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Thursday, May 2, 2024

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Support Young Leaders, Our Greatest Hope for the Future

Amidst the bustling halls of government and the academic institutions, a chorus of young voices is rising, echoing with determination and a vision for a brighter tomorrow. State Senator, as reported by the , emphasized the importance of nurturing and supporting these emerging leaders who hold the key to our collective future.The Senator expressed profound admiration for the young individuals encountered, stating, "These are hardworking kids from diverse backgrounds. What they have in common is a strong desire to make a positive difference in their communities, the...

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 24, 2024

Local Government

Senator Helming Statement on FY 2025 New York State Budget

Senator Helming expressed disappointment with the FY 2025 New York State Budget, stating, "This budget does not adequately address the concerns I consistently hear from my constituents. It does not make New York safer or more affordable. It does not safeguard the right of seniors and individuals with disabilities to be cared for in their homes. It does not help our Upstate communities expand housing or build infrastructure. It does not relieve small businesses of costly regulations or protect employers and jobs. It does not provide much-needed tax relief." The Senator...

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 22, 2024

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Gallahan: Dysfunctional Budget Process Has Led to A Reckless Final Budget

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 20, 2024

New York State Assembly member, Gallahan, expressed strong criticism towards the recently approved state budget in a statement released on Apr 20, 2024. Gallahan highlighted various shortcomings in the budget and voiced concerns about its impact on public safety and economic well-being.Gallahan firmly stated, “This year’s state budget is a failure, and I had no choice but to vote ‘no.’ While there were some positive items included in the budget that I advocated for, unfortunately, the negatives outweigh these by far." The assembly member emphasized the lack of sufficient...

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Senator Helming Honors Hobart College Statesmen Ice Hockey Team

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 17, 2024

Senator Pam Helming recently honored the Hobart College Statesmen Ice Hockey team for their remarkable achievement in winning the NCAA Division III National Championship. The team's 2-0 victory over Trinity College marked their second national title in the program's history.Coach Mark Taylor, who has been at the helm of the Statesmen Ice Hockey team for 23 seasons, received recognition for his exceptional leadership. Taylor's efforts were further acknowledged as he was named the American Hockey Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year for the second time....

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Local Government

Gallahan: Unaffordability is Driving New Yorkers out of State

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 15, 2024

New York State Assemblyman, Gallahan, spoke out about the challenges facing New Yorkers, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue of unaffordability. He highlighted the frustration felt by families and businesses in the state, stating, “New York families and businesses are fed up—they cannot continue to just cross their fingers and wait for inflation rates to die down and the tax burden to go away."Gallahan stressed the importance of proactive measures from state lawmakers to combat the tax burden and affordability issues that are impacting communities across the...

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Senate Passes Bills to Strengthen New York’s Animal Cruelty Laws

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 12, 2024

In a move to bolster animal protection measures, the New York State Senate has approved a series of bipartisan bills aimed at fortifying the state’s animal cruelty laws. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Pam Helming, comes during April, which is recognized as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.Senator Helming expressed her commitment to safeguarding animals and holding wrongdoers accountable, stating, "Whether it’s protecting our pets or our people, I’ll always fight for common sense laws that hold criminals accountable and deter crime."Among the key bills...

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Assemblyman John Lemondes Secures Increased Funding for Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 12, 2024

Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) has successfully pushed for increased funding for the Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FLLOWPA) in the final state budget. Lemondes, along with his colleagues, sent a letter to Speaker Carl Heastie last month asking for $3.5 million in state funds to be allocated for FLLOWPA in the state budget, a $750,000 increase. FLLOWPA is a time-tested organization that plays a critical role in the protection of New York’s freshwater resources in the Finger Lakes region. These added funds will help the Alliance retain...

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Senator Helming Calls for Moratorium and Further Review of New OSHA Regulations for Fire and EMS Services

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 8, 2024

Senator Helming of New York has called for a moratorium and further review of new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for fire and EMS services in the state. In a letter addressed to Governor Hochul, Senator Helming expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed amendments to the Fire Brigade Standard on New York's fire departments.The proposed regulations, which encompass updates to personal protective equipment, changes to first responder requirements, and additional training mandates, have raised alarms among fire departments,...

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Lemondes Calls for Enforcement of Cannabis Law

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 4, 2024

Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) has joined his colleagues in the state Senate and Assembly in advocating for the enforcement of a proposal that aims to revoke licenses for the possession or sale of illicit cannabis in violation of the cannabis law. Lemondes emphasized the importance of holding illegal sellers accountable and protecting consumers from potentially harmful products."What we have going on in our state right now is a complete mess," stated Lemondes, highlighting the current situation regarding cannabis regulation in New York. He expressed concerns...

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Senator Helming warns of RAPID Act

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 4, 2024

Senator Helming issued a warning about the RAPID Act, stating, "The RAPID Act is flying under the radar in Albany but you should know about it. It stands for Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment and seeks to streamline the permitting process for major renewable energy projects. Know what else it does? It allows for private property, and conserved lands, to be forcefully taken by eminent domain for these energy facilities. This is beyond egregious and I'll keep fighting to stop it."

