By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 5:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brian Neal, a Barre firefighter, sprays water on a brush fire along the canal embankment near Keitel Road in Albion.
A hedgerow on the fruit farm also was on fire. Carlton firefighters were working on that hedgerow, while Albion, Barre and Kendall firefighters tried to keep the fire from spreading down the canal embankment.
Fred Piano, left, and A.J. Fisher use grassfire brooms to try to keep the fire from spreading up near the towpath. The fire had spread about 100 yards, just west of Keitel Road.
The fruit farmer was burning brush, mainly branches trimmed from fruit trees this winter. The fire spread with the dry conditions and wind. Although there is a residential burn ban until May 14, farmers can still burn brush.
There was also a brush fire in Ridgeway on Route 104 at about 4 p.m.
Fred Piano and A.J. Fisher sweep the burnt grass and branches back into the fire.
Barre firefighters attack the fire from this truck, spraying from near the towpath. Mark Farone is holding the hose in this photo. He is joined in the back of the truck by Brian Neal and John Egloff. Gary Rowley is walking close by in the orange shirt.
Kendall brought a pumper that holds 900 gallons of water. The truck has a turret gun nozzle mounted in front. Kendall added that truck in 2019. It is the only one like it in Orleans County. Kendall could move the truck along the lane to spray at the brush fire.
Click here to see a video of Kendall fire truck spraying water on the brush fire.
When Kendall went to refill its truck, Barre firefighters then took a turn spraying the brush with water. Brian Neal is spraying the water from the towpath.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 3:08 pm
State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt is calling the newly adopted $212 billion state budget “an unmitigated disaster.”
Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, said the budget shows how one-party rule in Albany is leading to “one-party ruin” for the state.
“Sadly, our worst fears are now being realized,” Ortt said in an email this afternoon to supporters.
“This budget is an unmitigated disaster for New Yorkers. It was negotiated entirely behind closed doors, and when the doors opened, we were handed a budget that sends taxes and spending skyrocketing to unsustainable levels,” Ortt wrote.
The higher taxes will drive more families, seniors, and young New Yorkers away, Ortt said.
The Republican conference, which has been in the minority since 2019, want the state to cut taxes and deliver property tax relief to homeowners, which Ortt said would restart the satte’s economy.
“Now more than ever, as we recover from Covid, we need to assist our small businesses, the lifeblood of our communities,” he said. “This is an out-of-control budget that reflects an out-of-control state government.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 1:56 pm
KNOWLESVILLE – The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County has been awarded a $12,862 grant for a project where local youth grow produce for food pantries.
The grant will use $10,000 to reimburse youth who grow the produce and donate it to local pantries. They will receive the market value of the produce.
“We’re hammering out details and will kick it off in May/June,” said Robert Batt, CCE director in Orleans County. “It’s a really cool project and something I hope we can maintain work on beyond this initial funding.”
The grant was announced today by the State Department of Agriculture & Markets. It is among $150,000 awarded for projects in the nine-county area that makes up the Genesee Valley.
The funding, which was approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will support critical education, workforce development, and marketing and promotion initiatives, said Richard Ball, the state’s agriculture commissioner.
A portion of the funding, more than $50,000, will support projects that engage Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in agriculture, providing hands-on workforce training opportunities at local farms and farmers’ markets.
“Congratulations to the all of today’s award recipients,” Ball said in a news release. “They have developed creative and exciting projects that will help move the agricultural industry forward.”
The following entities were awarded funding to help engage New York’s BIPOC communities in agriculture:
The Vineyard Farms, Inc., $15,000 – This project will train 12 young people, ages 10-18, to participate in the Youth Organic Farming & Farmers’ Market Training Program. Participants will learn the principles of organic farming in a greenhouse to maximize the yield of fresh fruits and vegetables through year-round production. They will also receive training in urban and sustainable farming and general business principles that will lay the foundation for a career in the agricultural industry. Participants will learn marketing techniques to operate an on-site farmers’ market to sell and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables. The project will also help address food access in an underserved area.
Cornell Cooperative Extension in Monroe County, $14,750 – This project will support the Landscape Technicians’ Training Program, which is a 120-hour, six-week training program in the field of horticulture. Students learn basic horticultural knowledge and are introduced to the many resulting possible career paths. Students also receive their 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety certification. The goal of the program is for all students to gain immediate employment upon completion of the program.
Green Visions, $15,000 – This project will support Green Visions, which provides supervised workforce experience, job certifications and career development training to 15 young people, ages 17-24, in industries such as agriculture and food processing. Participants will install, maintain, and harvest cut-flower gardens on former vacant city lots in Rochester. Arrangements will be sold through Wegmans stores and at the Rochester Public Market, giving participants experience in production, sales, and marketing.
