Genesee, Orleans and state won’t be doing contact tracing for people 19 to 64 but will for those 18 and younger, 65 and older

The big increase in Covid cases locally is resulting in a change in the contact tracing, especially for people ages 19 to 64.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments and State Health Department won’t be doing contact tracing for people 19 to 64 in the two counties but will continue for people 18 and younger and those 65 and older.

The G-O Health Departments needs to prioritize its resources, and will focus on the younger and older age groups “due to the higher risk of spread and severity,” said Paul Pettit, public health director for the two counties.

Orleans County hit a pandemic high for active Covid cases with 561 on Thursday. The county has 75 more cases reported today by the State Health Department. Genesee County has 180 more cases today, according to state data.

The State Department of Health also announced that beginning next week changes will be implemented to case investigation and contact tracing. This guidance may change, G-O Health said this evening in a news release.

Effective Monday, Jan. 10, residents who test positive for Covid-19 or who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 will be able to visit www.GOHealthNY.org and choose the red “Covid-19 Isolation & Quarantine Information” button to be directed to the isolation and quarantine documents.

Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NYS by e-mail or text. Once notified of the positive result by the lab or NYS, immediately self-isolate and notify close contacts of their potential exposure, G-O health officials said.

Those in the 19-64 age group who test positive should no longer expect to receive a call from the local health department – and a call isn’t required to the local health department.

Those people in that age group who test positive for Covid should follow the general directions from the state for isolation and quarantine, and contact their healthcare provider for medical advice.

For those in need of isolation, quarantine or release documents, they are available on the G-O Health website. Complete the form(s) and print out for employer or school.

Isolation (for those who test positive for COVID-19) G-O Health says the following apply:

• Isolate for 5 days, where day 0 is the day of symptom onset or (if asymptomatic) the day of collection of the first positive specimen.
• If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends and the individual should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
• Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised should continue to follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
• Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after a 5-day isolation should also follow standard isolation guidance (i.e., 10 days, not shortened)

Quarantine (for those who have had close contact with a person who tested positive for Covid-19), G-O Health issued these protocols:

• Quarantine as follows, where day 0 is the last date of exposure:
• If not fully vaccinated or fully vaccinated and eligible for a booster but not yet boosted, quarantine for 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
• If fully vaccinated and boosted (with the booster at least 2 weeks before the first date of exposure) or not yet eligible for a booster, no quarantine is required but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure.
• If possible, test at day 5 with either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT, e.g., PCR) or antigen test.
• If symptoms appear, quarantine and seek testing. In this situation, quarantine would end when the test is negative. If testing is not done, isolate according to the guidance above.

Quarantine orders and release are also included on the GOHealthNY.org website to complete and provide to employer/school.

Given the changes announced for case investigation and contact tracing the Orleans and Genesee data collection/reporting will be adjusted.  Starting next week, GO Health will be releasing limited data on Wednesdays.

For Covid-19 data, visit the state website.

SOMERSET – Multiple fire departments, including four from Orleans County, responded this morning to a fire at the AES Somerset power plant site.

That 676-megawatt plant has been closed since 2020. It is being eyed for a 1,000-acre solar power project or as a cryptocurrency data mining plant.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office issued the following press release:

This morning at 9:22, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a structure fire the former power plant at 7725 Lake Rd.

Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies responded with members of Barker Volunteer Fire Company. Responding personnel observed large amounts of black smoke and visible flames coming from the top of one of the power plant modules in the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) building.

The operations manager on scene, John Mason, stated that his employees were cutting a hole into a flange of the building in order to place an anchor and tear down the module. While cutting the hole, the rubber liner on the interior of the building started on fire.

The fire spread to the wood platform and plastic chevrons inside the building, creating a large amount of black smoke. Mr. Mason confirmed that all employees were evacuated and accounted for.

Several other volunteer fire companies from Niagara and Orleans counties, as well as the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, responded to assist in extinguishing the fire.

One firefighter is reported to have suffered an injury during the incident and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The fire is currently extinguished; however, fire companies are remaining on scene during demolition as a precautionary measure.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by Niagara County Origin and Cause.

Editor’s Note: The responding fire companies include Carlton, Lyndonville, Ridgeway and Shelby from Orleans and Barker, Olcott, Wilson, Gasport, Hartland, Wolcottsville and Wrights Corners as well as the Niagara falls Air Reserve Station and Niagara County Origin and Cause.

The garbage collection today in the village of Holley and towns Albion and Murray is delayed until Saturday. The Albion section includes residents on Route 31.

