States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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State Comptroller DiNapoli Releases School Audits
ALBANY, New York, June 19 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release:
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of LaFayette Central School District, Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District and the West Buffalo Charter School.
"In an era of limited resources and increased accountability, it's critical that schools make every dollar count," DiNapoli said. "By auditing school district and charter school finances and operations, my office continues to provide taxpayers the assurance that their money is
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ALBANY, New York, June 19 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release:
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of LaFayette Central School District, Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District and the West Buffalo Charter School.
"In an era of limited resources and increased accountability, it's critical that schools make every dollar count," DiNapoli said. "By auditing school district and charter school finances and operations, my office continues to provide taxpayers the assurance that their money isbeing spent appropriately and effectively."
LaFayette Central School District - Fixed Assets (Onondaga County)
The board has not established threshold values for tagging and inventorying assets for departmental inventory control purposes, such as computers, electronic devices, tools and lawn equipment. The board designated the assistant superintendent to be the person responsible for fixed assets but there have been no annual physical inventories conducted.
Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District - Financial Management (Saratoga County)
The board overestimated appropriations by an average of nearly $2.8 million annually from 2014-15 through 2016-17, which resulted in appropriated fund balance not being used. The 2015-16 unrestricted fund balance exceeded the statutory limit.
West Buffalo Charter School - Payroll (Erie County)
Payroll duties were adequately segregated and there was appropriate oversight of the payroll process. However, officials did not update the salaries contained in offer letters when changes were made after the letters were prepared. The board did not formally approve the health insurance opt-out program and the leave benefits for six maintenance employees.
Find out how your government money is spent at Open Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state's 145,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested data.
House Committee Approves Nelson Bill Addressing Gun Rights of the Mentally Ill
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 19 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following news release:
The House Judiciary Committee today reported out legislation sponsored by Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Hempfield) that would balance the right to bear arms with the need to prevent those with mental health issues from possessing firearms.
"The mental health exclusion for possessing a firearm can cause a person or their family to not seek treatment," Nelson said. "We need to remove this barrier to help. Instead, the focus should be on assisting people to get the treatment they need. Once they are
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 19 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following news release:
The House Judiciary Committee today reported out legislation sponsored by Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Hempfield) that would balance the right to bear arms with the need to prevent those with mental health issues from possessing firearms.
"The mental health exclusion for possessing a firearm can cause a person or their family to not seek treatment," Nelson said. "We need to remove this barrier to help. Instead, the focus should be on assisting people to get the treatment they need. Once they arerecovered, the issue of possession of firearms can be dealt with separately. Of the 23,000 involuntary commitments last year, after evaluation about 9,000 of those were found to have no mental health issues. However, they still all lost their Second Amendment rights forever. This means no hunting or sporting with their children or grandchildren.
"I have worked with all stakeholders to reach a balanced, common ground to remove mental health from the Second Amendment business and enable full focus on treatment," Nelson added. The bill has received support from the National Rifle Association, CeaseFirePA and Firearm Owners Against Crime. In addition, he worked with county mental health and addiction recovery professionals during drafting of the legislation.
House Bill 2463 would remove the prohibition against firearm possession for those subjected to emergency involuntary mental health treatment. Next, the bill would establish a procedure for a person ineligible to possess a firearm due to a mental health issue to have the person's rights reinstated. Third, the bill would require anyone subject to an emergency involuntary mental health commitment to face a six-month prohibition against owning a firearm. This prohibition would automatically expire after six months. Finally, the bill would require the Pennsylvania State Police to send to the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS) within 72 hours any record relevant to a determination of whether a person has had his or her Second Amendment rights restored or disqualified due to an adjudication of incompetency or an involuntary commitment.
"For some, decades have passed since they received important mental health care," Nelson said. "They are on firm footing now and should no longer have a lifetime ban. For others, they will continue to need mental health assistance and should not possess a firearm. My bill strikes a balance between the two.
"Furthermore, by bringing Pennsylvania in line with federal standards for restoration of Second Amendment rights, Pennsylvania will receive federal funding that it does not get due to current law," Nelson added. "This change makes sense on all sides."
The bill now goes to the full House for its consideration.
The 57th Legislative District includes the following Westmoreland County communities: the city of Greensburg; the townships of Hempfield (part) and Salem; and the boroughs of Delmont, Hunker, New Stanton, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg and Youngwood.
Representative Eric Nelson
57th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
DEC Lifts Advisory for Knudson Cove and Continues Watch for Exceedances in Ketchikan
JUNEAU, Alaska, June 19 -- The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release:
The Department of Environmental Conservation is lifting the advisory for the beach at Knudson Cove in Ketchikan because enterococci bacteria levels are now within the state's limit for safe recreation.
The Knudson Cove advisory initiated on May 24, is being lifted following two weeks of samples showing the water is consistently meeting water quality standards. Marine water samples have been collected weekly since May 17, for a total of five weekly sampling events this year.
