eNews: February 2023

Dear e-News Readers:

Looking forward to Spring arriving soon, if the weather can decide which season we’re in. Meanwhile, I’ll be spending most of the next month in Albany working on the state budget. I appreciate hearing from hundreds of you who have written about various budget concerns. I will do my best to speak up on your behalf.

Donna

1. Johnson City Big Winner in Downtown Competition

Gov. Hochul was recently in town to announce that Johnson City was awarded $10M as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The timing is perfect as the downtown has reached a major turning point with the presence of Binghamton University and the UHS expansion, the rebirth of the Victory Building, and new small businesses beginning to open. You can read more here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-johnson-city-10-million-southern-tier-winner-sixth-round-downtown-0?fbclid=IwAR3EdpqYxVa3LZyoka4GZ2PpTIyzhfW2GrxPXlZ_hLM7xd32ROgtiinM3yw

In addition, the Governor highlighted budget investments that she is proposing for the Southern Tier. To read more: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-highlights-southern-tier-investments-part-fy-2024-executive-budget?fbclid=IwAR1Lk5MIMdy6ymaZgJSxO4xjqBC_HJ3_LbUeeFWKQb8r160JfaNdKEsoryw

2. BOCES Hosts Legislators

I recently attended the annual Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Broome-Tioga School Boards Association and the Broome-Tioga Association of Chief School Officers. This is always a welcome opportunity to hear about the legislative priorities and concerns of our local school leaders. I always prioritize the needs of our schools, and BOCES in particular as we are trying to address critical workforce shortages.

3. Just Breathe Opens Its Doors

Representatives from the NYS Office of Cannabis Management gathered in Binghamton for the grand opening of Just Breathe, the first adult-use cannabis dispensary in Upstate NY. This is the result of years of work legalizing all the main varieties of the cannabis plant (for medical, industrial, CBD extracts and adult-use). Just Breathe has opened in partnership with the Broome County Urban League. The Governor made a stop at the store while she was in town, signifying the state’s commitment to establishing a safe, legal system that supports NY’s farmers and new entrepreneurs. Visit their website: https://justbreathelife.org

4. News for Veterans

Earlier this month, Clear Path for Veterans celebrated the grand opening of their new office in Vestal, near the high school. This is now the second office this organization has opened in NYS. The new space will give local veterans a home base and allow Clear Path to expand upon the work they have already been doing. I am pleased that their vision has finally come to reality. For more information: https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/clear-path-for-veterans-opens-local-office/

Also, after years of effort, the first-ever State Veterans Cemetery has been established at the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Seneca County. NY veterans will now finally be honored with the resting place they have requested and deserve. Read more here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-establishment-new-yorks-first-state-veterans-cemetery

5. North of Main Street (NoMa) Continues Making Progress

The First Ward Action Council held a press conference with the City of Binghamton and NYS Homes and Community Renewal, to announce news on the North of Main Revitalization plan to create 23 units of housing in the NoMa neighborhood. While the entire project is still in progress, we got to tour one of the newly renovated apartments that are available for rent. This is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the neighborhood North of Main Street. For more information: https://www.binghamton-ny.gov/Home/Components/News/News/283/15