Stories from

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr., Esq. will be the 55th commencement speaker for the college's graduating class of 2023. Mr. Bonarigo, a former trustee of GCC and a first-generation college graduate, will share his experiences and insights with the graduates during the ceremony which will take place on May 20 at 1 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena.

Born and raised in Batavia, Ben Bonarigo graduated from Batavia High School in 1975. He attained an Associate of Science Degree in Business from Genesee Community College (1977), a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the State University of New York at Buffalo (1979), and his Juris Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo (1982).

After passing the bar exam, he returned to his hometown and was the founding and managing partner of the Bonarigo & McCutcheon Law Firm, where he practiced law for 40 years and held various positions, including the attorney for the City and Towns of Batavia and the Village of Oakfield.

Ben was deeply involved in the betterment of his profession as President of the Genesee County Bar Association, a delegate to the N.Y.S Bar Association, a member of the Attorney Grievance Committee that governed the ethical behavior of attorneys, and a member of the Judicial Qualification Commission that screened and gave ratings to prospective judges.

Ben was an active member of his local community, serving on the boards of many civic organizations, including Notre Dame High School, Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation, Literacy Volunteers, Batavia Youth Football and the Holland Land Office Museum. He also coached little league baseball and football.

From 2011 to 2020, Ben served as a member of the Board of Trustees at GCC, where he was instrumental in the Capital campaign that raised over $5M that helped fund the college's Student Success Center, Richard C. Call Arena and numerous scholarships. He also advocated for a multi-phase renovation plan to College Village, GCC's apartment-style student residence.

Having retired from practice in 2020, Mr. Bonarigo resides in Batavia and Rushford Lake, NY and in Palm Harbor, Florida. He enjoys spending time with his wife of forty years, Diane, his three children and their spouses, and most of all, with his five grandchildren.

"I am honored to be speaking at Genesee Community College's commencement ceremony and to share my experiences with the graduating class of 2023," said Mr. Bonarigo. "I am proud of what the college has accomplished over the years, and I look forward to seeing the impact that these graduates will have in the future."

GCC President Dr. James M. Sunser stated, "We are thrilled to have Mr. Bonarigo as our 55th commencement speaker. His commitment to education and his contributions to GCC and the community make him an ideal choice for this special occasion."

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) joined a coalition of assembly members and district attorneys from across the state and on both sides of the political aisle, to call for an end to the dangerous ”Raise the Age” law that has been in place in New York since 2018. The law was designed to keep 16- and 17-year-olds arrested for violent felonies from being convicted of those felonies by keeping their cases in family court rather than the Youth Part of the Superior Court.

The felonies that fall under this category range from sex offenses to dangerous weapon offenses and even making terroristic threats. This law has provided a loophole for more organized crime by providing an incentive to recruit adolescents into their fold, as their sentences often end up being lighter and their records sealed in family court. Hawley wants to close this loophole.

“Violent crime is violent crime, plain and simple, and if adolescents are going to commit violent crime, they must face consequences,” Hawley said. “It’s an unfortunate feedback loop that kids are being indoctrinated into criminal activity because of the way the law is written to leave them facing minor consequences, and it falls to the state government to close that loop before more people get hurt.”

According to the Department of Criminal Justice Services, in 2021, only 257 of the 3,303 arrests of adolescents for violent crimes received a conviction. Those arrested include 112 cases of homicide, 80 cases for sexual offenses, 587 cases for firearm offenses, 691 cases for robbery, 213 cases for burglary and 20 cases for making a terroristic threat.

“This law treats the offender as the primary victim rather than those who are afflicted by the committed crimes. It is wrong to continue operating this state in this way. We must repeal Raise the Age,” Hawley concluded.

Press release:

Press Release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected a local High School Junior girl to attend this year's Empire Girls State the week of July 3rd at SUNY Brockport.

Victoria Rogoyski of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School has been selected to attend. As part of the premier ALA program, citizens of the New York Girls State will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

Victoria was selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through the Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top 1/3 of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. Her mother, Brandie Rogoyski, works for Le Roy Central School District. The Botts-Fiorito unit is happy to be sponsoring a girl with a local connection.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary will be displaying artwork by Wolcott Street School 4th through 6th graders during the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 open house.

It will be the kick off to our Poppy Program and the center of the auxiliary's outreach to the public to see what the Legion has to offer.