Fecal
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JUNEAU, Alaska, June 19 -- The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release:
The Department of Environmental Conservation is lifting the advisory for the beach at Knudson Cove in Ketchikan because enterococci bacteria levels are now within the state's limit for safe recreation.
The Knudson Cove advisory initiated on May 24, is being lifted following two weeks of samples showing the water is consistently meeting water quality standards. Marine water samples have been collected weekly since May 17, for a total of five weekly sampling events this year.
Fecalcoliform bacteria levels were above state limits protecting consumption of raw fish and shellfish at three beaches including South Point Higgins Beach, Rotary Pool and Herring Cove. Because the elevated levels have not been persistent, an advisory is not in effect for these beaches. However, DEC recommends that when fishing in these areas people should rinse fish/marine foods with clean water and cook seafood to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy pathogens.
Samples were taken at:
* Knudson Cove (16 miles north of Ketchikan, near Clover Pass)
* Beacon Hill (off of North Point Higgins Road)
* South Point Higgins Beach (on Port Higgins)
* Shull Road (south of Whipple Creek)
* Sunset Beach (south end of Mud Bay)
* Refuge Cove Beach (south end of Refuge Cove Beach State Park)
* Thomas Basin (Stedman Street Bridge, mouth of Ketchikan Creek)
* Seaport Beach (near Saxman)
* Rotary Pool, also known as Bugges Beach (south of Saxman)
* Mountain Point - Cultural Foods location (near Mountain Point boat launch)
* Herring Cove Beach (north end of Herring Cove)
As part of a statewide recreational beach monitoring program, marine water samples will be collected at the listed coastal areas to evaluate enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria levels from May 17 - September 12. Monitoring locations maps and results table are shown on the Alaska BEACH Grant Program Website.
Enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria can come from any warm blooded animal, including birds, seals, and dogs, as well as humans. Potential sources of this bacteria in Ketchikan may include wildlife and pet feces, human waste from private and municipal treatment systems, sewer line leakage, and/or boats in harbor areas. Contact with water impacted by enterococci or fecal coliform bacteria may cause stomach aches, diarrhea, or ear, eye, and skin infections.
The beach sampling program is in its second year, and is funded and implemented by DEC. It is part of a nationwide effort to decrease the incidence of water-borne illness at public beaches under the federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act. Since 2002, the Alaska's BEACH Program has been monitoring recreational beaches throughout the state, including other communities in southeast Alaska: Douglas Island, Haines, Juneau, Petersburg, and Wrangell. Sample results have not shown persistent elevated levels of bacteria in these communities.
For more information about the Alaska beach monitoring program, visit the Alaska BEACH Grant Program Website.
Colorado Senate Republicans Issues Statement on Signing of Executive Order
DENVER, Colorado, June 19 -- The Colorado Senate Republicans issued the following statement by Colorado State Sen. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction, in response to Gov. John Hickenlooper's signing of an executive order (B18006):
"Taking a look at the Executive Order, it's difficult to see if Hickenlooper is the Governor of Colorado or California."
"The State of California's average gas prices, utility costs, and cost of living is dramatically higher than the State of Colorado's, which is why these policies should not be adopted, and certainly not by the overreaching pen of the Governor."
Cape May - Lewes Ferry Earns 2018 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence
CAPE MAY, Delaware, June 19 -- The Delaware River and Bay Authority issued the following news release:
Today, Cape May-Lewes Ferry officials announced that the bi-state service has earned TripAdvisor(R) Certificate of Excellence for the seventh consecutive year! The certificate celebrates and recognizes businesses worldwide who have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor during the past twelve months. Certificate of Excellence recipients include attractions, restaurants and accommodations located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
"The Ferry
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CAPE MAY, Delaware, June 19 -- The Delaware River and Bay Authority issued the following news release:
Today, Cape May-Lewes Ferry officials announced that the bi-state service has earned TripAdvisor(R) Certificate of Excellence for the seventh consecutive year! The certificate celebrates and recognizes businesses worldwide who have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor during the past twelve months. Certificate of Excellence recipients include attractions, restaurants and accommodations located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
"The Ferryis proud and flattered to again be recognized by TripAdvisor for service excellence by TripAdvisor," said Ferry Marketing Manager, Mike Porch. "Everyone at the Ferry works hard to deliver our customers a first class experience and it's always good to know what we're doing right. We really appreciate our customers' stamp of approval."
Whether in marine, food and retail, maintenance or customer service, Ferry team members in every department are focused on the customers' needs. The goal is to exceed the customers' expectations every day. Porch noted that because the award is based on guests' reviews, it's the ultimate seal of approval and a testament to the caliber of service that guests receive from the Cape May - Lewes Ferry team.
The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality and quantity of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
"With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers," said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. "This recognition helps travelers identify and book business that regularly delivers great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions."
