Hochul proposes $252-biillion, 2025-26 budget that increases spending by more than 3%...
Governor Kathy Hochul says her budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is "laser-focused" on putting money back in New Yorkers' pockets. Hochul unveiled her spending proposal Tuesday afternoon at the State Capitol in Albany. Her budget totals $252-billion... which increases spending by 3.6% over the current year's spending plan... but contains no new income tax increases. Hochul says three forms of tax relief will give New Yorkers $5 billion back. She says there will be a $1-billion in middle class tax cuts, there will also be her promised $300 and $500 Inflation rebate checks, and tripling the state's Child Tax Credit. Hochul says the budget also commits $760.5-million for designated Pro-Housing Communities. She says the spending plan also contains $370-million for gun violence prevention programs. Other highlights of the budget include new legislation to streamline the discovery process and make changes to involuntary commitment and Kendra's Law, $1-billion to accelerate the state's transition to clean energy, and mandatory restrictions on students' electronic devices in K-12 classrooms. Legislature budget hearings are now underway, and a final budget needs to be adopted by Apr. 1.
Borrello blasts Hochul's budget plan for adding $19-billion in spending...
The governor's spending plan is drawing the ire of Republicans in the state legislature. Local State Senator George Borrello says the budget includes "a staggering and deeply troubling escalation of spending at a time when New York cannot afford it. The unchecked growth in spending is not only reckless, but it is the driver of the high cost of living that is pushing out residents and jobs." Borrello adds that the state is still "staring down major multi-billion-dollar budget gaps in future years... underscoring the structural fiscal issues we are failing to address." The Sunset Bay Republican adds that the "heart of the problem is Medicaid, where spending continues to skyrocket with no meaningful plan from the Governor to rein it in — even as she herself has called the current trajectory ‘unsustainable.’ New York’s Medicaid program has long been known as the ‘Cadillac’ of state Medicaid programs because it is the most expansive and costly -- even outpacing California’s program.
County leaders urge residents to be safe, and provide tips on dealing with the frigid cold this week...
Being safe both indoors and outdoors was the familiar theme of a press conference Tuesday afternoon after a State of Emergency was declared in Chautauqua County and other places in New York state. County Executive P.J. Wendel hosted the event in Mayville... and, urged people to be vigliant and careful during this extreme weather event with wind chills falling to about -20 zero. Wendel says people like to use space heaters, heated blankets and other measures. However... he says be very careful in using them. Wendel said that's what happened with Monday afternoon's fire in the town of Gerry when the resident used a wood stove to warm up part of his home. If you have to be outdoors... Public Health Director Lacey Wilson says the two main concerns are frostbite... and, hypothermia. Wilson says it's important to limit any outdoor activities... and dress properly in light layers... stay hydrated... and, cover any exposed skin.
Hernandez says warming centers and Code Blue shelters fully up and are being used...
This is also the first extreme Winter weather that's been seen for the county's homeless population... and, especially in Jamestown. County Director of Mental Hygiene and Social Services, Carmello Hernandez, says both their day-time warming centers... and, overnight Code Blue shelters have been busy... but, have had enough room for those seeking shelter. Hernandez says you can call the Sheriff's Office... or City Police at 483-7536 for more information... or go on-line at chggov.com/codeblue where arrangements can be made for emergency shelter. He adds that the Code Blue shelters do not allow for minor children to stay, but, arrangments can be made to accomodate those families. Hernandez says the day-time warming locations in Jamestown and Dunkirk are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day... while the Code Blue shelters are available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. the next morning. The warming shelter in Jamestown is located at 110 W. Fourth St... while the overnight Code Blue Shelter is located at 917 Washington St. In Dunkirk... the day-time warming shelter is located at 15 West Lucas Ave.
City woman detained pending federal charges following Fairfield Ave. drug raid...
A woman from Jamestown has been detained on possible federal drug charges following a raid on a southside apartment that led to seizure of nearly 400-grams of methamphetamine. City police say members of the Jamestown Metro... and, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Forces executed a search warrant on the lower apartment at 31 Fairfield Ave. just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Officers say both department's K-9 units also took part... and, were able to locate just over 393-grams of meth... $2,800 in cash... packaging materials... a digital scale... and, other items. A second person, and unidentified male subject, was also found inside the home, but, was not arrested. City police were also assisted by Dunkirk, and Ellicott Town Police.
