GOVERNOR MARIO CUOMO – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 6-29-17

wcdonews — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 19:38:54 +0000

The State Court of Appeals reversed a decision today, that would have granted convicted murderer Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin a new trial, The Court of Appeals sent the case back to the appellate division to re-examine the Ramsaran trial in Chenango County Court, Ramsaran was found guilty in September 2014 of killing his wife, Jennifer in 2012, last July, a state appellate court ruled that Ramsaran should get a new trial due to ineffective defense regarding DNA evidence
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Sidney, Unadilla & Masonville fire fighters responded to a fire at 80 Main Street in Sidney today at about 2:45 PM, in the basement of Ermeti’s Community Lounge. Sidney Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Ray Baker told WCDO News that the fire appears to have started in a dryer, & it was under control in about 30 minutes.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Rumeal Soler of Davenport, on a Bench Warrant from the Town of Oneonta Court for Failure to Pay Fines. The arrest came as the result of an investigation into a two-car motor vehicle accident in which Soler was one of the drivers. Soler had an active warrant for his arrest; he was taken into custody and turned over to the Oneonta Police Department for arraignment.
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40-year-old David Burton of Johnson City was found guilty today in Broome County Court on murder & arson charges. Burton was found guilty of starting a fire at an ex-girlfriends residence in October 2015 in Johnson City, the fire Killed the Ex-Girlfriend’s 2 sons, 3 year old Michael Maxwell & 4 year old Joshua Maxwell, and injured 2 others. Burton will be sentenced on September 14th.
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Ride Sharing services began in New York State today, after Uber & Lyft paid to begin operating in the state. The ride sharing services were only allowed in New York City, until legislation was passed this year, allowing for it to expand into all 62 New York Counties. An app must be downloaded in order to order a ride, which will be available anywhere in the state where drivers have signed up to participate.
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Commerce Chenango is accepting applications for Entrepreneur of the Year and Business of the Year. These awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Soiree in the Park on Thursday, September 14th in East Park, Downtown Norwich. The form with criteria can be found at files.constantcontact.com.
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State Lawmakers have reportedly reached a deal to name the new Tappan Zee Bridge after the late Governor Mario Cuomo. A new bridge is currently being built to replace the old span over the Hudson River, which was originally named after Governor Malcolm Wilson, who served as Governor in the 70’s.
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The Chenango Arts Council Board of Directors have officially appointed Alecia O’Neill the Council’s new executive director, she told WCDO News that they have a full slate of activities planned already:

(Alecia O’Neill 6-29-17)

The appointment followed the strong recommendation of the search committee, which had been evaluating candidates over the last 6 months; O’Neill was appointed Interim Executive Director when previous director Diane Batson-Smith resigned.
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Former Area Congressman Maurice Hinchey is suffering from a degenerative disorder that is adversely affecting his speech & movement. The 78-year-old former lawmaker is suffering from Frontotemporal Degeneration; he served for 18 years in the State Assembly & 20 years in the US House of Representatives from 1992 to 2012.
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Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced the first “Coffee With Claudia” event, to be held on July 15th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at her Binghamton Office. Tenney’s office said that there would be a series of small groups meeting with Tenney, on a first come, first serve basis, appointments are requested at 315-732-7013. Tenney decided against Town Hall Meeting in the 22nd district earlier this year, following a series of contentious meeting with constituents by other Republican Congressional Members, and a series of threats against Tenney, that were turned over to Capital Police to investigate.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Tuesday Morning to West Front Street in the Village of Hancock for a property damage accident involving a camp bus and tractor trailer. The bus was driven by 78 year old Richard Weaver of Bethany, Pennsylvania, struck the rear end of a tractor trailer driven by 47 year old Shawn Smith of California. The camp bus had discharged all of its passengers just prior to the accident, Weaver was issued traffic summonses for following too closely, failure to keep right and failure to have a US DOT number and failure to display the carrier’s name on the bus. Both drivers also face administrative action against their commercial driver’s licenses as a result of safety and log book deficiencies.
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The American Red Cross Will Hold a Blood Drive At Hartwick College today from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM. Appointments can be made with the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are currently needed.
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Free books are being given out from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Sidney Memorial Library today, as part of the summer book clubs for kids. More information about the program is available at 563-1200.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-2-15

wcdonews — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 20:37:53 +0000

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul toured the flood-damaged areas of the village of Sidney today with village officials, regarding the plans for the River street area residents and the area itself. Hochul commented about the tour to WCDO News:

