Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – At the Jan. 8 Holley Board of Education meeting, Brian Bartalo announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year as Holley’s district superintendent.

His last day with the district will be June 30, 2024. Bartalo began his role at Holley in July 2018.

“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as Holley’s superintendent,” Bartalo said. “The staff, families, and especially the students, have been tremendous to work with and have made all the difference for me finishing my career here. I am thankful to have been a part of this wonderful learning community and contribute to creating the best district possible for the students we serve. I look forward to seeing all the great things that will be accomplished here in Holley.”

Bartalo’s retirement comes after a 36-year long career in public education. In 1988, he began his career as a special education teacher at Merton Williams Middle School in the Hilton Central School District, where he taught and coached until 1998. For the next 19 years he worked at Hilton High School. He served for one year as the dean of students, then as assistant principal from 1999 until 2005. From 2005 to 2018, he served as principal and International Baccalaureate head of school.

“The leadership Brian has shown these past six years has steadied our district and put it on a path to success,” said Holley Board of Education President Anne Winkley. “His passion for education and building a welcoming environment in which our students and staff can flourish has been evident from day one. We feel fortunate Holley is where Brian chose to end his career and wish him the best in his retirement.”

The Holley Board of Education will begin the process of hiring a new superintendent by working with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES District Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci as search consultant. The Board will formally appoint Antonacci at the next board meeting on Monday, Feb. 12.

Town also approves moratoriums to update laws on solar projects, short-term rentals and wind energy

YATES – The Town Board last week approved a six-month moratorium on applications, approvals, and construction of farm labor camps or housing beyond what is required under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.

This has been a contentious issue in the town the past year with H.H. Dobbins wanting to build a new 30-bed labor camp on Route 63, north of the village.

The town has pushed back on the project saying workers in Dobbins’ apple packing facility aren’t technically farmworkers. Yates officials say farm labor housing should be reserved to workers directly on farms.

Dobbins sued the town, and a State Supreme Court justice sided with Dobbins. Yates has appealed that decision.

The town doesn’t have a problem with workers from orchards owned by Dobbins staying at the new farm labor housing. Dobbins, however, wants the housing to be available for both workers in its orchards and at the packing house, which serves about 50 different local farms.

Dobbins also wants the housing to be available year-round. Yates officials said it could be used 10 months a year to reflect the seasonal nature of farm work.

Yates, following last week’s vote, will now take six months to review its law “to analyze and determine potential appropriate revisions and amendments,” the board said in a resolution last week.

The Orleans County Planning Board on Dec. 21 recommended denial of the moratorium, and the board said it didn’t want to weigh in on an issue in litigation.

The Town Board faults the County Planning Board for its rationale, and not making a decision based on the merits of the of the referral. Local municipalities refer some projects to the County Planning Board for an advisory opinion.

The local municipality can override the county opinion but needs a super-majority vote. In Yates’ case, that is at least four yes votes on the five-member Town Board. That board voted to override last week on Jan. 8 and criticized the county’s handling of the referral, citing litigation between the town and Dobbins.

“This is not a basis of proper review by the County Planning Board, as it does not address potential County-wide impacts,” the Town Board stated. “This proposed Local Law is of general applicability and the County Planning Board’s focus on a particular application or litigation matter is inappropriate and exceeds its jurisdiction under the statute.”

Town Supervisor Jim Simon said the town will work with the agricultural community, including a representative from the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, to update the local law for farm labor housing.

Simon said the town supports agriculture, and farmworkers. He noted there are 238 beds at 12 different farm labor housing sites in the town that are all approved by the Orleans County Health Department. Those 238 are the second most of the 10 towns in the county, which has 1,603 beds for farm worker housing. Carlton has the most with more than 400.

Dobbins is seeking to build a 30-bed housing site that would be 104 feet by 40 feet. With more delays from the town’s court appeal, and now a proposed moratorium, Dave D’Anniballe, the company controller, said last month it could be 2025 or later when the housing could be fully utilized. Dobbins should be able to get started on the labor housing in 2024 but would only have use of it for harvest workers from August to November, D’Anniballe said.

He presented a packet of information to the Planning Board last month that included a letter signed by 31 farmers against the moratorium and the plan to change the local law, requiring at least 51 percent of workers to be at a single farm.

Chad Kirby, president of the Orleans County Farm Bureau, also sent a letter in support of the Dobbins labor housing, specifically the option to have housing that serves more than one farm. Kirby said other family farms may need to share housing, or may need to rent space because they cannot afford to build their own.

In addition to reviewing the town law on farm labor housing, Yates approved six-month moratoriums to review and update its law on short-term rentals, solar projects and wind energy facilities and alternative energy systems.

Simon, the town supervisor, said Yates needs to update its laws in response to changes in all three industries.

