SNAP emergency allotments to end, and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region February 9 to 15

Posted 2/7/23

Unclaimed funds total $16 million for Sullivan County

ALBANY, NY — New York State comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli oversees more than 46 million unclaimed-funds accounts, valued at $17.5 …

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SNAP emergency allotments to end, and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware region February 9 to 15

Posted

Unclaimed funds total $16 million for Sullivan County

ALBANY, NY — New York State comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli oversees more than 46 million unclaimed-funds accounts, valued at $17.5 billion. Sullivan County has 32,115 accounts with unpaid money, the balance totaling $16,474,865. State residents can visit osc.state.ny.us/unclaimed-funds to search for and claim their money through an online database system, or call 800/221-9311.

Hochul announces highlights of 2024 executive budget

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul on February 1 outlined her fiscal year 2024 executive budget. Spending totals $227 billion, an increase of 2.4 percent. Deposits to reserves that had been planned for FY 2024 and FY 2025 will be completed by the end of the current year—two years ahead of schedule—for a total of $24 billion. The budget makes a long-term, $1 billion investment to transform New York’s continuum of mental health care; sets aside $378.8 million to address a historic housing shortage in New York State, with a target of 800,000 new homes over the next decade; and makes $497.4 million in major public safety investments aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing quality of life, including $337 million for programs designed to prevent and reduce gun violence.

Executive order to speed up PA licensing process

HARRISBURG, PA — On January 31, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to improve the commonwealth’s licensing, permitting and certification processes. This would begin a comprehensive review of how long it takes agencies to process applications, and examine how workers and businesses apply online. The executive order will help to establish a date for each license, permit or certificate by which applicants will hear back. If applicants don’t receive a response by that date, the agency responsible will refund the application fee, a spokesperson said.

Cartwright named ranking member of appropriations subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced his election to serve as the ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies subcommittee on the Appropriations Committee for the 118th Congress. Cartwright, who has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2016, will also serve as the second-highest Democrat on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations subcommittee.

Local organizations encouraged to apply for DCNR grants

HARRISBURG, PA — Counties, municipalities and municipal agencies; pre-qualified land trusts; nonprofits; and other eligible organizations interested in applying for conservation, recreation, trail and riparian buffer grants through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can do so now. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, April 5; for more information on the grant program, visit dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/Pages/default.aspx.

SNAP emergency allotments to end

ALBANY, NY — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits that have been provided throughout the pandemic are ending in February, due to federal rules. The temporary benefits have provided an extra payment each month to ensure all SNAP households received at least the maximum monthly benefit. For more information, visit otda.ny.gov/EA-SNAP.

Tusten Repair Café postponed

NARROWSBURG, NY — The Tusten Repair Café, previously scheduled for Saturday, February 25, will be postponed until Saturday, March 18. The repair café connects people who have objects in need of repair with people who have the skills needed to repair them. For more information, email repaircafetusten@gmail.com.

Legislation introduced to support individuals with disabilities

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19) introduced his first bill, the Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act. This bipartisan bill creates a comprehensive and easy-to-access website that includes support services and resources available to individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. This measure was inspired by Molinaro’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, launched in 2015 during his service as Dutchess County Executive. The measure challenged local residents, businesses and municipalities to break down barriers for those with disabilities.

Policy hearing on workforce development

CRANBERRY, PA — Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler) hosted a policy hearing on February 2 with members of the House Republican Policy Committee and the public. It focused on how to develop the commonwealth’s workforce to meet the needs of Pennsylvania employers and consumers. Participants discussed the difficulties of bringing in new staff, and about the current business climate. They suggested remedies including making employment and workforce data available to local agencies and stakeholders in real time, implementing realistic and consistent regulation and policy, and providing incentives to people to stay in or relocate to Pennsylvania.

WMCHC appoints CEO

HONEDALE, PA — The board of directors of the Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) has appointed Teresa “Terri” Lacey, R.N., to the position of chief executive officer. The change in leadership follows the retirement of Frederick Jackson, who led the WMCHC as executive director for nearly 16 years.

In 30-plus years in healthcare in northeast Pennsylvania, Lacey held various leadership positions, encompassing behavioral health, emergency services, inpatient care, home health and quality improvement. She most recently served six years as the executive director of the behavioral health initiative at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton.

First-time homebuyers legislation to be reintroduced

HARRISBURG, PA — Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) announced that she will be reintroducing legislation to assist first-time homebuyers. Last session, while serving in the House of Representatives, Brown sponsored House Bill 730—companion to Senate Bill 157—to allow first-time homebuyers to deposit money into a savings account for the exclusive purpose of purchasing a first home. The money saved will be deducted from their state income tax.

Liberty looking for part-time data collector

LIBERTY, NY — The Town of Liberty wants to fill a position for a part-time data collector, for the collection of real property data on residential and/or commercial properties and other tasks. Contact supervisor Frank DeMayo for more information, at supervisordemayo@townofliberty.org or at 845/292-5111.

unclaimed funds, executive budget, housing, public safety, permitting process, Matt Cartwright, grants, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, SNAP, Tusten Repair Café, individuals with disabilities, workforce development, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, Teresa "Terri" Lacey, homebuyers, data collector

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