Morning News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on April 28, 2020
As some municipalities across New York State struggle financially, the City of Batavia is in “pretty good shape.”
City Manager Dr. Martin Moore reported to city council last night that the city is meeting payroll and paying its bills.
He acknowledged the city has received $1.5-million in state aid with another $250,000 due in September.
Genesee County had to furlough 47 public employee on Monday for at least a 30-day period.
Three new cases of COVID-19 in Genesee County, the latest numbers from the health department. The three individuals live in Batavia.
Of Genesee County’s 146 total positive cases since the outbreak began, 49 have come from the Federal Detention Center in Batavia.
Governor Cuomo says some regions of New York could be allowed to reopen next month. Currently, businesses and schools are closed until mid-May under his New York State on PAUSE executive order. The governor says several factors will be considered before a region can reopen, including the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus. He also said yesterday that New York has to be smart about getting things up and running again in order to keep the infection rate low. Ongoing antibody tests have shown just over seven percent of Western New York residents may have had the coronavirus at one point.
A new poll shows Empire State residents are giving Governor Cuomo high marks for his job performance. According to the data gathered by Siena College, 71- percent of folks approve of the work the governor is doing. Seventy-seven-percent of those surveyed also said they have a favorable view of the governor. New Yorkers also said they supported the governor’s ongoing stay-at-home order and his directive to have people wear masks in public.
The New York State Board of Elections has decided to scrap the upcoming Democratic presidential primary. A resolution was approved yesterday eliminating all Democrats from the ballot except former Vice President Joe Biden.
His last remaining challenger, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, suspended his White House bid earlier this month.
The Republican primary for the 27th Congressional District seat, once held by Chris Collins will be held June 23rd. The special election to fill Collins’ unexpired term will be held the same day.
