WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & State Police arrested 32-year-old Christopher Eisele of Walton on an arrest warrant issued by the Town of Walton Justice Court on charges of 3rd degree Criminal Mischief & 3rd degree Criminal Trespass. Also arrested was 31 year old Laura Heslin of Binghamton on an arrest warrant for 3rd degree Criminal Trespass & & on a warrant for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Both subjects were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond

The Empire Center has posted a list of government employees all over New York State who have won permission to double dip with both a salary and a pension. Most employees who are retired and taking a state pension are prohibited from returning to work and making more than $30,000 in annual salary - unless they get a special waiver from the state. The state has been harder on local governments in recent years to find someone who is not already retired to do the job. Go to seethroughny.net

First comes the election, then comes speculation about a pay raise for state lawmakers. Legislators are wary of voting to hike their salaries before heading to the polls for re-election, the seven-week period between Election Day and the end of the year -- when the next state Legislature will be seated -- has traditionally been when talks of a raise have heated up. So far no legislative leaders have indicated anything is in the works. Unless a bill is passed before Jan. 1st, a raise would have to wait until 2017 at the earliest. Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver has long supported a pay raise for lawmakers, and it has support from some lawmakers’ downstate, where the cost of living is higher.

New York State has implemented tougher laws against distracted driving. There were 3,300 deaths in 2012 because of distracted driving. Along with bigger fines, all drivers convicted of texting while driving will receive five driver violation points on their license, instead of the usual three points. For more specifics go to safeny.ny.gov.

The attorney for State Senator Tom Libous has asked a federal judge in Westchester County to dismiss the case against him. Senator Libous was arraigned in July in a Federal court for 1 count of making false statements to the FBI in 2010; he is accused of scheming to get his son a job at downstate law firm in exchange for political considerations.   Libous denies the charges; his son is facing several charges, including filing fraudulent tax returns to the IRS.

1 of the winners in Tuesday night's voting is now calling for election spending reform, saying donors 'should be obligated to share where that money came from." State Assemblyman Gary Finch won re-election in the 126th Assembly District, Finch said his opponent outspent him with the help of a half million dollars from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Finch plans to introduce reform measures in the next legislative session.

60-year-old Almond Upton of Florida pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and 10 other charges in Broome County Court this morning.  Upton is accused of intentionally swerving on northbound Interstate 81 & hitting Trooper Christopher Skinner, who was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on the side of the highway.  Upton is charged with 1st degree murder, 2 counts of 2nd degree Assault, 3 counts of criminal mischief & 5 counts of reckless driving, he faces court action again on August 29th.

State Police reported that 4 people were injured in an accident on State Route 7 in the town of Unadilla on Sunday.  The accident occurred at around 2:45 Sunday afternoon, between a car and motorcycle occurred in a driveway near the juncture of Sheep Pen Road and Sanly Road, Police said that 21 year old Benjamin Newman of Bainbridge; & 68 year old Richard Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama collided, 4 people suffered a variety of injuries.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 43-year-old Ramnarine Baldeo of Schenectady for False Personation and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.  The arrest resulted from a stop for not wearing his seatbelt on I-88 in Oneonta; Baldeo is accused of giving the Trooper a false name and date of birth, to keep his suspended driver’s license from being found out.   Baldeo was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail.

State Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera today announced that through a partnership with the US Department of Treasury, New York leads the nation in the number of recoveries made, with more than 19,000 individuals who filed fraudulent Unemployment Insurance claims & had their federal tax refunds intercepted.  The Program returned $21 million over the past 6 months to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. New York was the first state in the nation to implement this program and has recovered more than $139.4 million since February 2011.

