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(WNY News Now) – With over 300,000 seniors in Western New York at risk of losing critical telehealth access, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on Congress to act before December 31st and protect Medicare’s telehealth services, particularly for rural communities.Standing at Olean General Hospital, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire in just two months without Congressional action. Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Western NY seniors, which is especially important to rural areas like Cattaraugus County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare. “Telehealth services are essential in places like Cattaraugus County; it is a lifeline for our rural ar...

(WNY News Now) – Statewide Campaign Aims to Inform New Yorkers About the Benefits of Registered Apprenticeships.For the third consecutive year, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed November New York State Apprenticeship Month as part of her continued support of this highly effective workforce development model that is helping to prepare the next generation of New Yorkers for careers of tomorrow. As part of the announcement, the New York State Department of Labor launched a new public awareness campaign featuring Commissioner Reardon and New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa promoting registered apprenticeships as a form of higher education that is often debt-free. NYSDOL is also working with NYSED to promote and educate school districts about this positive pathway to gainful employm...

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul announces a new public information campaign aimed at combating hate and bias in New York State, encouraging residents to report incidents and access support.Governor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Human Rights’ Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, announced a public information campaign to educate New Yorkers about the support available in combating hate and bias in communities across New York State, as well as the importance of reporting such incidents when they occur. The campaign, entitled “Call Out Hate,” will be featured in the coming months in the New York City Subway, Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road train cars and transit stations. It will also be included in statewide Division educational events reminding New ...

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant pay increase for 2,100 New York State employees in professional traineeships across 46 state agencies, aimed at enhancing recruitment and retention efforts for state government roles.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a series of pay increases for about 2,100 New York State employees working in professional traineeships across 46 state agencies to help attract and retain talent. Employees in these positions will receive either a 5.7 percent increase in salary or an 11.6 percent increase in salary, depending on their title. The increases reflect Governor Hochul’s commitment to affordability for New York’s employees and families, while ensuring the Empire State provides the best services and protections for all New Yorkers for...

(WNY News Now) – In an unexpected turn of events, the Harborcreek Fire Department (HCFD) has been forced to cancel its highly anticipated Nova raffle after the event’s financial viability was called into question.The Harborcreek Fire Department (HCFD) announced the cancellation of its Nova raffle, citing significant financial challenges. The decision came after the department’s partner, NFI Empire, notified HCFD that the raffle could not proceed unless the department purchased the car outright. Faced with this ultimatum, the department realized that continuing the raffle would result in a substantial loss of approximately $25,000, factoring in both the car’s value and the promised cash prizes.During a meeting, the HCFD membership discussed the issue thoroughly and determined that, despite ...