Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt
LOCKPORT – New York State Republican leaders Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Will Barclay penned a letter to Governor Hochul requesting that she use her Executive Authority to deploy the New York State National Guard to the State of Texas and New York Canadian Border to assist in efforts to stop the illegal flow of migrants into the country.
The letter was sent in response to continuing illegal border crossings that have shown no signs of slowing down. Rather than ending the migrant crisis, Governor Hochul’s unacceptable responses have had the effect of fueling the crisis with a continued influx of taxpayer dollars.
“More than 8 million border encounters have occurred since President Biden took office. In 2023, over 2.5 million migrants entered the country through the southern border. In December alone, 302,034 encounters were reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. On New York’s Northern Border, 91,640 illegal crossings were reported in the past year,” stated the letter by Leaders Ortt and Barclay.
The letter continued, “Immigration reform is a matter that must be dealt with on the Federal level. However, we hope you agree that the states’ sovereign right to protect its citizens and its communities must be valued above the actions of federal authorities. For this reason, we urge you to deploy the National Guard immediately to assist the State of Texas and New York Canadian border in efforts to stop the flow of migrants coming into our country illegally.”
“In 2006 and 2007, Army National Guard troops were sent to assist US Border Patrol in four states along the southern border as part of Operation Jump Start. In fact, I, Senator Ortt, was stationed and served in Nogales, Arizona during this time, demonstrating a clear precedent for this action.”
In her recently proposed Executive Budget, Governor Hochul has earmarked $2.4 billion in taxpayer dollars for migrants, bringing the total to $4.3 billion over the last two years. Meanwhile, schools throughout New York State are taking cuts to their budgets and students have been kicked out of their schools because of the need to house migrants in school buildings. And the latest announcement from Governor Hochul charged the Department of Civil Service to roll out a taxpayer state run program that will provide training and state government jobs specifically for migrants. The Governor and her Administration have proved they prefer to provide services for migrants at the expense of taxpayers.
“Our constituents and colleagues are demanding action, leadership and results in response to the migrant crisis. An effective response is long overdue. We encourage you to use your authority to deploy the National Guard at the Texas and New York Canadian borders and help advance legislative measures that directly address concerns brought on by the migrant crisis. We must urge President Biden to finally secure America’s borders,” closed Leaders Ortt and Barclay.
BATAVIA — It’s time for high school seniors to get a jump-start on applying for scholarships.
Arc GLOW is accepting applications for the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship for eligible high school students in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. A total of four $1,000 awards will be presented to recipients at their spring school scholarship ceremonies.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must be planning to attend college in the fall to pursue a degree in human services, special education or other disability-related field, including: psychology, social work, nursing, therapeutic recreation and physical, speech and occupational therapies.
Applications have been mailed to 28 GLOW area high schools and it’s also available on the Arc GLOW website at www.arcglow.org/news/arc-glow-scholarship. The due date for completed applications is April 23, and must include two letters of recommendation, a resume or personal biography and a copy of high school transcripts. Recipients will be asked to provide a college acceptance letter.
Now in its 19th year, the scholarships are presented in memory of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher and disability advocate who died in 2004.
This program began in 2006 with the presentation of the first scholarship recipient. To date, $59,000 in scholarships have been awarded to area high school students.
For questions or more information, please contact scholarship coordinator Sandy Konfederath at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715.
A Wyoming County man is accused of accepting payments for work as a contractor and then not starting or finishing the jobs.
David J. Fladie of Varysburg was charged last week on three counts of grand larceny in the 3rd degree and three counts of scheme to defraud in the 1st degree, Sheriff Chris Bourke said today.
The charges involve three separate cases. The amount of funds taken from the victims totaled $63,700. Fladie surrendered to Investigator Brian Marsceill on Jan. 25 at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, where he was processed and released. Later that same day, Fladie surrendered himself at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, where he also was processed and released, according to a news release from Sheriff Bourke.
Fladie is to appear in the Town of Murray, Town of Clarendon, and Town of Clarkson Courts.
The arrests are the result of a several month-long cooperative investigation led by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Sheriff Bourke, and the New York State Department of Financial Services – Criminal Investigation Bureau, under the direction of Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.
