

The Empire Center: “It should go without saying that rejecting further tax hikes – in what’s already the most heavily taxed state in the country – was the right thing for Governor Hochul to do.

“Her proposals to streamline the regulatory process for housing construction and cracking down on auto insurance fraud are also welcome ideas that would make the state more affordable.

“Unfortunately, her plan would also continue a pattern of excessive spending growth, especially an 11.5 percent increase in Medicaid. This being an election year, the state legislators will almost certainly push to hike taxes and increase spending even more. Taxpayers can only hope that the governor imposes a modicum of discipline.”

New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert Schneider: “The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) is pleased that Gov. Hochul’s proposed state budget fully funds Foundation Aid, expense-based aids and the existing universal school meals program.

“In addition, we are hopeful that the funding boosts for universal pre-kindergarten will help allow all districts to successfully open and grow those important programs. These are all high priority areas for school leadership teams and we thank the governor for recognizing their importance.

“There are a few areas in which the budget falls short, however, and NYSSBA looks forward to working with the governor and state lawmakers as budget negotiations progress.

“In particular, while we appreciate that the governor recognizes that all school districts face increasing costs, a 1% minimum increase falls short for too many districts and does not keep pace with expenses such as energy, contractual obligations, and health insurance. The budget also does not address the woefully outdated Foundation Aid formula. The governor and legislature put in place a number of meaningful updates to the formula last year, but more updates are needed to ensure the formula meets the needs of all students in the state.

“Finally, until or unless lawmakers repeal or significantly alter the zero emission bus requirement, NYSSBA would also like to see the state budget provide school districts with additional support, resources and reforms to meet the many financial and logistical hurdles required to transition school bus fleets to all electric vehicles.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt: “When given the opportunity to put her money where her mouth is on ‘affordability,’ Governor Hochul chose to continue down the unsustainable path of massive state spending.

“Without directly saying it, Hochul praised President Trump for how well Wall Street is doing and highlighting record corporate bonuses. It’s hard to criticize the President for his economic policies when it’s clearly working, the economy is stronger than before and the Governor has nothing to do with that.

“Instead of offering a fiscally responsible budget to provide relief to New Yorkers struggling with an affordability crisis, the bloated $260 billion plan is a continuation of the policies that have made New York the most unaffordable state in the nation.

“At a time when she should be tightening the belt on state finances, the Governor’s election year budget increases state operating funds by $8.5 billion and includes no substantive tax relief – and this is before her radical allies in the Legislature unveil their proposals to bloat this budget even more.

“This budget does nothing to address the real issues facing our state, and as a result, we will continue to lose families and businesses.

Greater Rochester Chamber President & CEO Bob Duffy: “Today’s executive budget proposal announced key initiatives to make New York State better and more affordable for its residents and businesses — a mission we greatly appreciate.

“While navigating federal budget cuts and economic uncertainty, programs to fund all-of-the-above energy generation, infrastructure improvements, universal childcare, healthcare, education, and more will have significant and transformative impacts on our community and those who work here.

“Thank you to Governor Hochul for investing in the Finger Lakes Region and New York State’s future. Greater Rochester Chamber will continue to work with our members, Governor Hochul, our delegation, and other elected officials to advance the priorities of our business community in the forthcoming one-house budgets and enacted State budget.”

Parks & Trails New York: “Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) applauds Governor Hochul’s proposed FY2027 budget for affirming that public lands are essential to New York’s economy, climate resilience, and the health and well-being of its residents. In a year when New Yorkers are visiting public lands at historic levels and showing widespread support for conservation, the Governor’s proposal reflects both leadership and responsiveness to the electorate.

“The proposed State Parks capital plan, totaling $340 million with an additional $75 million for NY BRICKS, invests in projects that rejuvenate aging infrastructure, expand access to recreation in urban and underserved communities, and connect millions of New Yorkers to parks, trails, and historic sites. Investments, including $75 million for High Falls State Park in Rochester and $58 million for renovations at Riverbank State Park and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park, acknowledge parks as essential civic infrastructure on par with transportation, water, and public safety systems.

“PTNY is also encouraged by the proposed $90 million in DEC capital funding through the Adventure NY program, which strengthens public access to state lands and supports infrastructure critical to outdoor recreation and climate resilience across 5 million acres. Keeping pace with strong public demand, however, will require growing DEC capital funding to at least $100 million in the next fiscal year.

“We also applaud the Governor’s continued support for the Environmental Protection Fund, including funding that expands the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program to $2.65 million and maintains $26 million for the Municipal Parks Program and $3.8 million for Connect Kids to Parks. These programs are crucial for grassroots stewardship, expanding access to public lands, and ensuring that children from all backgrounds can enjoy the outdoors. PTNY also celebrates the Our Whole History initiative, which highlights the importance of inclusion, equity, and broad public engagement in the history of New York’s public lands.

While the budget advances many priorities, a notable gap is the continued absence  of dedicated funding for greenway trails–an area critical for connecting communities, bolstering local economies and improving recreational equity… With a new strategic plan and a growing coalition of advocates, PTNY remains a committed partner in fostering a world-class public lands system that meets the needs of today and expands access for all in the future.”