Author: Brian O'Neil

May 28, 2026

The City of Hornell Employee Spotlight proudly shines on Dana Merring. Dana has served as the mechanic at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) since 2017.
The WPCP processes more than 2 million gallons per day and plays an essential role in protecting public health and the environment. Dana is instrumental in maintaining and servicing the plant’s equipment to ensure operations continue running safely and efficiently each day.
Mayor John Buckley highlighted Dana’s hard work, knowledge, and dedication, stating, “Our Water Pollution Control Plant provides a vital service to our community. Plant operations are complex and rely on equipment and machinery functioning properly each day. Dana’s knowledge, experience, and commitment help keep operations running smoothly, and we appreciate all he does for the City of Hornell.”
Mayor Buckley continued, “This award is bittersweet as Dana plans to retire at the end of June. We wanted to recognize and thank Dana for his dedicated service to our community and wish him the very best in retirement.”

May 28, 2026

Senator Chuck Schumer recently introduced the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. The Senator says that his new landmark legislation would lower grocery costs for families by breaking up the big meat monopolies and restoring competition to bring better choices at the meat counter. “Families here in the Capital Region are facing one of the most expensive Memorial Day weekends ever. Groceries just saw the biggest price hike in years, and beef is at record highs. Corporate giants that dominate the meat market and set prices sky-high for families, all while squeezing profits from farmers by eliminating competition, and it needs to end,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m announcing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act to lower grocery costs. Local businesses like Avon Meat Market want to work with local farmers and keep their prices down, but they get hurt by big corporations and suppliers rigging the game against them. As grocery costs keep soaring, this bill will work to fix it.” Schumer explained that a major driver of high meat prices is a food system rigged in favor of corporate monopolies. Four companies, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef, control 85% of the beef market, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of the chicken market. Schumer’s Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act would break up dominant meatpackers and stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families.

“For 90 years, Avon Meat Market has proudly served Capital Region families, and I’ve personally spent more than 40 years working in this business and serving local families and businesses. We do everything we can to keep quality high and prices affordable for our customers, but it has become harder and harder as large corporations dominate the meat industry and drive-up costs for small businesses. I appreciate Senator Schumer standing up for local businesses, farmers, and working families who are struggling with rising grocery prices,” said Avon Meat Market’s owner Jim Ostrowski. Schumer continued, “This bill is centered around making meat more affordable, ensuring farmers see the profits, and putting the needs of working middle-class people ahead of the interests of powerful corporations.”

The cost of a Memorial Day barbecue is skyrocketing this year as costs rise across the country. Groceries just had the biggest price hike in years, and the cost of barbecue staples has increased by an average of 13%. Beef prices continue to set records, with the cost of ground beef and sirloin steak spiking nearly 20% since last year and up more than 50% since before the pandemic as of last fall. Meanwhile, the cost of produce has generally increased due to tariffs and supply chain issues impacting Memorial Day cookouts across the country, with the cost of corn rising by 98%, tomatoes rising by 50%, and blueberries by 30%. The cost of cookout essentials like aluminum foil and grill tools has increased due to Trump’s tariffs.

The price of gas is also at record highs – with the average in New York state rising above $4.60 a gallon – due to Trump’s war in Iran, making the cost of driving to a cookout more expensive for Americans across the country.

Recent reporting shows that more than half of residents in the Capital Region have taken on additional debt in the past year due to the rising cost of food. According to analysis from the Urban Institute, New York’s 20th Congressional District, which covers all of Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties, and parts of Montgomery and Rensselaer counties, has experienced some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country in the past ten years. Grocery prices have increased from $860 to $1,150 each month, a whopping more than 30% increase.

Schumer’s bill would force the biggest meatpackers to choose a line of business instead of dominating beef, pork, and chicken all at once, and aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small businesses that seek to acquire, operate, or expand meatpacking plants or facilities, helping make more local supply chains to lower costs.

