Morning News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on April 2, 2020
Former Republican Congressman Chris Collins is asking for the start of his prison sentenced to be delayed.
Lawyers for the ex-27th District representative are citing concerns over the coronavirus. They say the 69-year-old Collins – who had represented Genesee County in Congress – is at risk of getting severely ill should he be exposed to the virus.
Collins pleaded guilty last year to federal insider trading charges. He’s scheduled to begin his 26 month sentence on April 23rd
The latest update from the county health department shows Genesee County with a total of 16 coronavirus infections. Three cases were added yesterday….all three are under the age of 65.
The complete text of the health department’s daily local update of Coronavirus can be seen HERE.
Planning for a new Genesee County jail have been put on hold.
County lawmakers say uncertainty over the budget has delayed any work on the jail project until next spring.
County Manager Jay Gsell said that due to the effect of bail reform plans to construct a four-pod jail may be reduced to three.
State lawmakers have reportedly struck a deal on the state budget. According to the Wall Street Journal, spending will be cut due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The exact price tag of the budget hasn’t been announced.
The deadline for passing a budget was earlier this week, but since lawmakers failed to approve it on time, the paychecks of thousands of state workers were put on hold.
