The Peru Gazette

Albany, July 16, 2026 – State tax receipts totaled $37.2 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027, $2.4 billion higher than Division of the Budget (DOB) estimated in the SFY 2027 Enacted Budget Financial Plan. State tax collections were also $4 billion higher than the first quarter of 2025, according to the monthly state cash report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Tax collections for the state were higher than projected, primarily reflecting strong business tax collections,” DiNapoli said. “However, caution is warranted as geopolitical conflicts and changing trade policies have contributed to higher inflation, financial market volatility, and slowing employment growth.”

Personal income tax (PIT) receipts totaled $20.9 billion and were $654.2 million above DOB’s financial plan projections through the first quarter. However, PIT receipts were $1.7 billion higher than the same period in SFY 2026, reflecting, in part, the 6.5% increase in collections from the settlement of the 2025 tax year.

Business taxes, which include collections from the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), totaled $9.4 billion, $1.9 billion higher than through June in the prior fiscal year and $1.6 billion higher than DOB’s financial plan projections. This reflects an increase in corporate franchise tax and PTET collections of 34.7% and 23.7%, respectively over last year. Read more »

L-R Ron Deragon, legislator, Peru’s Lauren Davey, Beekmantown’s Loghan Strickland, Mark Henry Chairman, Mark Lavigne Ex Director MEGA, Kim Kinblom deputy county administrator and MEGA board member. Photo provided

CLINTON COUNTY, NY, July 16, 2026 – – The Clinton County Legislature is proud to announce that outstanding students from the Peru Central School District and Beekmantown Central School District have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) Member Scholarship. Peru’s Lauren Davey and Beekmantown’s Loghan Strickland have each received $3,000 toward their college freshman year expenses.

MEGA is a non-profit local development corporation that provides stable, competitively priced energy supply to local governments and school districts across New York State. This is the second year of the annual MEGA Member Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors from member communities who demonstrate academic achievement and plan to pursue studies in STEM or public policy at a college or university in New York State.

“The Clinton County Legislature is proud to celebrate Loghan Strickland’s selection as a recipient of the 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship,” said The Honorable Mark R. Henry (Area 3-R, Chazy). “Loghan’s hard work, academic achievements, and commitment to his future have earned him this recognition among students from across New York State. Scholarships like this help open doors for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and public servants, and we look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the years ahead.”

MEGA received several outstanding applications from across New York State, reflecting the strong talent, ambition, and community-minded spirit of students in its member municipalities and school districts.

After reviewing applications from across its 250 member communities and school districts, MEGA selected Lauren Davey and Loghan Strickland as two of the 2026 scholarship recipients. Their achievements, dedication, and future aspirations reflect MEGA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in energy, innovation, and public service.

“I am honored to recognize Lauren Davey for earning this prestigious scholarship and for representing our community so well,” said The Honorable Ron E. Deragon, Jr. (Area 8-D, Plattsburgh). “Lauren’s dedication to her studies and her future aspirations exemplify the talent and determination we see in so many of our young people here in Clinton County. Congratulations to Lauren and to all of the scholarship recipients on this outstanding achievement.”

“On behalf of MEGA, I congratulate Lauren and Loghan on this well-deserved recognition,” said Mark LaVigne, MEGA Executive Director. “Their dedication to their educational pursuits is inspiring, and we wish them the very best as they continue their studies and work toward a brighter future for New York State.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 7 at 1 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker who suffered a broken arm on Mount Marcy.  New York State Police pilot Beck flew Forest Rangers Rooney and Sabo to the hiker’s location. Ranger Sabo lowered Ranger Rooney onto the mountain. Ranger Rooney splinted the subject’s arm and harnessed them for extraction. Ranger Sabo hoisted the 61-year-old from Nyack into the helicopter and pilot Beck flew them to the hospital. Ranger Rooney hiked out with the remaining members of the subject’s party. Resources were clear at 8 p.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 8 at 11:30 a.m., Forest Ranger Rooney responded to a call for a hiker with a shoulder injury approximately half a mile from the summit of Upper Wolfjaw Mountain. The hiker indicated a friend was helping on a steep step and pulled the arm and felt their shoulder pop out. The hiker and their party continued hiking to Johns Brook Lodge. Rangers Ezumah and Rooney met the hiker there, treated the shoulder injury, and put the arm in a sling. Rangers escorted the hiking party to the trailhead. The hiker indicated they would seek medical attention on their own. Resources were clear at 3:45 p.m.