(Kathy Hochul 12-2-15)

Mayor Andy Matviak said that it is important for high-level state officials to see where they are at with their plans and maybe get the process moving along at a quicker pace:

(Andy Matviak 12-2-15)

Matviak said that they are still working with FEMA, and they have also spoke individually with most of the homeowners in the River Street area about buy-outs, elevations and the possible development in the Plankenhorn Road area.
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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visited Norwich this afternoon following the tour of Sidney; she met with Business Leaders at Commerce Chenango, toured the Business district, convened a Women’s Roundtable at the Artist’s Pallet, & toured the Northeast Classic Car Museum.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that during the past year, 43 new farm breweries have opened their doors in New York State, bringing the state’s total number of operational farm breweries to 106. Additionally, the Governor’s Farm Brewery law, which created a new license for craft brewers that use New York grown ingredients and included an exemption on brand label registration fees for small brewers, has saved brewers nearly $1 million to date. Aside from the 106 farm breweries, New York is now home to 133 micro-breweries, up from just 40 in 2011, and 39 restaurant breweries, up from 10 in 2011. Additionally, eight farm breweries have opened off-site branch stores, a practice which was also authorized under the Governor’s law.
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Governor Cuomo announced a 60% decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities since Governor Mario Cuomo raised New York State’s drinking age to 21 exactly 30 years ago. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries; school, social, legal, and physical problems; abuse of other drugs; and death from alcohol poisoning.
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The Trial of Former State Senate Majority leader Dean Skelos continues in a Manhattan Federal Courtroom. Skelos is accused of using his political influence to get his son Adam No-Show jobs with politically connected firms in exchange for political favors. Skelos’s trial follows the recent conviction of former deputy Majority leader Tom Libous of Binghamton and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on similar corruption charges.
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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visits Sidney & Norwich today. Hochul will meet with Local Officials and will Tour Sidney Green Plains site, in Norwich, Hochul will convene a Roundtable with Business Leaders at Commerce Chenango this afternoon, she will then tour downtown Norwich, convene a Women’s Roundtable to Discuss Governor Cuomo’s Initiatives at the Artists Pallet, & she will tour the Northeast Classic Car Museum.
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Oneonta Police & State Police arrested 27-year-old Jason Cousins from Unadilla for Burglary, Attempted Robbery, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Assault, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Menacing, following a home invasion in Oneonta. Cousins is accused of displaying a stolen handgun, taking property & striking & injuring 1 of the victims. Cousins fled the scene and was apprehended and taken into custody, the investigation is continuing.
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State police announced that they would host a community-policing meeting on Wednesday December 2nd at the Stamford Fire Department from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Police will discuss law enforcement operations, & the mission priorities of the state police, the school liaison program, traffic safety plus community & police interaction. There will be a question & answer period.
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Otsego County Chamber of Commerce hosts the NBT Bank Holiday Open House today from 5:00 TO 7:00 pm at NBT Bank’s Wall Street Oneonta Branch location.
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Otsego County will hold a free rabies clinic today at the Susquehanna animal shelter on State Route 28 in Cooperstown, for dogs, cats & ferrets. The clinic will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting is schedule for this morning at 7:30 AM. The meeting will be held at the Sidney County Club.
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The Oneonta Airport Commission Work group will have their next meeting today. That meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the Airport.
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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-21-15

wcdonews — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:08:17 +0000

Governor Cuomo delivered his combined “State of the State” address & executive Budget presentation to a joint session of the legislature in Albany this afternoon. In His Summation, the Governor quoted his recently departed father & former Governor Mario Cuomo:

(Cuomo 1-21-15)

Cuomo is proposing about 100 proposals for the legislature to consider in the 2015 session.
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The 3rd murder trial for Cal Harris will begin with Jury selection Thursday in Schoharie County Court. Harris had 2 previous guilty pleas overturned on appeal & he is now being tried for the 3rd time for the September 2001 death of his estranged wife Michelle. A judge granted a request to have the third trial moved out of Tioga County INTO Schoharie County.
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A Middletown man has been charged after he allegedly bulldozed his own $160,000 home. James Rhein was charged with criminal mischief and was released on $300 bail for allegedly knocking down his own house with a rented bulldozer, without a permit & all of his family possessions inside. Rein’s wife Diane Andryshak said that her husband was dissatisfied with the quality of renovations in the home; the case has drawn nationwide media attention.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office reached a settlement with Vacation Tours USA, over a false advertising scam targeting consumers across New York State. The company sent letters to consumers telling them they had won a vacation package, including airfare and lodging, and invited them to attend a seminar at a local hotel. Once at the hotel, consumers were subjected to a sales presentation conducted by a third-party company instead of being given vouchers for free airline tickets and hotel stays. Seminars were conducted in several municipalities, including in Binghamton. If consumers believe they were a victim of this scam, they can contact Attorney General Schneiderman’s Office by calling 1-800-771-7755 or 607-721-8771.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-13-15

