Latest news with #NewYorkState
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Upstate GOP lawmaker pushing bill to allow hands-free gas pumps in New York — joining rest of United States
New Yorkers might finally be able to go hands-free at the gas pump if one upstate lawmaker gets his way. State Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Onedia) has introduced a bill to greenlight the use of clips to hold open gas pump nozzles throughout the Empire State — devices already legal in the country's 49 other states. Griffo said he sponsored the legislation after investigating the matter following complaints from constituents. 'This bill would bring New York State in line with the rest of the country, [and] protect the elderly and other New Yorkers by limiting their exposure to harsh and potentially dangerous weather conditions when pumping gas, and [it would] rein in government overreach,' Griffo said in a statement to The Post Saturday. The bill, introduced April 15, will be 'supported by many, especially given advances in pump technology and station safety features.' New York's fire code has not allowed gas clips since the early 1980s, when self-service pumps were first approved. There were concerns then that the devices could fail and allow gas to overflow out of a vehicle, but the worries have been unwarranted based on use in other states. Griffo has compared the gas clip-rules to government overreach, limiting the number of gallons per minute that flow through showerheads and other appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month calling for an immediate end to water pressure regulations implemented by former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, touting the action will make 'America's Showers Great Again' — and keep his signature blond hair 'beautiful.'
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
New I LOVE NY Summer Tourism and Travel campaign launched
Comprehensive marketing effort includes new domestic and international advertising, an I LOVE NY mobile marketing tour, and continued industry relations efforts to promote visitation. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of I LOVE NY's new integrated summer tourism and travel campaign, highlighted by two new ads running through August across New York State, and in traditional drive markets including Canada. This includes advertising across broadcast, streaming and social platforms, and showcases some of the attractions and activities available. The summer campaign also includes I LOVE NY's largest mobile marketing tour ever, and additional complementary travel industry efforts to promote visitation to the State's 11 diverse vacation regions. 'Tourism is synonymous with New York State, thanks to all of our amazing attractions, from beaches to high peaks, from the Erie Canal to iconic museums and performing arts venues,' Governor Hochul said. 'This vital industry is facing challenging new political and economic headwinds. That's why supporting our tourism industry is more important than ever, and why we are getting out the message that no matter where you're from, you're always welcome in New York State.' I LOVE NY's multifaceted summer tourism campaign begins with two new ads featuring a new tagline – 'New York State: Everything You Love.' – reflecting the depth and breadth of the world-class attractions and memory-making activities available in communities throughout the state. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, 'Tourism is crucial to New York State, supporting jobs and local economies, and we have so many incredible attractions ready to welcome visitors, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. This summer, New York wants to extend a special invitation to travelers from across America and all around the world: this is the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to celebrate history, explore our incredible landscapes, and enjoy all that our incredible state has to offer.' Empire State Development Division of Tourism Executive Director and Vice President Ross D. Levi said, 'In addition to iconic attractions across our state's eleven beautiful vacation regions, the next few months in New York hold special delights for travelers from near and far. Guests can look forward to special events commemorating the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, a summer of thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course headlined by the Belmont Stakes and Travers races, the Ryder Cup tournament at Bethpage golf course on Long Island, and food and fun at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. The endless variety of activities shows that there truly is everything to love in New York State.' As part of this new campaign, I LOVE NY is extending a special invitation to international visitors – especially Canada, which represents New York's largest inbound international market. International visitation is vital to New York State's tourism economy. Historically, overseas visitors plan longer trips and produce more direct spending during their stays. New for this year's campaign is a direct-to-consumer international marketing element in the United Kingdom and Australia, which includes digital billboards, plus streaming and digital advertising. I LOVE NY also continues to work with members of the travel trade industry, like tour operators and travel agents in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia through trade shows, sales missions and familiarization tours. The summer campaign also includes I LOVE NY's largest-ever mobile marketing tour with more than 40 stops throughout the Northeast. The mobile tour will make stops at popular events such as music festivals, street fairs and sporting events where guests can interact with fun experiences to learn more about the state's attractions, win special I LOVE NY prizes, and take pictures with a large I LOVE NY logo sculpture. Under Governor Hochul, tourism is New York State's second largest industry, supporting one in 10 jobs. Recently, more than 306.3 million travelers visited New York State, generating $88 billion in direct spending and a record-high economic impact of $137 billion. Each year, tourism spending saves the average New York State household $1,400 in taxes.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New York should accelerate downstate casino approvals, Yonkers mayor says
The mayor of Yonkers says New York already has a winning pair of downstate casinos and thinks the state gaming commission should not wait until the December deadline to award licenses and cash in. Mayor Mike Spano says Empire City in Yonkers and Resorts World in Queens should immediately be approved for full table gaming, so the state can start reaping the revenue. New York casino licenses still up for grabs Spano's statement comes after entertainment mogul Jay-Z was in Albany this week, reportedly building support for his team's bid to build a casino in New York City's Times Square. In addition to Jay-Z's bid, other proposed casino sites include Coney Island, Citi Field and Hell's Kitchen. But the pool of downstate casino applicants has been shrinking in recent weeks. Wynn Resorts dropped its bid for a casino at Hudson Yards and Las Vegas Sands walked away from a proposal at the Nassau Coliseum. The New York State Gaming Commission will license three full "table gaming casinos" out of eight expected applicants -- or nine if Nassau County finds another way in -- bringing table games, like poker and blackjack, to the New York City area. John Sabini, a former New York gaming official, believes the two existing "slots only" casinos, Empire City and Resorts World, have a major advantage for a full gaming license. "They've been good partners. They provide a lot of revenue right now. They're up and running. People are used to them being there, so the opposition wouldn't be there," Sabini said. MGM said it's ready to expand Empire City to create a live entertainment venue if it gets a full gaming license. Award casino licenses before "potential dips in the economy," mayor says Organized opposition will be a major drag on several of the casino proposals, which is why Spano thinks the state should enable the Yonkers and Queens casinos to expand before the December deadline. "We have potential federal cuts, potential dips in the economy that we're faced with. These casinos mean jobs, more aid to education," the mayor said. The state gaming commission's process calls for waiting until December to announce the three license winners. "The processes can be changed," Spano said. "Let's move forward at least with these two casinos, and then let the third casino happen organically." Spano also urged the state to issue approvals shortly after the application period ends in June.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 States That Are Still Sending Out Stimulus Checks in 2025
