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Friday, April 26, 2024

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Simpson: State Budget Neglects Nursing Homes

Simpson: State Budget Neglects Nursing HomesIn a statement released today, Simpson expressed grave concerns over the allocation of funds in this year's state budget, particularly highlighting the neglect faced by nursing homes. According to Simpson, the budget fails to provide adequate support for care providers, putting facilities like the Elderwood Nursing Home in a precarious position.Simpson emphasized, "Nursing homes are being grossly short-changed in this year's state budget... The funding provided in this budget falls well short of what is needed for care...

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 19, 2024

Local Government

Walsh: No Surprise, New York Ranked as State with Worst Economic Outlook Yet Again

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) spoke out at a press conference at the New York State Capitol regarding the state's economic outlook. According to Walsh, New York has once again been ranked as the state with the worst economic outlook in America for the 11th consecutive year.Walsh highlighted the impact of Tax Day in New York, stating, "More than just a reminder to submit your taxes, Tax Day serves as a stark reminder of New York’s economic challenges. New Yorkers pay some of the highest taxes in the country and we consistently come in last for our business...

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 15, 2024

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Walsh Caps off Final Spring-Cleaning Event, Collects ~6,000 lbs. of Documents

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 14, 2024

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) partnered with 3N Document Destruction Inc. for a shredding event today at Dockstader Recreation Park in Galway. This was the final event of three drive-thru style spring-cleaning events being held for residents of the 112th Assembly District. The free event allowed residents to safely dispose of their unneeded confidential documents."There’s never a better time to get shredding than tax season. More than just clearing space, shredding your sensitive documents is one of the best ways you can protect yourself against identity...

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Local Government

Senator Tedisco Criticizes State Budget Extender Process

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 11, 2024

Senator Jim Tedisco expressed his frustration with the state budget extender process, comparing it to a total eclipse of darkness. In a statement, he remarked, “I didn’t think there would be a second eclipse so soon but if you want to see total darkness, just visit the state Capitol during this state budget process.”Reflecting on the delayed budget, Senator Tedisco criticized the Majority's stance on prioritizing a good late budget over a bad on-time budget. He highlighted the constitutional deadline of April 1st and emphasized the unprecedented situation where all levers...

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Local Government

Potential Elderwood Closure Sparks Renewed Call for Medicaid Rate Increase

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 11, 2024

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) has expressed deep concern over the potential closure of the Elderwood Nursing Home facility in North Creek. Simpson emphasized the impact of such a closure, stating, "Elderwood has provided vital care to our seniors for years. The closure of this facility would not only disrupt the lives of its residents and staff but also jeopardize the health and well-being of our seniors."Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Simpson stressed the need for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates to stabilize the long-term care system and...

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Local Government

Walsh: There is No Good in ‘Good Cause Eviction’

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 10, 2024

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh: There is No Good in ‘Good Cause Eviction’Apr 10 2024Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) spoke at a press conference in the New York State Capitol today to reinforce opposition to ‘good cause eviction’ being included in the final state budget agreement. Walsh, along with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R,C-North Tonawanda), and Sen. Pam Helming (R,C-Finger Lakes), led the press conference.Walsh expressed concerns about the potential implementation of 'good cause eviction' laws,...

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Local Government

Tedisco Honors Burnt Hills West Point Cadet at Capitol

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 9, 2024

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) had the privilege of welcoming United States Military Academy at West Point Cadet Micaela Choi of Burnt Hills to the Senate Chamber during the legislature's annual West Point Day ceremony at the Capitol. Cadet Choi, who is majoring in systems engineering at West Point, was acknowledged for her dedication and leadership within the academy.As the daughter of two West Point graduates, Cadet Choi has been inspired by the exemplary individuals produced by the Army and West Point. She expressed her aspiration to emulate the caring leaders...

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Local Government

Albany Majority Fails to Deliver Timely Budget

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 7, 2024

Albany Majority lawmakers have come under scrutiny for their failure to deliver a state budget in a timely manner, despite having unilateral control. This delay has resulted in the need to convene on a Sunday for a third extender. The situation has raised concerns about the lawmakers' ability to fulfill their essential financial responsibilities.The wastage of time on inconsequential debates has been highlighted as a clear example of the majority's disregard for their duties. As one source expressed, "Wasting time on inconsequential debates exemplifies their disregard for...

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Local Government

Senator Tedisco Joins Mary Lyall at 21st Annual NYS Missing Persons Day

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 6, 2024

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) emceed the 21st annual Missing Persons Day Ceremony in Albany, sponsored by the Center for Hope, where families of missing persons gathered to share ways of coping and keeping hope alive.The event, organized by Mary Lyall of the Center for Hope in Ballston Spa, is in honor of her daughter, Suzanne, who went missing from the University at Albany in 1998. Mary and her late husband, Doug Lyall, founded the Center for Hope, a national leader in finding missing persons and advocating for legislation on both state and federal levels....

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Local Government

Walsh Completes Drug Take-Back Event, Collects 11 Boxes of Unneeded Medications and Sharps

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 5, 2024

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) recently led a successful drug take-back event in partnership with the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company Station #2. Reflecting on the event, Walsh expressed gratitude to all involved and emphasized the importance of safely disposing of medications, stating, "This event plays a crucial role in preventing unused medication from falling into the wrong hands."During the event, a total of 11 boxes were collected, with Walsh noting, "During the three-hour event, we collected eight boxes of...

