Metzger calls on FCC to reject Spectrum petition

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sen. Jen Metzger (SD-42) has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject a request made by Charter Communications, Inc., also known as Spectrum, for permission to sunset conditions of its merger agreement that limit charges to customers for internet service. Metzger, who serves on the NYS Senate’s Energy and Telecommunications Committee, sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai urging the Commission to reject the Charter’s request to impose data caps and charges based on usage.

“It is outrageous to me that Spectrum is looking to back out of conditions of its merger agreement and have free rein to charge internet customers for data based on usage, especially in the middle of a pandemic,” Metzger said. “Is there no low to which the company will not stoop?”

PA restaurants back to 50 percent

HARRISBURG, PA — Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Pennsylvania restaurants and bars will be able to return to 50 percent indoor occupancy on Monday, September 21. However, alcohol sales will not be permitted after 10 p.m. 

In order to be eligible to get back to 50 percent, establishments must go through an online “self-certification” process by Monday, October 5. Those that self-certify will appear in a searchable online database.

Sullivan visitors association receives $300K in funding

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) announced nearly $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development for the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA). The funds are the sum of three grants to invest in small business training, strategic planning and a business development incubator at SCVA.

 “Through our training, business incubator and strategic planning USDA-funded programs, we will work to enhance our hospitality and tourism ecosystem in the Sullivan Catskills,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood, SCVA president and CEO. “I strongly believe this approach will lead us to resume our standing as a premier New York State destination.”

Homicide indictment in Sullivan County

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County’s Acting District Attorney Meagan Galligan announced the indictment of John McArdle, 77, of Cochecton, for the May homicide of a Pennsylvania man in the Town of Cochecton. McArdle is now formally accused of murder in the second degree and several counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

The indictment alleges that, at the time of the shooting, McArdle was illegally in possession of multiple weapons, loaded and unloaded, including rifles and a revolver, and intentionally killed Bertolini by shooting him with a rifle. If convicted, McArdle faces up to life in prison. He is being held at the Sullivan County Jail without bail.

‘There’s an app for that’

MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Department of Family Services is reminding residents that it is now offering an app to make paperwork easier.

“NYDocSubmit is a mobile application that allows certain social services applicants and recipients to take pictures of their documents and submit them to our office using their Apple iOS or Android phone or tablet. The app can be used to submit documents for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Temporary Assistance (TA) and Medicaid (MA).

 NYDocSubmit should not be used to submit information such as Child Protective Services (CPS) case information, HIV reports, an application, a periodic report, suspected child abuse or maltreatment. It is also not monitored for emergencies.

Gunther releases statement on Millennium Pipeline

MONTICELLO, NY — Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (NYS-100) has released a statement regarding Millennium Pipeline, which is attempting to lower the tax assessment for its compressor station in the Town of Highland.

“I’m disappointed to see the news that Millennium Pipeline has decided to contest their tax assessment for their compressor station in Highland. They have only remained in the community as a taxpaying entity for one year and now have already attempted to lower their assessment by [more than] $50 million ,” Gunther said. “This tax revenue is vital to the residents not only of the Town of Highland, but for all of Sullivan County. Millennium had agreed to the assessment and the land they are on has not changed. Millennium Pipeline needs to stand by their commitment to our residents and pay their fair share.”

PA counties reminded to respond to Census

HARRISBURG, PA — The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) is reminding Pennsylvanians to fill out the U.S. Census form. Residents can respond to the form by mail, by phone and, for the first time, online until Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

Pennsylvanians who have not yet responded should expect a census enumerator to contact them in person or over the phone. All census workers must carry a valid ID badge with their photo, U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. Residents can call 800/923-8282 to check if a visitor works for the census. Answers can’t be used against an individual, and under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, anyone who releases personal information from a Census faces a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison.

Delgado and Gillibrand visit Bethel

BETHEL, NY — On Monday, September 7, Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and  Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand visited Bethel Woods Center for the Arts to push for bipartisan legislation called the Reviving the Economy Sustainably Towards a Recovery in 2020 (RESTART) Act. The bill aims to support live event venues and small- and mid-sized businesses that “have been hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis.”

According to a press release, theaters and live event venues, restaurants and hospitality providers, in particular, have been largely unable to access PPP benefits despite unprecedented revenue losses since March. Delgado and Gillibrand say that the RESTART Act would provide “a lifeline for those unable to access PPP.”