Hunting and trapping licenses, and Deer Management Permits for the 2014-15 season are now available for purchase through the State DEC.  Sporting licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC's 1,100 license sales outlets statewide. Licenses can also be ordered at dec.ny.gov/permits.  The 2014-2015 hunting and trapping licenses are valid for 1 year beginning this September 1st

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rob Astorino, and the GOP statewide ticket, filed 4,400 pages of signatures in an attempt to create a "Stop Common Core" ballot line this fall.  Astorino's campaign filed 62,000 signatures from voters in support of the effort, if certified by the state Board of Elections, the effort would give Astorino a 3rd ballot line against Governor Cuomo in the November election.

New York is getting new restrictions on the sale of ivory or rhino horn to prevent the slaughter of the endangered animals. Gov. Cuomo signed legislation into law that prohibits the sale of ivory or items containing it unless they are antiques or used for educational or scientific purposes. The rules would also apply to rhino horn. Federal law already restricts ivory imports and interstate sales. The Wildlife Conservation Society said New York is the nation's No. 1 importer of ivory.

Governor Cuomo is using his campaign money to pay the cost of travel for himself and his staff to Israel. The three-day journey to Israel is officially a government trip. But members of the delegation are using campaign funds to pay their way. State Senator Jeff Klein and Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver are also using campaign funds. The group was scheduled to meet with Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu today & return tomorrow.

State Police have released details of the double homicide and subsequent Broome & Cortland Counties high speed chase that ended Sunday .  Police reponded to the reports of gunfire at  844 Pennsylvania Avenue in Palenville, troopers dsicvered Daniel Brennan of Schenectady &  Pammi Mroczek of Palenville dead from gunshot wounds inside.  Police began searching for Mroczek’s estranged husband & suspected killer 46 year old Robert Mroczek, who was found on I-81 in the town of Chenango.  Mroczek fled, with a high spped pursuit into the Town of Cortlandville in Cortland County. The pursuit  ended with the deployment of stop sticks causing Mroczek’s vehicle to travel off the east shoulder of the roadway. Mroczek was pronounced deceased at the scene from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.---------------------------------------------

Tioga County Republican Denver Jones is facing stiff oppositions in his bid to take on state senator Tom Libous in a Republican primary.  Libous' campaign challenged the 1,700 petition signatures Jones submitted, and the state Board of Elections tossed almost 800 signatures, leaving Jones about 30 shy of qualifying.  Jones filed suit in State Supreme Court to have his petitions restored, that was followed another 15 signatures being tossed by the court itself.

Governor Cuomo will lead a delegation of state officials and business leaders to Israel as a show of “solidarity” this week. This is Cuomo’s first international trip since taking office as governor in 2011, with plans to take a commercial flight to Tel Aviv tomorrow. The delegation will include Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos and Senate Independent Democratic Conference Chairman Jeff Klein. The trip comes amid a continuing conflict between Israel and Palestinians that has been waged for more than a month

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & 29 other state attorneys general sent a letter urging the FDA to strengthen its proposed regulation of electronic cigarettes, with the goal of protecting young people from the harms of nicotine. The attorney generals pressed the FDA to prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes, and to restrict advertising and marketing for e-cigarettes in the same manner as cigarettes. The FDA issued proposed regulations deeming e-cigarettes “tobacco products,” which puts them under the FDA’s regulatory jurisdiction.

State Troopers arrested 41-year-old Gary Hackett of Guilford for Felony Driving While Intoxicated and Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. The arrest occurred following a traffic law stop for speeding on County Route 36 in Guilford, troopers determined that Hackett was intoxicated and also had a suspended driver license.   Hackett was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

State agencies were late 87% of the time in approving contracts with not-for-profit providers last year, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This is an increase from 2012, when 78% were approved late. The Comptroller’s report recommends that state agencies Make prompt contracting a priority to reduce costs to the state and not-for-profits; Pay prompt contracting interest with the first payment due after the start of a late contract; and Re-align contract start dates to reflect the time required for the procurement process. The report can be viewed at osc.state.ny.us.

The state Assembly voted to ban hydraulic fracturing for natural gas for three years, but that’s as far as the bill is likely to go. Yesterday's 89-34 vote in favor of the ban on fracking could be symbolic, since the Senate isn’t expected to consider the legislation before lawmakers adjourn later this week. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said there’s no reason to rush a decision on fracking before its effects on health and the environment are better understood. New York has had a moratorium on fracking since an environmental review was launched in 2008.

