Proposed N.Y. Assembly budget supports North Country programs

PLATTSBURGH | Assemblyman Billy Jones is applauding several budget proposals aimed at boosting broadband, education, and agricultural programs directly impacting the North Country. Several proposals provide significant funding for regional programs, including a revived statewide broadband study and a $3 million allocation in the Assembly budget for the state Department of Public Service to study broadband service. Another $900,000 would go toward broadband and internet in state-operated facilities. "I am proud to have fought for the allocation that was included in the Assembly proposal. I am hopeful that the Senate and the Executive will come to the table to include this vital funding and I will fight to ensure that this is included in the final version of the budget to fulfill the state's promise of broadband for all," Jones said of the efforts March 25. The Assembly budget proposal also includes $200,000 in funding for the Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) Senior Planet North Country, which supports programs across the North Country that enable older adults to easily access and effectively use broadband technology. Since 2015, OATS has provided programming to more than 16,000 people, including 15-percent of residents ages 60 and over. Jones, an ardent supporter of the program, said "I've long fought to support this critical nonprofit and I'll keep working to ensure OATS is properly funded in the state budget." "During a public health crisis that has forced many older adults to stay confined or isolated for long periods of time, it's important that they can stay connected to friends and family as well as learn new ways to work, create and thrive in the digital age." Another $300,000 in funding would support the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program- a farmer-driven small grants program funding high priority, cutting-edge research and technical assistance for all sectors of agriculture in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The Assembly budget proposal also increases education funding by $3.1 billion, including an additional $1.4 billion in Foundation Aid for a total of $19.8 billion. "We also included funding to help more students access internet services, ensure districts could be reimbursed for transportation costs incurred by delivering food or educational materials, and increase support for our local libraries," Jones said in an overview of the measures. "Our children's education shouldn't suffer under the weight of this pandemic. I'll continue working to ensure that North Country school districts get their fair share of funding to provide our kids with a top-notch education, even during the most tumultuous of times."

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Proposed N.Y. Assembly budget supports North Country programs

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