Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on March 19, 2023
The New York State Democratic Senators are attempting to push out 500 Million Dollars to child care providers across the Empire State. The $500 million workforce retention grant program would provide up to $12,000 in salary enhancements to child care workers employed at a facility that serves families who receive assistance for care. The Senate’s proposal also raises eligibility for assistance up to 103% of the state median income, or 42% of the federal poverty level. Providers are pushing for the Senate’s proposal, though it’s less than the $1 billion they say is needed. New York has about 17,000 child care providers statewide. Senators also included a provision to provide money to expand child care assistance to immigrant families and undocumented children.
Fire Crews responded to 10 and a half South Spruce Street for a report of a house fire at around 3am this morning. When they arrived they found that the fire had spread from a single room into the attic. Crews were able to put the blaze out within an hour. All occupants were able to escape the house safely. The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is believed it started outside the house.
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg slammed New York’s marijuana law as a disaster — blaming state legislators for a roll out of cannabis that has helped criminals and hurt kids by making it as “easy to buy an ounce of pot as it is a slice of pizza.” Bloomberg, who has rarely weighed in on New York issues since leaving City Hall a decade ago, said the law has failed to address enforcement of criminal activity and allowed illegal pot shops to flourish as a result before legal cannabis shops were licensed to open. He cited data that drug and alcohol incidents in public schools spiked 29% over the past year. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved marijuana legalization in 2021. His successor, Gov. Kathy Hochul, has since overseen the slow rollout, with only a handful of licensed pot shots opening amid a massive black pot market.
Gas prices aren’t moving. AAA says that the average price of Gas in Batavia is currently 3.37 for a gallon of regular. This is even with what it was a week ago and a month ago. It is down 98 cents from last year. The New York State Average is 3.44 and the National is the same.
Lots of people came out for a taste of the sweet life on the first day of the 28th annual Maple Weekend. Over 50 maple producers opened their doors to the public to learn how maple syrup is made, sample delicious products, and experience the history behind this powerhouse crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York maple producers produced a whopping 845,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2022, which is a 31% increase from the previous year. Over at Genesee Country Village and Museum, they were offering demonstrations on the history of maple syrup production. Governor Hochul declared the weekends open to the public on Saturday in a ceremony at Moore’s Maple Shack and Pancake House in Freedom.
The Buffalo Sabres were completely shut out against the Boston Bruins in their game on Sunday. They lost 7 to 0 against the frontrunner for the President’s Trophy. Boston scored their first goal within 15 seconds of puck drop. The loss marks Buffalo’s third in a row and the second straight time giving up seven goals in back-to-back contest against Boston. Buffalo will stay at the KeyBank Center for their next game. A Tuesday night showdown with Nashville. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. est.