Governor Cuomo announced an agreement with legislative leaders on a bill that will cut requirements on microbreweries & farm breweries, and rolling back restrictions regarding the marketing of craft products.   New York Brewers association President David Katlowski state that there is a movement among New York farmers to plant barley & hops again:

(David Katlowski 6-17-14)

The new legislation to help farm breweries & microbreweries is a result of the State's 2nd Wine, Beer, Spirits, and Cider Summit, held this past April.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Cory Nabinger of Harpursville for Driving While Intoxicated, following a motor vehicle accident on Tunnel Road in Fenton.  An investigation determined that Nabinger was intoxicated when he crashed; He refused to submit to a breath test & was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Fenton Court on July 10th.

Lower wage employees from across the state are in Albany today to call on state lawmakers to raise New York's minimum wage. Supporters of the raise want to see the wage increase from $8 per hour to $10.10 per hour. The advocates are also calling for the minimum wage in New York City be raised to $13.13 per hour, and allow future increases based on inflation. It's unclear if lawmakers will vote on an increase.

State Police arrested 31 year old Dawn Otte, of Walton, for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated in violation of Leandra’s Law.  The arrest occurred after Troopers at the Delaware Valley Hospital observed an intoxicated woman walk in after driving herself.  An investigation determined that Otte had also dropped off a child, less than 16 years old, prior to arriving at the hospital intoxicated, she was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and then released without bail.

The 1st phase of the Kamikaze curve construction project at state route 17 & I-81 in Binghamton will b completed in about 18 months, motorists in that area will notice a change in traffic patterns & detours there, according to State DOT Spokesman Dave Hamburg:

(Dave Hamburg 6-12-14)

Hamburg said that the project is on time & on budget, with this first phase expected to be completed in December of 2015.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is still pushing for the legislature to pass the minimum wage and Dream Act bills, as lawmakers work toward adjournment.  The minimum wage proposal would raise the wage to $10.10 per hour; The Dream Act would extend financial aid to students who are in the country illegally. Both measures have support in the Assembly but face challenges in the Senate, where the Dream Act has already failed once. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos doesn't expect the Senate to consider any controversial legislation before the end of session on June 19th.

The state Senate passed a bill to require state colleges to inform law enforcement of a missing student or a violent felony within 24 hours.  The Senate passed the measure on Wednesday and the Assembly passed the updated College Safety Act in March. It's now awaiting the signature of Governor Cuomo. The Legislature initially passed the College Safety Act in 1999 after the disappearance of University at Albany student Suzanne Lyall, it requires colleges & universities to notify local law enforcement of any violent felony offense or missing person on campus, it didn't require the schools to actually report such incidents to outside authorities.

Governor Cuomo will soon decide whether yogurt will become New York’s official state snack. The Assembly approved a bill to make yogurt an official state snack Wednesday, by a vote of 85-1, following a 45-minute debate in the state Senate last month.  The bill was skewered by late-night TV hosts, including Jon Stewart and David Letterman, the bill heads to the governor’s desk; he is expected to sign it.

The Civil Service Employees Association members, who work for the state court system, have voted 2-to-1 in favor of a new contract covering 5,700 employees with annual 2 percent salary increases for three years. The contract runs retroactively from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2017. Raises are scheduled for October of this year, April 2015 and April 2016, with a $750 bonus March 31, 2017.

The New York State Senate passed a bill that would ban the sale of powdered alcohol, known as Palcohol. The FDA approved the substance in April, but the agency quickly reversed its decision, the New York bill would ban the product in the state even if it gets approval from the FDA.  Powdered alcohol has been banned in Alaska and legislation to ban it has been approved in South Carolina and Vermont.

