Positives about last year’s Wings Over Batavia certainly outweighed any negative comments, according to Genesee County legislators, but lead organizer Pete Zeliff still addressed the couple of concerns expressed about the resurrected air show before getting a strong showing of support for this year’s event during Tuesday’s county meeting.

Legislator Gary Maha had received a message from someone who owns a hangar at the county airport, and he shared that he was unable to access his hangar for six days during the time before, during and/or after the Labor Day air show, Maha said. Zeliff countered that it was three days, and that the situation was being rectified for this year. 

“It must have been a communication issue,” Maha said.

The other issue was handicapped parking, Maha said, as he and his wife Susan had attended the show and saw a woman struggling to push her husband in a wheelchair over a grassy area. Zeliff said that that, too, was being addressed for this second annual event. 

Further, Zeliff said there were issues with having all of the sponsored and VIP tents on the west end of the event venue, and some of them will be moved to the east end, along with some local bands, to spread out the foot traffic and layout on the ground. 

“We will split it up this time,” Zeliff said. “And we will also have a Kids Zone on the east end. As far as traffic, I don’t think it could have gone any better.”

Some gates were apparently not open, which didn’t allow for some handicapped parking that will be available this year, he said. 

“Can you have a wheelchair zone, for wheelchair access?" Legislator Marianne Clattenburg said.

“Yes,” Zeliff said. 

Legislators wanted to know how performers responded to the show hosted in Genesee County. 

“They said it was the best show they’ve ever done in the United States,” Zeliff said.

Organizers booked 73 rooms for them at Batavia Downs, and 50 rooms elsewhere, some of them that would accommodate guests with pets, he said. They have already booked many performers for this year, including the same pyrotechnics show, and they have sold 1,200 tickets already, he said, a testimony that “the community is very much behind” the air show. 

Legislator John Deleo, who works at Batavia Downs, shared some of what he heard during that weekend.

"They were really appreciative, and they were really nice people. And they said you've got some top entertainment here. And you've got some top entertainment from all over," Deleo said. "So I was very excited to hear that."

Legislators agreed that the air show committee, volunteers, and sponsors for the first-year made it “a tremendous success” and that the event brought in a lot of people from out of town, which spurred additional economic activity.

With all of that in mind, the committee members voted to push the resolution for vote by the full Legislature “to grant permission to the Wings over Batavia Foundation LLC to use the Genesee County Airport to host the Wings over Batavia Air Show from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, 2024, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations adopted for the Genesee County Airport.” The county support costs total are estimated at $19,500, which are covered by the Air Show through Memorandum of Understanding with the Sheriff and local EMS operations.

There is no added cost for the current airport liability policy. There will be increased revenues for the airport during the event for additional fuel sales, tie downs and rentals, the resolution states. The county will also see increased sales tax because of the air show. The 2023 show generated over $6,000 in profit from fuel sales. The estimated increase in sales tax and bed tax related to the event is to be approximately $40,000.

As for Wing Ding, the downtown city street festival that many people seemed to be looking forward to for decades past, that will not be turning after all. City officials had formed a committee last year to resurrect Wing Ding along with the air show, as it once happened some 25 years ago. However, that was put on hold in lieu of needing more planning to fully prepare and gather volunteers for the effort, Assistant City Manager Erik Fix had said at the time.

The Batavian confirmed with City Manager Rachael Tabelski that Wing Ding will not be happening this year either, due to not having enough staff to organize or execute the event. 

County legislators gave a thumbs up and fingers crossed Tuesday for a grant application to make mandated and costly upgrades to Genesee County Animal Shelter per recently passed state legislation requiring at least two sets of ventilation systems, isolation areas, treatment rooms, washing facilities and other amenities at the Route 5 facility. 

Undersheriff Bradley Mazur made the request during the Public Service Committee meeting, as Deputy Highway Superintendent Paul Osborn helped to explain the need for funding. Gov. Hochul recently signed the Companion Animal Care Standards Act, prompting New York State shelters to ramp up their to-do lists to meet new compliance orders. 