Provided photo: The Assembly Republican conference spoke against possible prisons closures on Wednesday in the state capitol.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently joined his colleagues in the Assembly to oppose Gov. Hochul’s proposed plan to close up to five New York state prisons within the next year.
Yesterday, members of the Assembly Republican Conference held a press conference to discuss the dangers this initiative would present for correctional facilities, their staff and inmate populations. Correction officers across the state have been speaking out in recent weeks about the poor working conditions due to understaffing and low pay.
Over the last year, New York’s prison population has grown by roughly 1,400, making these issues all the more apparent. Hawley has multiple prisons within his district including Albion and Orleans Correctional Facility and nearby Attica & Wyoming Correctional Facility. Hawley is frustrated the governor is moving forward with this proposal and is calling on his colleagues in the Legislature to push back against this policy.
“This decision by the governor is unnecessary and unreasonable,” said Hawley. “Correction officers should not have to worry about being out of a job and unable to provide for their families. Closing prisons like this will only make the current staffing crisis worse and push prospective officers out of the field. Inmates will be crowded into smaller prisons, making it a more dangerous environment for staff members. We’ve already seen numerous officers sustain injuries due to overcrowding and increased violence. I hope the governor will recognize these problems and give our correction officers the tools they need to do their jobs.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), member of the Ways and Means Committee, on Wednesday voted in favor of H.R. 7024, Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 357-70.
“The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 is a pro-growth, pro-worker bill which ensures that hardworking Americans, family-owned farms, and small businesses that have suffered for far too long under Biden’s disastrous policies receive much-needed economic relief,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This comprehensive bill was shaped by critical feedback from Main Street Americans across the country and New York’s 24th District.
“This package, focused on renewing President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will boost our economy and give manufacturers the tools they need to bolster our global competitiveness. Not only does passing this bill work to preserve over 7,300 jobs in New York, but it would also retain $622 million per year in R&D-related wages for our state. I am thrilled that this bill, which will increase desperately needed economic growth, passed the House today. By voting in favor of this bill, I reiterated my commitment to supporting fiscally conservative economic policies implemented by President Trump that deliver much-needed relief for the hardworking taxpayers of NY-24.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Morelle announced on Wednesday the passage of legislation he authored to support America’s manufacturing industry.
The provisions of Congressman Morelle’s American Investment in Manufacturing (AIM) Act were included as part of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, enacting a technical change to the U.S. Tax Code allowing businesses to continue deducting interest expenses.
“I’m proud to have delivered on my promise to uplift our local manufacturers and end a harmful tax hike,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “My legislation will permanently preserve the previous earnings before interest and taxes formula, allowing for a greater investment in manufacturing firms across the country and strengthening the backbone of our economy. I’m grateful these important provisions were included in the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across the aisle to enact solutions like this that support our manufacturing sector.”
Interest on business expenses is generally tax deductible but capped. At the end of 2021, the formula for calculating this deduction became more restrictive. Known as the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization standard (EBITDA), depreciation and amortization were removed from the calculation, limiting the ability to deduct interest expenses.
This change has had a disproportionate impact on the manufacturing sector of our economy, as manufacturing firms are often required to take out loans to finance large capital investments in their facilities and equipment.
AIM—as a part of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024—will now restore the full EBITDA standard for deductions for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023, and before January 1, 2026. Taxpayers may use the EBITDA standard for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, and before January 1, 2024 – effectively making the changes retroactive. After December 31, 2025, the standard returns to EBIT.
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to take part in the free “FEBRUARY 15 Canalway Challenge.”
Participants pledge to complete 15 miles walking, running, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing anywhere within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor by the end of February.
Participants can log miles at national, state and local parks, on the Canalway Trail, or even in their own neighborhoods. Finishers receive a 15-mile recognition sticker, magnet, and set of commemorative postcards. Registration is open to individuals, teams, and organizations. Sign up at: www.canalwaychallenge.org.
