Headlines for Wednesday, October 26, 2022

The City of Ithaca’s budget process is moving ahead. Acting Mayor Laura Lewis’ $29 million 2023 budget is about $2.5 million more than the 2022 budget but would keep the city’s property tax rate the same at $11.89 per thousand. According to the Ithaca Voice at public hearings week, city department heads and leaders from community organizations made their cases for funding. The City Administration Committee will meet tonight at 5:30 to discuss various aspects of the proposed budget. The next full public hearing on the budget will be next Wednesday, November 2, when the full Common Council may vote to approve spending for next year.

A Groton doctor has agreed to a $900 thousand settlement for overbilling medicare and improperly prescribing opioids. According to the Ithaca Voice,  Dr. Ahmad Mehdi overcharged federal health programs for smoking cessation treatment, and prescribed opioids “outside the usual course of professional practice.” New York Attorney General Letitia James whose office assisted in the investigation said “We have zero tolerance for lying to Medicaid, and we will hold those who do accountable.”

Governor Hochul and Republican challenger Congressman Lee Zeldin sparred last night over crime, abortion access and other issues in what will likely be their only debate ahead of the November 8 election. The New York Times called the mood “tense” and “testy.” Zeldin cast himself and others like him as victims “under attack” by Democratic lawmakers. Hochul highlighted Zeldin’s close ties with former President Trump and what she called his “extreme and dangerous” agenda. According to the Times, when Zeldin was asked if he would accept the outcome if he loses the race, he  “seemed offended.” However, as Hochul pointed out, Zeldin voted with 146 other Republicans to overturn the 2020 presidential election.