Month: July 2020

July 18, 2020

Addressing the passing of Congressman John Lewis, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement:

“Congressman John Lewis was an American legend, whose courage and leadership in the civil rights movement and the House of Representatives laid the foundation for a more equal and just future. It was a tremendous honor to work alongside John Lewis on many important issues, from fighting discrimination to expanding voting rights. While today our country mourns the loss of an icon, John Lewis’ legacy will live on in every American who believes in and fights for freedom and justice.”

July 18, 2020

Statement From Gov. Cuomo:

“John Lewis was one of the greatest men this country has ever known – a man of unimpeachable integrity, wisdom, courage, and morality. He was our conscience. And I know I speak for the entire family of New York when I say we are devastated by this loss.

“It’s especially painful to lose Congressman Lewis at a moment when we need him most — when division, fear, and anger are rampant and when we’re trying to figure out how to rebuild our country better than we were before. He lived his life speaking for all of our better angels, and we will miss his singular voice.

“But as we continue working to realize Congressman Lewis’ ‘beloved community,’ I find comfort in knowing his legacy — of principle, faith, and the righteousness of good trouble — lives in the hearts and actions of the countless Americans who were inspired by him and loved him.

“My thoughts are with Congressman Lewis’ family today, especially his son, John-Miles.”

July 18, 2020

From Assembyman Joe Giglio:

LITTLE VALLEY, NY — Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio was joined by experts from Cattaraugus County and the American Legion Department of New York State today to ask Governor Cuomo to implement a non-invasive PTSD treatment called Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) to treat medical workers and front-line first responders who suffer from PTSD as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York.

“The response by our medical professionals, EMS providers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York has been heroic,” said Giglio. “But the bravery and resolve of our front-line responders has had a terrible cost. At the height of the pandemic in New York City, EMT John Mondello killed himself after fewer than three months on the job. Just a few days later, emergency room physician Lorna Breen also committed suicide. The stresses placed on these professionals are great enough during normal times. As we all know, responding to the COVID pandemic has been anything but normal, especially for the people who have been the closest to victims. They deserve every resource we have to help them cope and heal the mental wounds that they’ve acquired during these especially trying times.”

RTM Protocol has been successful in alleviating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in over 90% of military veterans in clinical studies. The therapeutic techniques involve questioning individuals to elicit a physiologic response; they are then guided through several levels of dissociation. The process is repeated until the individual is able to discuss the trauma without discomfort, and a successful intervention has been achieved.

Maj. Mike Suter, USMC, Ret., and Veteran Services Consultant for the American Legion Department of New York, has first-hand experience with RTM protocol. “Suicides can be eliminated or seriously diminished through the reduction of traumatic stress. A breakthrough treatment has been developed that saves lives and resolves the stress brought on by traumatic events or sets of circumstances referred to as PTSD. Testimonials from military, veterans, police, fire, prison guards, EMS and civilians – all of whom have experienced the profound healing provided by the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) Protocol are available. Like most public health challenges, suicide is preventable. While progress will continue to be made into the future, evidence currently exists that the RTM Protocol is of short duration, inexpensive and has been evidence confirmed as effective and ready to be implemented now to reduce stress and suicides.”

Medical professionals nationwide have felt a strain in dealing with patients afflicted with COVID. Dr. Kevin Watkins, Public Health Director, Cattaraugus County Health Department agreed that treatment is essential. “Coping with traumatic events affects survivors, rescue workers, and the friends and relatives of victims who have been involved. Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) therapy has the potential to reverse the long standing impact of dealing with such distressing situations. RTM therapy will add a new dimension in therapy for healthcare workers who encounter traumatic occurrences on a daily basis.”

According to a study by the Ruderman Family Foundation, more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty. Additionally, first responders are five times more likely than the general public to suffer from the symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress.

Chris Baker, Director and County Fire Coordinator, Cattaraugus County Department of Emergency Services, recognizes the problem of depression and job stresses among first responders locally. “We already do crisis stress debriefings for our first responders. The awareness level (of PSTD) is higher now, and we are more conscious of that. If there’s an issue, we must have a conversation. It’s good for the culture that there is that level of awareness of what stress can do to our responders. There is a real need for intervention, and it helps them. We do much more stress management and debriefing work in our training. RTM is another technique we can use to help first responders cope.”

“We have a proven method,”said Giglio. “We are asking that Governor Cuomo implement the program and make training in RTM Protocol available statewide to protect our essential medical workers and first responders from the dangers of PTSD and job-related depression. New Yorkers literally owe their lives to the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. They deserve every opportunity and available treatment. It is our responsibility to save their lives in return.”

Assemblyman Joseph Giglio represents the 148th District, which consists of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, and portions of Steuben County as well. For more information, visit Assemblyman Giglio’s Official Website.