“The FEBRUARY 15 Challenge provides great incentive for people of all abilities to embrace winter and enjoy the outdoors, while working toward a fitness goal,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “The Canalway Corridor, including the many state and national parks located within it, have much to offer in every season, and we hope this challenge motivates New Yorkers to get outside in winter.”
FEBRUARY 15 is part of the Canalway Challenge, which is open to people of all fitness levels and offers a range of mileage options, including 1 mile for people with mobility challenges, 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2024 at 7:55 pm
Provided photo
RIDGEWAY – Kevin DeHollander is shown with a freshly painted historical marker on Presbyterian Road. He is shown on Tuesday after Melissa Ierlan delivered the marker to the site in Knowlesville.
The marker notes that the first religious society in the Town of Ridgeway was organized in August 1817 and the first church was dedicated in 1832. This marker originally was put up in 1932.
Irelan has now scraped and repainted nearly 40 of the markers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2024 at 3:59 pm
Amy Laureano
KENDALL – A faculty basketball game on March 7, with teachers from Holley playing Kendall, will raise money for a scholarship fund in a memory of a beloved Kendall first-grade teacher.
Amy Laureano passed away on July 30. A memorial fund in her honor goes to help students in different ways.
“She was a teacher in Kendall for over 20 years and had an immense impact on not only our students, but our community as well,” said Kendall teacher Taylor Kingsbury. “She is missed by all who knew her.”
Kendall vs. Holley faculty basketball game starts at 6 p.m. on March 7 at the Kendall High School Gym. Cost is $2 per person or $8 per family. There will be contests, prizes and basket raffles. Concessions will be available from Jimmy Z’s.
The Kendall Lions Club also will be having a chicken barbecue from noon to 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 with proceeds going to the Amy Laureano Memorial Fund. The barbecue will be at the Kendall United Methodist Church. Tickets can be purchased at the main offices for the elementary school or junior-senior high school.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2024 at 9:47 am
Photo courtesy of Karen Russo: Snow covers the railroad tracks behind Bullard Park in Albion on Monday.
The area will get some sunshine and blue skies, as well as temperatures above freezing in the next five days.
Today includes a high near 42 followed by a high near 39 on Thursday, said the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Friday in Orleans County will be mostly cloudy with a high near 34, while Saturday is sunny with a high near 37. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 36, followed by a mostly sunny Monday with a high near 33.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today nominated former President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his groundbreaking efforts to foster peace and cooperation between Israel, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates through the Abraham Accords.
In 2020, President Trump negotiated the normalization agreements between Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, which were signed in December 2020 and January 2021.
Trump also worked diligently to lay the groundwork for a future normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1978 and for the Oslo Accords in 1994. Yet, the Abraham Accords, achieved by President Trump, continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. On Tuesday, Tenney nominated former President Donald Trump to recognize his efforts in achieving these historic normalization agreements.
“Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “For decades, bureaucrats, foreign policy ‘professionals,’ and international organizations insisted that additional Middle East peace agreements were impossible without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Trump proved that to be false.
“The valiant efforts by President Trump in creating the Abraham Accords were unprecedented and continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, underscoring the need for his nomination today. Now more than ever, when Joe Biden’s weak leadership on the international stage is threatening our country’s safety and security, we must recognize Trump for his strong leadership and his efforts to achieve world peace. I am honored to nominate former President Donald Trump and am eager for him to receive the recognition he deserves.”
Gradual phase-in to lower overtime threshold in agriculture starts in 2024
File photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer plants seeds on May 23, 2019 in Carlton on Waterport-Carlton Road.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the launch of the State’s new Farm Employer Overtime Credit advance portal, which is now open for farmers to register and begin preparing the documents they will need to apply for reimbursement.
Later this year, eligible farm employers may apply to the Department of Agriculture and Markets for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid to their employees between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2024. As tax season opens, this opportunity is part of Governor Hochul’s plan to support New York’s farmers through a series of new and increased tax credits and other initiatives.
“Our farmers and farm workers are essential, and I want to do everything in my power to ensure that they can thrive in their work to bring fresh, local products to the tables of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a big part of that, reducing the tax burden for our farm businesses while allowing them to continue supporting their hardworking staff. I encourage all eligible farmers to learn more about this program, get registered and talk to their tax preparer so they can be prepared to apply later this year.”