Westside Farmers Market (WFM), $10,000 – This project will launch a pilot program to connect local farmers, including BIPOC farmers, to the WFM. The project goals include having new vendors at the WFM during the 2021 season and to help build small BIPOC-owned farms and connect them with farmers’ markets.
Food for the Spirit, $15,000 – This project will engage 5 Black farmers from the Genesee Valley and create a marketing campaign featuring Black farmers in the region. It builds on a collaborative effort to develop a New York State Black farmers marketing co-op.
In addition, the following projects were awarded funding for the promotion and marketing of New York agricultural products and programs, and agricultural education:
NY Kitchen (NY Wine & Culinary Center), $15,000 – This project will support and promote hands-on cooking, craft beverage and agricultural education at the NY Wine and Culinary Center, including their 100% New York State Tasting Room.
Finger Lakes Wine Alliance (FLWA), $15,000 – This project will support the updating of strategic marketing content through photography used to improve websites, print material for distribution, social media advertising, etc., brochure redevelopment, and website upgrades and updates.
CCE – Orleans County, $12,862 – This project will increase the capacity for youth to engage in agriculture and the food system in a meaningful and economically successful way that encourages engagement in agricultural careers and increases community connection to the food system.
CCE – Yates & Steuben Counties, $15,000 – This project will support the creation of a professional video promoting Keuka Lake wine history, viticulture, and enology, which will be provided to winery owners who may not have funds to support their own promotional videos. Video will be shared on social media and the websites of Tourism Promotional Agencies and CCE Extensions.
Marcus Whitman High School, $15,000 – This project will support the construction of an on-campus maple syrup sugarhouse, allowing students to learn about the maple syrup industry, food processing, and on-farm work skills.
Bishop Kearney High School, $15,000 – This project will continue to enhance the high school’s horticulture and agriculture program through a partnership with CCE. Through CCE, students will develop cultivation and harvesting skills and increase their knowledge about organic gardening, natural resources, nutrition, and the impact we all have on our environment.
For more information on the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 1:28 pm
Mayor says Albion will seek full costs of damages
Provided photo
ALBION – A “Buddy Bench” at Bullard Park was destroyed and left in a heap with nails sticking out. It was discovered this morning by a grandmother with her grandkids. They went to use the Pee Wee Park section for smaller children.
Some of the park’s picnic tables were also recently broken. Albion Mayor Eileen Banker said the village has no tolerance for vandalism in the parks.
Those responsible will be held criminally and financially responsible, Banker said.
“If this continues we will consider closing the parks,” she said today.
She urged people who see vandalism to report it to the police.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York State will restore $600 million in retroactive general salary increases for state workers after having sacrificed their contractual raises as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The announcement comes after the federal government delivered $12.6 billion in funding and additional revenues were made available in the FY 2022 budget, which also invests in the ongoing response to the pandemic and recovery efforts.
“New York State workers showed up every day so people could stay home and they are true heroes of the Covid crisis,” Governor Cuomo said. “The FY 2022 enacted budget will repay $600 million that was withheld from State workers during the pandemic. On behalf of the entire family of New York, we thank state workers for their extraordinary service, sacrifice, and selflessness which helped us through this unpredicted crisis.”
In April of 2020, New York State was forced to freeze scheduled 2% pay increases as the State at the time was contending with the worst revenue loss in modern history as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic. The announcement fully funds the scheduled salary increases and retroactive pay to approximately 120,000 state workers, including members of the below unions:
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)
United University Professions (UUP)
New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA)
Management Confidential (MC)
New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA)
New York State Police Investigators Association (NYSPIA)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2021 at 10:04 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Students studying to be clinical medical assistants learn to draw blood at the Iroquois Job Corps Center.
MEDINA – Like so many companies and schools, the Covid pandemic took a toll on students and learning at the Iroquois Job Corps.
Luke Kantor
The Job Corps was shut down in March 2020 when orders were issued to send all Job Corps students home and put a temporary hold on admitting new students. They didn’t start bringing back students until November, when they were allowed back in small groups.
In December 2020, it was announced the Job Corps’ new year would begin under the leadership of Education and Training Resources headquartered in Bowling Green, Ky. ETR formerly managed the Iroquois Job Corps for a number of years and won the contract back in December, according to Center Director Dennis Essom in the December newsletter.
