Author: Brian O'Neil

September 2, 2026

TORNADO…POSSIBLE
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT…CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT…RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE…1.00 IN
WIND THREAT…RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST…70 MPH

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BINGHAMTON NY
743 PM EDT WED SEP 2 2026

NYC007-015-017-023-053-065-067-097-099-101-107-109-123-030300-
/O.CON.KBGM.TO.A.0645.000000T0000Z-260903T0300Z/

TORNADO WATCH 645 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR
THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 13 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

BROOME CHEMUNG CHENANGO
CORTLAND MADISON ONEIDA
ONONDAGA SCHUYLER SENECA
STEUBEN TIOGA TOMPKINS
YATES

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BINGHAMTON, CORNING, CORTLAND,
ELMIRA, HAMILTON, HORNELL, ITHACA, NORWICH, ONEIDA, OWEGO,
PENN YAN, ROME, SENECA FALLS, SYRACUSE, UTICA, WATKINS GLEN,
AND WAVERLY.

————————————————–

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
805 PM EDT Wed Sep 2 2026

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…
Seneca County in central New York…
Yates County in central New York…
Cayuga County in central New York…
Northern Steuben County in central New York…

* Until 900 PM EDT.

* At 805 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 6 miles east of Canandaigua to near Frewsburg,
moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD…70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable
tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes,
roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include…
Auburn, Hornell, Seneca Falls, Bath, Waterloo, Penn Yan, Romulus,
Fayette, Sennett, and Starkey.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

This is a DANGEROUS SITUATION. These storms are producing widespread
wind damage. SEEK SHELTER NOW inside a sturdy structure and stay
away from windows! To report severe weather, contact your nearest
law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National
Weather Service office in Binghamton.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New
York.

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
805 PM EDT Wed Sep 2 2026

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…
Seneca County in central New York…
Yates County in central New York…
Cayuga County in central New York…
Northern Steuben County in central New York…

* Until 900 PM EDT.

* At 805 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 6 miles east of Canandaigua to near Frewsburg,
moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD…70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable
tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes,
roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include…
Auburn, Hornell, Seneca Falls, Bath, Waterloo, Penn Yan, Romulus,
Fayette, Sennett, and Starkey.

September 2, 2026

Steuben County Public Health is investigating two additional confirmed cases of measles in unvaccinated residents. The total number of cases in the county is eight. Both cases are contacts of previously reported cases. Steuben County Public Health was notified of the positive results on September 2, 2026. One of the residents began showing symptoms on August 24th and the other on August 28th. Both cases isolated at home and are no longer considered contagious. To protect resident/patient privacy, additional details will not be released. Potential public exposure site(s) have been identified, and the Health Department has reached out to those who may have come into contact with the cases.

Potential Exposures & Contact Tracing
Because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conduct thorough contact tracing of the confirmed cases. The Steuben County Public Health Department worked closely with NYSDOH and local health care provider(s), to identify and directly contact all individuals known to have been exposed. Information and guidance was provided to direct contacts.

Risk to the Public
The overall risk of measles to the general public still remains low, particularly for individuals who are fully vaccinated against the disease. However, measles is extremely contagious, and anyone unvaccinated, pregnant, under 12 months of age, or immuno-compromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their health care provider.

For questions regarding this public notice or measles vaccination, contact the Steuben County Public Health at 607-664-2438 or visit https://www.steubencountyny.gov/273/Public-Health or www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/.

September 2, 2026

FROM STEUBEN COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES: Here is the latest update from The National Weather Service. Steuben County has been upgraded to an **Enhanced Risk**. The region has also been placed into a Flood Watch from 4:00 p.m. today until 8:00 a.m. Thursday Morning.
⛈️ Remain Weather Aware ⛈️ Turn Around Don’t Drown

FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT: This afternoon and tonight. Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms with periods of heavy rainfall are expected today through tonight. Some storms may be severe with damaging wind gusts and hail, respectively. A tornado or two and localized flash flooding are possible.