The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for eligible farm employers who pay overtime wages after January 1, 2024, based on the gradual phase-in of the overtime threshold in New York State. Farmers can apply for this refundable credit if they or their business:
are an eligible farmer; and
employ eligible farm employees that were paid eligible overtime.
Farm employers are encouraged to prepare to apply this year by taking the following steps:
Ensuring that they are registered for a NY.gov ID through My.NY.gov.
Taking the farm employer eligibility assessment to establish if they (the farm employer) expect to meet the eligible farmer income requirements for their tax filing type at the end of the tax year.
Discussing the program with their tax and payroll advisors to ensure they are keeping necessary records during the January 1 – July 31 period this year.
Registering their farm in the online portal now if they plan to apply for the advance payment in 2024. The application portal can be accessed by visiting taxcredit.agriculture.ny.gov.
Optionally, choosing to delegate authority to a representative (e.g., a tax preparer), who may complete and submit the application on the farm employer’s behalf later in the year.
After July 31, farm employers may upload supporting payroll documentation to the portal and submit to the Department of Agriculture and Markets AGM for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid between Jan. 1 and July 31. Applications must be submitted to AGM by Sept. 30.
After eligibility review, AGM will issue a certificate of advance payment to each approved farm employer. With a certificate of advance payment, the approved farmer or business owners (for example, partners or shareholders) can then request their share of the advance payment from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance (DTF). This request must be made no later than November 1, using the online services account at DTF’s website.
“Farm labor is a critical issue, and we at the State are working hard to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to support their workforce and while meeting their food production goals,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “I encourage farmers to take a look at the resources we have available, learn more about the Farm Employer Overtime Credit program, and talk to their tax and payroll advisors to ensure they can take part in this great opportunity.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Tuesday joined Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and New York’s Republican Congressional Delegation in introducing a Congressional Resolution condemning New York Governor Kathy Hochul for defunding schools across New York State and prioritizing increased funding for migrants.
The Governor’s budget reduces funding for hundreds of schools across New York State while providing $2.4 billion to provide undocumented immigrants with legal assistance, housing, transportation, healthcare and jobs. If Governor Hochul’s cuts to schools go through, schools could be forced to make up the difference by shuttering special education and disability services, cutting mental health resources, and more, Tenney said.
“Once again, Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats are putting illegal migrants and their progressive agenda ahead of New York’s children,” Tenney said. “Hochul’s misguided decision to cut critical funding from taxpayer-funded schools threatens students’ learning, especially as they continue to recover from COVID-related learning loss and their access to valuable disability services and mental health resources. I stand with my New York Republican colleagues in demanding that she reevaluate her priorities and support our children over illegal migrants!”
“Governor Hochul is prioritizing undocumented immigrants over our children’s education,” said Congressman Molinaro. “Cutting funding for schools will inevitably jeopardize crucial disability services and mental health resources. We cannot let extreme left immigration policies ruin our children’s future. Governor Hochul: reverse course.”
BATAVIA – There are 198 students from Genesee Community College named to President’s List including 20 from Orleans County. Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Many volunteer ambulance squads have shut down, while non-profits struggle
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
ALBANY – In some areas of the state, ambulance wait times are getting longer and longer, and a lack of volunteers and funding shortfalls have thrown our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems into crisis.
In response, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and a coalition of state lawmakers and advocates have been working on a package of legislation to strengthen local EMS services.
Today, NYSAC was joined by county leaders, state legislators, and EMS professionals to discuss the proposals that will help support those efforts.
The legislative package, which NYSAC worked in close collaboration with state legislators and EMS providers to craft, is designed to provide local governments with the authority to create and fund countywide EMS services, provide financial incentives for EMS workers to enter and stay in the field, and update Medicaid reimbursement rates to reflect current needs and costs.
“All across the state, local EMS providers are in crisis due to rising costs and high demand for increasingly complex services,” said NYSAC President Daniel P. McCoy. “Counties are being asked to fill growing gaps in EMS services, but they lack the resources and authority to develop county-wide systems.”