“The unintended consequences of the Covid-19 rise in positive cases has affected the collection of our solid waste as scheduled,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative officer for Orleans County.

He urged residents in the affected areas to leave out their bins and Modern Disposal will collect the solid waste on Saturday.

After service in WWII, ‘Wally’ Higgins worked as professor at Alfred University and was advocate for senior citizens in his retirement

File photo: Wallace “Wally” Higgins addresses the Kendall Lions Club in June 2015. He was a member of the Alfred Lions Club for more than 50 years.

ALFRED – A Kendall native who served during World War II with the Tuskegee Airman has been honored by the Allegany County Office for the Aging for his advocacy on behalf of senior citizens in his retirement.

Wallace “Wally” Higgins was born in Kendall. He joined the U.S. Army on Dec. 10, 1943, before finishing high school. He served until March of 1947. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps and trained with the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

During a presentation to the Kendall Lions Club in June 2015, Higgins talked about encountering racial segregation and discrimination for the first time after entering the service and training in Pre-Flight at the Tuskegee Institute.

As soon as he turned 18, Higgins enlisted in the Air Corps. Having already attended Civil Air Patrol classes in Rochester during his senior year of high school, Higgins was interested in pursuing aviation.

After initially reporting to Fort Dix, New Jersey, Higgins was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training and aptitude testing. As a result of his skin color and proficiencies, Higgins was selected to be part of the Tuskegee Airmen experiment in Alabama, where he trained in Pre-Flight and Primary Flight training, including solo runs in the P-17 Stearman.

Following 11 months at Tuskegee, a downturn in the war in Europe resulted in less pilot training and Higgins was transferred to the 1909th Engineers Aviation Battalion. Severe illness also prevented him from completing his training and with the conclusion of the war in Europe, he was transferred to the Pacific Theatre.

A sergeant in charge of an all-black, 30-man platoon, Higgins served in Saipan and Okinawa building roads, airfields and ammunition storage buildings.

After being honorably discharged on March 17, 1947, attended the NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University. While a student there, he met and married Norma Miller. They were married 64 years and raised four children. She passed away on Dec. 24, 2015.

The husband and wife stayed in Alfred. Mr. Higgins went on to become an Associate Professor at the university, retiring in 1985.

Higgins passed away on Aug. 22, 2018 at age 92.

Higgins was active with the Alfred community. He served in the Alfred Lions Club for more than 50 years.

In 2003 he helped found the Allegany Senior Foundation to raise funding for the Office for Aging. That group has raised more $500,000 in nearly 20 years to support Meals on Wheels and other programming for seniors.

Higgins helped develop the Foundation’s mission: “Our mission is to identify gaps in services, find programs to fill those gaps and fund those programs. We want to be sure that Allegany County remains a wonderful place to grow up and grow old.”

The OFA on Wednesday dedicated “Wally’s Wall” in the entrance of the Allegany County Office for the Aging at Crossroads in Belmont. That wall includes many memorial bricks. Allegany County officials on Wednesday said Higgins was instrumental in the site and was a strong advocate for local senior citizens.

The nearly 2,000 test kits that were distributed to municipal buildings around the county were quickly snatched up by residents.

None of the town or village halls, as well as the County Office Building have any left.

The County Emergency Management Office delivered 1,822 of the test kits, which each have two tests.

They were available for free to the public.

The County EMO expects more kits will be coming but haven’t been told how many more test kits and when they will be available.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Traffic moves slowly this morning at about 9:15 on Route 31 in front of Albion Central School when a band of heavy snow hit Orleans County.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement about the band of heavy snow affecting parts of Orleans, Niagara and Genesee counties.

The band of heavy snow was along a line extending from near Middleport to near Spencerport and slowly moving southeast.

The forecast for Saturday includes sunny with a high near 32, followed by a high near 40 on Sunday, with rain likely before 4 p.m. and then a chance for snow.

These bikes get a little refuge from the snow underneath a big beech tree by Albion Middle School.

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services is launching the Lilypad, a Safe Harbour program that is designed to be a safe place for teens (12-18 years of age).

The Lilypad is a place for teens to land where they are supported and educated prior to launching into their future. The program will be run by the Department of Social Services staff with guest speakers and presenters.

The goal of the Lilypad is to identify youth who have been trafficked, sexually exploited, or who are at risk of victimization and to meet identified service needs of these youth.

“Orleans County DSS is aware that young people are faced with incredible challenges today,” DSS said in a press release. “As a county we would like to be able to provide information and resources to Orleans County teens about Sex Trafficking, and Sexual Exploitation, which includes online safety, grooming, commercial exploitation, etc.”