July 17, 2020

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: he governor announced new, burdensome regulations banning bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries from serving alcohol to patrons who do not order food and are not being served food. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is outraged. “This arbitrary and destructive action will further hurt small businesses that have already been crushed during the COVID-19 shutdown. If it was safe to have a glass of wine or a beer six feet away from other customers yesterday, what changed overnight? This is just the whim of the governor, who is obsessed with controlling nearly every aspect of everyday life in the state of New York. Under Phase IV for our region, the governor increased and set capacity limits at 50% for restaurants, bars, wineries, and breweries serving food or beverages, and he is once again moving the goalposts in the middle of the game, even with our lower infection rates. This action is the latest example of the governor exceeding and abusing his emergency powers. This is why so many of my colleagues and I have been urging members on the other side of the aisle to join us in taking action to finally end the governor’s emergency powers that he’s consistently abused for months. Enough is enough,” said Palmesano.

Palmesano said this executive action could be particularly harmful for the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Region, the center of the state’s multi-billion dollar wine, craft beverage and agritourism industry.

“Ironically, this is an industry the governor has boasted about and supported in the past. This new mandate will prolong the financial hardship and crisis. The small, family-owned operations that power the area’s tourism have worked hard to adapt to the changing regulations by the governor and can’t continue to absorb additional, costly mandates after losing months of business,” said Palmesano

Palmesano added this action is being driven by reported violations of overcrowded bars in New York City and downstate New York. “Once again, Gov. Cuomo is instituting another ‘one-size fits all’ approach. The Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Region is not New York City. We do not have the density or the infections that downstate has, and the small businesses and employees here, who have been following the rules, should not be hurt and penalized because of actions taking place in New York City.”

Palmesano also questioned the timing of the order. “We’ve made progress here. Infection rates across the state are extremely low, especially here in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Region. We need to continue to work together to protect public health, but this order is an extreme and unnecessary reaction. This is not the time to blindside these businesses and workers. This is the time we should be helping them, not hurting them even more than they have been. They made sacrifices. They followed the governor’s rules and shut-down orders, and they are just trying to survive and avoid an economic catastrophe. This is the worst possible time for the governor to mandate devastating new regulations. It’s arbitrary and it’s just wrong.”

July 17, 2020

Democrat State Senate canddidate, Leslie Danks Burke, has been endorsed, by state teachers union, NYSUT. “I’m the product of public school all my life, from kindergarten through college, my mom was a middle school teacher and union member, and my husband and I are proud parents of two children in public school today” said Leslie Danks Burke. “I’m deeply aware that education for every child is vital to success in our region, state, and nation, and I’m honored to fight alongside the teachers and service professionals in NYSUT to protect our children’s future.”

July 17, 2020

From Governor Andrew Cuomo:

The Governor has announced that all restaurants and bars statewide will be subject to new requirements that they must only serve alcohol to people who are ordering and eating food and that all service at bar tops must only be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers. Under current law, only establishments that serve food are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Citizens who see violations or are concerned can report complaints, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority at www.sla.ny.gov.

July 17, 2020

ALBANY, NY – Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that business owners building owners must deny entry and/or remove any person who fails to comply with face-covering requirements where social distancing cannot be maintained. Failure to obey, could result in $10,000 in fines. “Businesses should be aware that the state has put in place a reporting system to file a complaint against a business or employer who is suspected of violating the travel restrictions. Companies should make sure they are aware of which states are included and understand exemptions for travel for essential businesses.”

July 16, 2020

From Governor Andrew Cuomo:

“The Twitter hack and widespread takeover of verified Twitter accounts is deeply troubling and raises concerns about the cybersecurity of our communications systems, which are critical as we approach the upcoming presidential election. With more than 300 million users, Twitter is a primary source of news for many, making it a target for bad actors. This type of hack by con artists for financial gain can also be a tool of foreign actors and others to spread disinformation and – as we’ve witnessed – disrupt our elections.

“I am directing a full investigation into this massive hack through the New York Department of Financial Services and any other relevant state agency to bring the facts to light. Foreign interference remains a grave threat to our democracy and New York will continue to lead the fight to protect our democracy and the integrity of our elections in any way we can.”

July 16, 2020

HORNELL, NY – There is going to be a pro-police rally this Saturday, starting at noon in front of Hornell City Hall. It’s called Back The Blue. There is a Facebook page about this upcoming event, which states the following: “Please wear Blue and Black to show support for our law enforcement officers and Don’t Forget your Masks!”

July 16, 2020

Alfred, NY – From Alfred University’s website:

Due to continued challenges presented by COVID-19, Alfred University and fellow members of the Empire 8 Conference will not be engaging in athletic competition this fall. The conference announced this evening that the Empire 8 Presidents Council has voted unanimously to postpone all fall competition in the sports of men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.