The town will have public hearings when it presents changes to the local laws later this year.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties, saying a lake-effect snow band will dump very heavy snow this afternoon.

In Orleans the area effect will be mostly in the Medina and Lyndonville areas of western Orleans, and could spread to Albion.

“This lake effect snow band is producing heavy snow at the rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour,” the Weather Service said. “These snowfall rates will increase to 2 to 3 inches per hour by 4 p.m.”

The Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship in Medina announced it is canceling its youth and adult services for tonight.

Yates Town Court will not be holding court tonight. Anyone who was scheduled for court will receive notice of a new court date.

Provided photos: Businesses and organizations in the Roy-Hart community are displaying posters and boots in a fundraiser for the Roy-Hart Agriculture Foundation.

Press Release, Roy-Hart Agriculture Foundation

MIDDLEPORT – At the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference, author Lisl H. Detlefsen shared her book, “Farm Boots” with educators from across the country. This joyful verse text that takes readers through the seasons and many types of boots that are needed to get all the jobs at the farm done.

The book is published by Feeding Minds Press – a project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture whose mission is to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through education.

“Farm Boots” especially touched the heart of Roy-Hart Elementary teacher Shelly Budziszewski because farm boots were always part of the back room decor at her grandparents farm.

“I was inspired with the idea to host a boot drive, much like the firefighters do, to collect donations for our Ag program at RH,” Budziszewski said.

The story was shared with the Green Team, Roy-Hart Elementary’s afterschool ag club, and members were asked to write about how they currently use their farm boots for work or play and how they will plan to use farm boots in future.

Green Team members’ boots are now on display at local businesses in Middleport, Gasport, Lockport, and Medina for the Roy-Hart Agriculture Foundation Farm Boot Drive. If you see a pair around town, please drop your spare change or a few dollars in to help the RHES Green Team and all PreK-12th grade Ag programs at Royalton-Hartland.

The boot drive concludes on Friday, January 19th, when RHAF will also be hosting a Movie Fundraiser showing “The Biggest Little Farm.” Farm-themed concessions open at 6 p.m. and the movie begins 6:30 p.m. at Roy-Hart High School. This event is open to all community members.

The boot drive locations include:

• Gasport – Chop’s Shop, Ports Pizza & Subs, Harland Abattoir, US Post Office, Stockham Lumber, Schwab’s Farm Market, Drum Oil & Propane, Olear’s and Hartland Town Hall.

• Middleport – Village Pizzeria, RH Community Library, US Post Office, Middleport Family Health Center, Darrell’s Place, T+S Crop Services, Alternative Grounds, Amy Hansen Training Center and Royalton Town Hall.

• Lockport – Ace Hardware, Scapelliti’s, Half Baked Cookies and Howell Motors Ford.

• Medina – Car Quest and Tractor Supply.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – The State Senate Republican Conference today unveiled “A New Hope For The Empire State,” their legislative agenda for 2024. The agenda prioritizes the issues that affect everyday New Yorkers, but have been neglected by the radical left politicians who control Albany.

Extreme policies pursued under one-party rule have directly caused a decline in New Yorkers’ quality of life. Over the course of the past several years, we’ve seen destructive policies passed by radical Democrats that have pushed New York to its brink.

Sanctuary state policies have only increased the inflow of migrants, impacting local government services at the detriment of residents who already live here. The recent rise in antisemitic rhetoric coming from DSA radicals at all levels of government has stoked divisions within our communities. Places of higher learning have become breeding grounds for the antisemitic bullying we see occurring on college campuses throughout the country. Throughout the holiday season, we witnessed protests disrupting the Thanksgiving Day parade, the New York City tree lighting, the New Year’s Eve ball drop, travel at airports and more.

Our law enforcement community has their hands tied because of policies that prioritize criminals. The complete disregard for society is flat out appalling. We need sound minded people and a sound minded plan to bring New York back to what it once was.

“New Yorkers are deeply dissatisfied with the direction of our state and our Conference is here to provide an alternative path forward. I have traveled throughout the state and people are tired, frustrated and angry. They feel forgotten. Over the course of the year we have seen crimes and costs rise. Antisemitism is infiltrating our schools and communities and has become the norm. The migrant crisis has only gotten worse because New York City politicians continue to push their feel-good policies, but it is these radical policies that are driving New Yorkers out,” Ortt said. “As the Leader of this conference, I will not take a back seat to the progressive agenda destroying our state. Our Republican Conference will fight to give hope to those New Yorkers who feel they have no alternative but to leave our state. Our common sense agenda provides solutions to build a greater New York for future generations.”

