Posts by Devon Jezek

On Wednesday, The Tompkins County Workers’ Center and the Alternatives Federal Credit Union announced a new living wage for Tompkins County. The Workers’ Center Coordinator Pete Meyers said they’re feeling quite excited because “the living wage gets updated every two years. This is the first time ever since 2006 that we decided to do it…

On Monday, Governor Hochul announced that $70 million in funding was awarded to child care programs in areas without enough child care capacity, known as child care deserts. The funds are part of the $100 million Child Care Desert Initiative, which will help child care providers that are newly licensed, registered, or permitted. The funds…

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Tompkins County yesterday morning. The advisory was in effect on Wednesday from 11 am to 8 pm. With the anticipated temperature increase throughout the state, the Department of Health has provided a list of free cooling centers, including multiple areas in Ithaca. The Appel Commons Community…

TCAT is reducing its bus services due to labor and equipment shortages. The company is proposing reducing services by 20% from August 21st through January 21st. Routes proposed to be reduced include routes 11, 13, 20, 82, 90, and 92. On Monday, August 15th, a virtual public hearing will be held for public input from…

On Wednesday, Governor Hochul announced that $10 million was awarded in the first round of the Abortion Provider Support Fund. The money goes towards 13 programs covering 63 sites, including Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, which covers Ithaca. Applications for the second round of funds open next week. In the second round, $15 million…

On Monday, New York State announced a new 24-hour COVID-19 hotline. According to Spectrum News, the hotline provides telemedicine services to state residents who do not have access to a health care provider and need COVID-related treatments. Governor Hochul’s office announced that the hotline was created due to a recent increase of Covid cases, specifically…

The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is asking community members to fill out a health survey available for all residents over the age of 18. TCHD, Cayuga Health System, and other local partners produced the survey which includes questions about, access to care, food security, physical and mental health, chronic conditions, COVID-19, and what makes…