Together, the senator said these measures will help open up opportunities for more competition in the meat processing industry, giving local New York farmers new buyers to sell their products and make a higher profit, and providing local retailers with more options to purchase fresh, local products to sell in their stores. By promoting competition and taking power away from the greedy middlemen, consumers can look forward to lower prices at the grocery stores.

“As families across Schenectady prepared for this Memorial Day weekend, they faced higher costs at the grocery store as they shopped for holiday cookouts. Local businesses like Avon Prime Meats are a pillar of our community for affordable goods and they too have faced higher wholesale prices massive corporations that are driving up prices for families and squeezing small businesses. I thank Senator Schumer for fighting to lower costs and support local businesses, workers, and families here in Schenectady and across the Capital Region,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy.

May 28, 2026

FROM SENATOR GILLIBRAND: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a plan to improve access to and affordability of long-term care for seniors, Americans with disabilities, and their families. This plan builds on her work to support caregivers, protect Medicaid, and help seniors age with dignity as the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee. “New York families are confronting a long-term care crisis that threatens their savings, their peace of mind, and their health,” said Senator Gillibrand. “While Republicans roll back vital nursing home staffing standards and slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid, Senate Democrats are fighting back. I’m proud to join my colleagues in an effort to strengthen our caregiving infrastructure by expanding access to affordable care, securing living wages for caregivers, and raising standards for nursing homes. Supporting seniors is common sense. We cannot let partisan attacks jeopardize their safety or financial security.” New York is one of the least affordable states for long-term care. According to a new AARP report, in 2024, the median annual income for adults 65+ in New York was $59,909. In contrast, the annual cost of long-term care in New York matched or exceeded that number:

$186,698 – Nursing Home Private Room
$176,660 – Nursing Home Semi-Private Room
$75,600 – Assisted Living
$53,040 – Part-Time Home Health Aide

Additionally, long-term care costs in New York have grown faster than incomes in recent years, and seniors’ savings are often insufficient to cover their care needs. The median household age 75 and older has about $50,000 in financial assets, only enough to cover about one year of home care or a few months of nursing home care. Amid these challenging trends, Gillibrand and 16 of her Senate Democratic colleagues announced a new initiative to seek input and expertise in developing policies to expand home care, improve nursing homes, and address workforce shortages to create quality, sustainable jobs for both types of care.

The letter describes three goals that will be the focus for policy development among the group in the coming weeks and months:
Make home care affordable and accessible
Improve the quality of care in nursing homes
Use incentives to strengthen the long-term care workforce

This effort builds on Gillibrand’s work to strengthen long-term care as ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee. Gillibrand leads the effort to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), which provides key supports and services for aging Americans and their caregivers to promote living with dignity in the setting of their choice. The senator has additionally long fought to secure minimum staffing standards in nursing homes to improve quality of care for residents. She has also introduced myriad legislation to increase wages and support for caregivers to bolster this vital workforce, including the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act, the Respite CARE Act, the Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act, and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act.

In contrast to these efforts, Republicans have spent their time in power making long-term care more expensive and harder to get. They cut Medicaid—the largest payer of long-term care services—by nearly $1 trillion. In addition, Republicans repealed staffing standards for nursing homes that guaranteed access to a registered nurse 24/7.

May 27, 2026

At a ceremony in the Legislative Office Building at the state capital on Tuesday, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and his Senate colleagues inducted Denis E. Oliver, a well-known and longtime Service Officer for the Steuben County Veterans’ Service Agency, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

Oliver, a United States Air Force veteran, represented O’Mara’s 58th Senate District and joined approximately 60 other veterans from throughout the state inducted into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

O’Mara and his Senate colleagues saluted Oliver for a lifetime of distinguished military and civilian service.

O’Mara said, “Denis Oliver served our nation with distinction and then devoted his life’s work to looking out for veterans and their families across Steuben County and throughout New York State. Denis has offered an unwavering commitment to the critical work of ensuring that veterans and their families receive the programs and services they deserve, need, and have earned. He is well known and respected for always being there for our veterans and for always going above and beyond to provide assistance. His compassion, excellence, pride, and respect have been a lifeline to countless veterans and families whose quality of life has been improved and strengthened because of Denis. It is a great honor to have this opportunity to induct Denis Oliver into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, through which we hope to ensure that military service to our nation and civilian commitment to our local communities and veterans will always be remembered. Denis has impacted the lives of so many veterans and families throughout our region and state, and I am proud to express our collective gratitude and respect for his service.”