The posters will be on display at the Legion from March 25 until Memorial Day.

Press release:

The Genesee County Interagency Council is pleased to announce that we will be offering a $1,000.00 scholarship for the Fall 2023 semester.  Those eligible will be High School Seniors living in and attending high school in Genesee County, in good academic standing, and majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology ONLY. 

Because the goal of this scholarship is to support those students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services, special consideration will be given to those students who have already demonstrated a commitment to the field through their employment, volunteer, academic, and/or extracurricular pursuits. 

The deadline for applications is Friday, May 5.  The awardee will be notified by June 1. The award will either be presented at our June 21 picnic meeting, or the check will be mailed directly to the individual if the in-person meeting does not occur.

Applications:

• High School (pdf)
• GCC (pdf)

Press release:

Twelve members of the GLOW YMCA Riptide Swim Team competed in the New York State YMCA Swimming Championships at the Burt Flickinger Aquatic Center in Buffalo on March 18 and 19.  For seven of these members, it was their first time competing on a swim team this season.  All members experienced significant time drops throughout the meet.

Award recipients include Lily Bellamy, 14th in the 50 Back; Tori Davis, 6th in the 50 Back and 12th in the 200 Free; Wyatt Fisher, 7th in the 50 Fly, 8th in the 100 IM, and 10th in the 50 Breast; Caleb Henning, 16th in the 500 Free; and Anna Pritchett, 16th in the 50 Free and 16th in the 100 Free.

Reilly Davis took home the NYS Championship in the 8u 25 Breast.  She also placed 2nd in the 100 IM, 3rd in the 100 Free, 3rd in the 50 Free, and 3rd in the 25 Free.

The 10u relay team of Sarah Pritchett, Reilly Davis, Lily Bellamy, and Matilda Nevinger took home 5th place in the 200 Free Relay and 6th place in the 200 Free Relay.  All of these members were new to the YMCA swim team this season.

The entire GLOW YMCA Riptide Swim Team had an amazing season.  They are looking for new members to join them next year. The Riptide swim team is coached by Jennifer Pritchett and Emily Hirsch.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C -Batavia) joined fellow Assembly Republican colleagues today to stand against the governor’s proposed housing compact plan, which would force urban building in otherwise non-urban environments like suburban communities and rural farmlands. Local governments would be unable to stop any zoning law oversteps in this proposal. Hawley finds the proposal outrageous.

“This state government’s solution to everything is to treat a problem with a broad brushstroke, which has led to many other problems being born,” Hawley said. “This housing compact proposal is another instance of a state government enforcing its will on localities whether they like it or not. It will undoubtedly lead to further problems like overcrowded schools, accelerated strains on local roads and bridges and the overtaking of land that could be dedicated to farming or small enterprise.”

Press Release:

Preschoolers from 2 to 5 years of age are invited to a morning of activities, stories, rhymes, songs, and a craft each week at the Haxton Memorial Library, 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield. Preschool Storytime takes place Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room.

The Haxton Library’s talented Mrs. J. fills Storytime with fun for preschoolers with each program centered around a theme like holidays, animals, colors, pets, seasons, or special events. The colorful Children’s Room at the library is the perfect setting, and it invites the children to explore the other activities and materials available at the library. 

In addition to Preschool Storytime, the Haxton Memorial Library also has Baby Storytime that is held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Babies from 0 to 24 months are invited to share rhymes, songs and simple board books, followed by playtime. While Baby Storytime is designed for infants and toddlers, older children are always welcome to attend as well.

“Our Storytime programs are great favorites because they engage the children with activities and songs,” says Kim Gibson, Director at the Haxton Library. “We love to have our preschoolers and their families explore and enjoy the materials, books and programs that we offer at the Haxton.”

For more information about Preschool Storytime, Baby Storytime, or any of the programs at the Haxton Memorial Library, please call 585-948-9900.

The Haxton Memorial Library located at 3 North Pearl St., Oakfield, provides residents with a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website.

Press Release:

The Jerome Foundation is sponsoring the William F. Brown Jr. Scholarship. The award is given in memory of the late William F. Brown Jr., noted author, broadcaster, and journalist who contributed greatly to the quality of life in Genesee County through his writing and as a member of numerous community and civic organizations.

An annual $1,000 scholarship for four years for a total of $4,000 will be given to a deserving Senior graduating from a Genesee County School whose intention is to pursue a career in the field of journalism, marketing, communication or public relations (in print, radio, television or digital media).