In addition to providing education and awareness, the Lilypad will be providing lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.

The Lilypad will be located within the Hoag Library from 4 to 6 p.m. on the following dates: March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19 and April 26. Advance registration is required.  A raffle ticket will be earned for each session that a teen completes for an opportunity to win a 14-day trip to Outward Bound.

Please contact Sharon Nenni at DSS for more information, or to register your teen, contact Sharon.Nenni@orleanscountyny.gov or 585-589-3136.

If you suspect that a child or adult is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

561 active cases goes past previous high of 334

Orleans County is reporting 381 new cases of Covid-19 since Monday, and has a new pandemic high for active cases – 561. That is well above the previous high of 334 on Dec. 9.

The new confirmed cases include 105 from home testing kits.

The county also has passed over 7,000 cases since the pandemic started in March 2020.

While the number of cases is way up, the number of people hospitalized due to Covid remains at six, the same as on Monday.

Orleans also is reporting 89 more recoveries of people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

In Genesee County the number of active cases is down from 265 on Monday to 241 today.

The county is reporting 242 new cases and 260 more recoveries. Genesee also has two more deaths from Covid, both under age 65.

Genesee’s new cases include 54 from home testing kits. The county has 22 hospitalized due to Covid, the same as on Monday.

New York State is reporting 84,202 new positive cases, which is the second highest during the pandemic. The record high is 85,476 on Dec. 31.

The state’s positivity rate over the past 7 days is 22.5 percent. In Orleans it’s 16.3 percent and in Genesee it’s at 19.9 percent.

Photos and information courtesy of Holley Central School

HOLLEY – The Holley High School National Honor Society inducted 11 students recently. They were inducted based on their application to the faculty selection committee and maintenance of a 90 percent or higher academic average.

The students must demonstrate the five qualities of NHS membership: character, scholarship, knowledge, leadership and service.

New NHS inductees are: Morgan Blosenhauer, Drew Carlston, Hunter Kaminski, Sarah Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Sara Kingdollar, Casey Onisk, Ava Quincey, Elise Quincey, Lily Sprague and Lydia Sprague.

The ceremony began with new inductees called to the front of the Holley Middle School/High School Auditorium, where they were escorted by current NHS members out of the auditorium to change into their black gowns. When they returned, new inductees joined current NHS members on stage for the ceremony. NHS officers lit the ceremonial candles and described each of the qualities of membership.

When the inductees’ names were announced, they received their membership certificates from Principal Susan Cory and signed their names in the book that maintains a record of every NHS inductee since 1938. Superintendent Brian Bartalo distributed membership pins to students’ family members. New inductees were then pinned by their family members before taking the NHS oath of membership as a group.

The guest speaker at the Induction Ceremony was Crystal Dobri, a Holley alumna and Professor of Nursing at St. John Fisher College. She was a member of NHS when she was a student at Holley. When she pursued her master’s degree at Roberts Wesleyan College, she was also part of the nursing honor society there.

Dobri reflected on her time at Holley, saying that Principal Cory was her guidance counselor and NHS Advisor Russ Albright was a first-year teacher when she was a senior. She talked about lifelong learning and all the nametags she’s had over the years as she progressed through being a student and employee in various settings.

“You’ve overcome many barriers in your time as a student,” she said. “You’ve shown your dedication to learning these last few years, and that’s what brought you here tonight. Keep growing and keep learning.”

Principal Cory congratulated the inductees and reminded them, “It’s what we do with our attitude and character that makes us successful.”

Current NHS members are: President Harleigh Andrews, Vice President Adriana Botello, Secretary Hope Falls, Treasurer Thomas Dobri, and members Kirsstin Althoff, Cora Bennage, Tatum Gagne’, Rachel Kinsey, Hayley Lipke, Grace McKeon, Broek Ostrom, Libbie Pecora and Deanna Schubmehl.

Theresa Karlak

ALBION – Maison Albion will be hosting a benefit on March 8 for Theresa Karlak’s family at the event venue, 13800 West County House Rd.

The “Tribute to Theresa” will be on Theresa Karlak’s 19^th birthday. The gathering from 5 to 8 p.m. will include a ceremonial candle lighting by the pond, light refreshments and appetizers, and a basket raffle.

Theresa was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle while she was walking on New Year’s Day in Eagle Harbor. A vehicle struck her and also caused minor injuries to her younger sister.

Theresa’s brother Joseph Karlak works at Maison Albion, which welcomes donations from local organizations and businesses for baskets to be raffled during the event.

