New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

NYS Budget

Forever Adirondacks Campaign Celebrates Budget Victories

by Leave a Comment

The coalition supporting the new Forever Adirondacks Campaign for clean water, jobs and wilderness – led by the Adirondack Council’s Aaron Mair – declared victory as state government moved to approve a budget that includes funding for a series of top campaign priorities.

The Forever Adirondacks Campaign is a coalition of advocates, government officials, business leaders, educators, college administrators, grassroots activists and not-for-profit organizational partners seeking clean water, jobs and wilderness. [Read more…] about Forever Adirondacks Campaign Celebrates Budget Victories

ADK Conservation News: 5 Things You Need to Know

by Leave a Comment

Winter Adirondacks Scene courtesy Carl Heilman IIEnvironment Ranks High in New York’s 2023 Budget

New York Governor Kathy Hochul released her Executive Budget proposal in mid-January, and there was a lot to celebrate for the Adirondacks. She proposed an increased Environmental Protection Fund from $300 million to $400 million and a $4 billion environmental bond act. While the proposals are good, the Adirondack Council would still like to see $500,000 for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, $500,000 for visitor use management framework, and $6 million for an updated Adirondack Lakes Survey included in the final budget. The Council and many other environmental groups are also calling for $10 million for trails and education. [Read more…] about ADK Conservation News: 5 Things You Need to Know

The Semiquincentennial: State Leg Passes 250th Commemoration Act

by Leave a Comment

Senator Shelley B Mayer and Assemblymember Carrie WoernerOn June 8th, in the final week of legislative session, the New York State 250th Commemoration Act, passed both the New York Senate and Assembly.

The bill, which passed unanimously in both houses and now awaits the signature of Governor Andrew Cuomo, would create the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission to create a plan to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and founding of the United States (the Semiquincentennial, July 4, 2026), and establish a 250th Commemoration Commission Fund. [Read more…] about The Semiquincentennial: State Leg Passes 250th Commemoration Act

NYS Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program Expanded

by Leave a Comment

office of parks recreation historic preservationAs part of this year’s state budget agreement, Governor Cuomo and NYS Legislature passed enhancements to the New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.

This legislation increases the credit from 20% to 30% for historic building rehabilitation projects under $2.5 million dollars in size – a project scope and scale that could incentivize the redevelopment of many additional buildings in canal communities. When combined with the federal rehabilitation tax credit, this program now offers a means to cover 50% of the qualified rehabilitation costs. [Read more…] about NYS Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program Expanded

Proposed State Budget Includes Adirondack Environmental Priorities

by Leave a Comment

Adirondack CouncilThe Adirondack Council has issued a statement to the press applauding Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget proposal for its focus on many of the state’s environmental priorities and detailing budget items related to the Adirondack Park: [Read more…] about Proposed State Budget Includes Adirondack Environmental Priorities

NYS Budget: What It Means for LGBTQI Community

by Leave a Comment

Rainbow flag courtesy Wikimedia user Ludovic BertronOn the heels of having passed the 2021 New York State budget, Amanda Babine, Executive Director of Equality New York, has outlined the following issues that affect the LGBTQI community: [Read more…] about NYS Budget: What It Means for LGBTQI Community

An Adirondack Council Review of the State Budget

by Leave a Comment

Adirondack CouncilThe Adirondack Council thanked Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Legislative leaders on April 1st for much-needed environmental capital projects that were slated to be approved in the NYS Budget agreement. [Read more…] about An Adirondack Council Review of the State Budget