Applications for the scholarship have been sent to area High School Counselors or can be found at thejeromefoundation.org. Applications are due May 8,2023 and can be mailed to The Jerome Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Batavia, NY, 14021.

If further information is needed, contact Chris Fix at thejeromefoundation@gmail.com or 585-356-3419.

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake is looking for 1,000 energetic and motivated team members who want to work where they play! From first-time job seekers to retirees looking for part-time work, Six Flags has something for everyone, there are positions available across multiple departments, including lifeguards, ride operators, food service, entertainment, security, admissions, retail, and camping, we offer flexible schedules and competitive wages. Most positions are available for applicants 16 years old and up, with select opportunities for candidates 14 years old and up.

With FREE park admission for team members AND a friend, discounts on food, beverage and retail, employee-exclusive events and more, there is a lot to be THRILLED about when working at Six Flags Darien Lake!  

All interested candidates are encouraged to attend our spring on-site hiring event this Saturday, March 25, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Six Flags Darien Lake Hotel. Applicants should bring their Social Security Card and a current Photo ID with proof of age OR a school ID & Birth Certificate.

Applicants can also apply online at any time by visiting sixflags.com/darienlake/jobs. For questions, call Six Flags Darien Lakes Human Resources office at 585 599 5108, Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Photo: File photo.

Press release:

With spring just around the corner and everyone just itching to get outside and get their yards cleaned up, we may need to be reminded about the open burn regulations in New York State.   

New York State enacted strict restrictions on open burning to help reduce wildfire risk, protect lives and property and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur.

The annual statewide ban that prohibits residential brush burning begins on March 16 and runs through May 14.  The DEC has enforced this burn ban since 2009, which has decreased the number of wildfires by more than 40%.

Exceptions to this ban include:

• Campfires or any other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
• Small cooking fires.
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires.
  • Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire, if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
• Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
• Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

Remember, burning trash is illegal statewide in all cases.  It is unhealthy, un-neighborly and unnecessary. It causes serious health concerns and diseases, contaminated soil and discomfort for others enjoying the outdoors or their own property.

For more information about the open burn regulation, visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Website https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/ems/index.php  or the NYS DEC website https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/124884.html

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Press release:

Attention community members! Genesee Community College has recently unveiled a draft of its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, "Connect | Include | Evolve", which aims to guide the College in meeting the needs of the local, regional and global community for the next five years.

This comprehensive plan is made up of strategic priorities and core objectives that will serve as a guide to achieving key performance indicators. With an emphasis on helping students attain their educational goals, the plan was developed based on feedback received from six separate college forums, where around 150 individuals participated including community members, faculty, staff, students and administration. These forums produced ideas based on critical data relating to current remediation rates, changing GLOW region demographics, completion rates, funding rates and enrollment trends.

Over the next five years, GCC plans to use this Strategic Plan as a dynamic document to facilitate the development and alignment of annual plans of achievement for each division within the college. This will bring GCC closer to achieving its mission.

As GCC continues to build on its successes and strives to create new collaborative partnerships, innovative academic programs, and foster an inclusive culture that promotes academic excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development, community input is essential. Therefore, the college invites community members to provide their feedback on the draft plan, which can be submitted at https://www.genesee.edu/about/offices-departments/administration/strategic-planning-23/.

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today invited High School students from New York’s 24th district to participate in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. The contest winner will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

Started in 1982 by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, High School students across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories are invited to participate in a nationwide annual art competition. Since its creation, over 650,000 high school students have submitted their artwork to the contest. 

“I’m pleased to announce the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for students across New York’s 24th District,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This competition is an incredible way for students to showcase their artistic abilities. Every year, I am in awe of the talent of the students in our district, and I look forward to seeing all the great artwork that is submitted this year.” 

The deadline to submit artwork to be judged by members of the local art community will be Friday, April 21, 2023.

Additional information about the competition, including guidelines and student release forms required to participate in the 2023 competition, can be found at https://tenney.house.gov/services/art-competition or by calling Tenney’s District office at (716) 514-5130.

Article based on press release submitted by BOCES.

Area students will participate in a two-day business pitch competition at the WNY Tech Academy in Bergen at the end of the month.

Five teams from local schools will participate in the "March Madness Einstein Days" competition.  

After two days of preparation, including research, planning, developing strategies, and developing their pitch, they will have eight minutes to sway judges that they have the best pitch and best technology-based business idea.

This event taps skills in public speaking, marketing and social media, and entrepreneurship, according to organizers.

"Einstein days are important for our program and students because they offer a full day for students to immerse themselves in team building, STEM activities and exposure to Work Based Learning opportunities," said Catherine Bennett, principal of the academy. "These three areas are a major focus of our school culture.  Einstein Days are offered one to two times per month for full days so we can devote our efforts in fostering the importance of that work.  It provides students with project-based STEM experiences, exposure to our business and industry partners and the career pathways they offer.  And each Einstein Day has an element of fun, collaboration and team play, so students bond as a tight school community."

The event is a hit with students.

"Einstein day isn’t just a normal day at Tech Academy," said one of the students involved, David Tetreault, a senior at Caledonia-Mumford High School. "It builds us young adults to communicate, value team bonding, and, most importantly, leading by example. These days make us prepare for proper management, communication and how to be amazing workers. I couldn’t even imagine a better way to do this. Taking one day out of the month to bring everyone together and put it into a fun-filled, learning environment is the most important and perfect way to do it."

On Einstein Day, regularly scheduled classes are on hold, and students participate in a variety of different lessons that range from career development to STEM to team building.  Through collaboration across courses and grade levels, students develop skills such as effective communication, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution.

"What do students get out of this event? Well, students will tell you they get a fun day off from classes," Lindsay Warner, a teacher at the academy. "What they really are getting is workplace readiness skills. Our students engage in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. They have to develop communication skills, collaboration, leadership, and social skills to work effectively as a group.  They have to think, be innovative, show confidence, and even a little competitiveness. These are all traits that employers in any industry would look for in potential new hires. You can train for technical skills. The ability to resolve conflict, work effectively with others, take direction, show initiative... those things aren't as easy to develop on the job,” explained Teacher Lindsay Warner.

The Western New York Tech Academy is an Early College High School (P-TECH) that serves 13 regional school districts in the region. The school offers a curriculum that emphasizes college-level coursework and unique learning opportunities to prepare students for high-skill, financially stable careers in growth industries. Students attending the academy can complete all necessary coursework for a high school diploma and also earn an Associate of Applied Science degree through Genesee Community College. 

While teams are presenting their pitch to the judges, the remaining teams will be participating in a March Madness competition, which consists of various games, puzzles, and problem-solving exercises throughout the academy wing at Byron-Bergen High School, earning points to supplement their pitch scores. 

Press Release:

The Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club was well-represented at the Finger Lakes Region 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest on Saturday, March 18 in Jordan Hall in Geneva. 4-H youth from across the Finger Lakes region competed in the event. Dairy Bowl is a Jeopardy-style competition that tests participants knowledge of dairy cattle facts, including breeds, equipment, nutrition and more. Top placing participants will have the opportunity to represent the region at the state level contest later this year. 

Dairy Bowl Results:

• 3rd Place Beginner Team: Gia Zuber, Lilia Buckenmeyer, Veronica Wolcott and Lucy Kimball.
• 3rd Place Junior Team: Owen Kimball, Tate Zuber and Annalise Sybertz.
• 2nd Place Beginner Individual: Veronica Wolcott

The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18.  New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers and clubs are always welcome to join.  For information about how to join the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101.  Enrollment information is also available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu

Submitted Photo of Genesee County 4-H Dairy Bowl participants, from left, Gia Zuber, Owen Kimball, Lilia Buckenmeyer, Tate Zuber, Lucy Kimball, Annalise Sybertz, and Veronica Wolcott.

Press release:

Rochester Regional Health‘s United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) achieved Magnet recognition in March, a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program® from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

Just 595 U.S. healthcare organizations out of over 6,000 U.S. hospitals have achieved Magnet recognition.  UMMC now joins other RRH hospitals that have a proud history of Magnet achievement, including Rochester General, Unity, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, and our Primary Care and Ambulatory Specialty Institute (PCASI), which was the first primary care organization in the nation to achieve this prestigious designation.

“Magnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,” said Sheri Faggiano, Chief Nursing Officer for United Memorial Medical Center. “Achieving Magnet recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone of how we serve our community. It’s also tangible evidence of our nurses’ commitment to providing the very best care to our patients.”