Osborn reviewed some of the physical aspects of those tasks, including the need for a new HVAC system that keeps the air temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, separate ventilation systems  -- three, Osborn said -- for the adoption and stray side of the shelter, larger kennels for both dogs and cats, isolation rooms for sick dogs and cats, treatment rooms for dogs and cats, separate washing facilities for both dogs and cats, additional wash sinks for volunteers, and daylighting for diurnal lighting. 

The upside, county Manager Matt Landers said, is that the building footprint itself won't have to be enlarged, as the work can be done -- with necessary reconfiguring of rooms, an added wall, and such -- within the current site.

The deadline for applying for a maximum award of $500,000 is Jan. 29, and work must be done by December 2025. Osborn said estimated expenses for those mandates would easily meet or surpass half a million dollars, which prompted Legislator Marianne Clattenburg to ask who pays if they go over cost.

“We do,” Landers said. 

The Batavian asked him what would happen if the county couldn’t pay the tab and didn’t make the required upgrades. Could the shelter get shut down?

“I am confident we will find a solution that is cost-effective and meets the new requirements from NYS Ag & Markets,” Landers said.  “The State has stated it is not their goal to close down shelters.”

“The county is confident that between the next couple of NYS budget years that it will secure necessary grant funds to largely offset the required improvements,” he said.

The Batavian wanted to clarify Clattenburg’s comment made during the meeting about whether the shelter should even be where it is. Would she like to see it shut down?

She didn’t mean that, she said.

“No, not closing it. But, you know, reimagining it. Maybe shared services with other counties, maybe a different location and a better building, you know, something along those lines, because it's going to be very expensive to retrofit where it is now,” she said. “And so, I was just thinking along those lines. We're always looking for shared services models, and maybe, if the state wants better ventilation and better cages, better everything, then maybe it's time to look at regionalizing, that was my thought.”

The Batavian also asked Landers his thoughts about a future shared animal shelter facility, per Clattenburg’s comment, to save on costs.

“Legislator Clattenburg is a huge proponent for sharing services when it makes sense.  We will always examine when a shared service model may work and save municipal resources,” he said.  “At this point, our focus is on securing state funds for the required upgrades, but we will always keep an open mind for opportunities to share services with other municipal partners.”

Legislators had no problem with the grant application and passed it onto the Ways & Means Committee and the Legislature to authorize the submission of the proposal for a maximum of $500,000 award, with a 10 percent county match for required upgrades at the shelter. Other provisions in the new law include changes to animal bedding, transportation, behavioral record keeping and mandatory training.

After what he considered to be an extensive search for funding of unserved county Broadband customers, County Manager Matt Landers put forth a resolution Tuesday to move forward with a two-year, $6.6 million plan to fulfill more than 700 “address points” and close the gap of internet service across Genesee County.

A contract for high-speed internet access could alleviate issues for everything from, according to legislators, students when relegated to doing homework by computer in cyber dead zones, to entrepreneurs trying to make a living conducting business at home.

“I’m still negotiating and having discussions with state officials trying to find outside pots of money that we could access even after contract award. Local representative for the governor's office, J.W. Cook, has been working with me recently, trying to find possibilities for additional funding,” Landers said during the county Public Service meeting that was postponed due to Monday's holiday. “But at this point in time, I think we've exhausted all of our attempts to find outside resources. Our office does get relatively quite a few calls, asking where we stand. So I think that we're at the point now to move forward with the 24-month contract, from start to finish. And this will be before you today for consideration.“ 

Legislator Gary Maha was in favor of the move, especially after hearing about how students struggled to do homework during COVID and the resulting pandemic when forced to do use whatever technology they had at home during school shutdowns, he said.

“I think it’s very important that we proceed with this,” Maha said.

Fellow legislator Christian Yunker agreed: “Just like many of us, many of us field a lot of calls, especially in the rural areas. There's a lot of holes in the kind of units sold on that access.”

