WCDO Radio News

Local lawmakers are weighing in on the new state budget plan, area state senator Jim Seward comments:

(Seward 4-1-16)

Seward said that the Budget includes the Minimum wage increase to $15.00 an hour by 2021, something that was opposed to, he approves of the $1 billion dollar Middle Class Tax cut in the 1st year, which will reach $4.2 Billion dollars when implemented over the next several years.

Governor Cuomo announced a last minute agreement with legislative leaders on the 2016-17 state budget, which includes Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour in every region of the state by 2021, Enacting a paid family leave policy, Holding the growth in state spending to 2%, Cutting the personal income tax, Providing $24.8 billion in School Aid, & ending the Gap Elimination Adjustment. The budget also includes Investing $55 billion in the largest state transportation plan ever approved – including $27 billion for the DOT and Thruway and $27 billion for the MTA of New York City.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April. Blood drives today are scheduled from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Harold BOCES, campus on Route 206 in Masonville, in Norwich from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Broad Street Methodist Church, & in Cooperstown from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at Bassett Hall. To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 pm Classes are taught by Matthew Wilson, current Norwich Middle School art teacher and practicing local artist. All classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council’s art classroom #107, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-2787 or chenangoarts.org.