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Taxpayer Funded Health Care Costs Explode in New York
The amount of money Suffolk County and all New York State taxpayers paid for publicly subsidized health care and Medicaid increased at an alarming rate of 78% over the past four years, according to a new report released by the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
Palumbo Eyes Re-election: A Commitment to Suffolk's Future
Senator Anthony H. Palumbo has announced his bid for re-election to the New York State Senate, underscoring a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on key issues such as affordable housing, public safety, bipartisan collaboration, and education funding. Palumbo, who has served the First Senatorial District following a tenure in the New York State Assembly and an initial career in the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, is poised to continue his efforts in making Suffolk County a safer and more affordable place to live.
DiNapoli Pegs New York Migrant Problem
Unsustainable spending on the migrant crisis is a serious challenge for New York as the city struggles to deal with the migrants officials invited in under their sanctuary policies, according to an assessment released by the state comptroller.
From Albany to the Border: N.Y. Republicans Push for National Guard Deployment
Amidst the escalating migrant crisis at both the southern and northern U.S. borders, New York State Republican leaders have taken a decisive stand. Assemblyman Will Barclay and Senator Rob Ortt have directly appealed to Governor Kathy Hochul, urging the New York State National Guard deployment to Texas and along the New York-Canadian border. This bold request seeks to bolster efforts to curb the illegal flow of migrants into the country, spotlighting a deepening national issue at New York's doorstep.
Rothang Appointed to Open Space Committee
The chief of staff for Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella, Rothang previously served as executive assistant to former town supervisor Edward Romaine, who's now the county executive.
Officials Double Down on Green Energy, Urge Governor to Move on Sunrise Wind
The $700 million plan to build 90 turbines off Montauk Point and connect them to the mainland via a 123-mile cable at Smith Point is facing some headwinds due to increased construction costs. The state Public Service Commission denied a request by the project's developer, the Denmark-based firm Ørsted, to raise electric rates to cover the higher costs, and Hochul decided to put the project back out to bid.
Speaker Heastie's Latest Appointments: A Continuation of Partisan Politics Amidst New York's Economic Struggles
Speaker Carl Heastie's recent announcement of new leadership appointments within the New York Assembly has sparked a wave of criticism and concern. The appointments, predominantly filling key roles with Democrats, have raised questions about the perpetuation of partisan politics in a state grappling with an exodus of its population and struggling businesses.
Two Navy SEALs Presumed Dead in Somalia Mission Against Iranian Arms Shipment
In a significant yet tragic operation off the Somali coast, the U.S. Navy has reported the presumed deaths of two SEALs during a mission to intercept Iranian missile components bound for Houthi rebels in Yemen. The mission, aimed at thwarting potential attacks by the rebels, ended in heartbreak with the loss of Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27.
Assemblyman DeStefano Kicks Off Reelection Campaign
Seeking a third term representing the people of the 3rd District, Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano launched his reelection bid last week at a fundraiser in Patchogue.
$85 Million for ADUs in Hochul Housing Plan
Looking to help solve New York's affordable housing crunch, Gov. Kathy Hochul has earmarked $85 million for the creation and enhancement of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across the state. The allocation is part of a five-year plan aimed at bolstering affordable housing options and revitalizing communities.
Declaration Monument at Patriots Park
"Our monument will rival the one at Boston Common, a famed statue that's been there since 1925," Panico said of the Brookhaven tablet. "We're proud to have a park that honors the local heroes who played such an important role in our country's founding," the supervisor said.
School Districts Push Back on Dubious Fiscal Distinction
The state's taxpayer watchdog announced that 16 school districts across New York are in varying degrees of fiscal stress, including five here on Long Island.
Biden's Leadership Questioned Amid Deadly Drone Attack on U.S. Forces
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) was particularly scathing in his critique of Biden's Middle East strategy. "Joe Biden emboldened Iran for years by tolerating attacks on our troops, bribing the ayatollahs with billions of dollars, and appeasing them to no end. He left our troops as sitting ducks, and now three are dead," Cotton said. Expressing his condolences, he added, "On behalf of Arkansans, I extend my deepest condolence to the families of our brave fallen warriors. May God comfort them as He welcomes their loved ones into His embrace. And may God quickly and completely heal their wounded comrades."
Constitutional Crisis Looms at Southern Border
The Constitutional consequences of the issue are extreme. Texas is being overrun by migrants under a Biden administration policy that accepts their claim of needing political asylum and gives them all the resources they need—cash, cellphones, transportation, medical care—to settle into communities across the country. Abbott is trying to stop them by erecting razor wire on Shelby State Park in Eagle Pass, a popular point for illegal crossers along the Rio Grande River. Federal border control agents have been ordered to cut the wire, setting up the critical question of which governmental entity has the authority to protect the public.
Escape From New York: Retirees Don't Want to Stay Here
"HireAHelper" released its annual report showing California and New York had the dubious distinction of losing the most retirees to other states. The Golden State lost 18% of retirees to new states while here in the Empire State 11% of every person that retired hit the road for greener pastures.
An 'Act' of Compassion
More surprisingly was that her veto pen fell on a vastly changed version of the legislation, which was updated to assuage the Governor's concerns over the Act's overhyped impact on the State's hospitals and insurance industry.
Socialist Aligned Politicians Push Taxpayer Funded Health Care for Illegals in NY
Right now many are ineligible to receive taxpayer funded healthcare due to federal regulations and restrictions. This state law would relax those rules and provide free healthcare for illegal immigrants. It directs the State Health Commissioner to modify rules to give migrants exemptions from federal regulations so they can receive healthcare.
Juvenile Justice Overhaul? New York's Quiet Push for Juvenile Record Expungement
The bill, which aims to include records held by local educational agencies in the expungement process for PINS cases when proceedings conclude favorably for the respondent, parallels the state's controversial bail reform. Critics argue that the bill's quiet progression through the legislative process and its potential impact on public safety echo concerns previously raised about bail reform, which some believe has contributed to increased crime rates in New York.
Special Olympics New York Saved From The Fiscal Chopping Block
Special Olympics New York President and Chief Executive Officer Stacey Hengsterman shared her mission of asking Governor Kathy Hochul to include increased funding in her proposed Executive Budget to the New York State Legislature.
Suffolk County Residents Encouraged to Claim Share of $27 Million in Unclaimed Gift Cards
This announcement is particularly relevant to Suffolk County, where residents are owed over $5 million in unclaimed funds from gift cards. This figure is part of the nearly $40 million owed to New York City residents and over $10.8 million to those in Long Island, highlighting the widespread issue of unclaimed financial assets in the state.
Daily Feed
Push on for Tier 6 Pension Reform
Fix Tier 6 is the rallying cry in Albany as Albany works through the legislative session.
Free Trees in the Town of Brookhaven
On Arbor Day (Friday, April 25), the Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual tree seedling, mulch, and compost giveaway in the South Parking Lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Doctor sues New York homeowners' association for religious discrimination and harassment, seeks over $1 million in damages
A first responder and medical doctor is embroiled in a legal battle against his homeowners' association, alleging discrimination and harassment based on his religion.