Author: Brian O'Neil

June 5, 2026

FROM STATE SENATOR GEORGE BORRELLO: “After months of delay, Albany Democrats delivered a $268.5 billion budget and a legislative session that failed on every issue weighing most heavily on New Yorkers: affordability, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and government accountability. This is what one-party rule looks like when it no longer fears voters: a budget that keeps spending, keeps taxing, and keeps putting special interests ahead of the taxpayers funding it. The results speak for themselves: criminals have more protections than victims, sanctuary laws put ideology ahead of public safety, and New York City’s fiscal recklessness gets bailed out while upstate families pay the tab. And as if that weren’t enough, they have moved to rig New York’s electoral maps, not to better serve voters, but to grab more power.
The meaningful course corrections of this session — a five-year delay in the electric school bus mandate and adjustments to the Climate Law’s most unworkable provisions — happened because Republicans spent years exposing how these policies were hurting New Yorkers, and because a governor facing re-election couldn’t afford to keep ignoring them. Let’s be clear: these were political calculations, not a change of priorities. The underlying agenda remains firmly in place. New Yorkers will continue to face upward pressure on utility costs from Climate Act mandates, forced electrification remains the ultimate objective, and the rapid expansion of industrial-scale solar developments continues to cover the productive farmland, forests, and scenic open spaces that generations of New Yorkers have worked to preserve.
The radical policies that now define the Democratic Party have transformed New York from a beacon of opportunity into a state that far too many families, workers, retirees, and businesses are choosing to leave. Higher taxes, rising energy costs, declining affordability, public safety failures, and endless mandates have become the hallmarks of one-party rule.
New York still has every advantage needed to succeed. We have world-class institutions, abundant natural resources, innovative businesses, and hardworking people. But realizing our potential will require leaders who are focused on serving the public rather than protecting their own political power. Rather than continue down this reckless path, we must restore balance in our state government. I am hopeful that the voters will choose common sense over chaos in this upcoming election.”

June 4, 2026

Kim Clark is a Steuben County Sheriff’s Department Dispatcher, who goes around to schools all over the state, telling students about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. Kim’s daughter Emilee was killed in July of 2019 in a car crash in Steuben County. “There were six things that led to that accident. One, the driver was unfamiliar with the vehicle. Two, there was loud music in the vehicle, three, Emilee was unrestrained in the vehicle (no seatbelt), four, the driver had only had a license for about three months, five it was a foggy summer night, and six, making poor decisions (Emilee had been drinking earlier in the evening.)” Kim Clark goes on to say that her daughter was ejected from the vehicle when the driver redirected the wheel. “The vehicle went into a ditch and Emilee was thrust out of the vehicle and hit a tree.” Kim Clark is available to speak at schools about this. Call her at 607 622 3911 for more information.

June 4, 2026

FROM SEN. GILLIBRAND: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to blast Republicans for prioritizing President Trump’s vanity projects and political pay-offs over lowering costs for the American people. This week, Republicans are expected to force a vote on their budget bill. During the budget reconciliation process, Democrats will force votes to kill the president’s corrupt $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” They will also force votes on provisions to lower costs for Americans and protect the vital programs that New Yorkers rely on. “New Yorkers are working harder, paying more, and falling behind in President Trump’s America. But instead of providing relief for working families, the president is focused on building a gilded ballroom, erecting monuments in his own honor, and using taxpayer dollars to pay off his allies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is corruption on full display and is hurting New Yorkers – it must stop. This week, I will join Senate Democrats to force votes on measures to kill the president’s slush fund, lower costs for working families, and preserve the programs that Americans rely on.”

The president’s “anti-weaponization fund” was announced by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of a deal to resolve President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. According to the DOJ, the fund is meant to provide a formal restitution process for people or entities who say they were unfairly targeted by the government for political, ideological or personal reasons. This is expected to include President Trump’s defense lawyers, his business associates, and potentially even the rioters who assaulted police officers on January 6, 2021. During the budget reconciliation process this week, Senator Gillibrand will vote in favor of amendments to kill this fund. She will also join Senate Democrats in forcing votes on various mechanisms to lower costs for working families and preserve the programs that they rely on. These are critical measures like lowering healthcare costs, reversing SNAP cuts, and providing relief to American families struggling with high utility bills.