The “Rescue EMS” package includes the following legislation:
S.4020-B (Mayer) / A.3392-B (Otis) – This comprehensive legislative package allows special taxing districts to be created to fund EMS services. In addition, this legislation would recognize EMS as an essential service and provide reforms to the Emergency Medical Services Council.
S.5000 (May) / A.4077 (Lupardo) – This legislation would remove EMS services from the real property tax cap, which would allow local municipalities to expand and better support their local EMS services. This measure is needed in the short-term while other solutions are being discussed.
Authorization of Reimbursement for Treatment in Place and Transportation to Alternative Destinations (Hinchey / Kelles to introduce) – Effective immediately, NYS should establish a mechanism within the Medicaid Fee Schedule for Ground Ambulance Services to provide reimbursement to emergency medical service agencies for providing emergency medical care to Medicaid enrollees without transporting them from the location where medical care was administered to the beneficiary. Reimbursements shall be made when emergency medical care is provided to a Medicaid enrollee after a call, text, or other request for emergency medical care.
S.6630 (Mannion) / A.6274 (Barrett) – This legislation allows volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to claim both state income and local property tax credits.
S.7286 (Martinez) / A.7524 (Thiele) – This legislation increases the volunteer firefighters’ and ambulance workers’ personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married joint filers.
A.231 of 2021 (Gottfried) – (MoA Hevesi to introduce) – This bill would create a methodology for ambulance reimbursement under Medicaid that more closely approximates the cost of providing the service. Ambulances are required by law to pick everyone up, including Medicaid patients. It is unfair to require these ambulance companies to accept Medicaid patients and then not fairly reimburse them for the costs of providing services to these patients.
Steve Kroll, NYS Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association said, “We are grateful to all the Legislators here today to improve emergency medical services in New York State. Long-term underfunding and a shortage of both volunteer and career EMS responders places communities at risk when ambulances are unavailable to respond when someone is seriously ill or injured. This package of bills will take a major step in the right direction to ensure the health and safety of our communities, said Steven Kroll of the NYS Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, which serves the community not-for-profit and volunteer EMS sector.
Alanna Badgley, Co-Founder of the EMS Sustainability Alliance said, “As a unified voice for EMS professionals looking to ensure a sustainable future for EMS for both patients and providers, the EMS Sustainability Alliance fully supports the passage of the following package of bills: S.4020-B/A.3392-B; S.5000/A.4077; S.6630/A.6274; S.7286/ A.7524; and A.231 of 2021. We believe that each of these bills can effectively address a component of the EMS crisis and must be coupled with future legislation to create long-term sustainability for a functioning pre-hospital healthcare system. We are encouraged by the continued legislative energy of our leaders here in New York to build EMS as a viable career path for healthcare professionals within this field, not outside of it.”
Timothy P. Egan, Chair of United New York Ambulance Network and Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services said, “Ambulance service providers have been dealing with the same workforce shortage and budget issues as other sectors in healthcare. On top of that, the industry has been faced with years of inadequate funding, putting many operators in peril. Working with county and state lawmakers, we are hopeful the FY 2024-25 State Budget delivers EMS the critical resources needed to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively, delivering the best possible outcomes for patients across New York State.”
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “EMS is the frontline of healthcare in rural and medically-underserved communities across New York State; however, we’ve seen firsthand how insufficient funding, along with workforce and geographic challenges, has pushed many providers to a breaking point. Two years ago, I sponsored legislation to create the Rural Ambulance Services Task Force, and I’m proud to champion a new bill based on its recommendations, which would create three new funding methods for EMS, covering Treatment-In-Place, Telemedicine, and Transport to Alternative Healthcare Settings, including mental health facilities. It is incumbent that we deliver real solutions to keep this lifesaving service available, and I thank all of our EMS professionals, NYSAC, and our coalition of partners in government for working with us to strengthen EMS in New York.”
The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for eligible farm employers who pay overtime wages after January 1, 2024, based on the gradual phase-in of the overtime threshold in New York State. Farmers can apply for this refundable credit if they or their business:
