Welcome
Our County Legislature’s most important function is to allocate County resources in ways that meet the needs and values of our residents. Not surprisingly, when our needs are many and our resources are relatively few, our values tend to get short shrift.
Tompkins County now face increasingly scarce resources under a Federal government that shows little interest in our natural, social, and cultural environments, and a State government that sometimes seems determined to bankrupt our counties. We had to use 68% of last year’s county property tax levy to pay for unfunded mandates. Because of New York State’s “system” for funding Medicaid, we used fully 24% of last year’s property tax levy to pay for Medicaid services provided in Tompkins County. If Congressional Republicans succeed in implementing block grant funding for Medicaid, our county share of Medicaid funding could increase even more. What will we do then? We cannot increase property taxes by any substantial amount: our citizens are already burdened with very high property taxes, and that burden was effectively increased by the limitation on SALT deductions imposed by Federal tax legislation passed in 2017. At the same time, we cannot deny health care services to our residents who need them.
How we overcome the challenge of resource scarcity while maintaining the quality of life we all value will set our County’s course for years to come. I believe the key to meeting these challenges is to build a strong, sustainable, independent economy here in Tompkins County. That means not only increasing our tax base, but also using every means at our disposal to create jobs that pay a living wage or better, to promote our flagging retail sector, to underwrite construction of affordable and work force housing, and to expand public transit services throughout Tompkins County. When everyone in Tompkins County thrives, everyone contributes to growing county revenues.
We have a LOT of work to do!
Deborah’s recent Facebook posts are shared, below.
Deborah Dawson - TC Legislator for District 10
We didn't learn our lessons from 1968. We didn't learn from Rodney King in 1991, or from the Kerner Report that followed. We have not addressed the structural racism that underlies American politics, economics, and society. We continue to turn a blind eye at our peril. It's high time for those of us who do not support structural racism to kick it up a notch - or more.
I'm taking suggestions, requests, and comments from my friends and colleagues of color. How can I help?
www.theatlantic.com
The most traumatic year in recent American history—1968—offers some disquieting lessons for the present.Phase 2 is coming in the next few days.
See below for more info.
Phase 2 involves professional service and office spaces. Many of these businesses (such as financial services) have been essential businesses and have already been open in some form. Biggest change in Phase 2 is allowing in-store retail. Requirements include reducing density, wearing a face mask if 6 ft cannot be maintained, good personal hygiene, cleaning and screening employees. Business owners will be required to maintain records of all employee screening questions – this can be done with an app, paper survey, etc. An Executive Order was issued last night authorizing businesses to refuse entry of customers who refuse to wear a face masks. Hair cutting and coloring is authorized in Phase 2 (not waxing, massage, etc). Stylist and barbers will require a face mask and shield, as well as getting tested every 14 days. Customers are required to wear masks as well. We will get more direction on when Phase 2 will open in our region at the Governor’s press conference at 1pm today, but they are expecting that wait will be minimal. All the industry specific guidance has been or is in the process of being posted on the NY Forward webpage.
Phase 2 industrial guidance. forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries
Wear your masks. Stay 6 feet apart. Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
Target says employee at Lansing store tested positive for COVID-19
ithacavoice.com
LANSING, N.Y. — An employee at the Target location in The Shops at Ithaca Mall has tested positive for COVID-19, Target Corporate confirmed on Wednesday. The Ithaca Voice received a tip on Tuesday ...Non essential gathering of less than 10 people are no longer prohibited, BUT you must maintain social distancing and masking and cleaning protocols. STAY SAFE OUT THERE!!
nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/coronavirus/2020/05/22/state-allows-all-gatherin...
State Eases Restrictions, Allows Gatherings of 10 or Fewer People
nystateofpolitics.com
The new order is in effect through June 21.