Attorney General Kilmartin Bill Increasing Penalties for Bad Contractors Passes General Assembly
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 19 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin issued the following news release:
In a major win for consumers who were left financially unwhole by bad or unlicensed contractors, the General Assembly today passed legislation (H7443/S2607) filed at the request of Attorney General Kilmartin that distinguishes penalties for licensed contractors convicted of failing to comply with final orders issued by the Contractors' Registration and License Board (CRLB) based on the amount of the monetary judgment included in the final order and imposes penalties for contractors
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 19 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin issued the following news release:
In a major win for consumers who were left financially unwhole by bad or unlicensed contractors, the General Assembly today passed legislation (H7443/S2607) filed at the request of Attorney General Kilmartin that distinguishes penalties for licensed contractors convicted of failing to comply with final orders issued by the Contractors' Registration and License Board (CRLB) based on the amount of the monetary judgment included in the final order and imposes penalties for contractorsoperating without proper licenses or registration.
"The number one consumer complaint filed with our office is against contractors who do shoddy work, or worse, fail to do the work at all," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "Until now, our hands - and the hands of the CRLB - were tied because there was no legal avenue to hold these bad contractors accountable once the criminal sentence expired. This act gives our Office and the CRLB much needed tools to protect homeowners and ensure that all contractors are playing by the rules. This is a great win for consumers."
Filed by Representative Dennis M. Canario (D - District 71, Little Compton, Portsmouth, Tiverton) and Senator Paul W. Fogarty (D - District 23, Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield), the legislation amends RIGL Section 5-65-19 ("penalty for operating without a registration - failure to comply with a final order of the board - repeat offense a felony") to provide that any person who violates a final order of the CRLB where the monetary total of the order including, but not limited to, the monetary judgment and/or fines, is not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
Where the monetary total of the order is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more, upon written notification, is deemed guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding ten (10) years, fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both. The imprisonment time for those persons found to be a repeat offender would be increased from up to five (5) years to up to ten (10) years.
"Negligent and bad contractors not only waste consumers' money, but there are also significant safety concerns that can arise with inferior or substandard contractor work. This bill will protect consumers' wallets and health while also holding bad contractors responsible for their actions," said Representative Canario.
"The public must have a real means to defend against fraudulent or shabby contractors. Today we are putting some teeth in the law to ensure that people get the restitution they deserve and to send a clear message to those who would fleece the public that they will be held accountable," said Senator Paul W. Fogarty.
Moreover, the legislation amends sections 5-65.1-13 ('violations - penalties"), 5-65.3-17 ("penalties for violations"), 5-65.2-5 ("penalties for violations"), and 5-73-5 ("penalties for violations") provide that all licensees under the jurisdiction of the CRB, specifically, home inspectors, underground utility contractors, well drilling contractors, pump installers, water-filtration contractors, and roofing contractors, are subject to the same penalties as those contractors registered under section 5-65-19.
In addition, to the penalties discussed above, any person who operates without a license or registration, upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a first and second offenses. On third and subsequent offenses, the contractor would be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, imprisoned for a term not exceeding two (2) years or fined not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or both.
When a licensee violates a final order of the CRLB, the case is referred to the Office of Attorney General for criminal prosecution. In the prosecution of violation of the final order, the Court may sentence the defendant to the monetary judgment the CRLB ordered in its final order.
The monetary judgment includes both restitution to their victims and monies owed to the CRLB. Until passage of Attorney General Kilmartin's legislation, the offenses, no matter the amount owed by the contractor, were considered misdemeanors, whereas the defendant generally had only one year to pay the restitution amount. Often, this was not an adequate period of time in certain circumstances, especially if the final order is of a significant amount. Neither the Attorney General's Office nor the CRLB had the ability to stay the sentence pending full restitution, leaving victims unwhole.
By making these crimes felonies subject to up to 10 years imprisonment when the amount of the final order exceeds $5,000, it allows the defendant more time to pay the restitution amount and ensures that victims receive the moneys owed to them.
Attorney General Ferguson Asks Washingtonians to Share Impacts of Trump's Family Separation Policy
OLYMPIA, Washington, June 19 -- Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following news release:
The Office of the Attorney General is requesting information from Washington residents regarding the impacts that they are experiencing - or expect to experience - as a result of the Trump Administration's family separation policy.
As has been widely reported, the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced a zero-tolerance policy for crossings along the Southwest border. As part of this enforcement policy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining immigrants
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OLYMPIA, Washington, June 19 -- Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following news release:
The Office of the Attorney General is requesting information from Washington residents regarding the impacts that they are experiencing - or expect to experience - as a result of the Trump Administration's family separation policy.
As has been widely reported, the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced a zero-tolerance policy for crossings along the Southwest border. As part of this enforcement policy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining immigrantsand asylum seekers, and separating parents from their children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the care and placement of those children, and historically has placed several hundred unaccompanied minors in Washington every year.
We are asking Washington residents to tell us if they or their family members have been affected by this policy or expect to be affected by it. For example, if a Washington resident is currently housing or will soon be housing a child who has been separated from his or her parents pursuant to this policy, we would like to know. Those with information about impacts like these that Washingtonians are experiencing as a result of this policy can call 1-844-323-3864 and let us know.