June 4, 2026

FROM REP. LANGWORTHY: Congressman Nick Langworthy today introduced the Clear Healthcare Expense Cost Knowledge (CHECK) Act, legislation designed to increase transparency throughout the healthcare system, empower patients with clear information about their medical costs, and hold healthcare middlemen accountable for hidden fees and opaque billing practices. The CHECK Act increases transparency throughout the healthcare system by giving employers greater visibility into healthcare spending, providing patients with clearer insurance information, and requiring providers to furnish detailed itemized medical bills before seeking payment. Specifically, it strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), third-party administrators (TPAs), and other healthcare middlemen and ensures patients receive detailed itemized medical bills before providers can seek payment or pursue collections. By bringing costs out into the open, the bill helps patients better understand what they are paying for, promotes accountability among healthcare middlemen and providers, and supports a more competitive healthcare marketplace. “Americans deserve greater transparency and information about their healthcare costs so they can make informed decisions about their care,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “The CHECK Act shines a light on the hidden costs and middlemen driving up healthcare expenses, gives patients clear and understandable information about their services, and helps protect families from surprise charges. Greater transparency means greater accountability, and that’s exactly what this legislation delivers.”

Among its key provisions, the CHECK Act:
• Requires PBMs, TPAs, provider networks, and other healthcare service providers to disclose detailed claims, reimbursement, pricing, fee, rebate, and payment information to health plans on a quarterly basis.
• Prohibits contractual “gag clauses” that prevent employers and health plans from accessing information about healthcare spending.
• Requires health plans and insurers to provide patients with detailed Explanations of Benefits within 45 days of receiving a claim, including plain-language descriptions of services, billing codes, insurance payments, patient cost-sharing obligations, and deductible information.
• Requires healthcare providers and facilities to furnish patients with itemized medical bills before seeking payment or initiating collections actions.
• Protects patients from charges that exceed previously disclosed estimates unless providers can demonstrate medically necessary unforeseen circumstances or patient-requested changes in services.
• Establishes meaningful penalties for healthcare middlemen and providers that fail to comply with transparency requirements.
The legislation applies to both ERISA-regulated health plans and self-funded, non-federal governmental health plans, ensuring broad transparency protections across the healthcare marketplace.

Congressman Langworthy concluded, “Americans deserve to understand what they are paying for before they receive a bill. Lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding healthcare costs will ultimately produce a system that is more affordable, more accountable, and better geared toward patient’s needs.”

June 3, 2026

FROM THE HORNELL POLICE DEPT:

June 3, 2026

FROM THE HORNELL COMMUNITY THEATER: Hornell Community Theatre is proud to present “SMITH” by Glo Gambino! This is the story of Hornell’s Hometown Hero, Zach Smith, who gave his life in the service of our country. Auditions will be held at the Hornell Community Arts Center. No singing or dancing necessary. We will be casting, 2 children, numerous young adults, and some older folks, too! Materials for the auditions will be provided. As the show is written in vignettes, there are numerous small parts. This production will benefit the Hornell Veterans Memorial Project. We are proud to support this amazing project!
Questions? Email Penny Smith at Pennyde209@yahoo.com

June 3, 2026

FROM SHANNON HARDING: Parade Participants, Vendors, Sponsors and Contest Entrants Encouraged to Register

BELMONT, NY — The Village of Belmont is proud to announce the official schedule of events for the Belmont 250th Celebration, a community-wide patriotic celebration honoring America’s 250th Anniversary and Belmont’s rich heritage as the County Seat of Allegany County.

Residents, businesses, veterans, organizations, and visitors are invited to take part in a weekend filled with patriotism, community pride, family activities, and special events from July 3rd through July 5th.

One of the centerpiece events will be the First Ever All-County 250th Veterans Parade on Saturday, July 4th at 3:30 PM. Organizers are extending a special invitation to all able Allegany County veterans to march or ride in the parade alongside their local veterans organizations, posts, clubs, and community groups.

Organizations, businesses, community groups, classic car owners, and individuals are also encouraged to participate with patriotic-themed floats, decorated vehicles, UTVs, and displays. Registration is required by July 1st.

“We are excited to welcome residents and visitors from throughout Allegany County as Belmont proudly hosts this historic celebration as the County Seat,” said Shannon Harding, Chair of the Belmont 250th Celebration Committee. “This event is designed to bring our communities together while honoring our nation’s history, our veterans, and the hometown pride that makes Belmont special.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Village Light Up Belmont Home & Business Decoration Contest
Now through July 1st

Residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their homes and storefronts in patriotic red, white, and blue. Contest entries will be judged by a panel representing the Belmont American Legion, Village of Belmont, Belmont Rotary Club, and Belmont Fire District.

Entry information is available through the Village of Belmont Facebook page or at Belmont Village Hall. https://forms.gle/jfN55VDDvdcnLbDb9

Friday, July 3rd
Red, White & Blue Night
Belmont American Legion Post 808
6:00 PM – Free Admission

Wear your red, white, and blue and join the community for an evening of raffles, fun, and patriotic celebration.

Saturday, July 4th

Vendor Marketplace
Belmont Legion Parking Lot
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Vendors are invited to participate for just $20 per space. Registration information:

First Ever All-County 250th Veterans Parade
3:30 PM

The parade will travel from the Fire Hall to Park Circle and conclude with a Flag Ceremony.

Participants may include:
• Allegany County Veterans
• Legion Riders
• Veterans Organizations
• Community Organizations
• Businesses
• Patriotic Floats
• Decorated Vehicles and UTVs
• Classic Cars

Contest winners will be announced during the parade festivities.

Spectators are encouraged to line Schuyler Street, which will be closed to traffic for the event.

Sunday, July 5th

Chicken BBQ Picnic
Belmont Legion Pavilion
11:00 AM until sold out

The celebration concludes with a community picnic featuring a BBQ chicken dinner for $12 at the Legion Pavilion.

BONUS FEATURE

Throughout the celebration, visitors can enjoy special Red, White & Blue Illumination on the Belmont Horseshoe Falls, creating a patriotic display that highlights one of Belmont’s most recognizable landmarks.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS, VENDORS & SPONSORS

The Belmont 250th Celebration Committee is actively seeking:
• Veterans and veterans organizations to participate in the parade
• Parade participants and patriotic-themed entries
• Vendors for the July 4th marketplace
• Business and corporate sponsors wishing to support the celebration

For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, contact:

Shannon Harding
Chair, Belmont 250th Celebration Committee
716-909-2601
shanharding716@gmail.com

Additional event updates and announcements will be posted regularly on the Village of Belmont Facebook Page.

The Village of Belmont looks forward to welcoming residents, families, veterans, organizations, and visitors from across Allegany County as the community comes together to celebrate 250 years of American history and hometown pride.

June 3, 2026

It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County. What a difference one month has made, leaving the dreary late winter landscape to the freshness of spring. Most farmers have the first cutting of hay done, the summer tourism season has begun and everything is green again. It feels like a time of renewal and hope. This month we celebrated Corrections Officer Week and Police Week, culminating with our 11th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Friday, May 15th at 6pm at the Public Safety Building. It was perfect weather and a touching ceremony to honor those in Law Enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and to remember their families and loved ones. As in Memorial Day, we honor and remember those that have given their all to protect us and our freedom.
Another sign of hope is the continued presentation of the “Emilee’s Challenge” trailer by Dispatcher Kim Clark. Regionally, this year, she has already presented at over 25 school districts in Steuben, Chemung, Allegany, Ontario and Monroe Counties, serving over 2,500 students. She has also presented at every Victim Impact Panel and Community Impact Panel in Steuben County this year. Dispatcher Clark and “Emilee’s Challenge” trailer also were on display at the state level at the NYS Highway Safety Symposium last fall and the ESLETS Traffic Safety Conference in April and on a national level at the No Empty Chair Campaign at Watkins Glen International. The audio, video and personal presentation of the trailer and Dispatcher Clark is incredibly impactful and educational. Many thanks to Kim for sharing in her journey to help keep our young people safe. Make Good Choices!
May brought another busy month for our agency. We celebrated the retirement of Corrections Officer Kevin Faucett, and then welcomed him back as a part time Officer to keep our courts safe! Captain Mills, Lieutenant Kennedy and Sheriff Allard cooked and served a breakfast and a lunch for all employees during Corrections Officer Week. Also in the Corrections Division, Sergeants Sciotti, Waight and Officer Eighmey completed the 40-hour Advanced Corrections Emergency Response Team Training hosted by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Mills attended the Law Enforcement Training Director’s Association of New York State annual conference. Captain Mills and Lieutenant Thompson attended the annual New York State Association of Incarcerated Education Programs conference. Sergeant Kester attended an 8-hour Procedural Justice/Principled Policing course and the 2-day Suicide Prevention in County Jails Instructor Level Training.
In other trainings, Lieutenant Kennedy completed the “When Forces Kill” forensic investigation of environmental and vehicular deaths training. Deputy Bush completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training. Deputy Butler and Lieutenant Kennedy attended the “Cares UP” conference. Deputy Ramirez completed the Civil Deputy II Training.
We have been busy presenting at our area career days with the Career Development Council. Sergeant Shutt and K9 Ronnie, Sergeant Nybeck and K9 Twiggy, Deputy Swarthout and K9 Mac and Deputy McCoy and K9 Tripp presented at the Corning Painted Post High School career day. Sergeant Erskine, Deputy Bush and Officer Jason Smith presented at the Addison School career day. Investigator Shepherd, Deputy Bush and Officer Eighmey presented at the Prattsburgh School career day. Sheriff Allard presented on Frankly Speaking, The Pulse and attended the STOP DWI mid-year conference.
We are also promoting a fund raiser for the NYS Sheriff’s Institute Wellness Center at Keuka Lake. Schuyler County is hosting a trail run at Watkins Glen International called “Beyond the Call, Saving Lives through Wellness”. Registration is OPEN! Mark your calendars for Sunday July 12th and bring the family for a fun day on the trails of Watkins Glen International.
3 mile race – Can be run as a relay team of 3 OR as an individual! Must be 13 years old to compete.
1.5 mile race – Run individually! Must be 6 years old to compete.
Register today! https://runsignup.com/…/Wat…/BeyondTheCallTrailChallenge
Help us to help improve the lives of the people who serve and protect communities across the state. All proceeds will benefit the new “Sheriff Ron Spike First Responder Wellness Center”.
All of our deputies and officers performed in an outstanding fashion, and we received multiple commendations from the public regarding their outstanding performance.
We continue to pray for our first responder colleagues and deployed military across the globe, as well as their families. We also pray for the victims of mass casualty events and state sponsored aggression. Thank you for supporting the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office in these challenging times and stay safe!
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard

June 2, 2026

Congressman Nick Langworthy announced today that he voted for the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. Langworthy says it expands benefits, supports survivors, and helps veterans to be able to own a home.

See The Summary Of The Legislation Below:

Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026. This bill expands specified benefits programs for veterans and their survivors and establishes a supplemental monthly allowance for certain disabled veterans. The bill establishes a supplemental monthly allowance of $833.33 for veterans who are already eligible for a monthly aid and attendance allowance due to service-connected disabilities or traumatic brain injury. The bill increases the rate of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) by an additional 1% the next time DIC is adjusted for cost of living and an additional 0.5% the following adjustment. DIC is a monthly payment made to eligible survivors of (1) certain veterans who died due to a service-connected condition; (2) service members killed in the line of duty; or (3) veterans who were totally disabled by a service-connected disability for a certain period. The bill expands eligibility for loans under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program to certain members of the reserve components and National Guard by expanding what qualifies as active duty. The bill includes annual training duty as qualifying active duty and grants eligibility for VA loan guarantees after 14 days of active-duty service (with an additional fee). Under the VA home loan program, the bill extends certain loan fee rates through September 30, 2036, and increases the fees for certain refinancing loans and loan assumptions. The bill extends the limitation on pension amounts for certain hospitalized or institutionalized veterans through September 30, 2036.

June 2, 2026

FROM US SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, introduced new legislation that would set strict boundaries for the military’s use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Secure and Accountable Military AI Act would establish a comprehensive framework to govern the deployment, security, and operational use of AI by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), ensuring that human commanders remain in control of life-and-death decisions and banning AI’s use entirely in certain critical contexts. “The most critical decisions affecting our national security and the lives of our service members must always be made by human beings, not unaccountable machines,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Right now, the Pentagon is moving toward deploying incredibly powerful AI technology without commonsense guardrails in place, which could have catastrophic consequences that make all of us less safe. We must act now – not to stifle technological progress, but to establish clear rules of the road that keep humans in charge and keep AI’s use in warfare smart and safe.”

The Secure and Accountable Military AI Act would:

Limit AI Use For:
Nuclear Weapons: Establishes an absolute prohibition on using AI to select targets or execute the launch of nuclear weapons.
Domestic Surveillance: Prohibits using AI for person-based analysis or tracking of U.S. persons in the United States, with narrow exceptions for cybersecurity and force protection.
Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS): Generally prohibits the development or employment of AWS, except for semi-autonomous systems, non-lethal systems, or operator-supervised systems used for “local defense” (e.g. intercepting incoming missiles).
Keep Humans Accountable For Decision-Making: Codifies a policy that AI may support analysis but cannot substitute for accountable human judgment in decisions involving the use of force, detention, or high-consequence actions.
Mandate High-Consequence AI Oversight: Requires senior-level written approval (undersecretary or vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs) before the operational deployment of “high-consequence” AI, including systems for lethal targeting support, cyber operations, and nuclear command and control.
Require Security Incident Reporting: Mandates that frontier AI contractors report security incidents (theft of model weights) to the DoD within 72 hours of discovery and/or report material vulnerabilities in the model or concerning behavior within 7 days of discovering the issue is material.