September 2, 2026

FROM U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: Ahead of Labor Day, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced the Don’t Stand for Taking Employed Americans’ Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act, which would make large-scale wage theft a felony nationwide. Representative Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) and 28 cosponsors have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Working Americans deserve to take home every penny that they have earned, and employers who cheat their employees out of hard-earned wages must be held accountable,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Ahead of Labor Day, I am proud to announce this bill to bring the punishment for wage theft in line with other forms of criminal theft. This is commonsense legislation to help protect workers, and I am determined to get it passed. It is outrageous that in the United States of America, someone can face jail time for stealing a television but get only a slap on the wrist for stealing wages from a worker’s paycheck,” said Representative Magaziner. “I am grateful to Senator Gillibrand for leading the fight in the Senate to make wage theft a federal crime and hold accountable bad actors who cheat working people out of their hard-earned pay. I look forward to working with her to pass the Don’t STEAL Act in both chambers and get it signed into law.”

Wage theft takes many forms, including employers refusing to pay promised wages, paying subminimum wages, failing to pay for all hours worked, or not paying overtime premiums. Every year, over $15 billion is stolen from workers by their employers. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor recovered more than $259 million in back wages and damages owed to 176,957 workers, representing just a fraction of wage theft that occurred that year. This kind of wage theft impacts workers across industries and of all income levels, but it has a more profound impact on low-wage workers, who can least afford to bear the cost of lost earnings. The Don’t STEAL Act would help protect workers by strengthening penalties for wage theft, bringing them in line with other forms of criminal theft under federal law. Under this legislation, employers who willfully fail to pay wages, deny overtime, or steal tips will face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the violation. Currently, wage theft is treated at most as a misdemeanor. The Don’t STEAL Act also brings penalties for wage theft in line with other common forms of theft under federal law. Today, employers who commit willful wage theft can be fined no more than $10,000. This bill eliminates that cap and requires fines to be proportional to the amount of wages stolen. This legislation is endorsed by 15 organizations, including AFL-CIO and several other labor unions. Senator Gillibrand plans to formally introduce the Don’t STEAL Act when the Senate returns to session later this month.

September 1, 2026

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible through Wednesday night, especially along and west of I-81. Main threats are damaging winds, hail, and locally heavy rainfall which could lead to isolated flash flooding. However, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

NYZ015>018-022>025-044-055-056-022045-
Yates-Seneca-Southern Cayuga-Onondaga-Steuben-Schuyler-Chemung-Tompkins-Cortland-Tioga-Broome-Allegany Counties

September 1, 2026

FROM THE UNITED WAY IN CORNING: United Way of the Southern Tier has launched the application process for its next three-year funding cycle. Together with our community partners, United Way works to create pathways, year-round, that lead to:
•
Health & Well-Being of Seniors: Helping senior citizens who wish to remain in their homes as they age, where they are happy and comfortable.
•
Youth Opportunity: Building the skills children need to succeed, beginning at birth, setting them up for lifelong success.
•
Financial Security & Basic Needs: Ensuring that struggling families have access to financial education and stability, as well as the basics of food and shelter in times of crisis.
Eligible 501(c)3 non-profit health or human service organizations that serve residents of Chemung and/or Steuben counties and that have programs which directly align with one or more of these strategic focus areas are encouraged to apply.
Those interested in applying must complete a Letter of Intent by Friday, September 18, for each program for which a request will be made.
Select programs will be invited to apply for funding following a review of the Letter of Intent.
All funding decisions are guided by United Way of the Southern Tier’s investment values, which consider client need, program results, focused alignment, effective use of resources, and continuous learning and improvement.
Funds awarded through this process would begin on July 1, 2027.
Organizations that have questions relating to United Way investment values or program eligibility are invited to contact United Way of the Southern Tier Senior Director of Impact Barbara Hubbell, bhubbell@uwst.org or 607-377-5833.

September 1, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, to keep the federal government open through December 11, 2026, while Congress continues its work to complete the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act maintains federal funding at Fiscal Year 2026 levels through December 11, 2026, or until full year appropriations are enacted, whichever comes first. The legislation also prevents the expiration of important programs and authorities supporting veterans, agriculture, cybersecurity, transportation, flood insurance, and other federal priorities. The measure extends numerous veterans programs, including authorities supporting health care, suicide prevention, rural mental health care, family caregivers, housing assistance, and services for homeless and disabled veterans. “Shutting down the federal government would disrupt essential services Americans rely on and distract Congress from the important work of advancing responsible, full-year appropriations,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This short-term measure keeps the government open, maintains funding for programs serving our veterans and communities, ensures our servicemembers continue to be paid, and gives Congress additional time to finish its work. I remain committed to advancing responsible spending bills that protect taxpayers, strengthen our national security, and hold the federal government accountable to the American people.”