The gathering is free to attend but guests are encouraged to donate $19 in honor of Theresa’s 19^th birthday. Proceeds raised from the event will be given directly to the Karlak family and 19 percent of those proceeds will be donated to a local animal shelter on behalf of Theresa Karlak who had dreams of being a veterinarian.

For more information click here.

2 new legislators – John Fitzak and Ed Morgan – start their terms

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon, back to camera, administers the oath of office to the seven Orleans County legislators on Wednesday. Pictured from left include Bill Eick, Ed Morgan, Lynne Johnson, Don Allport, Fred Miller, John Fitzak and Skip Draper.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature will continue to be led by Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville.

The owner of an accounting business was unanimously picked by the other legislators to remain as chairwoman. She has been in the role the past four years and was backed for another two-year term.

Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville was picked by her colleagues on the Legislature to remain their leader. She has been chairwoman the past four years and was backed for another two-year term. She was re-elected by voters in November for a district that includes Yates, Ridgeway and small part of Shelby.

She has been a county legislator for 14 years.

Fred Miller, the only Democrat on the seven-member board, said Johnson serves the county well in the role.

“I’m happy with what she’s doing,” Miller said.

Johnson had the added responsibility of serving as interim chief administrative officer for over three months in between when Chuck Nesbitt left for a different job and Jack Welch started in March 2020.

Johnson also represents the county in weekly phone calls with an 11-county Finger Lakes group working on responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Johnson, Welch and Public Health Director Paul Pettit represent Orleans in those discussions.

Legislator Skip Draper said Johnson is an effective advocate for the county, pressing for more resources, whether vaccines, Covid tests or other funding.

“She’s done an outstanding job since she has been chair,” Draper said.

He praised her for pushing through important projects, including needed infrastructure, especially a wireless broadband expansion that has been a decade in the works.

Johnson said the Legislature is a great team. Bill Eick is the vice chairman and he has stepped up even more since he retired as a plant operator at Western New York Energy.

“I’m honored to continue as chairman of the Legislature and intend to lead our efforts on moving our community forward from the pandemic, even as we must continue to deal with new strains of the virus,” Johnson said. “We must rebuild and expand our economy and provide services to those in need. The key is to work together within the Legislature and with our partners outside county government to make the best uses of our resources.”

Johnson assigned legislators to the following committees:

• Public Safety (Sheriff, Emergency Management, District Attorney, Public Defender, Probation and Courts) – Draper, Allport and Johnson
• Health (Mental Health, Public Health) – Allport, Miller and Johnson
• Highway (Department of Public Works) – Eick, Morgan and Johnson
• Home & Community Services (Planning & Development, Tourism, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water Conservation District, Historian) – Eick, Morgan and Johnson
• Economic Assistance & Opportunity (Social Services, Office for the Aging, Veterans, Youth Bureau, Elections, and Job Development Agency) – Miller, Fitzak and Johnson
• Administration & Finance (County Clerk, Real Property Tax Services, Computer Services, Employee Assistance Program, Personnel & Self Insurance, Treasurer, County Attorney, and Economic Development Agency) – Draper, Fitzak and Johnson
• Legislative (Chief Administrative Officer, Clerk of the Legislature, Fire Advisory Board, Off-Track Betting Corp., and Safety Committee) – Eick and Johnson

“You have a lot of work in front of you,” Johnson said after announcing the committee assignments.

Bill Eick signs the oath which was administered by County Clerk Nadine Hanlon. He represents a district that includes most of Shelby and towns of Barre and Clarendon. Eick was picked to serve as the Legislature’s vice chairman. He is a retired dairy farmer who then worked 10 years as an operator at Western New York Energy’s ethanol plant.

Ed Morgan signs the oath of office while his wife Dorothy is next to him. Morgan is retired as Murray’s highway superintendent. He serves in an at-large position which is countywide.

Don Allport signs the oath. He is also an at-large legislator, covering the entire county. There are three at-large legislators, one who lives in the east side of the county (Ed Morgan), one from central (Allport), and one from the western side (Skip Draper).

Fred Miller, a retired hardware store owner in Albion, signs the oath. His district includes the towns of Albion and Gaines. Miller is the lone Democrat on the Legislature. He previously served as an Albion village trustee.

Skip Draper signs the oath. He is the Orleans County Republican Party chairman and former Shelby town supervisor.

John Fitzak signs the oath. He is joined by his sons, Alex (left) and Nick. Fitzak will retire in May as a corrections officer at the Orleans Correctional Facility. He also has owned the Albion Redemption Center the past 19 years and is working to put in fuel and marina services at the site to serve boaters along the Erie Canal. Fitzak also served five years on the Carlton Town Board.

