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
CLEAN tried to stop this several years ago. Its position about the danger of the faults under our lake was poo-pooed by the court and many of our local governments, including the then-mayor of Lansing. And here we are again - with an implicit admission by Cargill and the DEC that CLEAN was right.
As Risks of a Catastrophic Mine Flood Under Cayuga Lake Mount, Cuomo’s DEC Guards Cargill’s Secrets
waterfrontonline.blog
LANSING, July 19, 2021 — As Cargill Inc. mines salt under sections of Cayuga Lake where thinning bedrock heightens the risk of a roof collapse or flood, the Cuomo Administration has doubled down on...Right about what? Cargill had always planned setbacks from Frontenac point. The writer makes assumptions about a letter he doesn’t have as he also states.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Local Clinics Scheduled
The Tompkins County Health Department is notifying the community of several upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Vaccine is readily available in Tompkins County, and TCHD urges all individuals aged 12+ to get vaccinated.
West Hill: Cayuga View Apartments (Conifer)
Where: Cayuga View Apartments, 201 Cypress Ct., Ithaca
When: Tuesday, July 20
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone ages 12+
Vaccine: Pfizer BioNTech, First Dose
Walk-ins Welcome, Appointments Available
A parent or guardian must sign a consent form for anyone under age 18. Some sites require that a parent or guardian accompany anyone under age 18 to the vaccination clinic.
Downtown Ithaca: Tompkins County Public Library
Where: Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green St.
When: Friday, July 23
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Everyone ages 18+
Vaccine: Johnson & Johnson (J&J)
Walk-ins Welcome, Appointments Available
Please Bring: (1) Photo ID, (2) Insurance card if you have one. (There is never a charge or co-pay, but if you have medical insurance it will be billed to cover clinic costs.)
Individuals without computer and/or internet access may also call 2-1-1 (877-211-8667) during regular business hours 8:30am-5:00pm to be registered over the phone or request transportation assistance.
NYS State-run Vaccination Sites are offering vaccine to all eligible age groups. Appointments can be scheduled on the NYS Department of Health website. Local pharmacies and medical offices may have vaccine available.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth.
Tompkins County Health Department
www.facebook.com
The TCHD provides public health programs and services for Tompkins County residents. We strive to engage our community with compassion & respect; value diversity, transparency, & fairness; and work co...
HIRING ALERT: COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTER PROJECT DIRECTOR
Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca, New York are collaborating in the search for dynamic leader to serve as Project Director for the newly established Community Justice Center with a proven track record of commitment to equity and social justice.
As the Project Director, you are responsible for leading the implementation of the Reimagining Public Safety Collaborative. As the Project Director you will convene, organize, and collaborate with multiple stakeholders including community members to implement the plan’s recommendations.
An ideal candidate will have experience leading and advancing equity-centered solutions on behalf of the community.
Application deadline is August 15, 2021. Please see full job description and application here: www.tompkinscivilservice.org/civilservice/vacancies
#TompkinsTogether
Serious food for thought. Do your part. Don't buy almond products - there are plenty of other options that are actually better for you (Milkadamia, brazil nuts, pecans, walnutes). And seriously, do I have to tell you that buying water in plastic bottles is really, really bad for the environment?
BM has no idea what supports California’s economy, we are an ag state!😱
Yes but is that figure actually tree consumption or irrigation? Water not used goes back to the water table to be used again.