Congressman Nick Langworthy also voted to keep the government open. He has stated on WLEA numerous times that he opposes shutdowns. Here is a statement from Rep. Nick Langworthy’s FB Page, March 2026: I dont support government shutdowns, but My Pay TSA Act will ensure that our hardworking TSA agents can continue to get paid when they happen. This is a simple, common sense fix to right this wrong and ensure our skies remain safe.

September 1, 2026

FROM JONES MEMORIAL: Jones Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Haowei Wang, MD, to the Surgical team. He will join the surgical team at Jones in providing comprehensive general surgical care to the patients in Wellsville. Dr. Haowei Wang completed his General Surgery residency at the University of Rochester Medicine’s Strong Memorial Hospital, where he received extensive training in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a wide range of conditions. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Wang provides a full range of general surgical services, including treatment for hernias, gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal conditions, skin and soft tissue disorders, colorectal conditions, and other surgical diseases. He performs minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures whenever appropriate, helping patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. His philosophy of care is centered on compassion, respect, and partnership. Dr. Wang believes patients should be fully informed and actively involved in their care, and he works closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that support the best possible outcomes. “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Haowei Wang to the Jones Memorial Hospital team,” said Carrie Walker, Vice President of Practice Management and Professional Services. “Dr. Wang brings a strong foundation in general surgery, extensive training at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. His experience in trauma and minimally invasive surgery, along with his background in surgical research, will be a valuable addition to our surgical services. Most importantly, his arrival will help us continue to expand access to surgical care close to home for the patients and families we serve.”

The general surgery department is currently accepting new patients. For more information or to request a referral, please call the office at (585) 593-7911.

September 1, 2026

This morning during the Steuben County Legislature’s Public Safety And Corrections meeting, there were some fireworks between Hornell GOP Legislator Paul Van Caeseele and Corning Democrat Lawmaker Hilda Lando. While Van Caeseele was arguing that the Steuben County Democrats were not accomplishing anything by refusing to take funding in order to house ICE prisoners in the county jail, Hilda Lando said that everyone knows what will be accomplished. “We all know what it accomplishes, so don’t pretend that – “. At that point, Van Caeseele jumped in, to which Lando stated “I’m talking, I’m talking.” Van Caeseele quickly replied, “But you’re not saying anything.” Then Lando fired back, “Lets be respectful Paul.” Van Caeseele answered that he was being respectful. “Then shut your mouth,” Hilda exclaimed.

The Corning Democrat went on to say that she believed that if the county lawmakers allowed Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard to join the other sheriffs in a lawsuit which challenges the constitutionality of Governor Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James executive order about not working with ICE, that there would be retribution from Albany.

After the meeting was over, Van Caeseele issued the following statement: “THE POLITICAL LUNACY BEHIND THE TERMINATION OF THE 287(g) CONTRACTS. This issue was discussed today at the Public Safety Committee meeting, and I asked a simple question: What exactly does cutting the 287-G funding to Steuben County accomplish? The Sheriff has made it clear that he will continue cooperating with ICE to help keep our streets safe. So, if the Sheriff is going to continue working with ICE, then terminating the 287(g) contracts isn’t deterring the Sheriff or ICE from doing their jobs. What it does accomplish is taking federal funds that would have ultimately helped save Steuben County taxpayers money and sending those dollars back to the Trump administration, where they can be used to further advance the administration’s law enforcement agenda. So let me get this straight: the decision doesn’t stop the cooperation, doesn’t change the Sheriff’s position, and doesn’t stop ICE from doing its job. It simply costs Steuben County taxpayers money while returning those federal dollars to an administration whose policies many of the people opposing 287(g) strongly disagree with. That seems like a pretty strange way to accomplish your stated goals.