Town of Hunter
Greene County
Rescue: On July 8 at 7 p.m., Greene County requested Forest Ranger assistance with a swimmer and a dog stranded below Fawn’s Leap. The dog went over the edge and was stuck on the other side of the stream. A 29-year-old from Poughkeepsie tried to rescue the dog but also got stuck. Rangers Horn and Jackson assisted the Ulster County Sheriff’s Dive/Swift Water Rescue Team, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens and Hudson Fire Departments, and Twin Cloves Technical Rope Rescue Team with a high-angle rope rescue. Rangers provided a personal flotation device to the swimmer as a rescuer was lowered to attach a harness to the swimmer and the dog. Rescuers raised the swimmer and dog to the top of Fawn’s Leap, where they were assisted across a calmer section of the stream. Resources were clear at 9:15 p.m.

This occurred in a restricted area with warning signage. DEC reminds hikers to follow signs and avoid dangerous locations.

Town of Lysander
Onondaga County
Law Enforcement: On July 9, while on patrol in Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area, Forest Ranger Chappell heard and then observed two people riding electric bikes on the property. Ranger Chappell stopped the two 15-year-old riders. Electric bikes cannot be operated on roads with posted speed limits over 30 miles per hour, are prohibited in any State Wildlife Management Area, and are illegal for anyone under age 16. Ranger Chappell issued the teens a warning and contacted their parents to safely pick up the bikes and their children. Read more »

Boards of Visitors are supposed to oversee state-run disability and psychiatric programs. Almost none of them have enough members.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Read the full list of President’s List and Vice President’s List honors students for NCCC’s spring 2026 semester

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

(PLATTSBURGH- July 15, 2026) – The City of Plattsburgh is excited to announce the return of its popular Movie Night series, bringing free family-friendly entertainment to parks across the city throughout the summer and fall. Last October was the first movie night held at Macdonough Park. Given the success and engagement from the community, the City has decided to plan 3 movie nights in 2026 for all to enjoy.

The first Movie Night of the season will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, on the Plattsburgh City Beach Lawn, featuring a screening of Zootopia 2. The movie was selected through a community vote, giving residents the opportunity to help choose the film shown on the big screen.

Movie Nights are scheduled for:

8PM Friday, July 17, 2026 at the City Beach Lawn

8PM Friday, August 7, 2026 at the MacDonough Park Bandshell

7PM Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Melissa Penfield Football Field

The movies for the August and October screenings will also be selected by the community. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Plattsburgh’s social media pages and visit the City’s community engagement platform,

My.CityofPlattsburgh-NY.gov, for upcoming movie voting opportunities.

Two guided walks and a water chestnut pull scheduled for July, August

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Albany, July 15, 2026 – The estimated $277 billion Enacted Budget for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 is an increase of 7% from SFY 2026 with the state Division of the Budget (DOB) projecting that disbursements will exceed receipts in each year of the Financial Plan, raising questions about long-term fiscal sustainability, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

The Financial Plan reveals the impact of current pressures on state finances, with DOB projecting that cumulative out-year budget gaps have increased since January and now total $31.8 billion. Despite this growth, no increases were made to the state’s total reserves. In addition, the state is anticipating drawing down on $1.3 billion in General Fund balance by the end of SFY 2027 to help balance the budget.

“The state’s finances remain highly exposed to federal actions and potential economic downturns,” DiNapoli said. Read more »

Albany, July 15, 2026 – The 2027 property tax levy growth will be capped at 2% for local governments that operate on a calendar-based fiscal year, according to data released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This figure affects tax cap calculations for all counties, towns and fire districts, as well as 44 cities and 13 villages.

“For the sixth consecutive year, the allowable tax levy growth will be limited to 2%,” DiNapoli said. “Local governments are tasked with the difficult challenge of delivering essential services efficiently while managing higher costs of goods and services, as well as the persistent threat of destabilizing federal actions. My office offers technical assistance for those that need it and provides transparency to the public so they understand the fiscal pressures facing local governments.” Read more »

Click here for the WTEN story 

Program Will Help Connect Workers to Opportunities in America’s Fastest Growing Semiconductor Ecosystem

Albany, July 15. 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program, designed to connect workforce training programs to careers in the state’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry sector. The new program, administered by Empire State Development, supports eligible semiconductor manufacturers and manufacturing businesses by offsetting the costs of training employees for high-demand manufacturing careers, helping companies build the skilled workforce needed to support continued industry growth across New York State.

