Morning News Briefing

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the 1st proposal of his 2020 State of the State agenda.
He proposed preventing individuals from receiving New York State gun licenses if they commit a crime in another state that is similar to a crime that would disqualify them from owning a gun in New York.
State law currently prohibits individuals from obtaining a gun license if they commit certain New York misdemeanors that are deemed “serious offenses.” like domestic violence or forcible touching. However, the law does not prohibit individuals from obtaining a New York gun license after committing comparable misdemeanors in another state.
The Governor proposes amending the New York Penal Law to prevent such individuals from obtaining a gun license in New York.

DWI arrests reported during the start of Holiday STOP-DWI crackdown.
As one of the busiest travel times of the year is underway so is a special enforcement effort by State, County and local law enforcement across New York to crackdown on drunk and distracted driving through New Year’s Day.
In Genesee County, Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested three people for drunk driving over the first weekend of the detail.
54 year old Linda Doucette of Brockport, 57 year old Matthew Vandyne of Canandaigua, and 20 year old Baillie Schwab of Attica were all arrested and charged with DWI and various other counts over the weekend.

A new law now in effect in New York is continuing to stir controversy especially with County Clerks in the State.
The so-called “green light” legislation allows undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses.
All they need is a combination of documents proving their name, date of birth and New York State residency.
The law, passed earlier this year, has been challenged in court by opponents who claim it puts county clerks at odds with federal immigration law.
Supporters say the legislation will increase driving safety, allow undocumented immigrants to get to work and medical appointments and also create revenue for the state.

For the second time in the last three seasons, the Buffalo Bills are heading to the playoffs.
Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace each picked off Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Delvin Hodges in the end zone late in the fourth quarter in Buffalo’s 17 to 10 road win on Sunday Night Football.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 117 yards and a touchdown and also had a rushing TD in the victory.
The Bills are now 10 and four on the season and have reached double-digit wins for the first time since 1999.
Up next is a Saturday afternoon showdown with the AFC East leading New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.