Spend your summer outdoors and join the Rockland Conservation Corps.
Join the Conservation Corps
New York State
Join Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress in a series of four (4) live virtual events to address critical cybersecurity issues pertinent to municipalities, school districts, utilities, industries, and businesses.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
REGISTER TODAY! CLICK HERE
EVENT 1: CYBER ESSENTIALS – March 29, 2022
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will share information that is essential to protecting computer systems, data and infrastructure for local government and businesses. CISA will also discuss its “SHIELDS UP” guidance for all organizations – big and small – to adopt a heightened posture as a result of Russia’s unprovoked attacks in Ukraine. Although there is no specific or credible cyber threat in the United States, CISA is encouraging organizations to practice extra vigilance and report unusual activities on their government, utility or business networks.
The Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and County Executive Ed Day encourage all to participate in this critically important series of informational seminars on how to prevent and protect our businesses and communities againsts cyber-attacks.
For more information, please contact Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress at (845) 565-4900 or visit www.pattern-for-progress.org.
Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a not-for-profit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization whose mission is to promote regional, balanced, sustainable, and equitable solutions that enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley.
Hudson Valley Legislators Pressure O&R to Abandon Rate Hike Proposal
Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley), Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D-Rockland/Westchester), and Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) gathered outside the offices of Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) on Friday to demand the company immediately rescind its proposed rate hikes currently being considered by the Public Service Commission (PSC). O&R is seeking to increase its electric delivery revenues by $24.5 million, and its gas delivery revenues by nearly $10 million over the next three years.
Before a utility company can adjust electric or gas delivery rates for its consumers, it must receive approval by the PSC. Delivery rates cover the infrastructure required to transfer energy from its source to the consumer, as well as any surcharges or administrative fees a utility company may levy.
In recent months, neighboring utility Central Hudson got the green light from PSC in November on its own three-year rate plans, enabling the company’s electric delivery revenues to jump $16 million and gas delivery revenues to jump close to $12 million by 2024. Central Hudson’s rate hike approval comes on the heels of the company’s mishandling of a billing system transition that left the accounts of thousands of consumers in disarray, followed by crushing surges in global energy supply costs.
Due to mounting pressure from local legislators and Skoufis’ recent announcement of a formal Senate investigation into utility companies, power providers, and other stakeholders, O&R’s electric and gas rate cases, initially expected to conclude this week, have been delayed. Skoufis issued a letter to the Public Service Commission on March 4 urging commissioners to suspend any consideration of O&R’s rate hikes, and both Senator Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblymember Zebrowski have been in communication with the Governor’s office about the need for PSC to reign in rate increases.
“We’re here today to call on Orange & Rockland to read the writing on the wall: struggling Hudson Valley ratepayers can’t tolerate these surging bills and they shouldn’t be asked to bear an even larger financial burden,” said Senator Skoufis, who chairs the Senate’s investigations and government operations committee. “O&R must rescind its rate case immediately to ensure residents and small business owners won’t be asked to choose between keeping the lights on and feeding their families.”
“Our constituents are being squeezed by energy costs at every turn and New York State needs to step in everywhere we can,” said Senator Reichlin-Melnick. “Utility companies have a monopoly on electric and gas delivery. We are calling on O&R to reconsider imposing any rate hikes in this moment of unprecedented energy costs.”
“New Yorkers continue to feel the brunt of high utility rates, and the proposed hike from O&R will only create further financial difficulties for hardworking families,” said Assemblymember Zebrowski. “The proposal being considered by the PSC comes at a time when many are still facing overdue payments and trying to make up for those. Now is not the time to force even more pressure on ratepayers, it is time for O&R to withdraw this rate hike proposal and work to find more affordable options for customers.”
Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick Announces Plan to Relieve Pain at the Pump
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY – Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D-Rockland/Westchester) spoke at a local gas station about the need for the state to take action to give drivers relief from high gas prices.
The senator laid out the two steps he proposes for New York State should take to make a difference. In addition to suspending the state’s gas sales tax which is included in this week’s Senate One House Budget Resolution, Senator Reichlin-Melnick is introducing a bill that will send a $250 gas rebate check to every vehicle owner in NYS–enough to fill the tank a few times over.
“With gas prices hitting record highs almost every week, it’s crucial that New York State takes whatever action we can to help people who are getting squeezed at the pump,” said Senator Reichlin-Melnick. “While the state can’t control the international factors that are contributing to rising oil prices, there are steps we can take to provide some relief.”
“Step one is to lift the state sales tax on gas from May 1 through December 31. This is an important step that is anticipated to save drivers $2 to $3 every time they fill up their car. This proposal was passed by the Senate on Monday in our budget resolution and I hope it will be included in the final budget that we will adopt at the end of the month after negotiations with the Assembly and Governor Hochul,” said Reichlin-Melnick.