“New York is making historic investments to become the nation’s premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and that means investing in people just as much as projects,” Governor Hochul said. “This new workforce training tax credit will help manufacturers develop the highly skilled workforce they need while creating new opportunities for New Yorkers to build careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.”

The program supports employer-led training that addresses specific business needs, enhances employee skills, improves productivity and creates opportunities for career advancement. Eligible training may be provided directly by employers, third-party providers or New York State Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Tax credits can cover up to 75 percent of eligible training costs, including employee wages during training, curriculum development, instructor costs and qualifying wraparound services, up to $25,000 per employee receiving eligible training. Eligible semiconductor manufacturing businesses may receive up to $5 million in credits over the life of the program, while other eligible manufacturing businesses may receive up to $1 million.

To qualify, businesses must operate in New York State as eligible semiconductor manufacturing or manufacturing businesses, submit an approved workforce training plan before training begins, and demonstrate compliance with worker protection and environmental requirements. Applications are now being accepted through ESD. Additional program information, eligibility requirements and application materials are available here.

Businesses, Municipalities, and Nonprofits Need to Submit Consolidated Funding Applications by 4 p.m. on July 31

The clock is ticking for North Country businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits to secure a share of millions of dollars in state economic development funding. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) reminds potential applicants that the deadline for the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) is Friday, July 31, 2026, at 4 p.m.

This year, up to $60 million in Regional Council Capital Funds—plus additional funding from more than 20 state programs—is available Read more »

Show starts at 7PM! The band will be performing a mix of marches, showtunes, swing standards, and patriotic pieces. The concert will be held on the back lawn of the church’s fellowship center, and is free and open to the public.

LEWIS, N.Y., July 13, 2026  — Champlain Area Trails invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of the new Mount Inez Trail on Saturday, August 1, honoring the remarkable legacy of Inez Milholland, the women’s suffrage advocate, attorney, and longtime Lewis resident whose name now graces the mountain overlooking the Boquet Valley.

The celebration will bring together community members, local leaders, and project partners to commemorate both a new public trail and the successful effort to rename the mountain in recognition of Milholland’s lasting contributions to the fight for women’s voting rights and social justice. Read more »

Policy Outline for Community Investment Framework Available Here    Executive Order Available Here

Albany, July 14, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed an Executive Order to create the nation’s first moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, establishing the strongest standards for data center development and creating a blueprint to support localities. The Governor is temporarily pausing State environmental permits for up to one year in order to build a nation-leading regulatory framework that protects ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid and communities across the state.

“New York has always been at the forefront of innovation and change but we’ve also always guaranteed that New Yorkers benefit. As data center development threatens to hike up utility bills, deplete our natural resources, and create uncertainty for New Yorkers, it’s my responsibility to take action and lead,” Governor Hochul said. “New York will lead the way in creating the strongest standards in the nation for data center development, ensuring that when companies succeed because of New York, New Yorkers succeed too.” Read more »

DiNapoli News Release – State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli unveiled a new taxpayer migration dashboard where users can track the number of personal income tax (PIT) filers moving in and out of New York.

DiNapoli has been monitoring taxpayer trends, most recently issuing a report that examined pre-pandemic trends in PIT tax filings and a follow-up report that analyzed changes in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Using data from the Department of Taxation and Finance, this dashboard contains the latest numbers on part-year resident tax filers and will be updated annually to allow the public the ability to analyze trends on taxpayers moving into and out of the state each year.

Part-year resident tax filers made up 2% of New York state filers in 2024. These filers are those whose tax returns indicated they moved into or out of the state during the tax year. Though a small share of all taxpayers, the movement of these part-year residents can affect collections over time—particularly since New York has experienced a net out-migration of resident filers since 2015. However, the net out-migration of tax filers is not equal to state population gained or lost.