MEDINA – Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, has issued five health conscious goals which he deems achievable for 2022.

Marc Shurtz

“It’s that time of year again,” Shurtz said. “We’re all thinking about the personal goals we want to achieve over the next 12 months, and in many cases trying to become more successful than the year before. Determining how these New Year’s resolutions can be sustainable beyond January is a challenging goal, and making sure they reflect a healthy lifestyle must be a priority. Simply say you plan to lose weight by going on a diet might not be the healthiest path forward.”

The focus on the community’s collective health has never been greater, Shurtz added. The team at Orleans Community Health has put together five health conscious goals for 2022 – which are achievable.

1. Be a blood donor: A suggestion from Anne Kawski, laboratory director, is to become a blood donor. It’s no secret we’re faced with a blood shortage. To make things worse, only around 37% of Americans can donate. So for those who are in that 37%, here’s an opportunity to make a difference. Plain and simple, blood donors save lives.

2. Rethink approach to dieting: Aleigha Decker, RDN, CDN and Anna O’Keefe, RD, CDN in Clinical Dietetics suggest rethinking the annual goal of dieting. By now, we all know a diet that drastically changes one’s habits is likely not sustainable and isn’t healthy. Instead, they suggest increasing activity and trying to plan healthier meals.

3. Go to doctor for annual checkup: Nicole Helsdon, practice manager at the Albion Clinic, offers the suggestion to schedule a doctor’s visit. A yearly visit is important for many reasons, she said, and allows you to spot potential problems before they are too far along.

4. Eat more fruits and veggies: From Fredderica Fuentes, director of Nutritional Services and Clinical Dietetics, comes the suggestion to add more fresh produce to your diets. Western New York is home to a vibrant agricultural community, which includes wonderful produce. Identify local farm markets and stores that allow you to eat healthy and support local growers.

5. Get enough sleep: Leighann VanAuker, RN, MSN, ANP, FNE, director of Emergency Services and Infection Control, stresses the importance of getting some rest. There is a lot of noise around us at all times, whether it’s from the television, social media, worldly affairs, our careers or even activities in which we participate. No matter what the cause of time diminishing, it’s important to focus on getting rest and much needed sleep. Sleep deprivation can have an effect on one’s weight, immune system and cardiovascular system, among other things, VanAuker said.

“As we’re gearing up for positive things to come, it’s always important to focus on our personal well- being,” Shurtz added. “These five health-conscious goals are achievable and will help position you for a positive 2022.”

Praise for proposals to invest in agriculture, healthcare and education

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Wednesday. Here are some of the reactions from local state legislators and leaders of organizations representing agriculture, businesses, healthcare workers and teachers.

NY Farm Bureau President David Fisher issued this statement: “Gov. Hochul announced sweeping investments in agriculture in her first State of the State Address. Her goals match what our farmers are seeking, a strengthening of our local food system, financial support for climate smart practices happening on farms across the state and easing the burden of rising labor costs that are crushing New York agriculture and limiting production. We applaud her for making agriculture a focus of her agenda.

“New York’s farms play an essential role in feeding our state, providing good jobs on and off the farm, and supporting local economies. New York Farm Bureau looks forward to seeing the details in the governor’s budget proposal and working with her and the state legislature on these goals that will allow agriculture to grow for the benefit of our entire state.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia: “In a time of crisis, as we face issues related to our economy, public health and public safety, we cannot keep rehashing the same tired ideas that have proven to be ineffective solutions to serious problems.

“While I appreciate the governor’s rhetoric in support of small businesses during a time when they and our residents are leaving the state in droves, we should be talking about meaningfully cutting taxes and easing regulations to enable their success in the long-term. Of equal importance is our need to focus on restoring order to our increasingly dangerous streets, following the passage of bail reform.

“Having served as assemblyman while Gov. Hochul served as our district’s congresswoman, it would be a pleasure to work together in earnest to make New York work for everyday New Yorkers once again. We must all come together to restore the authority of our local governments and judges.”

Assemblyman Mike Norris, R-Lockport: “It was truly refreshing that a Western New Yorker addressed the Legislature as governor for the first time in over a century. I was pleased to see Gov. Hochul call for term limits for statewide elected officials and changes to the state ethics board.

“We need to address these proposals immediately in order to restore trust in our state government. However, I remain concerned about her progressive agenda being put forth and the lack of any real effort on her part to repeal these dangerous ‘bail reforms’ measures that have made our communities less safe. It’s time we get back to the basics and prioritize what is important to New Yorkers and to turn around our economy.”