“A New Hope For The Empire State” is a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2024 outlining a plan to fight for New Yorkers who are tired of the radical left legislature controlling Albany. This agenda prioritizes increasing affordability, improves public safety, and builds a greater New York:

Increasing Affordability

• Reigning in out of control spending: enact a spending cap, rejecting tax increases and unfunded mandates, and providing tax relief for all New Yorkers;

• Taking action to help all New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet by rejecting extreme climate proposals, incentivizing new housing construction to deal with the housing shortage, and making child care more accessible and affordable; and

• Improving the state’s business climate by protecting small businesses and farms by reducing regulations and unfair costs.

Improving Public Safety

• Protecting New Yorkers from antisemitism and other hateful violence by making any antisemitic behavior a hate crime, making all hate crimes bail eligible, protecting hate crime victims and houses of worship, and implementing financial penalties on both college universities and students who condone or engage in antisemitic behavior while receiving state aid;

• Rejecting efforts to continue New York a sanctuary state status;

• Reversing failed criminal justice policies that have made our communities less safe, including bail reform, discovery reform, and others;

• Rejecting policies that put criminals above victims and law-abiding New Yorkers; and

• Providing more services and funding to address mental health crisis and substance abuse disorders.

Building a Greater New York

• Closing the pandemic learning gap,  expanding school choice, and further investing in vocational education and workforce development;

• Providing support to our veterans to reacclimate and find educational and career opportunities; and

• Investing in and strengthening our infrastructure to encourage growth.

“It is clear New Yorkers are unhappy,” Ortt said. “Our plan offers a vision to correct that and bring New York back as a desirable place to live. As we head into a new legislative session, we will outline common-sense solutions to address these issues and improve the quality of life of every New Yorker.”

More details of the New York State Senate Republicans’ “A New Hope for the Empire State” 2024 legislative agenda will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To read more, click here.

National Grid, Tompkins Community Bank kick off new service with donations

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Community Action of Orleans & Genesee has announced a new service – free hats and mittens to those in need. Here, CAOG’s executive director Renee Hungerford, Main Street Thrift Store manager Cassie Healy and case manager Jeanette Worsley fill a box in front of the store with hats and mittens, free for the taking.

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee announced a new service to the community – free hats and mittens to anyone who needs them.

The idea came from Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action, who mentioned it to Jackie Dunham, director of operations.

“I said, ‘We’ve got to make that happen,’” Dunham said.

Hungerford spoke with facilities manager Rick Standish, who indicated he could build a suitable box to hold a supply of hats and mittens. Within a few days, he had completed two boxes, one in front of the Main Street store, and the other behind Community Action’s headquarters on State Street, with the agency’s mini food pantry.

While discussing the new project with Patrick Weissend, manager of Tompkins Community Bank, he asked if Hungerford would like him to run a mitten drive for them. Within two weeks, he had a huge box collected.

“We expect to get people from the new warming center, who will need hats and mittens to keep warm,” Hungerford said.

Another box full of mittens was donated by National Grid.

“There definitely is a need, not just for food, but for warm clothing,” said Jeanette Worsley, case manager at Community Action.

Hungerford said having the boxes available to the public assures those in need can access them any time.

“Obviously, we can’t have staff available 24/7,” she said. “This way, warm hats and mittens are available all the time.”

The public or any organization who would like to make donations of hats and mittens for all ages can drop them off any time in one of the boxes or bring them to the office during business hours or the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday or from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department today released the photo of a man charged last week with sex crimes against a child.

Nicholas W. Laffin

Nicholas Laffin, 28, of Rochester was arrested and charged with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross of the Western District of New York announced on Jan. 9.

Albion Police Chief David Mogle sent a photo of Laffin to the media today.

“The Albion Police Department felt it was important to get the suspect’s identity and this information out to the public due to concerns that there may be additional unidentified victims in the surrounding area,” Mogle said. “If your child came into contact with Laffin, please contact your local authorities. The Albion Police Department would like to remind parents/guardians to continuously monitor their child’s social media accounts.”

Laffin was charged by Albion PD with criminal sex act in the 2nd degree (actor 18 years or more/victim under 15 years); rape in the 2^nd degree (actor 18 years or more/victim under 15 years); act in manner to injure child less than 17 years; and false written statement.

Nicholas Laffin was remanded to the Orleans County Jail and later held in federal custody, Mogle said.

U.S. Assistant Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case at the federal level, stated Laffin was in a 13-year-old girl’s bedroom in Albion on Dec. 27. He fled the area but left a cell phone in bedroom.

Laffin was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. On January 3, seven items of digital evidence were turned over to the FBI. An initial review of Laffin’s cell phone located in the minor victim’s bedroom recovered multiple images and video files of child pornography involving the minor victim.

Jason Watts, left, replaces David Hydock, right, who served 19 years as deputy fire coordinator for the Orleans County Emergency Management, representing the west battalion.

SHELBY – The five fire departments in the west battalion have a new fire coordinator following the retirement of Dave Hydock, who served 19 years in the part-time position.

Jason Watts, a past Shelby fire chief, is the new fire coordinator of the west end of the county, which includes the fire departments in East Shelby, Shelby, Medina, Ridgeway and Lyndonville.

The Orleans County Emergency Management Office announced the change on Tuesday. Hydock, a long-time leader of the Lyndonville Fire Department, was a reliable presence and strong advocate for the fire service, said Justin Niederhofer, the EMO director.

“He likes to be behind the scenes,” Niederhofer said. “He just wants to do his job.”

The fire coordinator assists the fire departments with activating and coordinating mutual aid at emergency scenes, and setting up training.

Watts was appointed to the position following the recommendation from the five fire chiefs from the west battalion. They were part of the interview with Watts. He was also interviewed by Niederhofer and Scott Buffin, the EMO deputy director. Watts works full-time as the Village of Medina’s superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

“Welcome aboard and the whole team at the EMO is looking forward to working with you, and the residents of Orleans County are lucky to have you as part of our team!” the Emergency Management Office posted in announcing Watts as the new fire coordinator.

‘The governor’s massive $233 billion plan includes misguided spending priorities that will make New York even less affordable for years to come.’ – State Sen. Rob Ortt

Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined a $223 billion executive budget proposal that has won praise from some organizations in the state while local state legislators say the budget doesn’t rein in state spending.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, N-Tonawanda, is the State Senate Republican leader. He issued this statement:

“Instead of offering a fiscally responsible budget that delivers relief to hardworking families and struggling small businesses, the Governor’s massive $233 billion plan includes misguided spending priorities that will make New York even less affordable for years to come. More potential prison closures, changes in school funding, and a lack of significant investment in upstate roads and bridges is alarming. This budget, while crafted by a Western New York Governor, seems to elevate a New York City driven agenda, while the rest of the state is left to deal with problems created by bad policies from downstate Democrats.

“The Governor’s proposal includes a staggering $2.4 billion in taxpayer money to address the migrant crisis that far-left politicians welcomed to our state. This state shouldn’t spend a single dollar on this issue until we put an end to the sanctuary city policies that created this crisis in New York.

“The Governor’s budget also fails to seriously address the public safety crisis confronting local communities all across our state.  She is proposing to spend millions of tax dollars on a series of  new programs, but completely fails to make the kind of fundamental reforms we need to restore law and order, combat serious crime, and keep our local communities safe and secure.

“As the budget process now moves forward, the Senate Republican Conference will be carefully examining every aspect of the Governor’s proposal, while also pushing for comprehensive, common sense reforms that will make our state safer, stronger and more affordable.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher issued this statement: “New York Farm Bureau remains committed to working with Gov. Hochul and the state legislature to invest in agriculture and support common sense laws and regulations that will provide opportunities for the state’s family farms.

“In her State of the State, the governor promises to fight for farmers, especially as they face climate and labor challenges. We appreciate the recognition as these issues weigh heavily on New York agriculture.

“Her full agenda highlights mental health services, investment in dairy processing and milk storage, support for agricultural workforce development and our youth, and increased funding for the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health as well as recognition for the state’s growing aquaculture industry. These are all laudable goals that will support the diversity of the state’s family farms.

“The upcoming executive budget proposal will provide a better view of her funding priorities for these initiatives and all of agriculture. We are hopeful that she will continue to fully fund much needed programs that support environmental conservation, research, and agricultural promotion as well as the expansion of food access programs like Nourish NY and Healthy School Meals for All. Investing in agriculture is an investment for all of New York State.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) issued this response: “It’s that time of the year again. The Majority in Albany is once again desperately trying to clean up its mess by spending money we don’t have on projects we don’t need.

“Lowering the amount our public schools will receive to help teachers and students rebuild after COVID and giving over $2 billion to try to solve the self-inflicted migrant crisis are just more examples of downstate interests trumping the needs of Western New Yorkers. This administration needs to be more fiscally responsible. Families across our state have to create reasonable budgets and live within their means. It’s about time Gov. Hochul and the Majority did the same.”

George Gresham, President, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and Kenneth E. Raske, President, Greater New York Hospital Association, issued this statement:

“In her State of the State address on January 9, Governor Hochul noted that ‘hospitals in New York are struggling financially more than in the rest of the U.S—42% of hospital facilities in New York had an operating deficit in 2021.’ The Governor did not mention that the figure rose to 63% in 2022. The root cause of this crisis is that New York’s Medicaid program funds hospitals 30% less than the actual cost of delivering care.

“Today’s State Budget announcement was an opportunity for the Governor to set a new course. But she did not. It’s no wonder that so many hospitals are in deep financial trouble and critical health indicators are worsening, especially in low-income communities.