Senator Gillibrand has been an outspoken advocate for responsible AI use, both in military and non-military contexts. In March, Gillibrand pressed generative AI companies for answers regarding their engagements with DoD, the rules under which DoD can access and use their technology, and the internal controls that exist in the event their technology is misused by DoD. Additionally, Gillibrand has demanded a bipartisan investigation into the suspected U.S. strike on the Iranian girls’ school in February that killed more than 100 children, including whether AI played any role in selecting the target. Gillibrand is also leading the charge to roll back a Trump administration initiative that allows AI to deny seniors’ medical claims, and she cosponsors legislation to ban AI companion bots for children.

A section-by-section summary of the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act is here.

Full text of the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act is here.

June 2, 2026

FROM GOV HOCHUL AND STATE AG LETICIA JAMES: Governor Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York is leading a coalition of six other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its unlawful cancellation of a major offshore wind lease off the coast of New York. In March 2026, after a string of court losses in its crusade against wind energy, the administration struck a deal with TotalEnergies, a French energy company, to cancel two offshore wind leases and pay the company nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars. In exchange, TotalEnergies agreed to walk away from offshore wind, invest hundreds of millions of dollars in oil and gas projects, and pledge not to develop any new offshore wind projects in the United States. TotalEnergies subsidiary Attentive Energy would have developed the New York lease, and the project was expected to deliver clean energy directly to New York City, power more than 700,000 New York homes, and generate billions of dollars in benefits for New Yorkers. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the deal is blatantly unlawful and are asking the court to strike it down. “This pay-not-to-play scheme pressuring a foreign company to forego planned offshore wind projects in America in favor of gas and oil drilling is an outrageous abuse of taxpayer dollars that hurts our ability to meet our energy needs, create good jobs, and help secure American energy independence while reducing emissions,” Governor Hochul said. “Attorney General James and I will continue to aggressively fight back against Donald Trump’s overt and never-ending hostility toward offshore wind, including his unlawful use of the most powerful office in the world to get private companies like TotalEnergies to bow to his will.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “The Trump administration is once again trying to kill clean energy projects and destroy good-paying jobs for New Yorkers. After repeatedly losing in court, this administration cooked up a sham deal to pay a foreign energy company hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to abandon offshore wind and invest in oil and gas instead. We are fighting back to stop this illegal agreement that threatens to erase over a thousand union jobs and cheat millions of New Yorkers out of clean, affordable energy.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “I thank Attorney General James for continuing to fight to protect our offshore wind industry in New York State. Governor Hochul has made it clear that offshore wind is a vital part of our state’s diverse energy portfolio and we remain committed to delivering reliable, affordable energy to all New Yorkers.”

June 2, 2026
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

A group of nine Alfred State students have traveled to Atlanta, GA to compete in the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championships. The competition takes place June 1-5.
Dylan Eggers (automotive refinishing – Alden, NY), Samual Austin-Hefford (automotive service – Whitney Point, NY), Matthew Goodwin (carpentry – Barker, NY), Sean McWilliams (commercial roofing – Mexico, NY), Daniel Vullo (commercial baking – Bloomfield, NY), Levi Peterson (electrical construction wiring – New Paltz, NY), Artemis Inzinna (masonry – Brooktondale, NY), Christian Hall (prepared speech – Massena, NY), and Jared Lee (welding – Rushville, NY) qualified for the Championships with top finishes at the 2026 SkillsUSA New York State Leadership and Skills Conference Postsecondary Championship held at Alfred State’s Wellsville campus.
Hall, Goodwin, and Peterson return to Nationals for the second straight year. Hall finished second in the prepared speech competition and Goodwin finished third in carpentry in 2025. Alfred State brought home a total of four medals.
These students along with Alfred State faculty and staff will travel to Atlanta for the five-day event which features more than 6,800 state champions competing in 115 skilled and leadership skill areas.
Carrie Cokely, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will travel to Atlanta to cheer on Alfred State’s student competitors. “I am incredibly proud of these students and the dedication they’ve shown to prepare for the success they had in the NYS Championship and for Nationals. Their talent, determination, and enthusiasm have been remarkable. I am excited to watch them compete on the national stage and represent Alfred State with pride and excellence.”
Through SkillsUSA students discover and grow their career passions and appreciate their own self-worth through the work and dedication of instructors, administrators, association directors, industry partners, and alumni. SkillsUSA continues to strive for their core purpose, to help instructors reach and engage their students so their students will succeed.
The event is held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, and it covers over 1.79 million square feet of floor space. Competitions are created, overseen, and judged by nearly 2,000 industry volunteers, each committed to building the next generation of skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.
The Education Foundation of Alfred, Inc. helps support learning opportunities for Alfred State students including this trip to the SkillsUSA National Championships.