Category Archives: Unshackle Upstate Update

OGDENSBURG — City Council unanimously voted to award a construction contract to Jett Industries of Colliersville for the $35.9 million wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project, but also caught an earful from two separate parties skeptical about the process, Monday night. Amanda Bertram, vice president of public affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors, Empire State, said […]

A law that requires road and bridge projects in New York to use structural steel and iron made in the U.S. should receive a permanent extension, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday at the New York City Labor Day Parade. The current law, first approved in 2017, expires next April. The law applies to construction contracts […]

Governor Cuomo, joined by the Commissioner of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), held a press conference to announce their intention to investigate and seek restitution of up to $2 billion from opioid drug manufacturers and distributors. The administration contends that New York consumers have overpaid an estimated […]

This week the Governor signed into law a bill (S.301A/A.481A) that will expand the current school-based programs and marketing initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use, to include electronic cigarette and liquid nicotine use. The bill also expands the mandate of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Advisory Board to include making recommendations to the commissioner […]

Governor Cuomo announced the new Upstate Cellular Coverage Task Force, which will develop potential solutions and policies to address the lack of cell service in rural and remote parts of upstate New York. The task force, which the Governor originally proposed as part of the 2019 State of the State, will be administered by Empire State Development. […]

City & State NY’s Winners and Losers here. City & State NY: Will New York follow California’s lead on gig workers? The Public Finance Commission held its first public hearing. When will the state be mailing your STAR rebate check? Schedule here.

The Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction and Overdose Prevention will hold apublic meeting to hear from stakeholders on strategies for reducing overdoses, improving individual and community health, and addressing the harmful consequences of drug use on September 16. The Joint Legislative Commission on Rural Resources and Assembly Standing Committee on Local Governments public hearing on rural broadband […]

A law that requires road and bridge projects in New York to use structural steel and iron made in the U.S. should receive a permanent extension, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday at the New York City Labor Day Parade. The current law, first approved in 2017, expires next April. The law applies to construction contracts […]

Governor Cuomo announced a series of administration appointments filling a variety of staff vacancies. Kumiki Gibson Counsel to the Governor – Originally from Buffalo, Ms. Gibson brings to the Executive Chamber extensive legal experience, working at the highest levels of government, including over two years as Counsel and three years as Associate Counsel to Vice President Al […]

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued guidance to insurers regarding underwriting in life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance for opioid-reversal drugs such as naloxone. According to the guidance letter, DFS initiated an investigation following reports that insurers were denying applications for insurance based on an applicant having been issued a prescription for an […]