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(WNY News Now) – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced a significant boost in federal funding, totaling $360,185,996, for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in New York.New York, NY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that New York will receive $360,185,996 in federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This money will help thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems this winter.“Everyone in New York should be able to come home to warmth in the winter. I’m proud to deliver $360+ million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program fu...

(WNY News Now) – Attorney General Michelle Henry has addressed recent allegations of fraudulent voter registration forms detected in several Pennsylvania counties, affirming the state’s commitment to a secure electoral process.HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry is sharing the following information and assurance regarding allegations of fraudulent voter registration forms surfacing in multiple Pennsylvania counties:“Apparent attempts to submit fraudulent voter registration forms in Berks, Lancaster, Monroe, and York counties have been defeated. The Office of Attorney General is working with the respective county officials to investigate those responsible for this conduct. Our office shares jurisdiction with county district attorneys to investigate violations of the state Election ...

(WNY News Now) – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) has introduced two significant bipartisan bills designed to enhance health care standards and accessibility for America’s seniors.WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced two bipartisan bills focused on improving health outcomes and transparency in long-term care settings. H.R. 10072, the Long-Term Care Transparency Act, and H.R. 10071, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, aim to address critical gaps in senior care and public health programs across the United States.The Long-Term Care Transparency Act, co-led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), will ensure that Congress has access to crucial information about the quality and safety of care in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Right now, st...

(WNY News Now) – The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is launching a free education program aimed at empowering caregivers of individuals living with dementia.BUFFALO, N.Y.  — The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free education program on understanding the role of caregiver for people living with dementia at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, at the Allegany County Office for the Aging, 6085 NY-19, Belmont, N.Y.“Understanding the key aspects of caregiving can help to ensure the delivery of person-centered care while managing your own emotional and physical well-being,” says Andrea Koch, director of community engagement for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.The program, part of the Association’s new “Empowered Caregiver” e...

(WNY News Now) – New Master Teacher and Counselor Programs Aim to Strengthen STEM Education Across New York.Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 144 STEM teachers for the New York State Master Teacher Program, a professional network of more than 1,700 public-school teachers with a passion for inspiring the next generation of educational leaders. Twenty-six counselors were also selected as part of the inaugural Master Counselor Program.“Here in New York, we are incredibly grateful for our teachers’ and counselors’ dedication to inspiring and shaping the minds of our students – the next generation of leaders in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the New York State Master Teacher Program, we’re recognizing the hardworking educational leaders who are helping us build a worl...

(WNY News Now) – New York residents can now access Pawfect Journey, a free online platform dedicated to enhancing pet care and strengthening the bond between pets and their families.New York residents can now explore Pawfect Journey, a website offering FREE resources to support the best care possible for pets. With a large range of articles covering everything from essential safety tips to nutritional advice and fun pet name ideas, this platform caters to new and experienced pet owners alike.Pawfect Journey’s resources include helpful guides such as Can Cats Eat Plantains, recommendations for Dog Toys for High Energy Dogs, and How to Trim a Guinea Pig’s Nails. Pawfect Journey aims to foster strong, lasting bonds between pets and their families.In addition to valuable content, Pawfect Journ...

(WNY News Now) – Construction has officially begun on FeedMore WNY’s new regional headquarters, a project set to significantly enhance food distribution and support services for those in need across Western New York.Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the start of construction for FeedMore WNY’s new expansion project that will address the nonprofit’s dire space constraints, enabling it to strengthen and grow its programs and build brighter futures for Western New Yorkers of all ages experiencing food insecurity and joblessness. The total project cost is not to exceed $107 million. FeedMore WNY is a nonprofit regional food bank and meal-delivery provider that supports nearly 400 pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and other hunger-relief agencies throughout Erie, Niagara,...

(WNY News Now) – Construction Begins to Modernize Aging Infrastructure and Protect Public Health.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a critical project undertaken by the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority to modernize clean water infrastructure in the Village of Tivoli. Nearly $23 million in state and federal investments will help modernize the village’s 1930s era sewer system to help ensure reliable, resilient wastewater service for the community and provide water quality protection for the Stony Creek waterway.“Ensuring access to clean, safe water for all New Yorkers is a top priority, and that’s why we continue to provide critical grants and financial resources to help communities modernize their water infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “To...

(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...