This past February, New York along with 46 other states, Washington, D.C. and five U.S. territories were awarded a $573 million settlement after the federal government and states sued OxyContin producer Purdue Pharma for personal and societal costs that...

“This past year has been incredibly difficult for all of us. Many families lost their source of income and small businesses struggled to stay afloat. Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been committed to helping our communities forge a path forward,...

“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive restrictions were put in place for New York residents and businesses to keep our communities safe in the face of a novel public health threat. More than a year later, we are well into the process of...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that important funding for education was included in the New York State 2021-2022 budget he helped pass. Statewide, the budget includes a $3.1 billion increase overall in education funding as well...

“The announcement earlier today that the U.S.-Canada border will remain closed through at least May 21 is truly frustrating as there continues to be no staged plan from the federal governments. This continues to have a significant impact on our regional...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that the 2021-22 state budget includes critical funding to improve the North Country’s roads and bridges. “Improving our infrastructure impacts everyone in the North Country. Our residents rely...

“Earlier today, Swarovski Lighting, Ltd. announced an agreement to transfer the Schonbek brand of luxury crystal lighting to WAC Lighting, a Port Washington-based company. I want to congratulate both of these companies on a successful sale and am pleased...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that the 2021-2022 state budget includes funding for the Visitor Interpretive Centers (VICs) at Paul Smith College and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Jones advocated for...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that he helped pass the 2021-22 state budget, which includes funding that he secured for the North Country Veterans Association (NCVA) and other essential programs and services for local veterans. “Despite...

“Over the last six years, OATS has significantly impacted the lives of North Country seniors and helped many of our neighbors access the internet and improve their computer skills,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). “That is why...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that the 2021-22 state budget includes major victories for the state’s agricultural industry, which was $8 million over the Executive’s original proposal for a total appropriation of over $35 million....

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that he helped secure $275,000 to support the North Country Chamber of Commerce in the 2021-22 state budget. “The North Country Chamber of Commerce is a critical resource not only for our local communities,...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that he helped secure several measures that will be included in the approved 2021-22 state budget to support North Country families and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Jones also will vote against...

“The Excluded Workers Fund that has been proposed during budget negotiations is an ill-advised proposal and I am vehemently opposed to it. This program, which seeks to provide assistance to people who have been left out of traditional benefits is ineffective...

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that legislation he co-sponsored to help reunite families separated during the ongoing pandemic by expanding nursing home visitation rights has been signed into law (Ch. 89 of 2021). This law will...

“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...