Press Releases

Assemblyman Jones: Assembly Passes Equal Pay Legislation on Equal Pay Day

In conjunction with National Equal Pay Day on April 4, Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he passed a series of bills to help close the gender pay gap in New York State. Equal Pay Day marks how far into the new year women must work to catch...

Assemblyman Jones: Budget Extender Allows State to Operate While Deliberations Continue

“While I had hoped the Legislature would pass a budget before the April 1 deadline, an agreement remains elusive. Today, I helped pass a budget extender that prevents a state government shutdown while negotiations continue. “This was a last resort,...

Assemblyman Jones: Ride-Hailing is Long Overdue for Upstate New York

“While New York City has reaped the benefits of ride-hailing services for years, upstate communities have been unfairly left out. It’s time to change that. That’s why I support allowing these valuable services to operate in all corners of the state. “In...

Assemblyman Jones: Direct Service Providers is a Priority in the Budget

“In my time in Albany, I’ve been vocal about improving working conditions and wages for direct service providers. I fought to secure funding in the Assembly budget proposal to help the men and women who do this great work make a living wage, and I’m...

Assemblyman Jones Accepting Nominations for 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

In honor of Women’s History Month, Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he is seeking nominations for his 2017 Women of Distinction Awards. Nominations can be submitted until April 3. Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony on April...

Assemblyman Jones: North Country State Workers Should’ve Been Excused Due to Hazardous Road Conditions

“Yesterday’s nor’easter hit the North Country much harder than was originally predicted. As the storm’s path shifted, I reached out to Governor Cuomo’s office to ask why our community’s nonessential public employees were not included in the...

Assemblyman Jones: Assembly Budget Proposal Helps North Country Economy, Families

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly’s 2017-18 state budget proposal helps grow the economy, gives North Country communities the resources they need and invests in vital agriculture programs. “During my recent district...

Assemblyman Jones: Trooper Brian S. Falb Was a True Hero

“Today, the North Country mourns the loss of State Police Trooper Brian S. Falb. Trooper Falb bravely answered the call of duty following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 to aid in search-and-recovery efforts. It is with a heavy heart that I’ve learned...

Assemblyman Jones: Assembly Budget Proposal Supports Small Businesses, Incentivizes Research and Development, Boosts Job Creation

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly’s 2017-18 state budget proposal makes New York more business-friendly by providing tax cuts for small businesses and tax credits for businesses conducting research and development, as...

Assemblyman Jones Passes Legislation to Fix STAR Program

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he co-sponsored, to reform the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program to fix changes made in last years’ budget and remove barriers to prompt tax relief (A.5969) has passed the assembly....

Assemblyman Jones Sponsors Legislation to Fix STAR Program and Remove Tax Relief Hurdles

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he is co-sponsoring legislation to reform the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program to fix changes made last year and remove barriers to prompt tax relief (A.5969). “North Country families were...

Assemblyman Jones is Coming to a Town Near You

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced the launch of his districtwide tour to hear the concerns of residents and let them know how his office can help them. The tour will kick off on Feb. 20 in the town of Champlain. “As your voice in...

Assemblyman Jones: New Yorkers Deserve a Government They Can Trust

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced the passage of legislation to amend to strip taxpayer-funded pensions from public officers convicted of corruption (A.1749) and of a joint resolution requiring legislators in both houses to submit information...

Assemblyman Jones: Joyce Mitchell Should Stay Behind Bars

“Joyce Mitchell put the lives of North Country residents and hundreds of law enforcement officers at risk when she helped two convicted murderers escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility. Her actions not only cost taxpayers millions of dollars...

Assemblyman Jones: Local Projects Receive Grants from Empire State Development

“The Keeseville Civic Center will receive $500,000 through Empire State Development to renovate and reopen for community use. This funding is the result of the hard work of volunteers who came together after the civic center was closed in...

Assemblyman Billy Jones: Volunteer Firefighters Deserve Quality Healthcare

“Every day, volunteer firefighters across the state risk their lives to keep our communities safe. They’re frequently exposed to smoke and chemicals and deserve comprehensive health care coverage if they fall ill. It’s imperative the Volunteer Firefighters’...

Assemblyman Jones: Budget Should Include Middle-Class Tax Cuts and Increased Education Aid

“As the budget process goes underway, I’ll fight for a budget that will help North Country families succeed right here at home. We must ensure a fair budget that includes tax relief for middle-class families, an increase in education aid for North...

Assemblymember Jones: Airport Award to Create Jobs and Economic Success

“Gov. Cuomo announced, today, that the Plattsburgh International Airport would receive $38 million through the Upstate Airport Economic Development Competition. This award will allow for a total retransformation of the former Air Force base into a state-of-the-art...

Assemblymember Jones: We Need to Increase Accessible, Affordable Quality Child Care

“Too many families, especially here in the North Country, are forced to choose between a paycheck and quality child care. We’ve got to come up with ways to help hardworking parents care for their children. I look forward to considering the details...

Assemblyman Jones Congratulates Chairwoman Rice on Her New Historic Role

“Barbara Rice has long been an activist for Saranac Lake, Franklin County and the North Country as a whole. As the first female chair of the Franklin County Legislature, she will continue to move our community forward while protecting our values. I...