Luke Kantor, manager of Outreach and Admissions/Career Readiness/Career Transition, said during the pandemic students were on distance learning and now some would prefer not to come back in person. Students at home were issued Chromebooks and wireless hotspots, and instructors created virtual classrooms to work with students, so they could continue their education.
A student lays bricks in the masonry class at Iroquois Job Corps. Bricklaying is one of half a dozen careers students can train for at the Job Corps.
As of March, 40 students were on site and 110 were waiting to get in. Each group brought back to the Center must quarantine for two weeks. The Iroquois Job Corps Center has the capacity for 225 students.
Training is offered as a certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant and in electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting fields, as well as high school equivalency.
Kantor said a student who graduates from the bricklaying program can start working with a union at $42 an hour. He also said a student can’t learn bricklaying on a computer. They need to be on site.
The bricklaying program has recently acquired a new piece of equipment called a brick mule. It is a mix of robotics and masonry, Kantor said. It can pick up blocks as heavy as 200 pounds and put them in place.
The goal of ETR and Job Corps is to promote more connections to the community. There is a focus on bringing in more local students, rather than those from the big cities, Kantor said. A Community Relations Council, which meets four times a year, and Work Force Council, which meets twice a year, are made up of members from the community.
Also, the Job Corps is encouraging females to train the fields of skilled trades, such as carpentry, stone/brick masonry, commercial painting and electrical.
Kantor also noted the Job Corps not only works with at-risk students, but those who’ve done well and graduated from high school and BOCES.
“If they are looking for extra training, we can provide it,” he said.
Kantor said staff is working on a virtual job fair and with a virtual military recruiting meeting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 9:44 am
16 and older now eligible for Covid-19 vaccine
BATAVIA – Genesee County officials are urging young adults to get the Covid-19 vaccine because that younger age group has been driving the county’s recent caseload.
“It’s important that residents in these age groups get vaccinated as they are currently comprising a higher percentage of our current infection rates,” Genesee County Public Health Director Paul Pettit said in a news release this morning. “These age groups also are more socially active and as we begin to see restrictions on gatherings becoming more relaxed, the likelihood that infection rates among these age groups will continue to increase. That is why we must continue to be vigilant in preventing the spread by wearing a mask, adhering to social distancing and practicing good hygiene.”
The state on Tuesday made people 16 and older eligible for the vaccine. Last week, the eligibility was lowered from 50 and older to 30 years old and up.
“Following the announcement from last week that anyone 30 years and older is eligible for a vaccination with this announcement is an extremely positive development as it means we are starting to see a steady supply of the vaccine,” said Genesee County Chair Rochelle Stein. “The County is going to be utilizing various ways to get the word out to these age groups about the importance of getting vaccinated, including our social media channels. We also encourage parents and guardians and others in the community to not only get their vaccination, but also encourage those in these younger age groups to get their shots.”
To see a list of vaccination clinics and availabilities in Genesee and Orleans counties, click here.
The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only shot authorized for those 16 and 17 years old. Pfizer is a 2-series dose, 21 days apart. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the vaccine.
The Moderna vaccination also is a 2-series dose, 28 days apart, and is recommended for people aged 18 and older.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
April 5-11, 2021 is National Public Health Week and this year’s theme is called “Building Bridges to Better Health.”
This is the time to recognize the contribution of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the health of our community.
“Public health has been at the forefront this past year due to the highly visible response of Covid-19,” said Paul Pettit, public health firector for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “However, public health has been promoting, protecting and preventing illness and disease in our communities along with our community partners for many years.”
The GO Health team reminds everyone to take a moment to think about your health and the health of our community. Although Covid-19 has been the primary focus this past year, it is also important to remember to prioritize preventative health measures such as:
Cancer screenings for breast, colorectal (colon), prostate and skin
Regular well-being and well child visits
Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests
It is also important to prioritize your own physical and mental health by:
Eating a well-balanced diet
Engaging in daily exercise (walking, running, dancing, taking the stairs, biking)
Avoiding tobacco/nicotine use and excessive alcohol use
Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night
Participating in activities you enjoy
Connecting with others, even if we are physically apart
GO Health hopes that with these reminders, we can work together to build a stronger, healthier community where even though we may be physically distant, we are working together to stay healthy and promoting the health of our community.
“Since it is National Public Health Week, I would like to take the time to thank our GO Health team and community volunteers for their dedication and commitment to our community over the past year,” Pettit said. “We celebrate and recognize you for your perseverance and resilience during such a challenging time in public health.”
State invests in essential county services but neglects needed reforms
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) released its initial report on the county impact of the SFY 2022 State Budget. Importantly, the enacted budget includes key investments in essential county services and reverses proposed across-the-board cuts that would have negatively impacted local government’s ability lead the pandemic recovery in their communities.