Oliver was nominated for this year’s Hall of Fame class by Randy Metz of Bath, also a United States Air Force veteran who has known and worked with Oliver for more than two decades on various veterans-related endeavors.

Metz said, “It was my distinct honor and privilege to nominate Denis for the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. His involvement with our community and especially veterans is second to none. We have worked on many veteran-centric events together and his commitment is outstanding. He is respected throughout our community as the answer man for veteran questions. He is an advisor and a wealth of knowledge for veterans-based programs that serve their needs. He always provides needed information and a path forward to help. He always goes well above to take care of ALL people. I am always impressed with his many hours, days, and years of commitment. He never says no and is recognized as the authority for all veteran issues and questions. It was my honor to nominate him for this prestigious award. I was so happy and impressed when Senator O’Mara called me with his selection. Many deserve this honor, and Denis is among those.”

The Senate established its online Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005 and, including this year, has inducted more than 1,000 veterans from throughout New York. The Hall salutes New York veterans for their service in the United States Armed Forces and their civilian accomplishments. State Senators annually select one veteran to represent their respective legislative districts.

The Senate’s online Veterans Hall of Fame, which will include an archived video of Tuesday’s ceremony, can be found here: https://www.nysenate.gov/honorees/2022/honoring-our-veterans

Born and raised in Byron, Michigan, after graduating from high school Oliver enlisted in the United States Air Force. From 1981 to 1985, he served as an Aircraft Armaments System Specialist, stationed at bases in Hahn (Germany) and Loring (Maine), achieving the rank of Senior Airman. He earned numerous military awards including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Eighth Air Force Award for Excellence.

Following his honorable discharge, Oliver settled in Steuben County, where he discovered his calling in 2004 upon joining the Steuben County Veterans’ Service Agency as a Service Officer. He became widely known for an unwavering commitment to going the extra mile counseling and assisting area veterans and their families navigate state and federal programs and services in education, employment, financial aid, health care, housing, job training, and vocational rehabilitation and outreach, among others. Throughout this time, he was a valued mentor to other Service Officers.

From 2019 until his retirement in 2024, Oliver worked as a NYS Department of Veterans Services Advisor (VSA) assisting, advising, and advocating for veterans’ rights and benefits.

He is a past President of the County Veterans Service Officers Association of NYS and received the Theodore S. Coleman Memorial Service Officer of the Year award from the American Legion Department of New York in 2011.

His deep-rooted and longstanding commitment to veterans extends to his work with numerous local, regional, and state veterans initiatives and organizations, including the American Legion, NYS Elks Association, Bath VA Museum, and Bath National Cemetery, where he serves on the Wreaths Across America Planning Committee.

Oliver’s full Hall of Fame biography follows:

Upon graduating from high school in 1981, Denis E. Oliver enlisted in the United States Air Force, embarking on a journey that would lead him to Steuben County, New York, where he has devoted a life’s work of assistance and service to veterans and their families locally, statewide, and throughout our nation.

From 1981 to 1985, Mr. Oliver served as an Aircraft Armaments System Specialist, stationed at bases in Hahn (Germany) and Loring (Maine), achieving the rank of Senior Airman. He earned numerous military awards including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Eighth Air Force Award for Excellence.

Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Oliver settled in Steuben County, where he discovered his calling in 2004 upon joining the Steuben County Veterans’ Service Agency as a Service Officer. He became widely known for an unwavering commitment to going the extra mile counseling and assisting area veterans and their families navigate state and federal programs and services in education, employment, financial aid, health care, housing, job training, and vocational rehabilitation and outreach, among others. Throughout this time, he was a valued mentor to other Service Officers.