“Personal income taxes are New York’s largest tax revenue source, accounting for more than one out of two tax dollars collected by the state,” DiNapoli said. “When personal income taxes drive so much of the state’s revenue, even small shifts in the number of tax filers can have an impact over time. The pandemic caused a large movement of taxpayers out of New York in 2020, but the dashboard shows this was an aberration. Although out-migration has continued, it slowed considerably and was well below pre-pandemic levels in 2024. I remain very concerned about the net loss of married, middle-class filers, and urge policymakers to continue their efforts to improve affordability for New York’s families.”

The interactive chart provides data for tax filers moving into and out of New York in a given year based on part-year resident filers, and allows for analysis based on filing status or income. For example, the dashboard indicates:

• In 2024 there were 256,164 part-year filers; of these filers, 121,251 moved into New York, while 134,913 left the state, a net out-migration of 13,662 taxpayers—a loss of approximately 1 in 1,000 resident taxpayers.
• The greatest net loss of taxpayers was among married filers with incomes between $100,000 and $500,000 – a net loss of 8,200, or more than half of the total net out-migration, in 2024.
• Net out-migration rates increase at higher income levels; in 2024, net out-migration averaged 1 in every 100 resident filers with incomes over $500,000.
• One positive post-pandemic trend is that there has been a net in-migration of single filers each year since 2022.

Dashboard

Taxpayer Migration in New York State

Related Reports

Moving In or Out? New York State Personal Income Taxpayer Migration Trends

Taxpayer Movement During the Pandemic: Comparing 2020 and 2021 to Pre-Pandemic Baseline

PORT KENT, N.Y. — Grab your clubs, gather your foursome, and get ready to swing for something bigger than birdies. Heart Well Homestead invites golfers of all skill levels to its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the beautiful Harmony Golf Club in Port Kent.

The day begins with check-in at 8:00 a.m. followed by a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start, offering participants a fun day on one of the North Country’s most scenic courses—all while helping provide hope and support to mothers and families in need. Following the tournament, golfers will enjoy lunch, prizes, and time to celebrate at the Harmony Golf Club Bar & Grill.

“This tournament is about more than golf,” said organizers at Heart Well Homestead. “It’s about bringing our community together to make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re chasing a low score or just out for a great day with friends, every swing helps support our mission.”

Heart Well Homestead is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive community for unhoused pregnant and parenting mothers, offering resources, stability, and hope during some of life’s most challenging moments. Proceeds from the tournament directly support the organization’s programs and services, helping local families build brighter futures.

Players, sponsors, and community supporters are all encouraged to participate. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply looking for a memorable way to give back, this tournament promises friendly competition, great prizes, and plenty of fun along the way.

For more information or to register, visit Heart Well Homestead’s Events Page or contact Jamie Dupell at (518) 569-4074 or HWH.fundraiser@gmail.com.

Prospective adult learners can learn about tuition-free degree opportunities and available student support services

Read more »

CVPH Family Medicine Residency Faculty member Delaney Osborn, MD, left, presents graduate Nicholas Rzepski, MD with a Certificate of Completion

CVPH Residency Program advances rural healthcare

Plattsburgh, NY -, July 14. 2026 – Created to help meet the growing demand for primary care providers in rural communities, the CVPH Family Medicine Residency celebrated the graduation of seven physicians who are preparing to begin the next phase of their medical careers.

At the June 19 ceremony held at the Rainbow Banquet Hall, family, friends, fellow residents and faculty celebrated the Class of 2026: Maria Czajkowski, MD; Michal Klokner, MD; Jacob Moore, DO; T. Nicholas Rzepski, MD; Esha Sanyal, MD; Charlotte Spear, MD and Yanbo Yang, MD. Read more »

More Secure Technology to Protect Recipients’ Benefits from Theft

Albany, July 13, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ benefits from theft and that new, more secure chip-based cards will be issued beginning early in 2027. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently finalized a contract with a vendor to provide the cards, which are expected to greatly limit theft of benefits by criminals using illegal “skimming” devices. Read more »

Albany, July 14, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced proposals are now being accepted for the State’s annual 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit awards, which will make available up to $58 million in 9% Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), $10 million in New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (SLIHC) and more than $200 million in State Capital subsidy loan programs. The program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), will accept proposals through September 10, 2026. Read more »