While the budget makes significant investments in local infrastructure, election administration, public health, and renewable energy, the budget continues the misguided practice of intercepting local sales taxes to fund the state’s obligation for revenue sharing with local governments in the AIM program and a distressed hospital fund.
The budget also fails to enact proposed reforms that would increase efficiency and flexibility in county-administered programs, and help reduce the burden on local taxpayers to pay for state-level programs.
“For the last year, counties have been on the forefront of responding to the greatest challenge to face our country in a generation. This year’s state budget makes key investments in essential services that will help counties continue the essential work of ending the pandemic and supporting residents and businesses as they get back on their feet,” said NYSAC President and Ontario County Chair Jack Marren.
“Sadly, this budget is a missed opportunity to provide counties with much needed relief and increased flexibility in administering state mandated programs enabling taxpayer relief, greater fiscal stability and more effective government. As we seek to extend economic recovery to all New Yorkers, this budget taxes and spends more than residents can afford and leaves too many burdens on local government. We will continue fighting for the people we serve and working with State leaders toward solutions that make sense,” said NYSCEA President and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
Importantly, the enacted budget reverses a proposed 5% across-the-board cut in aid to localities and makes key investments in local governments and the essential services they provide, including:
$100 million in additional CHIPS funding, restoration of $65 million in Extreme Weather funding, an additional $35 million for that program, and an increase of $50 million for PAVE-NY
$20 million in additional capital funding and $2 million in additional operating aid for local boards of elections
$2.5 million for 18-B Family Court Attorney Representation
$7.5 million for Assisted Outpatient Treatment
Restoration of VLT Aid ($9.3 million)
Restoration of $3.75 million for Jail-Based Substance Abuse Treatment and Additional $5 million in Funding
Restoration and Increase to Article 6 Public Health Funding
Additional $5.5 million for the Interoperable Communications Capital Projects Fund
Inclusion of the expansion of the zero-emissions rebate program for municipalities
$385 million for the state and municipal facilities program
“It’s been a long road to undo the economic damage caused by the pandemic, beginning with the historic federal aid package secured by Senator Charles Schumer, and culminating with a state budget that reverses devastating across-the-board cuts and makes significant investments to essential county programs and services,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
“Counties commend our state partners for working with us to ensure that local governments have the resources they need to continue to lead the recovery from this terrible pandemic and get our economy moving again,” Acquario said. “We missed an opportunity to strengthen Early Intervention services for children with special needs, and we look forward to continuing to work with both the Governor and the State Legislature to advance this proposal and to provide counties with the flexibility we need to reduce the cost of state mandated services and protect local property taxpayers.”
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced a new opportunity for young hunters.
The State Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo includes legislation that now allows youths ages 12 and 13 to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter in upstate counties that opt-in to participate.
“Deer hunting is a valued tradition for many families that provides millions of pounds of quality food to New Yorkers while reducing the negative impacts of abundant deer populations on agriculture, forests, and communities,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This new opportunity allows experienced, adult hunters to introduce the value of hunting to the next generation. Teaching these young people safe, responsible, and ethical hunting practices will ensure a rewarding experience every time they are afield. I encourage all upstate counties to consider ‘opting-in’ to support New York’s young hunters and their potential contributions to deer management.”
For nearly two decades, youth aged 12 and 13 in New York have been safely hunting deer and bear with archery equipment and small game with firearms. Until now, New York was the only state that didn’t allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm. Environmental Conservation Law 11-0935 is a temporary measure that will pilot lowering the age through 2023, including the following provisions:
Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm in areas these firearms may be used during hunting season;
Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows;
Requires that these youth hunters be supervised by experienced and licensed adult hunters at all times; and
Requires the youth hunter and adult mentor to wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing and to remain at ground level while hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader.
The legislation requires each county to “opt-in” to the program by adopting a local law allowing for 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer in accordance with ECL 11-0935. The legislation specifically excludes Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester counties from participation in the new program.
The DEC is developing a new webpage listing counties that opt-in to participate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2021 at 5:12 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties are each reporting 10 new confirmed cases of Covid-19. Those 20 cases reported today bring the total in the two counties to 7,380 in the past 13 months of the pandemic. That includes 4,758 in Genesee and 2,622 in Orleans.
In Orleans County the 10 new positive cases reported today are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).
The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and 70s. One of the new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said in an afternoon news advisory.
Orleans is reporting 5 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently four residents from Orleans hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County the 10 new cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford).
