Supportive Housing, Income Tax Assistance

The Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) has unveiled a comprehensive policy agenda that would include $10 million allocated specifically to Upstate New York for supportive housing development. Supportive housing models include inclusive design for those who may have physical impairments and often offer a variety of services including activities, transportation, an on-site service coordinator, amenities, meals, and support for residents’ health-related services. More information is available on my website.

IDC Senior Affordability Survey

I want your opinion on how New York should help seniors address the high costs of living in New York State, such as utility costs, rent and homeowner costs, home improvement and repair, and senior housing options. Please take this 5-minute survey and tell me what you think.

Farm Show at NYS Fairgrounds for One More Day

The 30th New York Farm Show ends tomorrow on Saturday, February 28. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is $5 for adults; children under 18 are free. The show features the latest innovations in agricultural equipment, as well as services and products targeted specifically for farm operators of the Northeast. A Robotic Milking Seminar will be offered daily in the Art and Home Center. A number of other organizations will be offering workshops and presentations including forest management workshops and an agricultural safety program.

80 New Free Tax Assistance Sites Open

New York State is offering 942 free tax filing assistance sessions to New Yorkers at 80 locations statewide. Each site is staffed by State Department of Taxation and Finance tax experts who are available to assist low-income New Yorkers with electronically filing their 2014 taxes. The free tax preparation service is available to New York individuals and families who earned less than $60,000 in 2014. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Snowmobiling Weekend March 7-8 for Out-of-Staters

A free snowmobiling weekend will be held in communities across New York on March 7 and 8 for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers. Registration fees will be waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York’s 10,400 miles of trails. For information on snowmobiling, including online registration for out-of-state snowmobilers during non-promotional times, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

$500,000 New York Business Plan Competition

College students are encouraged to submit their business plans in the sixth annual New York Business Plan Competition for the chance to win more than $500,000 in total prizes. The regional semifinals will be held in March and early April, and the statewide finals will be hosted by SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany on Friday, April 24. Judges include national venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, private equity investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs. Interested students should submit their business plans for game-changing ideas related to areas such as nanotechnology and advanced technology, energy and sustainability, biotechnology and healthcare, and more. Detailed information about the 2015 New York Business Plan Competition, including the date and location of each regional competition, an application, and filing deadlines, is available online.

DEC Accepting Applications for Annual Environmental Excellence Awards

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for the 2015 Environmental Excellence Awards, which give businesses, institutions, and organizations the opportunity to receive statewide recognition for outstanding, innovative, and sustainable projects or programs that are improving New York’s environmental resources.

Eligible applicants include businesses; not-for-profit organizations; education, health care, and recreational facilities; individual(s); and local, state, federal, and Indian Nation government agencies. Completed applications for the 2015 awards must be post marked no later than April 10, 2015. Information about the award program and the 2015 application materials are available on the DEC website.

Preservation League of New York State Accepting Grant Applications

Applications are now available to eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to compete for Preserve New York and Technical Assistance Grants (TAG), the signature grant programs of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). A total of $153,603 is available in 2015. The application deadline for Spring TAG and 2015 Preserve New York is April 13, 2015. Guidelines for grants are posted on the League's website. Prospective applicants must discuss proposed projects with Preservation League staff before receiving an application. Contact Erin Tobin, Director of Preservation, at 518-462-5658 x 12 for more information or to request an application.