The man accused of intentionally hitting and killing State Trooper Christopher Skinner did not appear in court today. 60-year-old Almond Upton of Melrose, Florida waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which had been scheduled in Town of Chenango court today. Upton is charged with 1st degree murder, for allegedly hitting Trooper Skinner intentionally with his truck on I-81 last Thursday. Upton could face life in prison without parole.

While New York reports cutting power plant pollution by 40% over the past decade, the Obama administration has proposed national guidelines calling for new steep cuts over the next 15 years. The states’ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative sets pollution caps and requires using or buying credits to exceed them; state officials welcomed the federal proposal. New York’s production of greenhouse gases is about ½ the national average per person, largely because ½ of its electricity is produced from nuclear and water power.

The first phase of the Prospect Mountain construction project is 65% finished, with the new Route 17 eastbound bridge opened to traffic last night. Dave Hamburg of the DOT Told WCDO News what lies ahead for that section over the summer months:

(Dave Hamburg 6-3-14)

Hamburg said that the project remains on schedule for completion by December 2015, it will bring I-81 traffic over a total of 6 bridges spanning the Chenango River & change the traffic pattern where the interstate meets State Route 17

New York’s highest court will consider whether municipalities can use local zoning laws to ban hydraulic fracturing to drill for natural gas. The Court of Appeals will hear arguments in 2 cases, one involving the Town of Dryden, where a midlevel appellate court concluded last year, that state mining & drilling law, doesn’t trump the authority of local governments to control land use. State officials are still studying whether to permit, limit and regulate the practice in New York.

The state Assembly has passed the Dream Act again, but the measure's fate remains uncertain in the Senate. The bill would extend state financial aid to students in the country illegally. The Assembly passed the measure in February, only to see it go down in defeat in the Senate. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver urged opponents in the Senate to reconsider, and said there's still time for the bill to pass before lawmakers adjourn later this month. Gov. Cuomo supports the measure and vowed to help get it passed.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of a package of legislation to provide New York’s military veterans with tax relief, expanded benefits, and special honors. Seward’s bill would exempt veteran’s organizations from paying taxes on heating fuel, currently, religious and charitable organizations are exempt from paying tax on non-highway diesel motor fuel used for heating purposes. The package of bills moves onto the Assembly for consideration.

The South New Berlin Fire Department responded to a house fire on State Highway 23, at around 4:00 this morning. Fire fighters from Morris, New Berlin, Norwich & Mount Upton assisted South New Berlin firefighters at the scene.   Firefighters remained on the scene into the late morning hours, more details are expected to be released after investigators work to determine the cause of the fire.

Governor Cuomo kicked off his re-election bid yesterday, touting his record on taxes, the economy and social issues. Cuomo offered a list of accomplishments during his first term, citing an improving upstate economy, ending the gridlock at the state Capitol and pushing progressive ideas that he said makes New York a leader in the nation. Cuomo got a higher minimum wage and the lowest middle-class income taxes since 1953. He said will push for better rights for immigrants and public financing of campaigns, as well as expanding infrastructure projects if re-elected. Cuomo faces Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in November.

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he wants lawmakers to accelerate increases to the minimum wage and pass the Dream Act before adjourning their session next month. Silver said he doesn't want to wait until next year to pass the Dream Act, which would extend state financial aid to students in the country illegally. Silver also supports raising the $8-per-hour minimum age to $9 at the end of this year, with automatic increases tied to inflation. Currently, the wage is set to go to $9 at the end of 2015. Silver said he also supports implementing a broad public financing law for statewide campaigns

The State DEC has adopted a 10-year black bear management plan, which includes several proposed hunting rule changes, following thousands of public comments. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said that the strategies outlined in the Plan seek to achieve and maintain bear population levels that are acceptable to the public while providing sustainable opportunity for New York’s big game hunters, and to also minimize human-bear conflicts. The final Black Bear Management Plan is available atwww.dec.ny.gov/animals/7215.html.