wcdonews — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 19:43:04 +0000

Governor Cuomo will combine both his State of the State address and the release of his executive budget into one presentation next week on January 21st. The address and release of the 2015-16 executive budget will be presented to a joint session of the legislature on January 21st at 1:30 PM in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Governor Cuomo originally planned to give his State of the State address on January 7th, that was pushed back due to the death of his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo
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State Police at Oneonta arrested 23-year-old Jordon Davis of Laurens for the Fleeing an Officer, Reckless Driving, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and several vehicle and traffic law violations. The arrest occurred after Troopers observed Davis failing to keep right on State Route 205 in Oneonta, when the Troopers activated their emergency lights and sirens, Davis accelerated to over 100 miles an hour and failed to comply with the officers. Troopers located the vehicle parked behind a residence off of State Route 205. Davis was arraigned at the Town of Oneonta Court and released without bail required; he faces court action February 12th.
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The State DEC extended the public comment period on the draft permit for the proposed, federally regulated Constitution Pipeline, as well as the upgrade to the Iroquois Wright Compressor station in Schoharie County, by an additional 28 days. Public comments on the proposed project will be accepted through Friday, February 27th at 5:00PM. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was responsible for conducting an environmental review of the project; they issued a final Environmental Impact Statement in October. People can provide verbal or written comments at the public meetings tonight at 6:00 PM in Oneonta at SUNY Oneonta Lecture Hall IRC #3, or Wednesday night at 6:00 PM in SUNY Cobleskill’s Bouck Hall Theater.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the arrest of James Ferro the former director of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Special Investigations Unit, over accusations of sexually based harassment of a subordinate employee. Ferro faces 1 count each of Forcible Touching, Official Misconduct, Coercion & Harassment. Ferro is accused of inappropriately touching a subordinate and Community Supervision, at the Department of CorrectionalS in Albany over the course of several years.
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Governor Cuomo today announced new efforts to combat human trafficking and provide help to survivors safely re-enter their home community. This crime affects more than 1,000 children in New York each year, and it is estimated that nearly 18,000 people are brought into the United States annually for the same purpose. The Governor also proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and unveiled a new poster that lists possible trafficking red flags, plus a free confidential hotline, which is 1-888-373-7888.
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Former New York Governor George Pataki is considering a run for the White House; he campaigned in New Hampshire recently, where one of the earlier primary votes are held. Pataki left office in 2007 after serving three terms as governor of New York.
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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-8-15

wcdonews — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 20:28:08 +0000

Utica Police charged 21-year-old Paul Bumbalo with 3 counts of 2nd degree murder at 1908 Whitesboro Street on the city’s west side. Bumbalo pleaded not guilty Wednesday afternoon, He is due back in Utica City Court early This morning, when the judge is expected to rule on the defense attorney’s request for a psychiatric evaluation for Bumbalo, who is being held in the Oneida County Jail.
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State Lawmakers were in Albany yesterday to begin the 2015 session. Area assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 1-8-15)

The session started without a “State of The State” address, it has been moved to January 21st in Albany following the death of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Father, former governor Mario Cuomo.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-6-15

wcdonews — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 20:31:48 +0000

Pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Houston Astros catcher-infielder-outfielder Craig Biggio have reached baseball immortality. They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in July, after the Baseball Writers Association of America announced Tuesday that the four of them earned the necessary votes for Cooperstown. all four will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in July.
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Hundreds attended the funeral of former Governor Mario Cuomo in Manhattan this morning in New York City. Current Governor Andrew Cuomo performed the eulogy, referring to his father as his hero, inspiring him to go into a life of public service. Cuomo died last Thursday from heart related issues, he was 82, and he served 3 terms as the Governor from 1983 to 1994.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a “no knock” search warrant following an investigation into the trafficking of heroin and cocaine in Norwich. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Ward Lozier & 25 year old Nichole Perrino of Norwich charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Nuisance, and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia. Lozier was also charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Lozier and Perrino were each arraigned & were remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on bail, they will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.
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The American Cancer Society if New York is scheduling a day to meet with area lawmakers in Albany on February 10th, to discuss their agenda for the 2015 legislative session. Mike Burgis of the Cancer Society explains:

(Mike Burgis 1-6-15)

Burgis said that those who want to participate in the Legislative day on February 10th need to register at acscan.org/events; more information is also available at 518-449-5438.
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Governor Cuomo recently signed Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo’s Hemp bill into law. The bill states that hemp can be used for making textiles, building insulation, and even food sources. The state bill precedes a possible federal industrial hemp-growing act.
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Binghamton Fire investigators have determined that the fire at the Family Dollar Store on the city’s South Side was accidental & was the result of an electrical outlet failure. The fire begin in a rear stock area of the building early Saturday morning, fire fighters managed to keep it from spreading to adjacent businesses in the plaza on Vestal Avenue, the family dollar sustained smoke & water damage. No injuries among fire fighters were reported.
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The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting gets underway at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers in Oneonta City Hall.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-6-14

wcdonews — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:40:10 +0000

Hundreds of landowners rallied at the Binghamton Holiday Inn against the statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing, held by the Joint Landowner’s Coalition of New York. The attorneys for the Joint Landowners coalition will pursue legal action against the ban when the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement is complete by the DEC
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Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM this morning for former Governor Mario Cuomo at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York City. Dignitaries from state government up to former President Bill Clinton will be in attendance.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35 year old Lee McDonald of Walton for 1 count of Scheming to Defraud & 2 counts of Issuing a Bad Check. McDonald is accused of having engaged in a systematic, on-going course of conduct to intentionally defraud a number of area businesses with bad checks drawn on accounts of his businesses, Dam Broke Farm, LLC, and Blue Moon Construction & Electric, for more than $3,000. McDonald was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $6500 cash bail.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce annual “STATE OF THE STATE BREAKFAST” will be held today in Oneonta. The event runs from 7:30AM to 10:00AM at the HOLIDAY INN OF ONEONTA, area lawmakers have been invited to attend.
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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-5-15

wcdonews — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:15:11 +0000

Broome County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 18 year old Brandon Pittsley of Whitney Point, for 2nd degree attempted assault, resisting arrest, and harassment. Pittsley is accused of punching a Deputy in the face, during an investigation into a reported domestic dispute. He was taken to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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The Cuomo family announced details of the wake and funeral arrangements for former Governor Mario M. Cuomo. Today, calling hours will be held between 1:00PM-5:00PM and 7:00PM-10:00PM at the Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan. On Tuesday, at 11:00AM, a funeral service will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, in Manhattan. In place of flowers, the Cuomo family requests contributions to be made to HELP USA for the Mario M. Cuomo Mentoring Fund, 5 Hanover Square, 17th Floor New York, NY 10004.

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Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Coalition Leader Dean Skelos, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced that due to extenuating circumstances the Governor’s 2015 State of the State address has been rescheduled to Wednesday, January 21st at 1:30PM, to be held in the Empire State Convention Center. The Senate and the Assembly 2015 legislative session will convene on January 7th as mandated by the State Constitution.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-2-15

wcdonews — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 15:35:31 +0000

Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo died Thursday at the age of 82. The father of current governor Andrew Cuomo, Mario Cuomo died about 6 hours after his son’s second swearing into the office that he held for 3 terms, from 1983 to 1994.
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Wednesday night, the Bainbridge Fire Department was called to the scene of a garage fire attached to a house at 160 Dingman Hill Road. Sidney, Afton, Mount Upton, Guilford, Franklin fire departments responded. Crews stayed on scene for about 3 hours, no injuries were reported.
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A series of New Laws went into effect yesterday, to Help Veterans, Protect Kids & Create Jobs. The new laws include the Hire a Veteran Tax Credit; businesses can receive a tax credit for hiring and employing a qualified veteran, equal to 10% of the total amount of wages paid during their first full year of employment. Another new law is the Homeless Veteran Assistance Fund, to assist homeless veterans with housing and housing-related expenses. Lawmakers also passed a law to protect Minors from Identity Theft, to protect people living in Adult Homes by performing criminal background checks on prospective staff.
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