From 2019 until his retirement in 2024, Mr. Oliver worked as a NYS Department of Veterans Services Advisor (VSA) assisting, advising, and advocating for veterans’ rights and benefits.

He is a past President of the County Veterans Service Officers Association of NYS and received the Theodore S. Coleman Memorial Service Officer of the Year award from the American Legion Department of New York in 2011.

Mr. Oliver has been a mainstay of the American Legion, holding numerous leadership posts, including Chairman of both the District and County Veteran Services Committees, and as a District Vice-Director of the NYS American Legion Riders.

He has also been active in the NYS Elks Association as a State Vice President and Co-chair of the National Veterans Service Committee, amassing over 1500 hours of volunteer time for the Bath VA Museum and VAMC services.

Mr. Oliver serves on the Wreaths Across America Planning Committee for the Bath National Cemetery.

With his wife, Sue, Mr. Oliver has two stepchildren, Kristin and Nick, and five grandchildren.

O’Mara’s previous Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductees are:

> Philip C. Smith, a highly decorated Korean War combat veteran and well-known figure in Schuyler County government and veterans’ affairs;

> J. Arthur “Archie” Kieffer, a World War II combat veteran and a widely admired fixture in Chemung County government as the Chemung County historian;

> Painted Post Mayor and World War II combat veteran Roswell L. “Roz” Crozier, Jr.;

> Anthony J. “Tony” Specchio, Sr., a distinguished Korean War veteran and widely respected for his long-standing and active service to veterans and government in Watkins Glen and throughout Schuyler County;

> P. Earle Gleason, a lifelong Yates County resident and longtime director of the Yates County Veterans’ Service Agency;

> Warren A. Thompson, a lifelong Steuben County resident and farmer, and a stalwart in the county’s civic and veterans affairs;

> Paul C. “Digger” Vendetti of Elmira, a World War II United States Navy veteran and longtime caretaker at Woodlawn National Cemetery;

> Richard T. “Dick” Gillespie of Penn Yan, a veteran of World War II;

> Dennis L. “Denny” Wolfe, Sr. of Chemung County, a Vietnam War veteran and founder of the Vietnam War Museum in Elmira;

> Merle John Tobias, a Hornell native and graduate of Alfred State College, who served in the United States Army during the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and throughout the Persian Gulf War; and, last year,

> Scott Ward, a Steuben County native, highly decorated United States Army veteran, and a well-known mainstay of numerous local organizations and initiatives.

Other area veterans who are Hall of Fame members are Frank C. “Fritz” Pesesky, a veteran of World War II and former director of the Chemung County Veterans Service Office (2005); William K. Kastner, a Vietnam veteran and longtime director of the Steuben County Veterans Service Agency (2006); and Robert Laskaris, a highly decorated combat veteran and well-known figure in Chemung County veterans’ affairs (2008).

May 26, 2026

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S) Law, which she co-leads with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). The bill would void nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence survivors of child sexual abuse.

“For too long, nondisclosure agreements have been used to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and shield perpetrators from accountability,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today, we are one step closer to correcting that injustice and allowing survivors to publicly tell their stories. I am grateful to Sen. Cruz for his partnership and leadership on TREY’S Law and am thrilled that it has now passed the Senate. I urge the House of Representatives to take up this bill and send it to the president’s desk as soon as possible.”

“Trey’s story is not the exception, but the pattern,” said Senator Cruz. “Non-disclosure agreements are too often used to bury abuse and silence survivors, with incalculable and catastrophic consequences for victims. We will never know how many child victims were silenced by these contracts or how many lives were lost because the law enforced that silence. I am thankful to Senator Gillibrand for helping get TREY’S Law across the finish line in the Senate. I now urge my colleagues in the House to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

TREY’S Law would void NDAs in cases of child sexual abuse or assault. NDAs can be used to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and shield perpetrators from accountability. This bill would make any NDA provision unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts someone from disclosing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse, regardless of whether the NDA was signed before a dispute arose or as part of a civil settlement agreement.

The bill is named in honor of Trey Carlock, a young man from Dallas, Texas who endured sexual abuse as a child while at a summer camp. He signed an NDA as part of a civil settlement, forcing him to silently carry the trauma of his abuse and barring him from publicly speaking out against the perpetrator. He ultimately took his own life at age 28.

May 26, 2026
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

Matt DiRado and Jen Enke were honored with the Leadership through Civic Engagement Awards at the college annual employee recognition luncheon. The award is presented annually by the College Council to acknowledge students, faculty, and staff who have led or initiated exemplary academic and/or co-curricular initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to engaging in the community – locally, nationally, or globally – through service, volunteerism, activism, politics, and much more.

DiRado, an Associate Professor of Architecture, has emphasized and embedded civic engagement principles into his teaching, research, and service at Alfred State. Through sustained partnerships with Southern Tier communities, his work has connected students with community needs through public-interest design, historic preservation, and urban revitalization projects.

He has served as faculty director for revitalization projects in communities, including Friendship, Belfast, Wellsville, Angelica, and Cuba. Just this semester he worked with the Almond Community Church, the Wellsville Theater, and the Ludowici Terra Cotta Building. His work is innovative and allows the students to approach projects that use real public policy, planning, and preservation standards. His endeavors have benefited so many local communities and has used the design talent that is being developed at Alfred State to help the Southern Tier.
Enke, the Associate Director of Athletics, has helped foster a culture where service and community impact are woven into the fabric of the department. Under her guidance, civic engagement has become an ethos with the department. The department actively tracks civic engagement by team, and their records emphasize the breadth and depth of this commitment.

Every team participates in meaningful service projects from Special Olympics to partnerships with local community initiatives. She is the common denominator and thread woven through the department’s efforts. She has transformed civic engagement from an aspiration into a lived reality for over 400 student-athletes.

At the college’s Honors Convocation, Alfred State students Isaiah Dempson and Tayler Taitt received similar awards from the College Council.

College Council Chair Ron Nasca presented each honoree with a certificate to honor their work.

May 26, 2026

FROM THE ALLENTOWN FIRE DEPT: Earlier today, Allentown units were dispatched to assist at a heavily involved structure fire on County Road 38 in Alma. Allentown 1 arrived on scene and assumed 1st due engine duties alongside Alma 7. Personnel quickly went to work stretching multiple handlines from the engine for fire attack operations as crews worked together to bring the incident under control. Mutual aid assistance was provided by departments from Wellsville, Willing, Genesee PA, and Shinglehouse PA. While crews operated on scene, Scio stood by in our quarters to provide coverage for the district.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. A special thank you goes out to Scio for the standby coverage, as well as all assisting agencies for the teamwork and support shown throughout the incident. 15 Allentown members on scene.

May 24, 2026
By State Senator Tom O’Mara

“For as long as we remember”

From Arlington in our nation’s capital to Woodlawn, Bath, and Romulus here at home — and at thousands of other veterans’ cemeteries and monuments across this land — Americans will gather once again to observe Memorial Day.

The nation’s long-standing Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery is highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, on which the following words are inscribed, “Here rests in honored glory an American solider known but to God.”

Therein lies the essence of Memorial Day: To pause in our daily lives and remember the American soldiers who now rest “in honored glory” in devotion and service to all Americans — to our families, our friends and neighbors, our communities, our state, and our nation.

In that spirit, we continue to raise the American Flag. Here at home, we proudly recognize New York State as the “Birthplace of Memorial Day,” in Waterloo, Seneca County, which our nation has observed since the time of the Civil War.

We will also stand proud at the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes in nearby Romulus. As part of this year’s observance in Romulus, our tribute will include, through a “Purple Heart Roll Call of Honor,” a reading of the names of 34 Purple Heart recipients interred at the cemetery. This year’s Memorial Day observance will also honor two distinguished veterans connected to the former Sampson Naval Training Station and Sampson Air Force Base: World War II Sampson Navy Veteran Lloyd Evans of Geneva, New York, and Sampson Air Force Veteran Dr. Ken Padgett, former President of the New York Chiropractic College and longtime Seneca County resident. I have been joined by my Finger Lakes legislative colleagues, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, to sponsor and secure the enactment of Legislative Resolutions in recognition of these salutes.