“The Executive Branch makes frequent mention of the 7.5% Medicaid rate increase for hospitals in last year’s budget. But that increase—after the rate remained essentially flat for 15 years—was almost completely wiped out by the budget’s hospital cuts (e.g., cuts to the Indigent Care Pool and the 340B drug program). Given these cuts, the effective rate increase was only 1.6%, about one-quarter of the cost increases that hospitals have experienced.

“New York State must end the drastic underfunding of care for Medicaid recipients. 1199SEIU and GNYHA will continue to educate all those willing on the urgent need to increase New York’s Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals to 100% of cost over several years and strive for health care justice for all New Yorkers by reducing health care disparities and improving health outcomes for low-income, predominantly Black and Brown communities.

“We will also work with stakeholders to tackle the real cost drivers of New York’s Medicaid program, such as the unsustainable growth rate of managed long-term care.

“We call again on the Governor and the Legislature to join us in achieving those goals.”

New York State Association of Counties President Daniel P. McCoy said this in response to the executive budget: “The state budget proposal unveiled today is a positive step forward that delivers on several county government related priorities.

“First and foremost, there do not appear to be any new unfunded mandates, which have burdened local taxpayers unnecessarily for decades. The budget also appears to finally enable counties to collect revenue that is owed but remains uncollected from vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. This has been a priority for counties to close this loophole and bring parity amongst the industry. We are also encouraged by the Governor’s commitment of $135 million to partner with local governments on strengthening emergency communication systems and infrastructure.

“We also applaud Governor Hochul for her willingness to work with counties over the last several months to develop a workable framework to meet the requirements of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County regarding property tax foreclosures. As we delve into the budget details, we expect that many of our suggestions have been incorporated into her proposal, and we encourage the State Legislature to support its inclusion in the final budget.

 “In terms of the over $1 billion in federal Medicaid funds that are still owed to counties and New York City, we remain committed to working with the Governor and Legislature to find a resolution to this.”

Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers, made this statement: “We share the governor’s ambitious vision for public schools that invests in addressing student mental health, expanding professional opportunities for educators, and enhancing our approach to teaching reading.

“Particularly in fulfilling the state’s promise to fully fund Foundation Aid, the governor has been clear she wants our public schools, colleges, universities and hospitals to be as strong as possible and to position New York as an economic and innovation powerhouse.

“The Foundation Aid formula is how we determine what resources our schools need. We’re concerned that the executive budget proposal includes modifications to the formula to reduce School Aid costs. The critical need to consistently support our students and educators should not vary with the fluctuations in our state tax revenue.

“We know this proposal is just the start of the budget process, and we are happy to work with the governor and Legislature to ensure that the state can continue to completely fund the education opportunities that New York’s students deserve.”

 Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) issued this statement: “With a projected $4.3 billion budget deficit and future deficits on the horizon, it is fiscally irresponsible for the governor to be proposing any increase in spending, especially doubling the $1 billion spent last year on the illegal alien crisis to $1.9 billion.

“It is further frustrating she’s doing so at the cost of our children’s education. New York families should not be paying the penalty for the lack of judgment and foresight of progressive political agendas. It is incumbent on the state to get back to the basics on key infrastructure, education and workforce development investments, while reducing wasteful spending, taxes and business regulations that continue to fuel the outmigration population exodus to other states.”

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

ROCHESTER – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) announced he has authored bipartisan legislation to stop the spread of deepfake pornography generated by artificial intelligence (AI)—HR 3106, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act.

He was joined Dorota and Francesca Mani who are working to pass HR 3106 after their difficulty finding help when Francesca and her classmates were the target of deepfakes at a New Jersey High School.

“Try to imagine the horror of receiving intimate images looking exactly like you—or your daughter, or your wife, or your sister—and you can’t prove it’s not,” said Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY). “Deepfake pornography is sexual exploitation, it’s abusive, and I’m astounded it is not already a federal crime. My legislation will finally make this dangerous practice illegal and hold perpetrators accountable. I’m grateful we have a generation of young women like Francesca ready to stand up against systemic oppression and stand in their power.”

Deepfake pornography makes up 96 percent of all deepfakes, and they almost exclusively target women. While the images are fake, their impacts are very real—and until now, there has been no federal effort to provide protection or recourse from this disturbing trend.

“Just because I’m a teenager doesn’t mean my voice isn’t powerful,” said Francesca Mani of Westfield, NJ. “Staying silent? Not an option. We are given voices to challenge, to speak up against the injustices we face. What happened to me and my classmates was not cool, and there’s no way I’m just going to shrug and let it slide. I’m here, standing up and shouting for change, fighting for laws so no one else has to feel as lost and powerless as I did on October 20th. Our voices are our secret weapon, and our words are like power-ups in a Fortnite. My mom and I are advocating to create a world where being safe isn’t just a hope; it’s a reality for everyone.”

