Cuomo signs the Gender Recognition Act

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Gender Recognition Act on June 24, removing longstanding barriers to equality under the law and ensuring expanded protections for transgender and non-binary New Yorkers. The legislation allows New Yorkers to use “X” as a non-binary sex designation on drivers licenses, ensures their ability to have their gender identity on official documents and offers protections to reduce discrimination against nonbinary and transgender New Yorkers by permitting name change and sex designation changes to be sealed more easily. It also provides New Yorkers the ability to amend their birth certificates and use a designation of mother, father, or parent. 

Pennsylvania lifts universal masking order June 28

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced last week that the order requiring universal face coverings would be lifted statewide at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 28. The department continues to urge Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule and regulations, including healthcare, local business and workplace guidance. 

For the protection of themselves and others, individuals who have not yet been vaccinated or are partially vaccinated are still encouraged to wear a mask when in public. 

UDC to present ‘Sullivan County’s Wireless Broadband Initiative’ on July 1

NARROWSBURG, NY — The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) will host a presentation on “Sullivan County’s Wireless Broadband Initiative” by commissioner and chief information officer for the Sullivan County Division of Information Technology Services Lorne D. Greene and Sullivan County Legislator Michael Brooks, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, at the Upper Delaware Council office, 211 Bridge St.

For more information, call 845/252-3022 or email ashley@upperdelawarecouncil.org. 

Kayden’s Law passes Pennsylvania State Senate

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The PA State Senate passed landmark child safety legislation on Thursday, June 24. Senate Bill 78, also known as Kayden’s Law, is a bipartisan effort by Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10). The legislation would help protect children by making their safety and welfare the principal focus in any custody dispute. It does that by imposing safety conditions and restrictions on visitation in cases of abuse, modifying the factors that a judge must consider in making a custody award to put the focus on the health and safety of the child and recommending better training of all court personnel involved in custody cases. 

Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee advances legislation

HARRISBURG, PA — The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), has advanced three bills focused on human trafficking and a fourth related to child abuse. 

HB 246 ensures that protections offered to sexual abuse victims under the Rape Shield Law are extended to victims of human trafficking. HB 843 requires the court to consider whether a party or member of that party’s household has been convicted of human trafficking when awarding child custody. HB 1147 adds human trafficking to the list of sexual offenses requiring offenders to attend and participate in counseling and therapy offered through the Department of Corrections. The final bill, HB 954, allows criminal justice agencies to share critical information with others conducting child abuse investigations, such as the Department of Human Services, a children’s advocacy center, a multidisciplinary review team, or a child fatality investigative team. 

Sullivan County budget again wins national award

MONTICELLO, NY — For the sixth consecutive time, the Sullivan County Manager’s Office and Budget Office have earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). 

“This award is the highest form of recognition in government budgeting and represents a significant achievement by your organization,” GFOA Technical Services Center Director Michele Mark Levine wrote in congratulations to Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek. 

Delgado votes to restore critical protections for Americans

WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) voted to restore critical protections for employers, consumers and the environment. The House took this important action via three Resolutions of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act: S.J. Res. 13, S.J. Res. 14, and S.J. Res. 15. The resolutions have passed the House and the Senate and go now to President Biden’s desk for his signature. 

“I am proud to support these resolutions, which roll back anti-worker, anti-consumer and anti-environmental policies of the previous administration,” said Delgado. “From reinstating Clean Air Act pollution standards that limit toxic methane emissions to stopping predatory lenders from preying on working families, these protections are for the people—not special interests.”

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway elects officers

NARROWSBURG, NY – The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB) Committee elected its 2021-22 officers to lead the nonprofit organization in promoting and protecting the outstanding character, heritage, and beauty of New York State Route 97 and its communities, while encouraging economic development through tourism and recreation.

John Pizzolato (Town of Highland) was re-elected chairperson for a second term. Virginia “Ginny” Dudko (Town of Deerpark) was named as a first-time vice-chairperson, while Larry H. Richardson (Town of Cochecton) continues his long-standing role as secretary-treasurer.

While the election occurred during the UDSB’s annual meeting held virtually on April 26, a reception took place on May 24 at the Narrowsburg Union as the committee resumed in-person meetings. For more information, see a full press release here.