Supreme Court strikes down NY concealed-carry rules

ALBANY, NY — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 23 that New York’s concealed-carry gun licensing regulations were in violation of the Second Amendment. According to those regulations, New Yorkers who wanted to carry a firearm outside their homes could obtain an unrestricted license to “have and carry” a concealed “pistol or revolver” if they could prove that “proper cause exists” for doing so. The court held that the proper-cause requirement violates the 14th Amendment by preventing law-abiding citizens with ordinary self-defense needs from exercising their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms in public for self-defense.

Gov. Kathy Hochul met with the mayors of New York’s six largest cities to discuss policy options in the wake of the decision. “My team has been preparing for this decision and exploring every possible action, and we are in discussions with the legislature about our legislative options. We are not powerless, and we will do everything in our power to protect New Yorkers,” Hochul said.

“The U.S Supreme Court decision rejecting New York’s unconstitutional concealed carry law is a victory for law-abiding gun owners,” said NY-51 Sen. Peter Oberacker. “Stopping criminals, bolstering our state’s mental health system, and backing our law enforcement officials are the steps we need to take to truly improve public safety. It is time to put the spotlight on the real issues and end pro-crime policies emanating from Albany.”

Comments wanted on Clean Path NY

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Clean Path NY held open houses in Sullivan County on June 22 and 23 to prepare for the project’s next steps. Clean Path NY comprises a 175-mile transmission line, 3,800 megawatts of new in-state solar and wind power, and the New York Power Authority’s existing Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Plant.

The last is a hydroelectric facility that is expected to strengthen the reliability and resiliency of the project.

The transmission line will begin in Delaware County and enter the Hudson River in Orange County.

For more information on the project, visit www.cleanpathny.com. Questions, comments or feedback can be submitted through a contact form on the website or via email at info@cleanpathny.com.

Cornell Cooperative Extension receives grant funding

ALBANY, NY — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County has received $32,138 in grant funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Office of Temporary and Disability Services through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention (SNAP-Ed) Community Growers grant program. The program provides direct support to community-led gardens and nonprofit farms that work to combat food insecurity in under-resourced areas, and help food insecure communities develop an interest and skillset to grow and cook healthy, locally produced food, according to a statement.

Bipartisan gun control legislation passes Senate

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Senate voted on June 23 to approve the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act by a vote of 65-33. The act provides a total of over $13 billion in federal funding to bolster public safety to help stop tragedies before they occur, including through substantial investments in mental health, school safety and state-led crisis intervention programs. It includes a provision that cracks down on straw purchasers—agents who buy items for those who are not able to purchase them on their own. It also prohibits court-convicted domestic abusers from purchasing firearms and improves an existing background-check system for juveniles.

“Protecting human life and safeguarding Americans’ constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive—and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act accomplishes both,” said Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah).

‘Don’t say gay’ in PA?

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, plus education and youth advocates, denounced Senate Bill 1278, a copy-paste version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. According to the commission, it would harm students and set back human rights in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1278, which was introduced on June 10, ​was approved on June 21 along party lines by the Senate Education Committee, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

COVID-19 kid’s vaccine guidance

ALBANY, NY — The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced updated clinical guidance for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in children down to six months of age. Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation and updated interim clinical considerations, vaccines are now widely available for children under five years of age.

Children six months to four years of age are eligible for three shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The initial two doses are administered three weeks apart, followed by a third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose. The two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has already been authorized and is available for children five years and older. Children six months to five years of age are eligible for two shots of the Moderna vaccine, given one month apart. The vaccine had been authorized for use in adults 18 years of age and older.

Fallsburg road closures

HURLEYVILLE, NY — The Sullivan County Division of Public Works is closing a portion of Fallsburg Town Highway 77 (Krum Road) near Hurleyville for repairs to County Bridge 427, located approximately a half mile north of Krum Road’s intersection with Mongaup Road. This section of Krum Road was scheduled to be closed to all traffic starting at 8 a.m. on June 24, and will remain closed for approximately two weeks.

Orange & Rockland encourages energy assistance

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Public Service Commission has approved the Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program for income-eligible New Yorkers. Residential customers of Orange & Rockland who receive qualifying government assistance will have unpaid balances for service through May 1, 2022 forgiven through a bill credit.

To qualify, you must be enrolled in Orange & Rockland’s Energy Affordability Program by Saturday, December 31, or have received benefits under New York State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program or the Home Energy Assistance Program-Regular Arrears Supplement. Visit oru.com/MyAccount to check enrollment status.