“The use of AI by some high school students to manipulate the image of my daughter, no matter how uninformed or innocently intended, is unacceptable,” said Dorota Mani. “This incident offers a tremendous opportunity for Congress to demonstrate that it can act and act quickly, in a non-partisan matter, to protect students and young people from unnecessary exploitation.”

HR 3106, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act will prohibit the non-consensual disclosure of digitally altered intimate images. The legislation both makes the sharing of these images a criminal offense and creates a right of private action for victims to seek relief—serving as a powerful deterrent.

“Women are facing a very real danger in our increasingly digital world,” continued Rep. Morelle. “Let’s not wait for the next mass incident to make the news. This is happening every day to women everywhere, and it’s time to give them back their power.”

“As a father, I am deeply disturbed by how effortlessly this kind of technology can be used in an explicit nature and minors can easily be the victims,” said Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ). “We live in a highly advanced technological world that is ever-changing and proper oversight is necessary. Addressing AI is a bipartisan issue, and I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Morelle’s bill to help ensure that we are doing everything we can to stop nonconsensual deepfakes online and that there are legal repercussions for those bad actors. Proper guardrails and transparency are essential for fostering a sense of responsibility among AI companies and individuals using AI. I applaud Francesca’s courage for speaking up against this issue and advocating for change to protect others from the potential harm caused by this powerful technology.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $233 billion budget proposal includes closing up to five state prisons, but doesn’t say which ones.

Of the 44 prisons in the state, there are two in Orleans County: Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison, and Orleans Correctional, a medium-security men’s prison.

“The Executive Budget includes legislation to allow the State to act expeditiously to right-size and eliminate excess capacity by allowing for the closure of up to five correctional facilities with 90 days’ notice. This legislation will allow for an increase in the operational efficiency of the correctional system,” states the budget book briefing from Hochul’s administration.

The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, a union for corrections officers, said it  is “deeply concerned that closures will exacerbate prison violence, cause relocated staff to leave service through resignation and retirement, and further the cycle of unsustainable staff attrition and prison violence.”

The announcement of impending closures comes at a time of increased violence that requires higher staffing ratios and lower inmate density, NYSCOPBA said.

Assaults on staff increased 13.4 percent in 2023, following a 25 percent increase the previous year when the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT) went into effect. Incarcerated individual assaults increased 41.5 percent in 2023, followed by a 34 percent increase in 2022, the union said.

“As the violence increases and staffing levels plummet, mandatory overtime for correction officers and sergeants has spiked to record highs,” said Chris Summers, NYSCOPBA president. “This overtime is well documented and it is unsustainable. Continuous mandates are straining members’ physical and mental health, their families, and their quality of life.  Members are burning out at alarming rates. How can the State of New York demand that our members continue working in these conditions and have the mental and physical ability to keep incarcerated individuals and staff safe? Members need relief.”

Prisons are safest for staff and incarcerated people when the facilities are properly staffed and when incarcerated individuals are not forced to live on top of one another, the union said.

“Closing facilities fails to provide a long-term solution to staffing because staff do not want to uproot their families to move hours away,” NYSCOPBA stated in a news reelase. “Closing facilities fails to provide a long-term solution to violence because more densely populated prisons make it increasingly difficult to separate the bad actors from preying upon those who are quietly serving their sentences.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBION – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the highlights of the FY 2025 Budget, which she said makes New York more affordable, more livable and safer – while utilizing a fiscally responsible approach that keeps the State on a steady path for years to come.

“This budget makes it clear that fiscal discipline can co-exist with progressive, people-driven policies,” Governor Hochul said. “I am committed to fight the right fights on behalf of New Yorkers, and to pursue the common good with common sense – by seeking common ground.”

All funds spending is $233 billion, growing 4.5 percent. Governor Hochul prioritized bolstering the State’s reserves, which currently sit at just over 15 percent of operating costs. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State maintained a bond rating of AA+, reducing borrowing costs.

Improving Public Safety and Cracking Down on Crime

The FY 2025 Executive Budget makes targeted investments in initiatives that will strengthen efforts to keep New Yorkers safe. Spending for New York State’s public safety agencies includes:

• $347 million investment in programs to prevent and reduce gun violence.
• $290 million to restore the effectiveness of the continuum of the criminal justice system.
• $120 million in victim assistance funding.
• $40.2 million to address retail theft and bring relief to small businesses.
• $40.8 million to reduce assaults with a focus on domestic violence.
• $35 million for the next round of the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program.
• $5 million for the Commercial Security Tax Credit to help business owners offset the costs of retail theft.
• New legislation to strengthen the Cannabis Law, helping the Office of Cannabis Management and local governments seal or padlock unlicensed businesses.