The Pathfinder Village Board of Directors announces plans to build a new $1.2 million community healthcare center in Edmeston.   Last month, the Pathfinder board approved building a 3,800 sq. ft. facility, named as the “DR. WILLIAM F. STRECK COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC” it will be located on State Route 80; it was named to recognize Dr. Streck's contributions   during his tenure with Bassett Healthcare and Pathfinder Village. Construction is expected to begin in May 2015. More information is available at pathfindervillage.org.

Governor Cuomo, state leaders & Industry & Tourism leaders held the 2nd Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit in Albany today.  The governor said that their efforts are paying off with an increase in jobs across the entire industry:

(Cuomo 4-8-14)

The Governor said that the 60 million dollars spent in tourism advertising has led to an increase in revenues for the tourism & Agriculture industries by over 4 billion dollars.

New York State of Health reported that Over 1.2 million New Yorkers have completed their applications and over 908,000 have enrolled for coverage since the launch of the Marketplace last October 1st.   More than 70% of those who have enrolled to date were uninsured at the time of application. New York State of Health will continue to provide additional assistance to individuals who began the application process by March 31. All applications and enrollments must be completed by the end of the day on April 15th.

The prospects are not good for passage of a medical marijuana bill in the Legislature this year according to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Silver said there has been “no interest” from the Senate in bringing up the issue for a vote. The Assembly’s Democratic majority included a medical-marijuana plan in its one-house budget resolution, but the issue never gained traction in closed-door budget negotiations.  In his State of the State address in January, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his administration will authorize medical marijuana on a limited basis, allowing up to 20 hospitals statewide to prescribe it to terminally ill patients.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced that he was very pleased with the final state budget, especially with regards to education:

(Silver 4-2-14)

State lawmakers finished voting on budget bills late Monday, the governor signed the budget into law on Tuesday.

The State Labor Department released unemployment rates for February 2014.  The state’s private sector job count rose by 117,200 since February 2013, & the unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.8%. The economy added 12,800 private sector jobs in February, bringing the state’s private sector job count to a record high of 7,543,100.  Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate is 7.7%, Delaware County 8.3% and Otsego County 7.6%

New York State of Health reported that 1,2 million new Yorkers completed their applications and 865,487 have enrolled for coverage since the launch of the Marketplace on October 1st. on Monday, the deadline day, almost 39,000 New Yorkers enrolled in coverage & nearly 134,000 enrolled over the last week.

A few thousand protesters rallied against New York’s gun-control laws yesterday, at an Albany rally featuring an appearance from Donald Trump. The protesters filled the south end of Albany’s Empire State Plaza, as speakers berated Governor Cuomo and the state Legislature, for passing the New York Safe Act last year.  Trump was joined at the rally by Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rob Astorino and 2010 GOP nominee Carl Paladino, who is considering a run on a 3rd party line.  State police reported that the protest was peaceful and no arrests were made.

Trout season opened Tuesday in New York State, however, Anglers said that rivers were too fast for them to catch anything. Fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16; more information is available at dec.ny.gov. The season runs through October 15th.

State Police from Endwell arrested 23-year-old Mary-Jo Schad of Binghamton for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and 2nd degree Harassment.  Troopers responded to a report of a dispute in Dickinson, Schad is accused of shoving & punching another person while in front of 3 children.   Schad   was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and released without bail; an order of protection was issued against her.

Assembly Democrats are opposed to Governor Cuomo’s proposal for a property-tax freeze and will instead seek a plan to tie property taxes to household income.  The governor has made the two-year tax freeze a hallmark of his 2014 agenda, but it's facing growing opposition among lawmakers. Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver said the Democrat-led Assembly will propose a plan to tie property taxes to household income. The plan will be in the Assembly's one-house budget. The state's fiscal year starts April 1st & Cuomo and lawmakers are working toward a compromise.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled a plan to make child care more affordable and accessible for working parents. Under the plan the maximum credit would rise from $1,050 to $3,000 per child by raising the percentage of the tax credit to 50%, doubling the amount of eligible expenses to $12,000. The tax credit would be refundable to help those who are working the most, but don’t earn enough to use the tax credit.  Gillibrand is also a cosponsor of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act, which was last reauthorized in 1996. Last year, the state received $98 million in those funds to help low-income families

