LOCAL ANTI-SMOKING LAW FALTERS
A vote of seven to six in favor still wasn't enough to set a date for
a public hearing on a local smoking ban. The 15-member Legislature needs
eight votes to pass any resolution; with only 13 members present, majority
support was lacking for a local version of the newly passed state law banning
smoking in workplaces, bars, and restaurants. The local law, initiated
by Michael Lane, mirrors the intent of the state legislation to eliminate
second-hand smoke exposure in most workplaces. Lane feels the local law
is needed in case the state law is weakened down the road. Those in favor
of setting a hearing date were Tim Joseph, Dooley Kiefer, Michael Lane,
Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Martha Robertson, Nancy Schuler, and Daniel Winch.
Opposed were Barbara Blanchard, Kathy Luz Herrera, Leslyn McBean, Frank
Proto, George Totman, and Thomas Todd. Some legislators voted no because
they oppose the intent of the law; others voted no because they believe
a local law is redundant and unnecessary. Lane said he will bring the issue
back to the Legislature when more members are present. Contacts: Michael
Lane, 844-8440; 844-8313; Martha Robinson, Chair, Health and Human Services
Committee, 272-0584.
LEGISLATURE OKAYS TC3 BUDGET
The Legislature gave unanimous approval to the 2003-2004 operating
budget and $3.4 million in local support for Tompkins Cortland Community
College (TC3). Although the $22,580,000 annual budget is 10 percent higher
than the previous year, the college asked for no increase in funding from
its two local sponsors, Tompkins and Cortland counties. The college's budget
includes $1.2 million in increased tuition revenues. Tompkins County's
share, which is calculated according to the number of county residents
attending the college, is estimated at $2,127,192. Contact: Peter Penniman,
Chair, Budget & Capital Committee, 387-3928, 387-5897.
LEGISLATURE APPROVES $1.5 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The Legislature unanimously approved $1.5 in capital funds for communications
equipment and a microwave link at the new Emergency Response Center currently
under construction on Brown Road in the Village of Lansing. The funds will
be used for specialized furniture, 911 dispatch equipment and installation,
and a transmission site to link the center into the existing emergency
communications network. The funds were previously approved for use in 2003.
The project is part of the first phase of an upgrade to the entire countywide
emergency communications network. Contact: Barbara Blanchard, Chair, Communications
Capital Projects Committee, 277-1374.
COUNTY SALES TAX HOLIDAYS UNLIKELY
New York State has invited counties to join it in granting a sales
tax exemption on purchases of shoes and clothing for one week in August
and another next January. On June 24, the Budget and Capital Committee
failed to approve Tompkins County's participation, but committee chair
Peter Penniman said then that the tax-free weeks might be reconsidered
if the City of Ithaca decided to participate. Finance Director David Squires
reported that the City has also declined participation. The Legislature
must opt for the holidays by July 16, if it wishes to participate.
Legislator Michael Lane said he will bring the issue forward as a member
resolution at the next meeting of the Legislature. Contacts: David Squires,
Finance Director, 274-5544; Michael Lane, 844-8440..
GRANT PROVIDES INTEREST-FREE CAR LOANS TO WORKERS
The County Department of Social Services has received a $103,500 New
York State Department of Labor grant that will help current and former
public assistance clients get to work and back. The grant is part of the
state's Wheels 2 Work program and allows local lending institutions to
underwrite no-interest car loans. Lack of reliable transportation is a
major hurdle in shifting individuals from welfare to work; the Wheels 2
Work loans help increase self sufficiency by allowing individuals to buy
and/or repair their own cars. The recipients are able to get to jobs that
otherwise are inaccessible to them, and they can begin to build up a credit
history. Contact: Martha Robertson, Chair, Health & Human Services
Committee, 844-8440.
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