Executive Budget, Committee Assignments, Free Electronics Recycling

The Executive Budget proposal was released last week and, overall, it addresses issues we face every day, including property taxes, jobs, and infrastructure, while keeping spending in check. I am especially encouraged by Governor Cuomo’s continuing commitment to invest in Upstate New York. There is much to consider in this budget proposal, and I look forward to studying the details and discussing it with my constituents and colleagues in the coming weeks, with the goal of enacting an on-time, fiscally responsible budget.

Details about the budget, the Governor’s presentation, and proposed legislation are available online here.

Committee assignments were also announced last week. I am pleased to take on the important responsibility of Vice Chair on the Senate Health Committee. In this role, I hope to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable health care and to work with the health and medical community and other health industry stakeholders to ensure that all New Yorkers remain on a positive track of well-being. So much in our lives is dependent on health and wellness, and I plan to dedicate myself in this new role to making sure we are helping keep New Yorkers healthy and strong. I will continue as the Deputy Leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, and also be a member of the Senate Aging; Agriculture; Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business; Education; Finance; Higher Education; Local Government; Rules; and Transportation Committees, as well as the Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Rural Resources Commission, and the Senate Select Committees on Libraries and on Science, Technology, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship.

Free Electronics Recycling Event on Jan. 31

Safely dispose of your old electronics at my recycling event in partnership with Sunnking Electronics Recycling and Time Warner Cable on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 1200 Canal St. Extension (off Midler Ave.), Syracuse. Area residents can drop off old and unused electronics at no charge, and there is no limit to the number of items that may be dropped off.

A new law that went into effect on January 1 prohibits certain types of electronics from being discarded in the trash or placed curbside for trash pickup. These items must now be recycled.

Visit Sunnking.com for a full list of acceptable items.

Health Insurance Coverage Enrollment Event

Ready to sign up for health insurance coverage? Or do you just have questions you would like answered? A free public enrollment event will be held Saturday, February 7, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at 250 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. You will be able to meet with navigators from New York State who can help you with finding the right plan for you and your family, enrolling in an insurance plan, and answering questions about health care coverage. Remember, the enrollment deadline is February 15. For more information, call the Healthcare Education Project at 315-706-9548.

Registration Now Open for DEC 2015 Summer Camp Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for its 68th Annual Summer Camp Program, which begins June 28.

Parents may register campers only through DEC’s online registration system and pay by credit card, e-check, or with a sponsor code. Fees for the 2015 camp season are $350 per one-week session per camper. Camp dates and a link to the online registration system are posted onthe  DEC’s website. Families without internet access should call the camp office at 518-402-8014 for information on how to register for camp alternatively.

Children 11 through 17 years old enjoy week-long adventures in conservation education at DEC's residential summer camps. They participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering, and optional hunter safety education. Campers also learn about fields, forests, streams, and ponds through fun, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations.

Do You Know the Next Spielberg?

The White House Student Film Festival is seeking entries from young filmmakers. K-12 students still have time to share short video stories (three minutes or shorter) and compete for a slot in the second White House Student Film Festival with a chance to gain additional exposure for their causes and their work.   

The deadline for festival submissions has been extended to Monday, February 2, so there’s still time to submit a film. Learn more about the White House Film Festival.

Sponsorships Available for 2015 Canal-Related Events

To give canal-related events a boost, Erie Canalway has teamed up with the NYS Canal Corporation to offer a limited number of sponsorships of up to $500 for events or festivals taking place in the National Heritage Corridor from May through November 2015. Qualifying events must promote or celebrate the distinctive historic, cultural, scenic, or recreational resources of the canal corridor. Eligible applicants include municipalities or nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are due by February 13.

For details and an application, visit www.eriecanalway.org.

4-H Tractor Safety Course for Youth

In New York State, farm employees must be 16 years old in order to be hired to operate farm equipment or machinery. Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting the 2015 4-H Agriculture & Tractor Safety Certification Program available to 14- and 15-year-olds interested in gaining employment on a farm. This seven session course will cover many components of agriculture safety including tractor safety, animal safety, lawn, yard, and garden equipment. With the successful completion of this course 14- and 15-year-olds are eligible to be hired on a farm.

This program is a cooperative effort of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, the Madison County FFA Agricultural Programs, and Morrisville State College. Enrollment is required before the first session, which will be held at Morrisville State College on February 23 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. For more information contact Katherine at Cornell Cooperative Extension at (315) 684-3001 ext 100 or email kmb279@cornell.edu. Course registration is available online.