“A couple of years ago, we started talking about this. We said we will fill all the address points. This is something that I think we've all talked about. This is a two-year process. It's time to start construction,” he said. “So with that, if we sign this now … when do they say construction will begin?"

Landers said that, potentially, it could be two to three months, up to six months, for the installation to begin. Once completed, “we would cover all addresses in the county.”

“We would be covering every single address,” he said. Residents can hook up to it if they choose, “it’s not obligating anyone,” Landers said. 

That was something the county “should be proud” of, Yunker said. 

“And there's probably not a lot of other counties out there can say that,” he said. “It's a service that we're providing to every resident. And I think it's something we should be proud of. It's a lot of money, but everybody knows how important it is, not only for residential people but also businesses.”

Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein added a kudos for Landers’ attempts to try and root out as much funding as possible while providing a needed service before pushing for a contract. 

“I would just like to thank the unprecedented amount of time that Matt, and energy, research, commitment that you have put into the contract, and understanding that the need is real for these address points in our community,” Stein said. “And at the same time, you've been very judicious in safeguarding the actual cash that needs to go into this program. Thank you for valuing both sides of the equation.”

She also asked if any other municipalities were pursuing internet service for their residents, and “none of the towns are doing anything,” Landers said.  “We’re only connecting unserved households,” he said of the 711 addresses to be covered.

“We were looking at a two-phase process, which would have decided which towns go first. We have done away with that to make this go as quickly as possible. So this is left in the hands of Charter (Communications) as far as their path. I can get updates as they go through the process to kind of get an idea of the direction. So I can sort of get an update and report back,” Landers said. “It's whatever is the quickest and most logical, economical for Charter to roll this out.”

The contract stems from a request for proposals issued in 2022 and an extensive process and input led by a committee that included three county legislators, IT Director Michael Burns, Richard Sutherland from Genesee Finger Lakes Planning, and Assistant County Manager Tammi Ferringer and other staff. 

Funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act and state shared services monies and county reserves, Landers said. The resolution must still go through the Ways & Means Committee and onto the full Legislature for a final vote. 

The committee recommends that the award in the amount not to exceed $6,603,107 go the Spectrum Northeast, LLC, located in the State of Delaware, and the County of Genesee desires to obligate and use $2 million of its total ARPA allocation and $250,000 of shared services funding, plus $4.75 million of reserves for the project.

Oakfield was held scoreless in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night, but was so dominant earlier in the game, including scoring 18 points in the third quarter, that they were able to hold onto a big lead and beat Alexander 39-29 in Girls Basketball.

Caitlin Ryan scored 13 points for the Hornets and Alea Geoff scored eight. 

Hayden Bezon scored eight for the Trojans.

Also in Girls Basketball on Tuesday:

• Elba beat Holley 58-31
• Batavia 54, Franklin 21. Anna Varland scored 16 points. Julia Clark scored eight, and Addy O'Donnell scored eight. Isabella Walsh scored five points and had seven rebounds, six steals, and four blocked shots.
• Notre Dame beat Attica, 56-27. Leading the Lady Irish was Sofia Falleti with 17 points, 3 steals and 6 blocks. Emma Sisson recorded a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals. Gianna Falleti contributed 8 points, 3 steals and 5 rebounds. 
• Pembroke beat Lyndonville 55-46.  Reagan Schneider had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Peyton Liss, 13 points. Jayden Hootman, 11 points and seven steals. Morgan Coniber, 10 points and 10 rebounds. Onolee Easterbrook, eight steals.

In Boys Basketball, Le Roy beat Batavia 65-51. Merritt Holly scored 21 points. Jake Higgins, 13 points. Jean Agosto, nine points and 13 rebounds.  No stats were provided for Batavia.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Press release:

Another lake effect snow warning has come around, to be in effect from 1 p.m. today through 7 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy lake effect snow is expected, with total snow accumulations  of 1 to 3 feet in the most persistent lake snows, with the greatest amounts expected across central and northern Erie County. Lake band centered on Ski Country this afternoon, will slowly shift north through southern Erie and Wyoming counties tonight reaching the Buffalo Metro area by early Wednesday morning, where it will remain through the first half of Wednesday night.