Housing costs in New York rose sharply relative to income from 2000 to 2012, with more than ½ of renters, and more than 1/3 of homeowners paying at least 30% of their income for a place to live, according to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The percentage of households with rents above the affordability level rose from 40.5% in 2000 to 50.6% in 2012, while the percentage of homeowners above the affordability level rose from 26.4% to 33.9% over the same period. The report is available at osc.state. ny.us.

Distribution of Greek yogurt, through the federal school lunch program, will expand to 12 states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the expansion, they have been testing the Greek yogurt on school breakfast and lunch menus as a higher-protein alternative to regular yogurt. New York was 1of 4 states selected for the pilot program that began last year. The school lunch program will also be offered in the fall in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver is calling on the state senate to pass the “Dream Act” to bolster state aid for higher education to the children of immigrants:

(Silver 2-26-14)

Silver said that New York is 1 of 17 states that offers tuition assistance to the children of immigrants, the Dream Act would increase the options for those students to receive tuition assistance. The bill is expected to pass in the Democratic Controlled Assembly & the move on to the Senate.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Amber Joy of Morris for Criminal Possession of Marihuana, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and Appearance in Public Under the Influence of Narcotics or Drugs.  The arrest was made subsequent to a 911 call of a woman screaming outside of a Morris residence, Troopers arrived & determined that Joy appeared to be under the influence of a drug or narcotic, they also observed a plastic bag on the kitchen table that contained 2.3 grams of marihuana.   Joy was arraigned at the Town of Morris Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail.

The state Legislature returned to Albany this week, to continue work on the state budget.  The state Assembly came back yesterday after a week-long winter break. The state Senate began its session today. The Legislature is scheduled to work through March as they work on passing the budget due April 1. Governor Cuomo has proposed a $137.2 billion budget.

A new Siena College poll shows that 50% of state residents support a 2-year moratorium on the new “Common Core” education standards, 38% said the standards should be implemented as quickly as possible.  63% of Upstate residents backed the moratorium, 36% believe the standards are too demanding, 23% thought the standards are about right, 24% said they weren’t demanding enough.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office completed an audit of the Village of Oxford Justice Court operations and found financial irregularities. The audit found that Oxford justices didn’t insure that collected moneys were accounted for properly. Village Mayor Terry Stark said discrepancies may have occurred, because justices perform all aspects of their duties without oversight by the village board, and the justice involved with the case couldn’t participate in the audit, due to his ill health and subsequent death last November. The village agreed with the recommendations, but pointed out a corrective action plan would be problematic due to the justice’s death.

A new poll shows a majority of New Yorkers support giving municipalities authority to raise the minimum wage locally. The Siena College poll showed 85% support among Democrats, 48% among Republicans and 74% among independents for local authority to raise the wage. Last year, the governor and state Legislature raised the statewide minimum to $8 starting this year, it will increase at the end this year to $8.75 an hour and to $9.00 an hour at the end of 2015.

Governor Cuomo today declared a state of emergency for all of New York State:

(Cuomo 2-5-14)

Heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain has been reported throughout the state, I-84 has been closed from Connecticut to the Pennsylvania borders to all traffic.

Governor Cuomo announced today that the New York State Police would use social media to catch wanted individuals.  State Police launched  “Warrant Wednesday” today on the Division’s Facebook page asking for the public’s help to track down people who have warrants out for arrest.  Previous wanted postings on the State Police Facebook page, and the public’s assistance, have led to the identification and arrest of several individuals. Postings will also be shared on the New York State Police Twitter page at nyspolice.

The State Senate passed the “Public Assistance Integrity Act” to prohibit welfare recipients from using cash assistance for the purchase of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or for casino gambling. State senator Jim Seward co-sponsored the bill:

(Seward 2-5-14)

The bill passed the senate by a vote of 53-4 and will be sent to the assembly, the bill has passed the legislature in recent years, but drew opposition from various pro-business groups.