“Yet when I pressed for an answer to that very question today, I was scolded by Democrat Lando of Corning for demanding an explanation. We should all pay attention to how politicians—even at the local level—sometimes make decisions that appear less about accomplishing a practical goal and more about protecting their political positions. But hey, what do I know? i guess I’ll just add the federal reimbursement Steuben County would have received through 287(g) to the additional utility costs we’ve incurred because of the CLCPA, total it all up, and hand the bill to the Hochul supporters. That way, they can include it in their next ‘Thank you, Governor’ letter.” 🙄

September 1. 2026

FROM HORNELL CITY HALL: The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the appointment of Michael Gibson as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Assistant/Shift Operator at its August meeting. Gibson is a 2008 Hornell High School graduate. He was hired provisionally in September 2025, and completed the required coursework in March and April 2026 at SUNY Morrisville. Gibson passed his New York State 1A Wastewater Licensing exam in June, on his first attempt. In July 2026, Gibson completed the Steuben County Civil Service exam for Wastewater Operator, finishing first in the County. Chief Operator Robert McLaughlin noted the extensive requirements for wastewater operators, stating, “New York State requires all candidates to work for at least six months in a plant with comparable complexity to the facility in which they desire to work. The state exam is very challenging with a high failure rate, and tests operators on all types of treatment plant processes and equipment, not just the processes that are used in our facility.” He added, “We are extremely excited and proud of all of the accomplishments Mike has completed. He’s been a great addition to our team, and I appreciate the hard work and determination it took to reach this point.”

Mayor John Buckley indicated his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “I am really excited for Mike to have completed the training and testing process to be an operator. It’s a long, challenging journey, and Mike clearly put in the work. He is a great addition to a fantastic team. The wastewater operators perform a vital service to residents, working holidays, evenings, and ensuring the plant operates within parameters.”

Gibson’s appointment is effective August 7, 2026.

September 1, 2026

FROM SEN. GILLIBRAND: Today, less than two weeks before the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City on 9/11, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on the Trump administration to fully restore New York’s counterterrorism funding: “President Trump is using New Yorkers as political pawns once again,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York is the leading terrorist target in the nation. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, defunding our law enforcement and counterterrorism operations is especially egregious and unsafe. I will keep fighting to ensure New Yorkers are protected and our state receives the funding it needs to keep us all safe.” Last year, the Trump administration cut $187 million, or 86%, from New York’s federal counterterrorism funding – the largest federal defunding of police operations in New York in decades. After pressure from state and federal leaders, the Federal Emergency Management Agency restored $100 million, leaving New York without $87 million to support local law enforcement and counterterrorism operations. Specifically, the remaining $87 million would support security preparedness efforts including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities.

FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL: Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York. Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million. Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding. After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state. “By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.” The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations. Following an extended delay in 2025, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP, giving states the ability to access this critical funding. However, despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million). Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $100 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27, 2025. After dogged advocacy by Governor Hochul, President Trump committed to reversing these misguided cuts in October of 2025, when he stated on Truth Social that he was “…pleased to advise that [he] reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was [his] Honor to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Almost one year later, New York State has only received $100 million of the amount owed following an order by a federal judge, with nearly $87 million outstanding.

Specifically, access to the remaining $87 million would ensure full funding of:

The NYPD’s intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit;
The FDNY’s interoperable communication and radiological response capabilities;
Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is responsible for the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads; and
Equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and local police departments.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “Governor Hochul has made record investments in the State’s emergency preparedness and counterterrorism efforts, but New York State cannot do this alone. Having a commitment from our federal partners to fight terrorism is critical when it comes to the State’s preparedness capabilities, and any further delay in fully funding these efforts is putting the safety and security of all New Yorkers at risk.”

New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said, “Counterterrorism funding is a critical part of that work, supporting the intelligence, training, planning, and coordination that strengthens our emergency preparedness across the city. New York City has shown time and again that we are ready to meet the moment, and we need our federal partners to uphold their commitment and provide the resources necessary to keep New Yorkers safe.”

New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target and just underwent a historic summer of mass gathering events with the FIFA World Cup, International Naval Review, America 250 celebrations, and New York Knicks’ championship run and parade. This required an unprecedented safety and security preparedness effort coordinated with State and City officials to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers and visitors. If the federal government refuses to fully fund the State’s counterterrorism efforts, it puts future planning, coordination and security at risk.