Lake band will then shift back south of Buffalo later Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before shifting back north across the Buffalo Metro area Thursday afternoon and weakening. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will result in areas of blowing and drifting snow, mainly Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Where: Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming counties.

Impacts: Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commutes. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero Wednesday night could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.

Location location location-this property has very favorable commercial zoning with high visibility, great traffic counts and within 10 miles of three NYS Thruway exits plus every other main route-5,20,33,63,77,and 98!! Property shares boundary lines with the GCEDC Ag Park and a National Grid substation. There are two freestanding buildings on property which can be used or easily removed. There has been a clean Phase 1 recently completed as of July 2019. This property is priced below neighboring commercial lots-a lot of opportunity for the price!

This is how Western New York celebrates MLK Day, Ginger Miller says.

"Cheering on the Bills from Holiday Valley," she said, of photos showing members of Boy Scout Troop 6650 of Alexander on the slopes Monday. There was no school since Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Pictured are Boy Scouts Vince, Xander and Quinntin supporting the Buffalo Bills, whose football game was postponed to Monday due to winter storms during the weekend. (They must have cheered extra loud: the Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31 to 17 in the playoff game.)

The guys were also earning credit toward the Snow Sports Merit Badge while having some chilly fun, Miller said.

Tanisha Nicole Gibson, 38, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd. Gibson is accused of intentionally causing $2,695.95 in damage to a 2008 Pontiac G6 on Jan. 8 at 1:15 a.m. at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Gibson was processed at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.

Ronald James Murray, Jr., 29 of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and unlawful use of a credit card. Murray is accused of stealing the keys and a vehicle from a person at the Quality Inn on Park Road at 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. The vehicle was later recovered in Gates. He is accused of using a credit card, which he had been given permission to use for a specific purpose, for a purpose other than intended. Murray was arraigned and released.

Sharon M. Black, 55, of Whispering Pines Circle, Greece, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Black is accused of stealing a credit card at 6 p.m. on Dec. 30 from a location on Edgewood Drive, Batavia, and using it for several unauthorized purchases. Black was issued an appearance ticket.

Allison Margaret Smith, 31, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to keep right, and moving from lane unsafely.  Smith is accused of being involved in an accident on Byron Holley Road, Byron, at 5:11 p.m. on Jan. 11. The accident was investigated by Deputy Zachary Hoy and Deputy Morgan Ewert. Smith was released on an appearance ticket.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 34, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bouter is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 2:51 p.m. on Dec. 15. She was arrested on Jan. 10. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jacob W. Patterson, 28, of Corfu, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest. Crystal M. Bouter, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and driving while impaired by drugs.  Patterson and Bouter were arrested by State Police in the city of Batavia in connection with an incident reported at 10:25 p.m on Jan. 10. Both were issued appearance tickets.  No further information was released.

Leigha-Sabrina Marie Doreen, 2, of Oak Orchard Extension, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate headlight, and an uninspected motor vehicle. Dorreen was stopped at 2:25 a.m. on Jan. 13 on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, by Sgt. Mathew Clor. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

The Genesee Valley School Boards Association (GVSBA) is pleased to announce the Excellence in Student Services Awards Recipients for 2024. The awards will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at Byron-Bergen Central School. Award recipients are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP for this event to pburk@gvboces.org by Thursday at noon. School staff are also invited to attend this program.