The individuals are in their 20s, 30s, 50s and 80s. (Two of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Genesee County Jail, where 29 inmates have now tested positive during the pandemic.).
Genesee is reporting 4 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There are currently 9 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
Active Cases: The number of active cases in the two counties are up in the past seven days from 118 on March 31 to 145 today. That includes an increase in Orleans, from 43 to 58, and in Genesee, from 75 to 87.
Vaccine Update: All New Yorkers 16 and over are eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Visit the G-O Health Vaccination Page (click here) to check for upcoming vaccination clinics, which are targeted for Genesee and Orleans residents.
Photographs courtesy of Town of Ridgeway Historian’s office: This view shows the iron bridge over Oak Orchard Creek, looking west on Ridge Road.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – V. 1, No 10
RIDGEWAY – Which are you most likely to say, “The bridge is out?” or “The bridge is closed?”
This topic generated some lively discussion. An informal survey found that more people are likely to say “closed” rather than “out.”
Regardless of preferred usage, inconvenience ensues when a bridge is “closed” or “out” as those who travel or live on Route 104 will find when the bridge over the Oak Orchard Creek on Route 104 will soon close to traffic for five months.
Oak Orchard Creek originates in the Tonawanda Swamp. Joined by numerous streams as well as Otter Creek and Marsh Creek, it flows into Lake Ontario at the Oak Orchard Harbor.
Crossing the Oak Orchard Creek proved challenging for the early settlers. Describing his family’s journey in 1810, Seymour Murdock recalled that the area of bank cleared for crossing was designed for “Yankee” wagons which were narrow. However, their wagon was a wider Pennsylvania wagon, and the crossing proved very difficult. One little brother fell out and would have been left behind, had he not yelled lustily.
Later view of the iron bridge over Oak Orchard Creek on Ridge Road
For many years, a felled tree, with its upper limbs trimmed would serve as a footbridge. In 1825, the Supervisors of Orleans County were authorized by the Legislature to raise $1,000 by tax to build a plank bridge over the Oak Orchard Creek.
This plank bridge greatly facilitated travel along Route 104, but it deteriorated over time. In October 1876, a herd of 21 fat cattle caused it to give way when they crossed. The cattle were not injured though they fell 18 feet. According to the Medina Tribune, the bridge was “a total wreck.” However, “travel on this road will not be obstructed by this accident.”
The plank bridge was replaced by an iron bridge. By the 1950s, this bridge was no longer suited to the increased volume of vehicular traffic. Also, the curved approach and narrow width were cited as factors in several accidents. A new, wider bridge was built by the State Dept. of Public Works in 1954, at a cost of $175,000. The curve was straightened by moving the highway several yards to the north of the original highway. The bridge was resurfaced in 1981.
The new bridge will replace the bridge built in 1954. Featuring two 12-foot wide travel lanes, wider shoulders and new approaches, it is to be built by the Union Concrete and Construction Corporation of West Seneca. The cost of bridge-building has increased since 1954, from $175,000 to $2.65 million. The new bridge is expected to last 75 years, so we will not need to debate whether that particular bridge is “closed” or “out” until 2096.
View of Oak Orchard Creek bridge, looking east on Ridge Road
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) will be traveling to Texas this afternoon for a three-day trip to the southern border to tour immigration facilities and receive briefings from Border Patrol and local law enforcement.
“We are seeing a growing humanitarian crisis and a surge in criminal activity at our southern border that is a direct result of President Biden’s reckless policies,” Jacobs said. “The reports we have heard are deeply troubling, so I am traveling with my colleagues to the southern border to observe the situation firsthand and hear directly from our law enforcement on the ground.”
Jacobs is traveling to the southern border with seven other members of the House of Representatives, including Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (IN-03) and Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Kevin Hern (OK-01), and Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL).
The members will tour Eagle Pass Detention Center and Laughlin Air Force Base as well as the border in both Eagle Pass and Del Rio, Texas. The representatives will also receive briefings from Border Patrol leadership and local law enforcement on current border operations and conditions.
ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley released the following statement about the state budget:
“The budget the Majority is set to pass this year will increase our state’s spending by about 20% over last year’s budget, and it makes me think, has the average New York family increased their spending by that much over the last year?
“The answer is of course not, while New York families have pared back their spending and lived within their means, our state is poised to increase both spending and taxes in a way that will prove unsustainable, all while giving twice to illegal immigrants what it will distribute to small businesses as aid.
“I am nearly certain that by this time next year the Majority will be talking about the need to further increase our taxes to pay for the increased spending people will come to rely on, which is why I will be voting against this irresponsible budget.”
