Hochul Admin unveils budget proposal
Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her first executive budget proposal: $216 billion that looks at needs post-pandemic, the Times Union is reporting. It is a "socially responsible and fiscally prudent" budget the governor is quoted as saying. Hochul's budget, including one-time federal aid, increases funding for health care, education and public safety, and adds to rainy-day reserves. This budget is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to make thoughtful, purpose-driven investments,” the governor said. Her administration said that spending toward housing and crime-reduction programs could entice people to stay in the state, which is losing people quickly, the story says.
Pot-based agritourism in Boonville
A cannabis industry entrepreneur is raising $30 million for a start-up agritourism business in his hometown of Boonville, population 2,000 north of Utica in the Adirondack Park, the Albany Business Journal reports. Tyme Ferris has built cannabis production plants nationwide. He is using a rule in the state’s new cannabis law that will allow a small grower to cultivate, process, distribute, deliver and dispense a limited amount of cannabis products, the story says.
Maskless Gillbrand annoys restaurateur
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand walked into the Latham restaurant Innovo Kitchen Friday without wearing a mask, and the owner, John LaPosta, is none too pleased, a story in the Times Union said. The senator said in a statement “I will do better going forward.” LaPosta said he was angry for his staff who have followed the statewide mask mandate even though they were annoyed with the face coverings or were called names by customers when staff enforced the rules.
Legal diversity starts with UAlbany
The Albany Business Journal queried regional law firms on their diversity and equity policies and many pointed to the interns they are getting from the UAlbany School of Law. The school has been working for years to bring in more people of color, by offering more internship opportunities, providing mock interviews and creating networking programs and mentorships.
Housing development questioned in Milton
Neighbors around a proposed 25-home cul-de-sac in Milton have been complaining that the development would be set too close to their property, disturb wildlife, and create traffic challenges, a story in the Daily Gazette says. The project goes in front of the town Planning Board on Wednesday night. In previous meetings, the developer was given permission to avoid the roadways a development of that sort would need. Neighbors are saying the well water could affect their wells, and storm water runoff could be a problem, among other concerns, the story says.