1. Government watchdog groups push for ethics reform in the state budget
Government watchdog groups are making a push to include ethics reform in the state budget. Governor Kathy Hochul promised to overhaul the state’s troubled ethics oversight commission, but so far, the proposal has not been agreed to by the Legislature.
2. NY State lawmakers adjourn for a long weekend as budget deadline is missed
Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers gave up on the chance of meeting the state’s budget deadline when final agreements on the spending plan and related items failed to emerge in time. The Senate and Assembly adjourned until Monday, when they say they will try again to reach an accord.
3. Hochul faces Thursday deadline to lift pause on new nursing home staffing rules
Governor Kathy Hochul has until the end of Thursday to decide whether to let a law take effect that would significantly increase the number of workers at the state’s nursing homes. Hochul paused the law’s January start date when nursing home operators said they could not meet the new standards, but workers say it’s time to let the measure take effect.
4. Common Council sets aside $800K to help Syracuse tenants navigate housing problems
The City of Syracuse continues to find ways to use federal pandemic relief funds. This action aims to help distressed residents with housing concerns and decrease mental health issues related to housing concerns
5. Syracuse has stepped up to help Ukraine, but the need is not over, advocate says
Central New Yorkers may have seen or even purchased any number of items that show support for Ukraine as the Russian invasion enters its second month. Some of those items may have come from Syracuse Cultural Workers.
6. CNY COVID cases outpacing state rate but local hospitalizations remain low
Onondaga County officials are monitoring hospital capacity as COVID cases are again rising in the region. Health officials this week warned people in Central New York be cautious as case rates are far higher here than the rest of the state.
7. CNY's craft beer festival returns but with limits on daily attendees
Want to celebrate beer? The CNY Brewfest is back after a pandemic-related hiatus. But the 25th annual event will look a little different this year as state officials warn about a surge in local COVID cases.
8. How eco-friendly products could fill store aisles under new state legislation
Extended Producer Responsibility has support of agencies statewide that handle our recyclables but have a hard time getting a good price for the material. That includes the Onondaga County Resource Recovery agency (OCRRA).
9. Once activated, Syracuse’s LED light fixtures will help snow and ice removal
The City of Syracuse is just weeks away from activating its street light sensors. This project was largely meant to help ice and snow removal in the winter, and has since received international recognition in its sustainability.
