June 1 Leg Act News
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If you are interested in joining the Leg Act Committee or want to submit something to our newsletter, send an email to TCDC at TIOGANYDEMS@GMAIL.COM or MARITA FLORINI at FNPMAF1@GMAIL.COM
Leg Act News Highlights
NY State Budget
The budget passed with benefits like energy rebates (~$200 per household) and a 4% COLA for human services workers.
Included are childcare, luxury property taxes, public safety, Medicaid, immigrant protections, environmental, and workforce investments.
Did not increase SNAP funding despite food insecurity provisions.
Federal cuts are estimated at $7.6 billion, plus $4.9 billion in healthcare reductions.
Elections and Campaigns
Early voting begins soon; the primary is in three weeks!
Canvass for Aaron Gies to increase name recognition and boost turnout, especially in low-participation districts. Contact TIOGANYDEMS@GMAIL.COM to get involved!
We have a Town Hall with Aaron Gies scheduled for June 16 in Owego.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, endorsed by TCDC, is running against two democratic opponents.
Legislative and Environmental Updates
New Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act signed into law, establishing producer responsibility to reduce packaging waste.
Oversight is the responsibility of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Tioga County Economy
The county faces severe challenges: no hospital, limited public transit, aging population, high Medicaid dependency.
Federal policy cuts threaten healthcare and mental health and increase local costs.
The county’s reserves are declining; costs for Medicaid and emergency services are rising.
Action Items and Events
June 8, 2026 - Tioga County Legislator Keith Flesher Will Host a Community Roundtable.
Monday June 8, 2026, at 6:30 pm at the Village of Newark Valley Municipal Building, 9 Park St. Parking is available on Park St and at the Rock St Municipal Parking Lot.
Strawberry Fest Float and Table: We need marchers, the more, the merrier. Contact tioganydems@gmail.com
We need helpers for the float construction. Building will take place on June 6 and 13. Join Congressional candidate Aaron Gies and march in the parade on June 20. Contact Tioganydems@gmail.com if you can help build the float and if you are planning to march.
The second annual Valley Pride Picnic will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 11 am to 3 pm at the main pavilion of the East Waverly Park (east end of Ithaca Street). This is a FREE, fun, family event for the area LGBTQIA community, their families, friends, and allies.
If you usually vote by mail, make sure you know that you need to register for your ballot every election. Contact your county Board of Elections or go to this link: Request a Ballot - Early Mail or Absentee Ballot to have a ballot mailed to you. The last day to request a ballot online for the June 23 primary is June 14. If you are mailing your request, remember the post office has been slower with mail. Submit your request as soon as possible, and do not delay in mailing your ballot back.
If you do not have transportation to the early voting site (Tioga County Board of Elections, 1062 State Route 38, Owego) for the primary (June 13-21), please email Tioganydems@gmail.com.
Visit 866OURVOTE.org. Make a voting plan for both the primary (June 13-21) and the November election. Make sure you are registered. If you get to the polls and a problem is stopping you from voting, ask for a provisional ballot and follow up with the Board of Elections and 866OURVOTE.org.
