November 24 Leg Act News

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The Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the Department of Education’s role, including redefining and shrinking the list of recognized professions, are viewed as part of a political agenda targeting perceived ideological bias in higher education.
Reclassifying many advanced health-care roles as “non-professional” would sharply limit access to necessary graduate-level funding, threatening the pipelines for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, therapists, and other trusted medical professions.
These changes risk worsening workforce shortages, lowering care standards, accelerating replacement of skilled clinicians with less-trained staff or AI, and undermining long-term health outcomes and democratic safeguards tied to higher education.

Democrats reckoned with a prolonged government shutdown to force negotiations on preserving health-care premium subsidies, but eight senators eventually broke ranks to reopen the government amid growing harm to citizens.
Although the final bill temporarily protects key programs and Trump now appears ready to offer a limited two-year ACA premium subsidy extension, continued pressure and vigilant oversight are needed to prevent further erosion of affordable health care.

November 27 - December 5 - There is an effort to encourage a retail blackout from purchasing the week of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Support our local economy and focus on buying locally.

December 5 - Visit the Letters to Santa booth hosted by TCDC! Lights on the River is an Owego Historic Marketplace annual event.

DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE? THE DEADLINE TO DECLARE A CANDIDACY IS APPROACHING. The last week in February to the end of March is the petition period so it is time to think about getting your name on the ballot.
The NYS Board of Elections has a resource page that helps you to plan Running for Office | New York State Board of Elections.
Locally we know there will be town justice positions; at the state level, Assembly, Senate and Governor; and federally, the NY23 Congressional seat.

Urge them to oppose the rescission bill, fight for the restoration of SNAP benefits and health care subsidies, and stop further hurtful federal cuts: