Local News for May 1, 2023

Tompkins County 2024 Budget Planning Has Begun 

The Tompkins County legislature is beginning to plan the 2024 budget. County Administrator Lisa Holmes says the budget may see a $8.9 million increase next year. Half of it would come from increased state mandates to counties. She presented a preliminary overview to the legislature last week. She says the exact impact of those mandates won’t be known until the state budget process is completed. The state budget is four weeks late.

Hochul, Legislature Reach Tentative Budget Agreement 

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that a tentative budget agreement is in place. WSKG reports that the final agreement between Hochul and the legislature includes changes to the bail reform laws and a record $24 billion dollars in school aid. Final details are expected to be resolved this week. But, the agreement means the legislature can start voting on specific bills immediately.

Cornell Is Ending Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement

Cornell University announced Friday that COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for current and incoming students. The Cornell Daily Sun reports the new policy goes into effect May 20. The SUNY system ended COVID-19 vaccine mandates for its students in April.