Step two is a bill the senator will be introducing this week is to send a $250 gas rebate payment to every New Yorker who has a registered passenger vehicle. Senator Reichlin-Melnick noted that “this bill is a clear way that we can take action to get relief directly into the pockets of drivers.”
The gas station owner who hosted the senator’s announcement, Steven Cebel, reported that sales at his station are down 40%. The senator pointed out that the financial hardship created by the high cost of filling a tank impacts the economy of the whole community as people have less disposable income to spend at local businesses.
Senator Reichlin-Melinck was joined by Ossining Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg, Village of Briarcliff Manor Mayor Steve Vescio, and Deputy Mayor Peter Chatzky.
Mid-Hudson Economic Development Updates
News From Governor Hochul
- First Licensing Opportunity for New York Adult-Use Cannabis Industry Advances Governor’s Seeding Opportunity Initiative
- Positions New York Farmers as First to Grow Adult-Use Cannabis in New York
- New Interactive Dashboards on Department of Labor Website Simplify Search for Employment and Wage Data
- Provides Industry-Specific Employment and Wage Data for Nearly 800 Job Titles Across New York State
- Part of Department of Labor Agency-Wide Transparency Plan
- Governor Highlights Importance of Permanent To-Go Drinks and Other Budget Proposals to Modernize State Liquor Regulations, Support Small Businesses, and Bring Back Hospitality Industry
- SLA Upgrades Include More Staff, Less Time to Get Businesses Up & Running
- Directs SLA to Work with Stakeholders and Review Existing Rules and Regulations to Get Back to the ABCs of the ABC Law
Governor Hochul Announces Nearly 1,200 Acres Added to Three State Parks in the Hudson Highlands
- Acquisitions Will Add Buffers and Protect Natural Habitat Near Hudson Valley Parkland
- Properties Will Enhance Access and Trail Network for Popular Hudson Highlands, Schunnemunk and Fahnestock State Park
Upcoming Events
New: NYSBDC presents Finding and negotiating the best space for your Small Business
- On March 29, 2022, Mark Cardone will be joining us to give us his insider take on how businesses can secure your permanent location
- Small business owners know that finding the right location for their business can be tricky. In this live webinar, presenter Mark Cardone taps his experience in commercial real estate to break the process down to 10 easy-to-follow steps to help you choose the best possible location for your business AND negotiate a deal to better ensure your long term success
- Tue, Mar 29, 2022 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
- Register here
Doing Business in China E-Commerce Webinar
- China is the world’s largest e-commerce market, consisting of almost 50% of global transactions and more than 710 million digital buyers. China’s online retail transactions are forecasted to reach $3.56 trillion by 2024.
- Instead of establishing a presence in China, New York State (NYS) firms can choose to sell their products through a cross-border e-commerce platform, such as Tmall Global, which has over 29,000 international brands from 87 different countries. It can also be challenging to determine the potential appeal of your product to Chinese consumers when entering a new market with limited brand awareness and product exposure.
- Tuesday March 29, 2022, 9:00 – 10:00am
- Register here
FuzeHub Manufacturing Forum: Clean Energy & Sustainability
- Opportunities & Resources for Manufacturers
- April 20th, 2022, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY
- Attendee Registration
- Exhibitor Registration
Reminder: Attention New York State Artists, Cultural Workers, and Creatives
- Please join Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) and New York State Council on the Arts’ NYSCA PRESENTS for an online information session to learn more about CRNY’s three-year $125M investment in the financial stability of New York State artists and the organizations that employ them.
- March 17, 2022 from 12PM to 1PM: Click here to register
- The Guidelines for CRNY’s Guaranteed Income for Artists and Artist Employment Program are now live on the Creatives Rebuild New York website.
Economic Development Opportunity Highlights
Reminder: The Round XI Consolidated Funding Application for ESD Grant funds remains open. Apply before 4:00pm sharp on April 15th here
- Second Phase of Clean Energy Initiative Advances Governor Hochul’s Target of Two Million Electrified or Electrification-Ready Homes by 2030
- Traducción al español
NYSEG and RG&E Announce Grants Available to Business Customers Impacted by COVID-19
- New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) today announced funding available for business customers through the companies’ COVID-19 Economic Relief Program.
- Eligible businesses with costs related to COVID-19 after March 15, 2020 can apply for up to $50,000 in grant assistance.
- The assistance is designed to retain businesses and jobs during these difficult times by promoting the economic recovery of New York businesses that incurred costs due to the pandemic.
- Large business customers can apply for up to $50,000 of assistance and small business customers can apply for up to $15,000 of assistance. Applicants must meet specific billing criteria available on the websites: lookupstateny.com/covidrelief/NYSEG and lookupstateny.com/covidrelief/RG&E
- Businesses with questions about the program or about their company’s eligibility can call 855.846.2982 or email NYSEGRGECovidRelief@icf.com for more information.