Judy O'Rourke Inducted as Woman of Distinction

I had the honor this week of inducting Judy O’Rourke, director of undergraduate studies at Syracuse University, as the 53rd Senate District’s 2014 Woman of Distinction. Judy was recognized for her work in developing the Pan Am 103 Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars programs at SU, which honor the memory of the 35 students lost in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. As part of those programs, she mentors students who return to Scotland to become leaders and advocates for preventing terrorism. More information about Judy’s accomplishments is available on my website.

Senate Passes Legislation to Require State Agencies to Consider Impacts of New Rules on Businesses

The Senate passed legislation (S.2158) this week, which I sponsored, that strengthens the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) to require consideration of potential  adverse impacts on existing and future jobs and employment opportunities in the rulemaking process for state agencies. Too often, businesses become aware of the adverse repercussions of a rule or regulation after the fact. This legislation will provide an opportunity for business owners and state agencies to proactively consider the effect a new rule could have on existing or future jobs, and make any necessary changes accordingly. Visit my website for more information. 

GoCaz.com is a One-Stop for Recreational Activities

The Cazenovia Area Community Development Association launched a new website this week: GoCaz.com. It’s an easy-to-use resource that helps users find outdoor activities in the Cazenovia area. The site lists places to fish, paddle, swim, hike, bike, run, golf, ski, and more and shows where to find them on an interactive map. The beverage trail, dining, and shopping options are listed, too.

New State Law Encourages Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses

Every year, the state procures billions of dollars in goods and services for the benefit of the people of New York. The Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act, which I co-sponsored, establishes a six percent goal for participation on state contracts by these businesses in addition to other measures to support disabled veteran-owned companies. The expansion of economic opportunity through the significant purchasing power of the state is just one way to thank service-disabled veterans for their honorable service to our country and to help reintegrate them back into the state’s economy.

Information about the program can be found at veterans.ny.gov/business including a contact form that businesses can use to begin the certification process and a list of frequently asked questions. Businesses can also contact OGS directly by calling 844-579-7570 or sending an email to veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.

How to Spot Counterfeit Money

NewsChannel9 recently ran a story about how the increase in counterfeit money turning up in Central New York and how to identify it. Their website also has a graphic from the Secret Service that shows how to spot fake bills.