The indictment accusing former Walton High School teacher Stephanie Fletcher of raping 2 male students was dismissed by Delaware County judge Carl Becker, who found the grand jury was impaired by inconsistent statements made by 1 of the alleged victims.  Fletcher was arrested in November of 2012 on charges she had sex with two 16 year old Walton students.

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver called for a delay in using Common Core-based standardized test scores for decisions involving students, principals and teachers.  He said the delay should be two years at a minimum. The state’s rollout of the Common Core, a set of standards being adopted by more than 40 states across the country, has been criticized by a wide array of teachers and parents. The standards were first installed in New York (/l%20) schools last year.

Money in the Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund continues to be diverted for non-capital purposes, leaving critical highway and bridge projects at increased risk as the state faces fiscal challenges and shrinking debt capacity, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  DiNapoli called for a long-term plan to restore the fund to its core mission and increase pay-as-you-go financing for road and bridge capital purposes. The report can be located at osc.state.ny.us.

Overtime earnings at state agencies rose to a record $611 million in 2013, a 16% increase compared to 2012, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overtime increased in 2013 for the 3RD straight year, overtime accounted for 3.9% of all pay in 2013.  The Office of Mental Health, the Department of Corrections & the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities accounted for 63.5% of the overtime hours in 2013.  DiNapoli’s report found the state’s agency workforce has declined 10.9%.  The Full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

The State Assembly passed all 10 points to the Women's Equality act yesterday in Albany, according to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:

(Silver 1-28-14)

The bill has had marginal Success in the State Senate, where most but not all of the points passed in recent sessions.

The state labor department released the county unemployment rates today for December 2013.  Locally, Chenango comity’s rates was unchanged at 6.2%, Delaware county dropped 2/10’s to 6.7% and Otsego county’s rate dropped 1/10th to 6.0%.

The state department of taxation and finance has issued the first income tax refunds of 2014.  The refunds were direct deposited into taxpayer bank accounts.  All of the taxpayers who got refunds yesterday used the department's new web file service, which allows state tax returns to be prepared and e-filed online for free.  The department is urging New Yorkers to use web file to file their state returns.  There is no income limit to use the service.  More information is available at tax.ny.gov

Governor Cuomo proposed full day Pre-K to be added statewide, in his budget proposal unveiled Tuesday:

(Cuomo 1-23-14)

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been a proponent of full day Pre-K for many years, but he said it will come at a price:

(Silver 1-23-14)

New York would be the 4th state to have a full day Pre—K program if it is passed as part of the state budget this session.

Commerce Chenango is hosting DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald to Norwich today week, to present governor Cuomo’s state budget proposal.  McDonald will deliver the presentation at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich Thursday morning at 10:30.

U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Richard Hanna announced the success and expansion of the U.S. Department of Agriculture pilot program to serve New York-based Chobani yogurt in school lunches.  New York State was chosen as 1 of 4 states to participate in the pilot program, the USDA has decided to continue and expand it to 4 additional states during the next school year. During the pilot program, 200,000 pounds of yogurt were provided to schools in those states. New York State leads the country in Greek yogurt production, which has twice the protein, less sodium and fewer carbohydrates.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has weighed in on governor Cuomo’s agenda that was laid out Wednesday afternoon during the annual "State of the State" speech in Albany:  Silver was happy to hear the governor support full day Pre-K programs and a bond act to build necessary facilities for that:

(Silver 1-10-14)

The Governor will deliver his executive budget proposal to the legislature on January 21st; they have until April 1st to get it passed.

State police in Oneonta arrested 22-year-old Cassandra Richardson of Hartwick for criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marihuana.  Richardson was found to unlawfully possessing prescription drugs and marihuana after being pulled over for using a cell phone while driving, she was issued tickets for Town of Oneonta Court on January 28th.