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News Headlines for Wed., May 13, 2015

New State Senate leader meets with Heastie, Cuomo, for first time...

The top three officials of New York state government have gathered behind closed doors for the first time since the Senate picked a new leader.  Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan says Wednesday morning's meeting with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie... and, Governor Andrew Cuomo focused on priorities for lawmakers before their annual session ends next month.  The Senate picked Flanagan to be its new leader on Monday following the resignation of Long Island Republican Dean Skelos, who is keeping his Senate seat while he fights federal corruption charges.  Big issues facing lawmakers before they adjourn include the renewal of New York City's rent regulations and its local control of public schools.


"Default" budget takes effect in Lakewood after board fails to adopt spending plan...

A final 2015-16 budget for the village of Lakewood could not be approved by the board... so, the new spending plan defaults to the original plan offered by Mayor David Wordelmann.  The village board recently voted 2-to-2... with Wordelmann and Sue Drago voting yes... and, board members John Jablonski and David DiSalvo voting no.  With that... Wordelmann says the $3.3-million budget holds the tax levy where it's been for the past three years.  He says that's good news, because it keeps the tax levy at $1.7-million.  Wordelmann adds that while they have room under the state's 2-percent property tax cap... he didn't want to see a big increase in spending... or the tax levy.  Property values are up in the village... so he says there will be a corresponding 36-cent per $1,000 drop in the tax rate to $7.12.  He says total assessments, due to additional development, and a re-val, are up another $12-million.  Wordelmann says there were a few spending increases in the village...but, nothing major.  The new budget took effect on May 1st.


Assembly approves closing Campaign Finance loophole...

The state Assembly has voted to close the campaign finance loophole for limited liability companies.  The bill would stop treating LLCs like individuals who can give up to $150,000 annually while masking identities of those who establish them and instead treat them like corporations subject to a $5,000 limit.  The 120-to-8 vote followed questions by several Republicans about treating them... instead... like partnerships or urging broader legislation that would also set an aggregate limit on unions.


Eight on hand for public hearing on proposed JPS Budget; one addresses board...

Jamestown school officials got some rare compliments on their efforts to balance the needs of students, and taxpayers, in the proposed 2015-16 budget.  School Superintendent Tim Mains hosted a public hearing on the $77.6-million spending plan... which is up for a public vote next Tuesday.  One of the eight residents on hand spoke directly to the school board.  Doug Champ applauded them for their hard work... but, also asked them to look more into their capital budgeting.  Champ says... with it unlikely the state will give them any more help... he urged them to look at different ways to raise money for their projects using corporate involvement, or funding applications to outside foundations.  He says if you're counting on the state of New York to be "fair and equitable, it's not going to happen."  Champ says he has "no real problem" with the budget... and, it's 1.5-percent tax increase.  He says increased costs are sometimes unavoidable.  Two other people asked questions regarding the tax increase, and use of fund balance.  School Board president Joe DiMaio says it was nice to get some compliments... and, adds it validates the board's hard work.  The budget vote and school board elections will be held next Tuesday, May 19... from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.


Cuomo proposes Education Tax Credits...

Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing tax credits of up to $500 for low-income families who enroll their children in private schools.  The Democratic governor announced the measure late Tuesday at an event on Long Island where he was joined by Cardinal Timothy Dolan.  Cuomo also wants the state to offer tax credits for private donations to public schools, and scholarships for students from low-and middle-income families who attend either private schools or public schools outside of their local district.  The governor says the measure is intended to help parents make the best educational decisions for their children.


Second JHS Red Raider state championship sign unveiled for football team...

Another sign has been put up at the city of Jamestown's four main entrances recognizing another New York State High School Championship.  City, and Jamestown school officials were on hand on North Main Street for yesterday afternoon's unveiling of the Red Raider football team championship sign.  It's next to the JHS Marching Band Championship sign.  Jamestown Head Football Coach Tom Langworthy says it's nice for both his 2014 title team... and, the three before it.  Langworthy says the sign will always bring back "great memories, and is always going to be something special."  Senior Stephen Carlson was one of the five captains on the Red Raider team... and, called it a special honor for a "special" group of players.  Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi says the signs represent the "Pride of Jamestown..." and, celebrates the accomplishments of all the district's youth.


Gas pump prices -- after big jump early last week -- hold steady this week...

Gas prices in the Jamestown-area have held steady after jumping by 11 cents a gallon about a week ago.  That from the AAA's Fuel Gauge Report... which says the average price is now $2.85.4 cents a gallon for regular, unleaded fuel.  AAA says the price is based on reports from 19 local service stations.  The price was $3.85 last year at this time.  The Fuel Gauge reports the national average is now about $2.66 a gallon.  The AAA says the national average price has increased for the past 26 days... and, the current average is the highest it's been so far in 2015.