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to healthcare organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information.
• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates.
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses.
• Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions.

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a factor when the public judges healthcare organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence.

The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership, coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Photos via UMMC

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is inviting community partners to join them for the GCEDC’s annual meeting on Friday, April 28 at Batavia Downs.

The theme of the annual meeting is #GrowingGenesee, highlighting the ripple effects of the past 20 years of economic growth and significant milestones with projects at STAMP, expanding workforce development, and economic growth across Genesee County.

“This event really provides us the opportunity to share our accomplishments over the last year and to express our thanks to all of our public and private sector partners,” said Peter Zeliff, Chairman of the GCEDC Board of Directors.

Registration for the event is available here.

The annual meeting’s keynote speaker, and the GCEDC’s partner of the year, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Past partners of the year include National Grid, Genesee Community College, Genesee County, City & Town of Batavia and the Batavia Development Corporation, National Fuel Corporation, the Town of Alabama, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, and HP Hood.

“With projects like Plug Power and Edwards growing at STAMP, expansions by our manufacturers and a wave of downtown projects and new investment, there’s no better time to reflect on the previous year and the opportunities for future growth,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “We are excited to share how Genesee County is growing and connect with our partners at the annual meeting.”

Press release:

“Between the governor's budget and the budget proposal from the Assembly Majority, more spending is on the agenda, and it's going to hurt New Yorkers,” Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) said. “Despite this dramatic inflationary period, the Majority is intent on asking New Yorkers to be taxed more in exchange for numerous programs that will likely never benefit Upstate residents. It is disappointing, irresponsible, and shameful!

“I don’t believe more taxes are the solution. I would like to see New York rein in its spending to more manageable levels, where the necessities are taken care of, and the rest is considered case-by-case. Banning gas stoves or giving free healthcare to illegal immigrants is not helping our bottom line. Our spending habits in this state are unsustainable, and if they continue, we’re only going to set ourselves up for failure,” Hawley concluded.

Press release: 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) and the Genesee County Office for the Aging (GCOFA) will hold a series of Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops on six Wednesdays, at no charge, starting with an Introductory Meeting, April 5, 2023 and continuing with the Workshops on April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Classes will take place at the GCOFA, at 2 Bank Street in Batavia, NY 14020, and Snacks will be provided.

Participants will learn how to manage ongoing health conditions such as: Arthritis, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Other Eating Disorders, and Asthma.

Those who attend will be shown practical steps to gain control of their daily health concerns.  Participants will learn about healthy eating, problem-solving, action plans, medications, weight management, physical activity, sleep and relationship communication skills.

Participants who complete the series will receive a great resource book and gift card. 

Pre-registration is required; please call Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, ext. 400, by April 5th.

For individuals with disabilities or language interpretation needs, requests for reasonable accommodations should be made with five days’ notice. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, we respectfully ask you not to attend.

This program is made possible through funds from the NY State Office for the Aging, NY Connects, the Older Americans Act, the generous support of the Genesee County Legislature, and in partnership with Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), recently co-sponsored three pieces of legislation focused on promoting transparency and defunding the World Health Organization (WHO). During the pandemic, the WHO showed that they are not an independent international public health cooperative, but rather simply a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party. Instead of listening to Chinese scientists warning about the dangers of COVID-19, for months, the WHO parroted CCP talking points including that person-to-person transmission was not possible.

First, H.R.79, the “WHO Withdrawal Act,” led by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5), requires the President of the United States to remove the U.S. from the WHO and prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund the organization. This legislation would codify President Trump’s decision in 2020 to leave the WHO, which was reversed by President Biden.

Second, H.R.343, the “No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act,” led by Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), would avert any assessed or voluntary contributions from the United States to the WHO.

Finally, S.444, the “No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act,” introduced in the House by Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-7), deems any final agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response to be a treaty. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, treaties require the consent of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate. This bill will prevent the Biden Administration from circumventing the Senate and arbitrarily deeming any final treaty an “executive agreement” which does not require Senate approval.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, the WHO has proven that it does not have America's best interest at heart," said Congresswoman Tenney. "​​Through the disguise of the WHO, millions of taxpayer dollars have bankrolled the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda and have covered up the pandemic's origins. The WHO is not reformable. It is a privilege to join these three pieces of legislation that will ensure the United States leaves this CCP-puppet agency once and for all."