Congratulations To:

• Alexander Central School Student Leadership Conference
• Attica Central School Elementary Steam Ahead
• Avon Central School Peer Mentoring & Buddies Program
• Batavia City School District Tilly Time – Therapy Dog Program
• Byron- Bergen Central School Therapy Dog Program
• Caledonia-Mumford Central School Outdoor Classroom
• Dansville Central School Entrepreneurship Program
• Genesee Valley BOCES TIG Program
• Geneseo Central School Varsity Blue Devil Bowling (With Mt. Morris Central School)
• Keshequa Central School History Adventure Room
• LeRoy Central School Community Service Project
• Letchworth Central School Transportation Department
• Livonia Central School Choices Program
• Mt. Morris Central School Varsity Blue Devil Bowling (With Geneseo Central School)
• Pavilion Central School Child Success Team at D. B. Bunce Elementary
• Pembroke Central School SHIELD Program
• Perry Central School Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Warsaw Central School FFA Program
• Wayland-Cohocton Central School Middle School Summer Enrichment Program
• York Central School Middle/High School STEAM Education

Press Release:

Come enjoy the winter season at the Genesee County Park and Forest! Join us this January and February for a variety of walks, hikes, and environmental education programs. 

Programs include: 

• Saturday, Jan. 20 - Morning Bird Walk
• Wednesday, Jan. 24 - Winter Woods Walk
• Saturday, Jan. 27 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
• Saturday, Feb. 3 - Groundhog Day Walk
• Saturday, Feb. 17 - Great Backyard Bird Count
• Saturday, Feb. 24 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

Walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Each will explore a different topic. Walks are approximately 1 - 2 miles long over easy terrain and all are family-friendly. Cost is $5 per person and $10 per family. 

Snowshoe Hikes include snowshoe rental, cost is $5 per person and $15 per family. Please pre-register to receive the exact meeting location and other details!

Please pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/GenCoParkRegistration or by calling 585-344-1122 For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Claudia Nusstein at Claudia.Nusstein@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. Like us on Facebook at: Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 Route 31, West Albion) or by Zoom.

Refreshments will be provided.

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, Early Intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities, and other community members. The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program. 

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.

For zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.

They are working out the timing details, but Nate Charvella and Stacey Schrader have found their new location for Batavia Restaurant Supply, Schrader says.

The longtime staple at the corner of South Lyon and West Main Street will be moving westward to Valu Plaza, Schrader confirmed on Monday. After receiving several phone calls and inquiries from customers about the fate of the Batavia business, Schrader wanted to let people know that it will be moving and where, she said, though further details are not yet nailed down.

“We are not quite ready yet,” she said about opening the doors of the new site at 4152 West Main St., Suite 18A. “We are waiting for the installation of our cooler and freezer.”

The owners of BRS learned in 2023 that the building’s landlord would be selling to Carrols Corp., which plans to build a Burger King at that corner.

Once everything is finalized, Schrader believes it will be "better in the long run for us," with easier access and plenty of parking at the new location.

By James Fink

How does a Clemson, S.C. native end up in Amherst, serving as the Western New York Area Manager for Beam Suntory?

Just ask Shane Moore.

Moore, 48, is that person, and he will be centerstage on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3 at Batavia Downs' annual BBQ & Bourbon Dinner.

Moore will be overseeing the event that showcases a variety of Marker's Mark and Knob Creek products - both of which are part of the Beam Suntory family of whiskeys and bourbons.

"All bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons," Moore said.

During the event, Moore will be providing insight into the Marker's Mark and Knob Creek products but also giving a history lesson about bourbon and whiskey. It is designed to be both entertaining and informative.

"Did you know that in the U.S., women are among the largest group of bourbon buyers?" Moore said.

During the 2023 BBQ & Bourbon Dinner at Batavia Downs, more than half of the people who attended were women, and many came in parties of four or more, Moore said.

An Air Force veteran, Moore first came to the Western New York region while working for Philip Morris International as part of its Buffalo/Rochester area cigarette distribution network. It helped that his wife, Michelle, was an Amherst native and wanted to be close to her family.

Moore became hooked on the region.

After a stint selling mortar products to the construction industry, Moore was recruited to work for Beam Sumtory 16 years ago.  He never looked back.