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta: “Gov. Hochul has brought a breath of fresh air to Albany. Her agenda sets ambitious goals for addressing the issues our state faces.

“The promise to fully fund Foundation Aid is a momentous first step toward supporting our public schools as the center of every community. Pledges to boost mental health supports and staffing levels mark a clear commitment to meeting the social-emotional needs of students. The governor also is heeding the pre-pandemic calls of educators to address staffing shortages in schools statewide and to diversify the education workforce by finding innovative ways to get more New Yorkers to take a look at teaching as a career. We will continue working with her administration to bring to life our Future Forward agenda for public schools this year.

“It is positive to see Gov. Hochul prioritize higher education and health care and propose ways to address the financial barriers that stand in the way of more New Yorkers obtaining a post-secondary education. We look forward to digging further into the details of her agenda for SUNY and CUNY.

“We await the governor’s budget proposal later this month, and we’ll continue advocating throughout the legislative session on behalf of our members in education, human services and health care who day in and day out selflessly dedicate themselves to the New Yorkers they serve.”

New York State Association of Counties President Marte Sauerbrey: “Governor Kathy Hochul laid out a wide ranging agenda to move New York forward and tackle the immense challenges that our state faces as it confronts a stubborn pandemic and unsettled economy.

“Counties welcome the new spirit of cooperation that the Governor brings to this moment and we look forward to working with her in the legislative session to advance our shared goals of ending the pandemic, strengthening our public health care system, developing our workforce to meet the needs of the modern economy, supporting local businesses and reversing our recent population decline.

“As has been proven over and over throughout this extraordinary period of history: while state leaders make laws and policies, its often up to counites to get it done. In the coming week’s we’ll be working with the Governor and the legislature to ensure that counties have the resources and flexibility we need to build a better New York State.”

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy: “Governor Hochul offered an optimistic and encouraging message for the year ahead, even as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc on businesses and communities in our region and far beyond. Now is the time to put words into action, and Greater Rochester Chamber supports the Governor’s efforts to do that.

“If we hope to revitalize our regional economy, we need to reduce taxes and mandates, encourage outside investment by incentivizing companies and individuals to come to New York, resolve the workforce shortages being faced by nearly every sector of our economy, eliminate the red tape and bureaucracy that impede business and local government from succeeding, and promote corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices that will keep New York safe and relevant.

“I applaud the proposed income and property tax cuts for the middle class that will help combat the current state of inflation. Expanding access to affordable childcare, investing one billion dollars into small businesses, and offering tax credits to cover Covid-related purchases will help to jumpstart our economy and offer respite to the thousands of businesses who have struggled these last two years.

“By far the most common issue we hear from business leaders is access to qualified talent. Up-skilling and re-skilling existing workers, partnering with school districts and higher education institutions to ensure that their curricula meet the current needs, and offering incentives to recruit and retain existing workers will prove beneficial in combatting our workforce shortages. Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to be the regional lead for talent strategy and workforce development, and we offer our full support to Governor Hochul’s efforts around workforce training.

I have faith in Governor Hochul’s ability to accomplish the goals she set out, and stand ready to help her administration make New York better and stronger than ever.”

George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East: “As we head into the third year of a pandemic that has lasted longer than expected, Governor Hochul’s 2022 State of the State honors the work and sacrifices that 1199SEIU members have endured.

“We are pleased to see the Governor is making a significant commitment to invest in the current healthcare workforce, increasing the number of new workers joining the workforce, and moving them along their career pathway. We are also glad to see industry-wide solutions, including a new portal for potential healthcare workers and others seeking training. While we await more details in the budget proposal, we do have key questions about support for vital safety net institutions that have provided lifesaving care during this pandemic and about how the need for permanent wage increases will be addressed.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday delivered her 2022 State of the State Address, outlining her plan for a New Era for New York.

Governor Hochul outlined nine key components of her agenda: rebuilding our healthcare economy, protecting public safety and addressing gun violence, investing in New York’s people, investing in New York’s communities, making New York’s housing system more affordable, equitable, and stable, making New York a national leader in climate action and green jobs, rebuilding New York’s teacher workforce and reimagining higher education, advancing New York’s place as a national equity model, and making critical reforms to restore New Yorkers’ faith in their government.