Transforming the Mental Health Continuum of Care

New York’s mental health system has been underfunded for decades, but the FY 2025 Executive Budget raises state investment up over 45 percent, from $3.3 billion in 2022 to $4.8 billion over the entire continuum of care. These investments include:

• $55 million to create 200 new inpatient psychiatric beds.
• $45 million for youth mental health including school-based services and peer-to-peer counseling.
• $43 million to keep supportive housing units for people in need of mental health services.
• $42.2 million to increase reimbursement for mental health treatment services.
• $37 million to build new programs for unhoused individuals living with mental illness
• $24 million to help people with mental health problems who are in the criminal justice system.

Record-Breaking Investments in Public Education

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has increased school funding by record amounts — a total of $6 billion over two years – and includes a proposal to ensure every school district utilizes instructional best practices grounded in the Science of Reading. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing the highest amount of school aid in New York State’s history:

• $35.3 billion in total school aid, an increase of $825 million (2.4 percent) from FY24. This includes a $507 million increase in Foundation Aid.
• $10 million to train 20,000 teachers and teaching assistants in best practices for evidence-based literacy instructional practices.
• 4-year extension of Mayoral Control over New York City public schools.

The Executive Budget continues to implement Governor Hochul’s vision to transform the State’s public higher education system to become the best and most equitable statewide system of higher education in the country:

• $1.2 billion for SUNY and CUNY capital projects.
• $207 million for SUNY and CUNY operations.
• $2.75 million for the SUNY Empire State Service Corps, offering students community service work opportunities.
• $2.5 million for the operating costs of SUNY’s participation in the Empire AI consortium.
• $2 million for SUNY’s role in NY SWIMS.
• $1.5 million for the State Weather Risk Communication Center at the University at Albany.

Supporting New York’s Health Care System

Health Care is the largest single expense in New York State’s budget. Governor Hochul is proposing record funding to keep New Yorkers healthy, while also setting the Medicaid program on sustainable long-term fiscal footing.

• $35.5 billion for Medicaid, along with targeted and transformational changes to ensure the long-term solvency and sustainability of the Medicaid program.
• $315 million to provide health insurance subsidies for individuals up to 350 percent of the federal poverty line enrolled in Qualified Health Plans.
• $67 million from the Opioid Settlement Fund for harm reduction, prevention and recovery services.
• $45 million for disability services and independent living opportunities.
• $25 million to catalyze innovation in research and treatment for ALS and other rare diseases.
• $6.7 million to become an “employment first” state for the disability community.

The Executive Budget Includes $7.5 billion in funding over the next three years ($6 billion Federal, $1.5 billion state) through an amendment to New York’s Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration program to support a comprehensive series of actions to advance health equity, reduce health disparities, and strengthen access to primary and behavioral health care across the state.

Promoting Economic Growth and Opportunity

Continued investment in New York’s economic recovery is a key component of the FY 2025 Executive Budget. Governor Hochul’s economic development vision focuses on industries where innovation is vital to success leading to the advancement of regional economic priorities through strategic investments in communities across the state.

• $500 million in capital resources to support the State’s $1 billion commitment to expand and modernize the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex.
• $200 million for the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) initiative to establish a network of four new workforce development centers along the I-90 corridor in upstate New York
• $100 million for the FAST NY program to develop shovel-ready sites to ensure New York’s continued attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies.
• $50 million for the Restore New York Communities Initiative to remove blight, reinvigorate downtowns, and generate economic opportunity in communities statewide.
• $150 million in new capital grants and $75 million in new Excelsior tax credits to fund projects coordinated and planned by Regional Economic Development Councils.
• $100 million for another round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
• $100 million for New York Forward to support the state’s rural communities.
• $275 million to support the Empire AI Initiative over multiple years, complemented by more than $125 million in multi-year financial commitments from private partners.
• $56.5 million for tourism and advertising campaigns.
• $50 million to support an additional round of NYSCA’s grant program for capital projects of all sizes at arts organizations across the state.

Safer Roads, Better Transit

The FY 2025 Executive Budget includes investments to continue road, bridge and safety improvement across New York including:

• $7.9 billion in State operating aid for the MTA, which Governor Hochul saved from the “fiscal cliff” in last year’s budget.
• $7.6 billion for the third year of the five-year $32.9 billion Department of Transportation Capital Plan, the largest in New York’s history.
• $577.8 million in funding for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and the Marchiselli Program.
• $551 million for non-MTA transit in the downstate region.
• $323 million for transit systems in upstate New York.
• $100 million for the Pave our Potholes (POP) Program
• $45 million for engineering on the Interborough Express
• $16 million to move forward with the planning of the Second Avenue Subway extension to Broadway.

Fighting Climate Change and Promoting Resiliency

New York’s climate goals are among the most ambitious in the nation. The FY 2025 Executive Budget proves Governor Hochul’s commitment to taking decisive action, meeting the scale and urgency of the climate crisis while growing our economy and protecting consumers.

The Executive Budget includes proposals that will accelerate New York’s transition to clean energy. The Affordable Gas Transition Act will protect utility customers from bearing the cost of unwarranted investments in fossil fuel infrastructure and establish new rules and guidelines applying to the extension of gas service in alignment with the Climate Act.

The Executive Budget also includes the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment (RAPID) Act, which will create a one-stop-shop for the environmental review and permitting of major renewable energy and transmission facilities within the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), streamlining the siting of green infrastructure necessary to meet the State’s climate goals. The Executive Budget also includes a proposal to expand the Climate Smart Communities program by increasing the maximum grant award to help localities meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges posed by climate change.

The Executive Budget includes:

• $500 million for clean water over two years.
• $435 million into resiliency projects to protect communities from severe floods, including
• $250 million for a voluntary buyout program.
• $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund.
• $100 million for the State Superfund Program.
• $160 million invested in NY SWIMS to address the disinvestment in swimming facilities and lifeguards in underserved communities and an additional $446 million to invest in our State parks and pools.
• $47 million to plant over 25 million trees across New York by 2033, as announced in the Governor’s 2024 State of the State Address.

Addressing the Migrant and Asylum Seeker Crisis

After allocating $1.9 billion over the past fiscal year for this issue, Governor Hochul will increase State support of the City’s efforts to $2.4 billion. This includes $500 million drawn from the State’s reserves which are intended for use during one-time emergencies.

Continued Focus on Housing

Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 Executive Budget includes initiatives to address the housing crisis throughout New York.

• Require that localities receive Pro-Housing Community certification to access up to $650 million in state discretionary funding
• $500 million in capital funds dedicated to developing up to 15,000 housing units on state-owned property.
• Legislation to increase the housing supply in New York City including new tax incentives, authority for the city to lift outdated residential density restrictions where appropriate, incentives to encourage affordable housing in office conversions, and a path toward legalizing basement and cellar apartments
• Legislation to increase protections for affordable housing providers by prohibiting insurance carriers from raising premiums on property owners based on tenant source of income, the existence of affordable housing units, or the receipt of government assistance
• Legislation to protect homeowners by creating a clear definition of the crime of deed theft to help enhance enforcement and other measures to prevent against this heinous crime

Strengthening and Promoting Agriculture

New investments in New York’s agriculture industry and climate resilience.

• $34 million in capital grants for on-farm milk storage technologies and processing infrastructure to improve supply chain efficiency.
• $21 million to a new Alternative Waste Management and Enhanced Precision Feed Program to further the mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
• $10 million to continue a multi-year investment in support of kitchen facilities that prepare meals for K-12 schools from New York State farm products.
• $10 million to reinvigorate New York’s aquaculture industry through the Blue Food Transformation and to grow New York’s bioeconomy

Press Release, UConnectCare

BATAVIA – UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) is continuing its Foundation Scholarship program for 2024.

$1,000 scholarships will be awarded, UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett announced.

They are as follows:

• One to a Genesee County high school student.
• One to an Orleans County high school student.
• One to an adult student pursing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• One to a technical/trade school student.

Bennett said that the scholarships, which will be awarded at the agency’s annual membership meeting in May, will go to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services.

“With a goal of improving community health, the board of directors of both UConnectCare and the UConnectCare Foundation are excited about the prospects of supporting those who are committed to the behavioral health field,” Bennett said. “Without question, agencies such as ours are always ready to hire educated, dedicated and skilled employees.”

He noted that students enrolled in a Genesee or Orleans County school can apply for the scholarship even if their primary residence is in another county.

Applications are available on the UConnectCare website – www.uconnectcare.org – or can be obtained by contacting Diane Klos at Diane Klos at 585-815-1883 or dklos@unconnectcare.org. Completed applications must be received via email or postmarked by March 8.

Other pertinent scholarship information is as follows:

• Applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program/major.
• Eligible programs or majors include Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services.
• Current UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members are not eligible.
• Relatives of UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members are eligible.
• Applicant must provide academic history such as high school and/or college transcripts.
• Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer/academic history. Letters from relatives will not be accepted.
• Applicant must provide a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experiences, and extra-curricular activities.
• Applicant must provide an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of UConnectCare. Financial need, volunteerism, employment history and civic involvement will be given careful consideration.
• The scholarship monies will be awarded upon completion of the fall semester. The award recipient must provide a copy of their transcript demonstrating at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Applicant may be invited for an interview before final awards are made.