Before modern ferries and suspension bridges, horses were used to power boats across Lake Champlain

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Market 32 Cares-supported fundraiser continues to deliver critical support for local communities

Price-Chopper/Market 32 Press Release Schenectady, N.Y., February 18, 2025– Salvation Army bellringers at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire raised over $623,000 during the 6-week “Red Kettle” holiday campaign in November and December 2025. The money raised will help fund essential services, including food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief.

For generations, the Red Kettle campaign has been a visible and meaningful symbol of holiday giving, offering customers a simple way to support neighbors in need while completing their everyday grocery shopping. Contributions collected at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores directly support local Salvation Army programs, ensuring that donations stay within the communities where they are given.

“Every donation made at our stores has a direct impact, allowing The Salvation Army to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership and incredibly grateful to our customers for stepping up and supporting their important work and making a difference in the lives of so many.”

“It is only through the community’s generosity that The Salvation Army can respond to those in need 365 days a year,” said Major Michelle Dressler, divisional commander for The Empire State Division of The Salvation Army. “Our continued partnership with Market 32 and Price Chopper is vital to our mission and efforts to help those most in need, as all funds raised stay local to make a difference right here in our community.”

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Albany, Feb. 18, 2026 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced DEC is holding academies for its newest classes of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers. The six-month training academies will prepare up to 50 of DEC’s newest recruits for careers protecting New York State’s natural resources in the Divisions of Law Enforcement and Forest Protection.

“DEC Forest Rangers and ECOs each have a rich history of conservation and public protection in New York, and that storied legacy will continue with the newest additions to our ranks,” Commissioner Lefton said. “These specialized and rigorous training academies ensure graduates will have the skills needed to protect our resources and communities, and I am excited for all candidates having safe and educational starts to incredibly rewarding careers.”

ECOs, originally called Game Protectors, were first appointed for service in 1880. The first Forest Rangers, originally known as Fire Wardens, were put into service in 1885 when the New York State Legislature established the Forest Preserve of New York State. Read more »

Federal Actions Continue to Cause Uncertainty for State’s Economy and Finances; Comptroller Warns of Reduced Independent Oversight

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s report examining the proposed State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 Executive Budget warns the trajectory of projected state spending is estimated to increase at a rate faster than expected revenues, creating cumulative outyear budget gaps estimated by the Division of Budget (DOB) to total $27.5 billion through SFY 2030. Actions taken in Washington, including federal reductions in aid, create increased fiscal strains that are likely to affect the state’s economy, finances and safety net.

“The Executive Budget for the upcoming state fiscal year comes at a time of unusual fiscal uncertainty, caused largely by federal policies that have injected unnecessary volatility into the state and national economies, and disruptive changes in the state’s relationship with the federal government,” DiNapoli said. “These policies will result in lost funding and increased costs to the state, and could deal a devastating blow to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with the loss of health coverage, nutritional assistance, safety net protections and more. As negotiations commence, policymakers need to proceed with caution as they work on balancing the budget, improving affordability and maintaining vital services for New Yorkers. I oppose the proposals to erode contract oversight by my office for billions in spending of taxpayer money. Independent oversight and broader competition in the procurement process are not obstacles but are essential checks that ensure public funds are spent responsibly and fairly.”

Federal Budgetary and Policy Actions Read more »

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North Country Chamber President Garry Douglas says sale bodes well for Plattsburgh production operations

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Winter heat on solid ice, fun for racers, spectators

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Residential, commercial, municipal owners in the district now eligible for tax credits, funding

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Will offer more experimental and independent studies, leadership growth

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$9.7 million for Fireman’s Field Apartments in Town of Ticonderoga, Essex County – Construction of a 60-unit affordable and supportive mixed-use project.

Albany, NYS News Release of Feb. 17, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $240 million in tax credits and subsidies was awarded to create and preserve 1,800 affordable, modern homes in 27 housing developments across New York. The awarded projects include housing with supportive services, accessibility features, and incorporate sustainability measures to keep costs down for residents and help address climate change. Developments provide homes for people of all ages and phases of life, strengthen communities, and further local economic development efforts. The funding is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“The housing crisis won’t solve itself. If we want New York to remain a place people can afford to call home, we have to act with urgency,” Governor Hochul said. “That means building more housing in every region and making targeted investments to expand affordable homes for people of all ages and phases of life including working families, seniors, and people living with disabilities.”The aw

ards are provided through New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s annual Low-Income Housing Tax Credit competitive funding round. Financing includes $66 million from its Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs and $176 million in subsidy loans. Tax credit and subsidy information for each project is available here. When combined with private funding, the projects are expected to generate $1 billion in overall investment.

More than half of the awarded projects will also receive support from agencies including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Empire State Development, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Mental Health — demonstrating that housing affordability is a priority across all sectors.

New This Year

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) updated its Design Guidelines and scoring incentives in 2025 to increase accessibility. The updated guidelines prioritized projects that included a larger proportion of accessible units, resulting in a 33 percent increase in fully-accessible units for those with mobility or hearing or visual impairments.

The projects will all achieve high levels of carbon reduction, with some projects receiving funding through HCR’s Multifamily Solar Program, which funds the installation of on-site solar arrays, as well as some projects receiving funding for electrification upgrades through HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative. Both programs are funded in partnership with NYSERDA. These investments complement New York’s mission to address climate change by decreasing emissions 85 percent by 2050.

The awarded projects are:

North Country

$9.7 million for Fireman’s Field Apartments in Town of Ticonderoga, Essex County – Construction of a 60-unit affordable and supportive mixed-use project. The development will include space for a childcare facility. Developed by Regan Development Corporation.

Capital Region

$6.8 million for SCAP Campus Apartments in Schenectady – Construction of a 60-unit affordable and supportive housing development. The project is planned to be co-located with a separate childcare and family resource center. Developed by DePaul.

$7.5 million for Excelsior Apartments in Saratoga Springs – Construction of a 50-unit affordable and supportive housing project. The project will include on-site solar funded through the Multifamily Solar Program. Developed by Beacon Communities.

$9.6 million for The Finley in Saratoga Springs – Construction of a 71-unit affordable and supportive housing development. The project includes a community building with amenities and offices for on-site services. Developed by Rise Housing and Support Services.

Central New York

$9.3 million for Cortlandville Commons in the Town of Cortlandville, Cortland County – Construction of a 68-unit affordable and supportive housing project that also includes commercial space intended for a childcare provider. Developed by Regan Development Corporation.

$9.6 million for Jordan Landing in the Village of Jordan, Onondaga County – Construction of a 65-unit affordable and supportive housing project spread across nine buildings. Developed by Eagle Star Housing.

$8.6 million for Marcellus Manor in the Town of Marcellus, Onondaga County – A 72-unit affordable senior housing project that includes preservation of the Nine Mile Landing and Upper Crown developments, as well as new construction of a third site. This project includes funding from the Clean Energy Initiative. Developed by Lakewood Development / Southern Hills Preservation Corp.

Finger Lakes

$4.5 million for Midvale Commons Phase 2 in the Town of Perinton, Monroe County – The second phase of a multi-phase Midvale Commons development. This phase includes the new construction of 28 bungalow-style affordable housing units for seniors. The project is spread across eight buildings. Developed by Pathstone Development Corp.

Long Island

$19.2 million for Dogwood Terrace in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County – Redevelopment of a 104-unit public housing development which will include a new 3,700 square foot community facility. Developed by Georgica Green Ventures and the Town of Hempstead Housing Authority.

$12.2 million for Northville Commons in Town of Riverhead, Suffolk County – The first phase of a larger plan to redevelop vacant land owned by the First Baptist Church of Riverhead. This phase includes construction of an 80-unit affordable and supportive housing project. Developed by Georgica Green Ventures.

$13.2 million for Alegria South in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County – Construction of a 96-unit affordable and supportive housing project. The development will include townhomes as well as a community facility. Developed by D&F Development Group.

$12.3 million for Bishop Ronald H. Carter Manor in the Village Freeport, Nassau County – Construction of an 80-unit senior and supportive affordable housing project. The project includes a parking facility to be shared by the adjacent Refuge Church of Christ of Roosevelt. Developed by D&F Development Group.

Mid-Hudson

$5.8 million for Ridgeview Apartments in the Town of Crawford, Orange County – Construction of 42-unit affordable and supportive housing project. Developed by Access: Supports for Living.

$6.3 million for Stone Creek Commons in Town of Saugerties, Ulster County – Construction of 47-unit affordable and supportive housing project. The development will also include a community facility for support services. Developed by Rehabilitation Support Services.

$7.2 million for Hallstead Farms in the Town of LaGrange, Dutchess County – Construction of a 72-unit affordable housing project. Developed by Parkview Development

Mohawk Valley

$7.8 million for Solstice Commons in the City of Oneonta, Otsego County – Construction of 61-unit affordable and supportive housing project. The project will include onsite solar funded through the Multifamily Solar Program. Developed by Rehabilitation Support Services..

$9 million for Columbia Square Apartments in the City of Utica, Oneida County – Construction of a 66-unit affordable and supportive housing project. The development will include a mix of apartments and single‐family residences. Developed by DePaul.