“As the first woman to present a State of the State address in New York, I want to make it clear I am not just here to make history – I am here to make a difference,” Governor Hochul said. “The time has come for a new American Dream. Today, we start building a better, fairer, more inclusive version that I call the New York Dream. We will create a New Era for New York by embarking on a bold, far-reaching policy agenda that advances our recovery and restores New Yorkers’ trust in government. And through all of this, I will continue to collaborate with others and deliver results for New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul’s A New Era for New York Agenda is comprised of nine components each geared toward carrying New York State to a brighter future.

Rebuild Our Healthcare Economy to Provide Care for More New Yorkers

• $10 Billion Plan to Rebuild and Grow the Healthcare Workforce by 20 Percent

Over the next five years, Governor Hochul’s plan will rebuild and grow the healthcare workforce by 20 percent. $10 billion will be invested in the state’s healthcare sector, including more than $4 billion to support wages and bonuses for healthcare workers. Additionally, this plan will improve the career pipeline, expand access to healthcare training and education, recruit care workers to underserved areas, and strengthen home care.

Protect Public Safety and Take Strong Action Against Gun Violence

• 3-Part Agenda to Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Violent Crime Throughout New York State

This public safety initiative will provide state and local law enforcement with tools necessary to keep New Yorkers safe from gun violence. The Governor’s plan will invest in public safety and fund state and local policing gun safety efforts, create the Interstate Gun Tracing Consortium, and triple investment in community-based gun violence response.

Invest in New York’s People

• Tax Relief Efforts for Thousands of Small Businesses and Millions of Middle-Class New Yorkers

Governor Hochul’s plan will accelerate the phase-in of $1.2 billion in middle class tax cuts for 6 million New Yorkers by two years – to 2023 – and establish a $1 billion property tax rebate program to put money back into the pockets of more than 2 million New Yorkers who have had to endure rising costs as the pandemic has progressed. The Governor will also deliver a tax rebate for 2 million New York families and increase existing tax credits and create new ones to support food production. Governor Hochul’s efforts will also bring about $100 million in tax relief for 195,000 small businesses across New York State.

• Strengthen New York’s Workforce and Help Grow the Economy

Governor Hochul’s seven-pronged initiative will overhaul workforce development to focus on regional needs, expand access to new careers and career services, and recruit the next generation of New York’s labor force. As part of this plan, the Governor will create the Office of Workforce and Economic Development, help New Yorkers move between education and careers, expand access to apprenticeships, recruit the next generation of public servants, expand the state’s technology talent pipeline, make New York a model for the employment of workers with disabilities, and protect and strengthen worker’s rights.

• ‘Jails to Jobs,’ A New Initiative to Improve Re-Entry into the Workforce and Reduce Recidivism

Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals are often left to their own devices upon reentrance into society. With the ‘Jails to Jobs’ program, these individuals will be connected with education, resources, and opportunities for job placement, which will improve public safety and reduce recidivism.

Invest in New York’s Communities

• Moving Forward with Major New Expansion of Transit Service in Brooklyn and Queens

The Interborough Express: The Interborough Express is a historic project that would use the existing right of way of the Long Island Rail Road owned Bay Ridge Bridge to connect transit deserts in Brooklyn and Queens. This line would connect commuters to as many as 17 subway lines, expanding access to jobs and other destinations. Governor Hochul’s plan is to move forward with the expansion by directing the Metropolitan Transit Authority to begin the environmental review process.

• Billion Dollar Rescue Plan for Small Businesses and to Strengthen New York’s Economic Recovery

After the hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Hochul’s billion dollar rescue plan will invest in the growth and retention of small businesses of the future, small business tax credits for businesses that took on COVID-related expenses, seed funding to establish new businesses, provide flexible grants to early-stage small businesses, expand small business lending, and help small businesses secure contracts. The Governor also plans to propose legislation to permanently allow the sale of to-go drinks in bars and restaurants.

• $1 Billion ‘ConnectALL’ Initiative to Bring Affordable Broadband to More Than 1 Million New Yorkers

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how inaccessible and unreliable broadband connection was for many New Yorkers, who suddenly were forced to live their lives through the internet. It is essential that all New Yorkers have equitable access to the internet, as marginalized communities are most affected by this lack of broadband access. The $1 billion ConnectALL initiative will deliver affordable broadband to millions of New Yorkers and transform the state’s digital infrastructure through new investments.

Make New York’s Housing System More Affordable, Equitable, and Stable

• Major Statewide Initiative to End the Homelessness Crisis and Address Longstanding Inequities in Housing

Our housing system is riddled with systemic inequalities that need to be addressed. Governor Houchul’s housing plan will tackle these and use public funding to expand opportunity for all. Initiatives to expand housing include utilizing Safe Options Support (SOS) teams of trained mental health practitioners that will assist in transitioning individuals living on the street into stable housing, ending the 421-a tax abatement and establishing a new, more effective program, improving housing access for renters with criminal records or negative credit history, creating an eviction prevention legal assistance program, and creating a permanent disaster recovery and resiliency unit for home rebuilding.