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans received an unprecedented amount of financial relief from the government in the years following. A series of economic impact payments were approved by Congress to help ease the financial strain placed on all Americans as a result of the economic turmoil that ensued after lockdown measures were put in place five years ago. Find Out: For You: According to the U.S. Government Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), three rounds of economic impact payments (totaling more than 476 million payments equal to $814 billion in financial relief) went to households impacted by the pandemic between 2020-2021. Though there are no more federal stimulus checks scheduled, a few states are still looking to send or have sent stimulus checks to their residents in 2025 to mitigate the impacts of continued higher costs and ongoing inflation. Governor Kathy Hochul recently introduced the idea of New York State's first-ever Inflation Refund. It passed, so New York State residents who are single taxpayers and make up to $150,000 per year could receive a payment of $300, while joint tax filers making up to $300,000 per year would receive a payment of $500. In fact, the state is sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million residents as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget. 'Because of inflation, New York has generated unprecedented revenues through the sales tax — now, we're returning that cash back to middle-class families,' explained Governor Hochul. She added, 'the cost of living is still too damn high,' and she's looking to give New Yorkers financial breathing room in 2025. These one-time refunds are designed to help New Yorkers with the cost of living going up, thanks to inflation. Checks began mailing in late April 2025 and will continue through May. Up Next: New York isn't the only state sending out stimulus checks in 2025. California has confirmed a new round of stimulus checks up to $725 for eligible households, depending on income and family size. The new stimulus checks are designed to support state residents who may be facing financial challenges due to inflation. Here are some of the requirements to qualify: Annual income: Beneficiaries must stay within certain income limits set by the program. Residency in California: Applicants must be legal residents of California and have filed a recent state tax return. Exclusion from previous rounds: Priority is given to individuals who did not receive aid in earlier phases of the Golden State Stimulus program. Payments will be sent via direct deposit or physical check via mail if there's no bank account information on file with the state. As part of Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), the state had more stimulus checks to send in 2025, thanks to Colorado's current $1.5 billion fiscal surplus. Colorado residents who are single taxpayers can receive a payment of up to $800, while married couples filing jointly can receive a payment of up to $1,600. This welcomed financial relief supports residents and aims to boost the local economy by bolstering consumer spending power. Here are some of the requirements to qualify for the TABOR refund: Tax Compliance: Must have filed Colorado 2023 DR 0104 tax returns by April 15, 2024. Residency in Colorado: Must have lived in Colorado for over a year. Age and Continuous Residence: Must be 18 years old and have resided in Colorado for at least 183 days during the fiscal year. Legal Status: Should not have any outstanding tax debts or criminal convictions resulting in imprisonment of 180 days or more during the fiscal year. Payments can be issued by direct deposit, paper check or prepaid debit card. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 5 Little-Known Ways to Make Summer Travel More Affordable These 10 Used Cars Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle This article originally appeared on 3 States That Are Still Sending Out Stimulus Checks in 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Some local New York state elections are moving to even years. Here's why lawmakers are divided on the change.
Why lawmakers are split on New York state moving some local elections to even years Why lawmakers are split on New York state moving some local elections to even years Why lawmakers are split on New York state moving some local elections to even years Many local elections in New York state are going to be moving to even years to line up with national elections. It's a controversial move that was just approved by a state appeals court. Republicans argue local issues will be "muddled" with state, federal issues Long Island Republican leaders came out in force Tuesday to call it a self-serving political act by state Democrats. "This is simply outrageous," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. "They're trying to take the local issues and put them down the ballot." "Imagine going in and having 50 people's names on a ballot or more, or 60, and you've got to figure out who's who? Not the way government was meant to work," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. "We deserve to be able to get our issue out there without the message muddled with state and federal issues," Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. Romaine pointed out county legislators will have to run both this year and next year. Democrats, advocates say change will help fight voter fatigue Democrats who voted for the change say the switch will lead to better turnouts and save money. "We are consolidating elections. Elections are very expensive," New York State Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said. "Less Democrats go out in odd years, and so I guess it benefits [Republicans] to have lower voter turnout, but this is just a common avenue of voter suppression by the Republican party." Consolidating even more elections would save more money, says the good government group Citizens Union, pointing out it's been done in blue, red and purple states. "This is indeed a bipartisan reform, when you look at it from the voters' perspective, because voters are tired of being asked to go to the polls twice every year. There is a real voter fatigue," said Ben Weinberg, with Citizens Union. Long Island residents are split on the change. "It's better off on its own. It'll get more attention," one person said. "It'll probably get more people to vote," another person said. "If it's saving money, it's a good thing," another man said. For now, the even year elections are the law of the land in New York state, pending an appeal by Nassau and Suffolk counties, who are calling it a blatant political act and unconstitutional. New York City is exempt from the change.