It is our great privilege and a deep honor to represent the New York State Veterans Cemetery–Finger Lakes where so many come, from far and wide, like we do on Memorial Day, to remember and to again salute the service of these great American heroes. We remember their service, we recall their sacrifice, and we express our deepest gratitude and respect to their families and loved ones. During this year when we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, we are equally proud this Memorial Day to pay a special tribute to the 34 Purple Heart recipients whose final resting place is here in the Finger Lakes. We honor their courage, their valor, their devotion to service, and the unshakeable love for our nation they demonstrated throughout their lives.

New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes Director William Yale states, “The New York State Veterans Cemetery–Finger Lakes is a solemn place where families gather not only to mourn, but to remember lives defined by courage, duty, and love of country. Every name honored here represents a story of sacrifice and service that helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. As we gather this Memorial Day, we do so with profound gratitude for those who gave so much for our nation and with a solemn commitment to ensure their memory is never forgotten.”

Former New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio, who currently chairs the Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes adds, “During the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, the Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery–Finger Lakes are deeply honored to pay tribute to these heroic recipients of the Purple Heart, who were wounded while serving and defending our Nation during time of need. We are especially grateful to Senator O’Mara, and Assemblymen Palmesano and Gallahan for providing this special recognition. The Friends are continually vigilant in recognizing and honoring those 750,000 men and women who, for a period of over 30 years, completed basic training at the Sampson Naval Base during World War II and then the Sampson Air Force Base. It was at this place where they prepared for battle to defend our Nation, some never to return. Those brave individuals truly consecrated the hallowed ground where the New York State Veterans Cemetery is now located.”

Throughout generations of Americans on Memorial Day, many words have been shared to honor the memory – and the service and sacrifice – of our fallen heroes.

We turn enduring thoughts and prayers to our local soldiers, the heroes, who gave their lives.

We honor wounded warriors, and we support the men and women serving in harm’s way at this very moment — shining examples of bravery, eternal honor and respect, and courage and conviction.

We salute all New York State veterans and millions more strengthening communities across our nation.

America’s Armed Forces have made and will continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep America free, so that she can lead the way to a freer world.

The sacrifices of our military will keep alive America’s promise, so that people throughout the world will look to her for inspiration.

Our servicemen and servicewomen will keep America strong, so that other nations will draw courage from her strength.

For as long as we remember and keep them alive in our hearts, we will stand as we do — free in a land of opportunity and promise.

The spirit of this salute will endure and persevere.

God Bless America and God Bless our troops.

May 24, 2026

Tomorrow, Americans from across the country will join together in honor of Memorial Day, a solemn day where we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America.

Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today and preserved this great nation for future generations. While we can never fully repay those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we can honor their memory by ensuring that the men and women who wear the uniform today, and those who have already served, receive the care, support, and respect they have earned.

That commitment must be reflected in policy, not just words. Veterans deserve care they can access, benefits delivered on time, and a Department of Veterans Affairs that works for veterans rather than bureaucrats. They deserve the ability to access community care when the VA cannot meet their needs, along with meaningful support for mental health, housing, education, and employment.

That’s why we are taking action. We secured funding to modernize VA facilities and reduce appointment backlogs, expanded access to community care options, strengthened mental health and suicide prevention resources, and worked to improve accountability throughout the VA system. We have also advanced efforts to help veterans transition successfully into civilian careers, expand educational opportunities, and address veteran homelessness.

On Memorial Day, we remember those who never came home. We honor the Gold Star families who carry their memory forward. And we recommit ourselves to ensuring that every veteran who did return home receives the support and gratitude of a nation they served so faithfully.

Please take a moment to watch my Memorial Day message and keep those who gave everything in your thoughts and prayers. God bless our fallen heroes, our veterans, our active-duty service members, and the United States of America.

