“It is great news that New York has released a plan to start vaccinating all New Yorkers 16 and over by Tuesday April 6. The vaccination sites across the North Country – from the state sites to the county health department PODs to pharmacies – have...

“I have voted to decriminalize cannabis possession in the past, but I believe legalizing recreational cannabis use just goes too far. Many people in the recovery community have reached out to me with their concerns about legalizing cannabis and considering...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that the Assembly budget proposal includes funding for programs having a direct impact on the North Country. The One House Senate proposal included language to support a statewide broadband study; the...

“Infection rates are continuing to decline while more and more people across the North Country are getting vaccinated, especially residents of nursing homes where the vaccination rate has reached 87%. With that in mind, the Department of Health needs...

“Throughout this pandemic, many of our public servants including law enforcement officers have been working the frontlines to keep our society functioning and our communities safe,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) “In the wake of...

“After visiting local vaccination sites and hearing from so many of my constituents who want the vaccine but are not yet eligible, it is clear that the state vaccination distribution network is working efficiently and is prepared to open eligibility...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that the Assembly budget proposal includes significant funding for agricultural programs that support farming communities and increase food security for all New Yorkers. “As we continue fighting and...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that the Assembly budget proposal includes funding to study broadband access in communities across New York State. “Internet service is no longer a luxury – it’s an essential utility that nearly...

“The recent passage of the American Rescue Plan is good news for the North Country and I will do everything I can to be sure that this funding does not replace or supplement funding that the state has already promised to state and local governments,...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) and the North Country Chamber of Commerce announced that they are calling on the governor and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to better prioritize employees of essential manufacturers in the vaccination...

“I have consistently been on record indicating my grave concern over the allegations against Governor Cuomo and have stated that if this impedes the ability to execute his responsibilities, then he should step aside,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that he co-sponsored and helped pass legislation to address making provider data in nursing homes and healthcare facilities public (A.244) as well as reunite families separated during the ongoing pandemic...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that he voted for legislation to immediately repeal the expanded emergency powers that were granted to the governor at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (A.5967).  “We’re not in the same place...

“The Governor continues to evade the legislature and his lack of transparency continues to be outraging. It is clear that vulnerable populations were at risk, but what is most alarming is that the Governor continues to keep the truth from the public...

“While the numbers still need to be finalized, I’m encouraged to see that local governments will receive critical relief funding in the federal American Rescue Act. Between steep declines in tax revenue and extensive pandemic expenses, North Country...

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to all the family members whose loved ones succumbed to COVID-19 while residing in nursing homes. Since the start of the public health crisis, I have stood with family members and nursing home residents, and advocated...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that he helped pass legislation to support small businesses by excluding unemployment charges due to COVID-19 from being used to calculate an employer’s experience rating (A.2001). “The necessary...

“President Biden’s executive order to initiate discussions between federal agencies and the Canadian government to reopen the border for personal travel is much-welcomed news. I have continually stated that we must find safe, commonsense solutions...

“Today, the governor outlined his future plans for New Yorkers in his State of the State address. From expanding access to telehealth services statewide to reforming our election system, I’m eager to build upon what was laid out today and fight to...

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced the closure of the Clinton Annex today. This announcement comes following budget language that authorized the closure of correctional facilities operated by DOCCS with...