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Senator Helming warns of RAPID Act with Bob Lonsberry

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 4, 2024

Senator Helming has issued a warning about the RAPID Act during a conversation with Bob Lonsberry. The RAPID (Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment) Act, designed to streamline the permitting process for major renewable energy projects, is currently making its way through Albany under the radar."It allows for private property, and conserved lands, to be forcefully taken by eminent domain for these energy facilities. This is beyond egregious and I'll keep fighting to stop it," Senator Helming expressed regarding the controversial Act.The Act's...

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Gallahan Supports New York Legislators’ Call to Bring Hamas’ Hostages Back Home

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 3, 2024

In a recent statement, Gallahan expressed support for New York legislators' efforts to secure the safe return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Gallahan, alongside colleagues from both sides of the aisle, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action."It is despicable to see the terrorist group Hamas continue to hold these 134 hostages—two of which are New York citizens—prisoner in Gaza. These individuals and their families deserve peace and justice, and I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues across both sides of the aisle to support the...

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Senator Helming and Assemblywoman Byrnes Announce Honorees for Women’s History Month

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 2, 2024

In a recent announcement, Senator Helming and Assemblywoman Byrnes revealed the honorees for Women's History Month, selected from their respective districts. The Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan group consisting of members of the New York State Senate and Assembly, chose individuals who embody this year's theme of "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion."Senator Pam Helming's pick for honoree from the 54th Senate District is Ellen Bennett, a dedicated volunteer at Special Olympics New York. Described as an exceptional advocate for the Special...

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Lemondes Stands Firm with Israel, Calls for the Release of Hostages in Gaza

By Finger Lakes Today | Apr 2, 2024

Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) stood in support of his colleagues and the New York chapter of “Run for Their Lives” earlier today as they called for the release of the 134 hostages in Gaza. There are still currently two New Yorkers being held as hostages since the devastating terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7.In the aftermath of these devastating terrorist attacks in Israel, there was a drastic rise in antisemitic hate crimes across the country and the state. In the three months following the attacks, there were 3,291 reported anti-Jewish incidents, a...

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How NY Sen. Pam Helming's advocacy helped bring adult changing stations to Thruway rest stops

By Finger Lakes Today | Mar 28, 2024

New York State Senator Pam Helming's advocacy efforts have resulted in the installation of adult changing stations at Thruway rest stops, improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their families. The initiative was sparked by a chance encounter nearly three years ago when Sen. Helming met Joanie Mahoney, the chair of the Thruway Authority's board of directors, at a diner in central New York.In an interview with The Citizen, Sen. Helming recounted how she approached Mahoney about the need for adult changing stations at Thruway rest stops, stating, "She...

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Senate Republicans Recommend Legislative Action to Combat Antisemitism

By Finger Lakes Today | Mar 28, 2024

The Senate Republican Conference announced the creation of an antisemitism working group in February 2023 to address the threat of antisemitism in New York State. On March 27, 2024, Senator Helming joined the working group as it released its antisemitism report and sent a letter to Governor Hochul and Legislative Majority Leaders recommending legislative action to combat the increase in antisemitic hate crimes and incidents in New York.New York State, with the largest Jewish population in the U.S., is facing a rise in antisemitic incidents. In response to this concerning...

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Local Government

Gallahan: Squatters Are Cheating and Abusing Our Legal System to Mooch off Innocent New Yorkers Like Nadia Vitels

By Finger Lakes Today | Mar 27, 2024

Gallahan, a concerned individual, expressed his thoughts on the recent tragic incident involving squatters in New York City. He stated, "My thoughts go out to the family of Nadia Vitels, a woman who apparently was viciously attacked by two squatters who had been occupying her late mother’s New York City apartment."Highlighting the dangers and challenges faced by homeowners in dealing with squatters, Gallahan remarked, "Failing to protect New York homeowners from complete strangers who are willing to infiltrate and occupy their homes with the full knowledge they cannot be...

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Senator Helming and Senate Republican Conference Unveil Legislative Package to Expand Availability and Access to Affordable Housing

By Finger Lakes Today | Mar 26, 2024

Senator Pam Helming, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development, along with Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at enhancing homeownership opportunities and improving access to affordable housing options in New York.Leader Rob Ortt emphasized the importance of addressing housing affordability, stating, "Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing our state." He highlighted the conference's plan to revitalize existing housing stock and create incentives for...

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Byrnes: Families of Nursing Home Residents Deserve Justice

By Finger Lakes Today | Mar 25, 2024

Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) expressed strong sentiments at a press conference held on March 25, 2024, regarding the plight of families who lost loved ones in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Byrnes, alongside Congressman Marc Molinaro, members of the Assembly Minority Conference, and advocates of “Voices for Seniors,” highlighted the lack of response and accountability from the New York State Department of Health in handling the crisis.At the conference, Byrnes criticized the "Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force" of 2022 for its inadequate...

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Gallahan Calls for Independent Review of New York State's COVID-19 Response

By Finger Lakes Today | Mar 25, 2024

In a recent statement, Gallahan expressed his concerns about the handling of the COVID-19 crisis in New York State. He emphasized the importance of conducting an independent review to understand the shortcomings and improve future responses.Gallahan stated, "An independent review of our state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis is long overdue. Many families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 are still grieving and deserve answers." He extended his sympathies to all those who lost family members or friends during the pandemic, highlighting the need for better preparation and...