Sincerely,
Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy

May 26, 2026
By Steuben County Spokesman Eddie VanStine

The Steuben County Legislature has officially adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026, establishing an online Animal Abuser Registry aimed at protecting animals and increasing public safety throughout the county.
The new law creates a publicly accessible registry through the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for individuals convicted of serious animal abuse crimes in Steuben County.
County officials say the goal is to help reduce repeat offenses, prevent convicted animal abusers from obtaining pets, and provide additional protections for animals across the region.
Under the new law:
• Individuals convicted of certain animal cruelty offenses will be required to register with the county.
• Registered offenders will be prohibited from adopting, purchasing, or possessing companion animals or pets.
• Animal shelters, pet dealers, rescue organizations, and others transferring ownership of animals will be required to check the registry before completing an adoption or sale.
• The registry will include offenders convicted of crimes such as aggravated animal cruelty, animal fighting, abandonment, abuse, and harming service or police animals.
• First-time offenders will remain on the registry for seven years, while repeat offenders may be listed for life.
The online registry will be maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and available through the Steuben County website.
County leaders say the legislation is designed to strengthen accountability, improve animal welfare, and help ensure safer communities throughout Steuben County.
A public hearing on the law was held May 18, 2026, in Bath prior to final adoption by the Legislature.

May 23, 2026

From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: “I am definitely voting against this bill for a number of reasons.  We are still waiting for a financial plan.  This is critically important because we are talking about a quarter of a billion dollar budget.  Three bills we still don’t have in front of us.  We should have had that in front of us before we voted on even one budget bill.   That’s very important.  It should be a requirement.  Another thing I have concerns about is there are no HALT reforms.  Hopefully it will come up on a future bill.  There is definitely a safety and staffing crisis going on inside our correctional facilties.  The Department of Corrections and the unions all recognize that and they supported a number of reccomendations that would help improve the security and safety inside of our correctional facilities – especially given the fact that we have a shortage of corrections officers.”  

May 23, 2026

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO:   Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), the ranking member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, reacts to Assembly passage of the Public Protection and General Government Budget Bill. Included in this bill was a massive immigration package that will hinder law enforcement’s ability to enforce immigration laws and result in state overreach usurping home rule and local control. Specifically, the bill does the following:

• Bans local governments from entering into or remaining in any 287(g) contract that allows participation in immigration enforcement, as well as agreements on detaining individuals for immigration violations.
• Bans any state employee from working with federal immigration authorities.
• Bans law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while performing their duties.
• Allow individuals to sue federal law enforcement officers.

Palmesano says this is just another example of Albany Democrats putting the interests of individuals who entered the country illegally, including dangerous criminals, over the interests of public safety.  “The number one priority of government is to protect and ensure its citizens are safe.  This legislation does not do that. In fact, this will make them less safe.  We have already experienced a devastating migrant influx and crisis across New York, that cost taxpayers more than $13 billion due to dangerous and failing sanctuary policies.  This bill will just set us up for more failures in the future and demonstrates Albany Democrats have not learned from the mistakes of the past. Handcuffing our sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies by not allowing them to work with our federal partners is insanity. This is just massive overreach by the state; local municipalities deserve to decide what steps they need to take to protect their communities, not liberal politicians. Time and time again, Albany Democrats advance policies that choose the interests of criminals over public safety, law and order, crime victims, their families, and the men and women of law enforcement; it needs to stop,” said Palmesano.

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN JOE SEMPOLINSKI: 

“This is a case of massive overreach by Albany Democrats and it’s yet another example of Albany thinking they know better than the rest of us. Local municipalities, and local officials know how to best protect their communities, they don’t need someone elected to represent New York City telling them how to do their jobs. Having local law enforcement involved in the enforcement of immigration law keeps everyone safe, both the general public and those whom the law is being enforced upon.  This will make our communities less safe by making it impossible for local law enforcement to coordinate efforts with federal immigration enforcement officers. I support those who have chosen to come to our country while following our laws,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.