UASI Funding Cut

In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

September 1, 2026

Sometimes, making your voice heard makes the difference.

Over the past few weeks, I joined legislative colleagues regionally and statewide to highlight concerns over funding cuts for Child Advocacy Centers across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions and throughout New York State, and to call on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to restore funding to ensure the continued operation of CACs regionally and statewide.

We zeroed in on CACs, however the same concerns extended to funding cuts to Rape Crisis Centers and Domestic Violence Centers around the state.

At recent news conferences, I was joined by CAC regional and statewide representatives and local law enforcement, first in Canandaigua with my Finger Lakes colleague, Senator Pam Helming, where we were joined by Yates County DA Todd Casella, Seneca County DA John Nabinger, Ontario County DA Jason MacBride, and Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione. At the second one in Corning with Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, we were joined by Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard, Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey, and Steuben County DA Brooks Baker, to sound the alarm: If the state doesn’t restore these funding cuts by October 1, programs and services will stop operating locally and throughout the state.

That would be a travesty, we said, and unacceptable.

Ashley Davoli, Director of the CAC of the Finger Lakes, who was with us in Canandaigua and Corning, said, “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on this, and at this point I think the word is just devastated for victims. It’s really just a devastating cut, it’s really unfortunate, and I use the word catastrophic, it’s going to have a catastrophic effect across our entire state, not just for the CAC of the Finger Lakes.”

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard added, “It’s just an insult to every child sexual victim we’ve ever had. Every victim of child sexual abuse is a person who has been trafficked, and to ignore this and to not fund this is an insult to the memory of every victim we’ve ever had.”

Child Advocacy Centers are primarily funded by the state through grants provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The cuts would have completely eliminated funding for six centers, including Steuben County CAC and the CAC of the Finger Lakes, which provides child protective services and assistance at three locations in Ontario, Seneca, and Yates counties. Funding for the Chemung/Schuyler CAC faced significant cuts that would have resulted in the elimination of services in Schuyler County. Overall, the Finger Lakes region stood to lose more than $1.49 million.

Last Friday, as pressure mounted here at home and around the state, the Hochul administration announced that it was reversing course and making the restorations necessary to keep our Child Advocacy Centers, Rape Crisis Centers, and Domestic Violence Centers operating.

It’s the right decision by Governor Hochul. We are grateful that she heard the concerns being raised by so many child advocates and law enforcement leaders from across our region and throughout our state. We are grateful that the concerns raised by so many child advocates and law enforcement leaders from across our region and throughout our state were heard and acted on.

Child Advocacy Centers provide a child-friendly setting where specially trained professionals conduct forensic interviews involving allegations of child abuse. They also connect children and non-offending caregivers with medical services, counseling, crisis intervention and family advocacy. The centers coordinate the work of law enforcement, prosecutors, child protective services, medical providers, mental health professionals, and victim advocates. This multidisciplinary approach helps minimize additional trauma to children while strengthening investigations and helping law enforcement hold offenders accountable.

I join all of my legislative colleagues in applauding the advocates and law enforcement leaders for raising their voices, sounding the alarm, delivering a compelling case, and highlighting the need. We welcomed the chance to join them to rally support to reverse what was a misguided state action from the beginning.

Now, we will keep working to ensure the state’s long-term commitment to the future of these centers. It is fundamentally important that Child Advocacy Centers, together with Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence centers across the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, and throughout New York State, can always provide their essential services.

Child Advocacy Centers are absolute lifelines for the child crime victims and families they serve and provide critical support to to deal with the trauma and assist in criminal prosecutions of the offenders.

It was an unthinkable action from the start to eliminate funding for these established centers. The New York State budget has skyrocketed over the past several years. State spending increased by more than $23 billion in this year’s state budget alone. In addition, the state’s tax revenue is exceeding anticipated receipts by more than $3 billion in the current year.

Consequently, it was never a matter of a lack of money for these centers. It was a matter of lack of priorities. It’s way past time that we placed protecting crime victims over coddling criminals in this state. The pendulum has swung too far left for too long under one-party control of the Albany Democrats.