Local News for May 16

- State Inspector General Investigates $64M Spent On COVID-19 Vaccination App -

Even though the COVID-19 state of emergency has ended, New York State is increasing spending for the Excelsior Pass. It’s the app that keeps track of your vaccination records. The Albany Times Union reports the State Inspector General is investigating a $200 million contract that includes payments to IBM, Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group. $64 million was for the Pass. That’s twenty times more than the $2.5 million former Governor Andrew Cuomo said the iit would cost in 2021.

- Cornell Students, Starbucks Workers End Protest Against Starbucks -

A group of Cornell students and Starbucks employees held a two-day occupation of administration offices on campus last week. Students were protesting the University’s contracts with coffee company. The Cornell Daily Sun reports the protesters want the University to sever any ties with Starbucks because of its decision to close all of its Ithaca shops. The closures were announce after successful unionizing efforts and lawsuits by former employees. The occupation ended after students met with President Martha Pollack and received a verbal commitment to reconsider the contract. It expires in 2025.

- Voters To Decide On School Board Budgets, Elect New Members On Tuesday -

School board elections are today across New York State. People will also be voting on school district budgets. Last week we shared links to budgets of school districts in Tompkins and Schuyler counties. Election times vary. So check you local school district polling locations and hours.