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Local Government

Simpson Reflects on Dennis Dickinson’s Contributions to Lake George

By Saratoga Standard | Apr 4, 2024

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) expressed his sadness at the passing of his good friend and Lake George Town Supervisor Dennis Dickinson. Dickinson, a graduate of Lake George High School and a two-time town supervisor, dedicated his life to preserving the beauty of Lake George and its surrounding environment.Simpson highlighted Dickinson's efforts in environmental conservation, stating, "Dennis fostered a great relationship with the environmental community and businesses alike." He also acknowledged Dickinson's expertise, saying, “As a professional engineer and...

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Local Government

Simpson Sounds Alarm on Budget Bloat and Lack of Transparency

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 28, 2024

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) raised concerns about New York's budget during a recent Assembly session. Simpson expressed his disappointment over the lack of transparency and exclusionary practices in the budget negotiations, emphasizing the need for all New Yorkers' interests to be represented."I am disappointed by the one-sided budgetary process that has excluded the Assembly Minority Conference from crucial negotiations. It is imperative all New Yorkers’ interests are represented, and yet our Conference has been sidelined," said Simpson.Highlighting the...

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Local Government

Assemblyman Leads Fight Against Squatter Threat in New York

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 27, 2024

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) has taken a firm stance against the increasing threat of squatters infiltrating New York neighborhoods. Recent incidents, such as the tragic murder of a New York woman by squatters and the unjust arrest of another woman for changing locks on her property occupied by squatters, have prompted the introduction of Assembly Bill 6894. This bill aims to combat the issue by adding "squatting" to the definition of criminal trespass, giving landlords legal recourse to remove unauthorized occupants from their properties.According to Simpson,...

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Local Government

Walsh Joins Congressman Molinaro, ‘Voices for Seniors’ to Mark Four-Year Anniversary of Covid Nursing Home Order

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 25, 2024

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) joined Congressman Marc Molinaro, Voices for Seniors Co-Founder Vivian Zayas, and Director Tracey Alvino in a press conference at the New York State Capitol. The event aimed to renew calls for an independent review on the four-year anniversary of the Department of Health’s COVID nursing home order that mandated nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients.During the press conference, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) addressed the lack of progress in conducting an independent audit of the state's COVID...

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Local Government

Simpson Reinforces Need for Independent Review of COVID-19 Pandemic

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 25, 2024

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) stood alongside state and federal Minority representatives to emphasize the necessity of an independent investigation into New York state's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the call was on the decision by then-Governor Cuomo to retain COVID-positive patients in nursing homes, a choice that tragically resulted in the loss of over 15,000 lives."New York's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly its mandate to house positive patients in nursing homes, was an egregious failure. Despite promises, the state has yet to...

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Local Government

Tedisco FOILS Hochul on “Independent” COVID Report Contract

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 24, 2024

Senator Jim Tedisco filed a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request seeking a copy of the contract between the Hochul Administration and the Olson Group, LTD, regarding the firm’s review of New York’s COVID-19 policies. Tedisco expressed frustration over the delay in the release of the report, stating, “Where is this report and why hasn’t it been released? Hochul has been totally silent on its status and despite her promises to do so, has shown a real lack of transparency.”Reflecting on the impact of the executive order mandating the placement of COVID-positive patients...

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Local Government

Simpson Stands Against Foundation Aid Cuts

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 21, 2024

"Simpson Stands Against Foundation Aid Cuts"In a recent statement, Simpson expressed strong opposition to the governor's proposed cuts to foundation aid, emphasizing the negative impact they could have on education. Instead, Simpson praised the Assembly's proposed budget, which allocates $36.4 billion to General Support for Public Schools, as a more suitable option for the future of children.Simpson highlighted the importance of rejecting the governor's proposals to ensure the preservation of key provisions such as the "hold harmless" provision and the inflation rate...

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Local Government

Tedisco and Buttenschon Announce New Bi-Partisan Bill to Help NY Farmers Provide Farm Workers with Much-Needed Affordable Housing

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 21, 2024

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) and Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) have introduced a new bi-partisan bill aimed at addressing New York's affordable housing crisis for farm workers while supporting family farms in the state. The legislation, known as S.8804, seeks to expand the state's Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to cover the construction costs of housing for farm workers.The bill addresses the pressing need for affordable housing for farm workers, a crucial aspect of ensuring the success of New York's agricultural industry. Senator Tedisco...

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Local Government

In Advance of 4th Anniversary of March 25th Pandemic Executive Order, Tedisco Calls for Justice for Nursing Home Victims

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 18, 2024

Senator Jim Tedisco is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to fulfill her promise of releasing the long-awaited post-pandemic “independent” policy review. With the fourth anniversary approaching of the infamous March 25th Executive Order by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Tedisco is calling for transparency and justice for the victims of the nursing home tragedy caused by the placement of COVID-positive patients into state-regulated facilities.Tedisco expressed his frustration, questioning the delay in the release of the overdue report, stating, “Where is this report and why...

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Local Government

Tedisco Criticizes Senate Majority's Budget as "The Mother of All Exodus Budgets"

By Saratoga Standard | Mar 14, 2024

State Senator Jim Tedisco strongly criticized the Senate Majority's budget proposal, labeling it as "The Mother of All Exodus Budgets." Tedisco expressed his concerns about the excessive spending in the budget, stating, "Where’s the printing press to print $13 billion in cash for new spending of taxpayer funds for the Senate Majority’s one-house state budget plan that was passed today? They can’t use Monopoly money to pay for it!"Tedisco warned that if the spending plan is implemented, it will burden hard-working taxpayers and small businesses in the state. He highlighted...