$5.9 million for Rockton Plaza in City of Little Falls, Herkimer County – The first phase of a two-phase redevelopment of the Little Falls Housing Authority’s public housing portfolio. This phase includes the new construction of a 44-unit affordable housing development for seniors. The project will include onsite solar funded through the Multifamily Solar Program. Developed by Little Falls Housing Authority.

New York City

$11.1 million for 2863 Atlantic in Brooklyn – Construction of a 70-unit affordable and supportive housing project in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood. The development will include units reserved for young adults aged 18-25 who are aging out of foster care. Developed by United Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS (Constructive Partnerships Unlimited).

$9.3 million for 1848 Vyse in the Bronx – Construction of 119-unit affordable and supportive housing development in the Bronx’s East Crotona Park neighborhood. Co-developed by Goddard Riverside Community Center and Fish Plate Development.

$15.3 million for Archer Avenue Apartments in Queens – Construction of a 127-unit affordable and supportive housing development in Queens’ Jamaica neighborhood. Developed by Transitional Services for New York.

North Country

$9.7 million for Fireman’s Field Apartments in Town of Ticonderoga, Essex County – Construction of a 60-unit affordable and supportive mixed-use project. The development will include space for a childcare facility. Developed by Regan Development Corporation. Read more »

77,000 Fewer Undergrad Students Receiving Help Compared to 2008

A new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli finds that New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the state’s primary need-based grant program for college students, has not kept pace with inflation or rising tuition costs since the 2008-09 academic year (AY) and that undergraduate TAP recipients dropped by 77,000 (21%), with steep declines among two-year programs (45%), private-sector schools (40%), and lowest income households (38%).

“TAP has helped generations of New Yorkers attend college, but it’s falling behind the realities of today’s costs,” DiNapoli said. “Updating award criteria so that TAP continues to be a useful support for families is needed to help New York retain talent and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”

The decline in recipients since 2008 is partially related to the fall in high school graduates and the drop in postsecondary enrollments, but utilization of TAP was already dropping at a greater pace than for resident enrollment in many sectors, before rebounding in AY 2024-25.

Between AYs 2008-09 and 2024-25, the average award increased only 21% to $2,643, while inflation rose 44% during this time. Over the same period, State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) tuition grew more than three times faster.

Only students from households earning $7,000 or less qualified for the maximum annual TAP award of $5,665 in AY 2025-26, an income ceiling that has not changed for 30 years. Students receiving maximum awards in AY 2024-25 decreased 38% since AY 2008-09.

Limited Support for Many Recipients

TAP is a more meaningful source of support for students at public institutions, where tuition tends to be more affordable. For these students, average awards cover 36% to 42% of tuition depending on system and level of degree. The average TAP award for students attending private sector institutions covers just 6.5% of the average four-year non-profit school tuition. TAP may not be used for non-tuition costs, which can represent significant expenses.

Expanding TAP Access

Recent state actions to expand eligibility for TAP have coincided with the highest number of TAP recipients in AY 2024-25 since AY 2019-20. New York has provided new assistance for certain students to pursue postsecondary education and retraining for career shifts, and has increased income limits for students to qualify for an award. In 2024-25 alone, there was a 20% increase in the number of total TAP recipients from the prior year. The gains across different groups demonstrate the impact of broadening access for part-time study and non-degree or certificate programs along with expanding household income ceilings for eligibility.

These actions support institutes of higher education that have been expanding their enrollments with historically under-represented students, including those who are older and independent. DiNapoli said updating criteria that determine sizes of TAP awards and consideration of TAP’s use for non-tuition purposes are options policymakers can consider for providing support that New York students need to pursue postsecondary education here, enabling them to realize economic benefits for themselves, their families and the state.

Analysis

Is New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program Meeting Need?

Related Reports

Federal Impact on Higher Education – Federal Funding and New York | Office of the New York State Comptroller

Higher Education in New York: Evaluating Competitiveness and Identifying Challenges

Flags Will Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State Tomorrow, February 18, and on the Day of Reverend Jackson’s Funeral Service

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and public service legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away on Tuesday, February 17 at the age of 84. Flags will be lowered on Wednesday, February 18 concurrently in honor of former Representative Richard L. Ottinger.

“Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life was defined by courage and conviction. From Selma to the national stage, he stood tall against racial injustice,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, I join New Yorkers in honoring his legacy and the generations he inspired. My thoughts are with the family of Reverend Jackson and all those whose lives he touched.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate, rose to prominence in the Civil Rights era. He propelled the Civil Rights Movement in the decades following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and founded People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) in 1971. His activism spanned decades, including two runs for the Democratic presidential nomination, in 1984 and 1988. Jackson also helped secure the release of several detained and captured Americans around the world.

Last year Governor Hochul allocated millions to a prison oversight body. This year, she doesn’t want to renew the grant.

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