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Hochul Unveils Free School Lunch and Breakfast Program
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a free breakfast and lunch program for more than 2.7 million students in New York.
NY’s Reparations Commission Blew Millions of Dollars, Wants Millions More
New York’s Community Commission on Reparations Remedies has asked for more time and money from the legislature to study and complete a report on the impacts of slavery and systemic racism.
Shirley Man Shares Personal Story to Help Others to Kick the Habit
"Of all the drugs I once used, nothing compares to the challenge of overcoming an addiction to cigarettes. I'm living my best life now that I'm tobacco-free."
Local Leaders Back in Albany
South Shore-based representatives are back in the state capital to kick off the 2025 Legislative session
Hochul Proposes Tripling of the Child Tax Credit
Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed tripling the Child Tax Credit for children under four years old and doubling the average tax credit for all families. Hochul released the proposal in advance of her upcoming State of the State 2025 address.
NYS to Ban Toll Evaders From the Thruway
There are 570 miles of NYS Thruway between Buffalo and New York City and if you are a serial toll evader get ready to be banned – maybe even have your vehicle impounded.
Rules For Thee, But Not For Me – Hochul Racks Up Private Plane Miles
Governor Kathy Hochul racked up a boatload of private plane miles while at the same time issuing dictates to average New Yorkers that they should not, and even cannot, use fossil fuels themselves.
Use it or Lose it: Use Your Christmas Gift Cards ASAP
In 2024, the office recovered over $21 million from gift cards, more than three times the amount received in 2014 ($5.8 million). New Yorkers are encouraged to spend holiday gift cards early this new year and remember to check for unclaimed funds.
NYS Senator Dean Murray Releases Statement on Critically Injured Cop
"Please keep Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher in your prayers as he battles for his life following yesterday's accident on the LIE."
Republican Senators say, ”Wait a minute” on Hochul Rebate Plan
The refund would return about $3 billion to New York taxpayers in direct payments to around 8.6 million New York taxpayers statewide in 2025. Those eligible would receive payments of $300 to single taxpayers who make up to $150,000 per year, and a payment of $500 for joint tax filers making up to $300,000 per year.
New Session, Same Battles in Albany
Long Island legislators return to Albany this week for the start of a new session with a familiar slate of issues that will once again highlight the ongoing conflict between local taxpayers and the forces that control state government.
Automatic Voter Registration in New York is Coming - Two Years Late
What is AVR? AVR takes the individual’s decision to register to vote out of their hands and gives state agencies the mandate to register you to vote. This means that if you interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles, state social service agencies, or SUNY you will be registered to vote unless you specifically opt-out at that time.
Fight Inflation by Removing Business Burdens
Senator Dean Murray is heading to the capital with a plan that would save billions. Rallying a coalition of Republican legislators from across the state, Murray has appealed to Gov. Kathy Hochul to eliminate the dreaded UIAS—Unemployment Insurance Assessment Surcharge—a state mandate that is draining $10.2 billion from New Yorkers.
New Down-Payment Assistance for First Time Homebuyers in New York
The awards will help low—and moderate-income homeowners make their homes safe and accessible and provide down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
Musk Calls for Hochul to be Recalled Over Subway Safety Posts
Musk took to the social media platform he owns, Twitter/X, and demanded that New York voters “recall” Hochul and remove her from office.
Education Aid Showdown on Albany Agenda
A hot topic in the school spending debate will be the Foundation Aid formula used to estimate how much each district should receive. Given the age-old pull between the urban and suburban parts of the state, city legislators want the formula skewed toward their interests. Bending to the urban Democrats who control the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the elimination of the “Save Harmless” provision, which ensures that no district gets less in state education aid than the year before.
National Fuel Gas Hikes Rates to Comply with New York’s Green New Deal
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved National Fuel Gas's request to increase its base delivery rates and charges for gas service effective Jan. 1, 2025. Under the agreement, National Fuel cannot request any further increases to its base delivery rates before Oct. 1, 2027.
Hochul Doubles Down on New York’s Green New Deal Laws
New York plans to collect $75 billion over twenty-five years for climate change adaptation from what they say are ‘the parties most responsible for causing the climate crisis - big oil and gas companies’. The bill was carried by Democrats Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.
Senator Murray, Local Leaders to NYS: ‘Take Control of the MTA’s Finances’
State Senator Dean Murray, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and other elected officials gathered at the Perry B. Duryea building in Hauppauge on Dec. 11th to request an independent group take over the run-amuck finances of the MTA.
Final Numbers Show Trump Expands the Map in New York Crushing Harris in Suffolk County
The final presidential election numbers are in and it’s not close in Suffolk County. Trump lagged behind Harris by just shy of ten points expanding the Republican map in New York.
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Brookhaven Supervisor Launches TV Show
On March 4, Supervisor Daniel J. Panico was present for the debut recording of his television program, "Supervisor Panico On The Air," at a new TV studio in Farmingville, NY.
K-12 Districtwide Art Show to showcase student artwork at William Floyd High School
The annual K-12 Districtwide Art Show is set to take place on Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 8 pm at William Floyd High School.
Mastic Beach Ambulance Company Announces 2024 Top Responder and Volunteer Hours Awards
The Mastic Beach Ambulance Company gave out its annual Top Responder and Volunteer Hours Awards.