To help promote various Beam products, including the signature Jim Beam line of bourbons, Moore decided to create a special event that would tie in the bourbon and whiskey products with food. Because of the diverse entertainment offerings and destination status of Batavia Downs, it was a natural fit to pair the two together. 

"I really like the options that Batavia Downs has to offer," Moore said. "It fits right into what we are trying to do and who we are trying to reach."

Moore cited the live harness racing, the gaming floor, different dining destinations and the hotel as key amenities that work well for his company.

It also helps that Batavia Downs bridges both the Buffalo and Rochester upstate markets.

"It gives me the ability to reach so many people," Moore said. "You name the demographic and you will find it here."

So what can people expect during the event? 

There will be a blind test of both Knob Creek and Maker's Mark products. People will only find out what they tasted in a post-test review.  There will be a BBQ Dinner in between the 2 tastings as well.

 "The mystery is part of the experience," Moore said. "This is about hearing the stories, enjoying some BBQ and being part of a fun experience."

 Hotel and individual packages are available through Batavia Downs by visiting BataviaConcerts.com.

 Attendees receive $50 Free Play, Hand Dipped Marker’s Mark Glass and bag, a BBQ Dinner and Bourbon Sampling.  There will be a drawing for a Black Stone Griddle valued at over $400. 

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.  Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.

Press Release:

“Anyone hoping that Governor Hochul’s State of the State message would chart a bold plan for turning around New York State’s affordability and public safety crises has been left disappointed in today’s address.

The worst-in-the-nation outmigration of our residents is a problem that threatens our future. It requires more than new affordable housing units, as the governor suggests. New York State’s combined state and local tax rates are the highest in the nation. Numerous polls have found that this crushing tax burden is the primary reason people are leaving New York. We heard no plans to tackle that issue.

New Yorkers also cite declining public safety as their other top concern. While the governor praised a recent decrease in gun violence, the truth is that crime rates are still significantly higher now than they were before the reckless bail changes took effect. In New York City alone, index crimes are a staggering 33 percent higher now than in 2019. Proposals to combat retail theft, domestic violence and hate crimes are a step forward, but the leftists in the legislature will fight these proposals. Tough talk won’t be enough. She will need to muster the political will to fight and win these battles.

New York’s business community was overlooked in this address. Rather than investing precious resources trying to market our state as an A.I. hub, we should be taking steps to support and boost our longstanding employers in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors who have been hurt by careless mandates and heavy taxes. Small businesses are still struggling under the weight of the unemployment insurance debt that the state unfairly placed on them. These New York State born-and-bred businesses were ignored.

The most glaring omission was any plan for dealing with Democrats’ self-created migrant crisis, which is draining billions of taxpayer dollars and shows no signs of slowing down. Simply throwing more money at this problem isn’t an answer.

The mental health priorities the governor outlined are initiatives that I support. Expanding both inpatient and outpatient treatment are sorely needed changes. However, again, she will need to be willing to go to the mat with the legislature for key items in this agenda, particularly stronger inpatient treatment.

I look forward to receiving more details on these proposals in the Executive Budget. Governor Hochul was right when she said ‘We all want our state to succeed.’ However, to get there will take more than talk, it will take political courage.”

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced that their provision, which would require that American flags purchased by the Department of Defense be made in America by American workers and use American-grown and manufactured materials, was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

“American Flags flown over our military installations, carried into battle, and draped over the caskets of our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice should be made in the land they so valiantly defend,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United States should never contribute to offshoring jobs, especially when it comes to purchasing American flags. I am thrilled our bipartisan amendment was included in the FY24 NDAA to ensure that only American flags made in the USA are purchased by the DOD. I will always fight to support American manufacturers and workers and the domestic production of critical goods, including American flags.”

“The American flag is the greatest symbol of freedom in the world, and it represents the hard-fought battles by American servicemembers who made tremendous sacrifices to protect our nation,” said Congressman Thompson. “Every American flag purchased by the Department of Defense should be made by American workers in the United States with American materials. I am proud to have gotten this requirement signed into law.”