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(WNY News Now) – Governor Hochul’s Initiative Aims to Expand Access to Affordable Child Care.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State has awarded about $100 million in grants to support free and low-cost afterschool programs serving nearly 40,000 children in high-need areas statewide. State officials from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) also participated in the 25th Annual Lights on Afterschool initiative today by visiting programs in New York City and the Capital Region.“Afterschool programs give our kids outlets to explore their creativity, build their skills and thrive in a supportive environment,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re continuing to invest in free and low-cost afterschool programs and expanding access to affordable child care to help young people gr...

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul unveils a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education for high-achieving New York students.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the SUNY Top 10% Promise Program, creating a direct pathway for the highest-achieving New York high school seniors to gain admission and enroll at select SUNY colleges and universities. Governor Hochul first announced this plan as a part of her 2024 State of the State to help more New York students benefit from SUNY’s unparalleled combination of accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence.“Access to higher education has the potential to transform New Yorkers’ lives and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Governor Hochul said. “Offering New York students graduating i...

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul praised the New York Liberty for their remarkable championship victory in the WNBA Finals during a spirited parade ceremony, emphasizing empowerment and inspiration for future generations.Governor Kathy Hochul joined the New York Liberty parade float after their championship run that secured the 2024 WNBA Finals. Welcome to the sweet land of liberty. On behalf of 20 million incredibly proud New Yorkers, I say welcome home to our champion women. Let’s do it again next year.I also want to thank the leadership organization, led by Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai, who believed in empowering women, investing in them, giving them the resources they need and never giving up faith. You created a team of champions. You said you could create an elite team of profess...

(WNY News Now) – New York DEC Unveils Proposal for Mitigation Fund to Offset Wildlife Impacts from Energy Projects.The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a proposed regulation to implement a fund to help offset negative impacts to endangered and threatened species populations during the construction of renewable energy and energy transmission projects. The proposed Endangered and Threatened Species Mitigation Bank Fund regulation is available for public comment until Jan. 15, 2025, with two virtual public hearings on Jan. 8, 2025.“New York’s green energy transition continues to keep the protection of the state’s most vulnerable wildlife and their habitats at the forefront of our work,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “The Endangered and Threatened Speci...

(WNY News Now) – As Energy Awareness Month unfolds, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are inviting customers to explore their innovative energy efficiency programs.BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) customers can learn more about smart energy opportunities to save this Energy Awareness Month. The Companies’ commitment to smart energy focuses on two essential elements leading the way for our customers: creating more comfortable living options and more comfortable energy bills. Thanks to the latest technology, national programs, rebates and incentives, customers can have both at the same time.“Our energy efficiency programs help our residential, commercial, industrial, and sm...

(WNY News Now) – Registration Open for Nov. 12 Event Aimed at Empowering Minority and Women-Owned Businesses.Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the 14th annual Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Forum will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Albany Capital Center. Commemorating 36 years of the MWBE program in New York State, the theme of this year’s Forum, “Solidifying our Future: A Commitment to Expanding Opportunities for MWBEs,” embraces diverse workspaces and inspires entrepreneurial growth. Information about the Forum’s itinerary and the registration form can be accessed here.“Our MWBE certification program has been a beacon of opportunity for 36 years, empowering diverse businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthening our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “The Forum...