• Address Housing Affordability Crisis in New York State

The Governor will implement a comprehensive 5-year housing plan, a $25 billion effort to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 homes with support services for vulnerable populations. To increase access and affordability in New York’s housing market, Governor Hochul will also take major steps to construct new housing and increase density in appropriate urban areas. These steps include permitting accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods, kick-starting transit-oriented development, giving New York City the authority to encourage densification, and easing restrictions on converting hotels and offices to housing.

Make New York a National Leader in Climate Action and Green Jobs

• Achieving 2 Million Climate-Friendly Homes by 2030

Buildings account for more than a third of New York’s climate pollution. Governor Hochul’s plan to achieve a minimum of 1 million electrified homes and up to 1 million electrification-ready homes is anchored by a series of legislative and policy actions. These include requiring zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions for new construction no later than 2027, providing the training programs necessary to ensure that the state has a skilled workforce to deliver these services, establishing a dedicated green electrification fund and electrifying low-income homes through the housing capital plan, among others.

• Nation-Leading $500 Million Investment in Offshore Wind

Governor Hochul announced plans to invest in offshore wind infrastructure, procure enough wind energy to power at least 1.5 million homes, initiate planning for an offshore wind transmission network, and launch the offshore wind Master Plan 2.0 Deep Water. This will ensure that the state has the strongest offshore wind energy market along the Eastern Seaboard. The Governor’s plan for offshore wind will support more than 6,800 jobs, a combined economic impact of $12.1 billion statewide, and more than 4.3 gigawatts of energy, enough to power nearly 3 million homes in New York.

Rebuild New York’s School System and Reimagine Higher Education

• Invest in New York’s Students, Teachers and Schools

To rebuild New York’s teacher workforce, Governor Hochul plans to emphasize recruiting and retaining teachers throughout the state. The Governor will also take action to accelerate the teacher certification process and increase funding for K-12 education. This plan also includes providing incentives to attract teachers and school workers, providing learning and mental health grants, creating a state teacher residency program, and upskilling teacher support workers to earn their certifications.

• Increase Access to Childcare for 100,000 Families and Invest $75 Million in Wages for Childcare Workers

Affordable childcare is essential to give children the best possible chance at success while providing parents the ability to participate in the workforce. While Governor Hochul believes that the federal government must pass Build Back Better to expand childcare coverage for New York families, if they do not she will propose an expansion of access to childcare. This would impact 100,000 families across New York by increasing eligibility from 200 percent of the federal poverty line to 225 percent. The Governor’s plan also includes a $75 million in better pay for childcare workers.

• Revitalizing SUNY and Secure Its Place as a Globally Recognized Higher Education Institution

Governor Hochul’s plan to revitalize the State University of New York System is wide ranging and extensive. The plan includes making the institution a global leader on research and innovation, ensuring SUNY serves students well, and prioritizing equality within the SUNY system. This transformation will set students on a path to economic success and focus on equity so that all may thrive with a SUNY education.

Advance New York’s Place as a National Equity Model

• Equity Agenda to Promote Anti-Hate, Racial Equity, and Justice for All New Yorkers

The Equity Agenda will advance a wide-ranging plan to promote and support gender equity, racial equity, anti-hate, social justice, the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants and new arrivals, and veterans with the goal of protecting the health, safety, economic opportunities, and fundamental dignity of every New Yorker—in short, to make the New York Dream into a reality.

Make Critical Reforms to Restore New Yorker’s Faith in Their Government

• Propose Constitutional Amendment to Limit All Statewide Elected Officials to Two Terms and Ban Outside Income

By introducing a constitutional amendment, Governor Hochul plans to limit the roles of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller to two consecutive terms. The Governor will also propose legislation to impose a ban on earned outside income for the same statewide elected officials, with an exception for academic positions that must receive ethics board approval.

• Replacing JCOPE with a New Independent Ethics Agency

To restore the people’s trust in their government, Governor Hochul plans to introduce legislation to repeal and replace the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) with an ethics entity that is truly independent and transparent. This entity will be subject to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and the Open Meeting Laws, increasing and improving transparency. This plan will also ban outside communications so that members of the entity will be prohibited from participating in ex-parte communications regarding any potential or ongoing investigation.