Catharine Young's Press releases

ALBANY – The Business Council of New York State has lauded Senator Catharine Young as one of the top pro-jobs supporters in the state legislature as part of its 2011 Voters’ Guide.

Senator Young was recognized for working to adopt several jobs and economic growth measures and reforms that were signed into law.

“With Governor Cuomo’s leadership, and a responsive legislature, we saw real fiscal reform, spending restraint, and progress on economic development initiatives,” said Heather Briccetti, acting-president and CEO of The Business Council.

OLEAN - The state will not require counties to make an extra Medicaid payment in 2012 after all, saving taxpayers millions of dollars statewide, announced Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).

Savings total more than $1.2 million in Senator Young’s district alone. The change will reduce 2012 Medicaid costs by $610,000 for Chautauqua County, $211,000 for Cattaraugus County, $207,000 for Allegany County, and $180,000 for Livingston County.

The lawmaker had requested the state Health Department to reverse a mandate that forced the expense to be added to the counties’ upcoming budgets, even though it normally would have been booked in 2013.

JAMESTOWN – The memory of Jamestown’s Roger Tory Peterson, one of the world’s best known naturalists of all time, was celebrated at a bridge christening ceremony on Friday.

State Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean), who sponsored legislation to name the bridge, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell (R,C-Chautauqua) and community leaders unveiled signs that will be placed on the Interstate 86 span over Falconer-Kimball Stand Road/County Route 138.

The dedication was held at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, which attracts visitors from around the country.

BUFFALO – A completed Route 219 corridor would transform the economic potential for Western New York was the consensus among panelists who spoke at a special roundtable on Thursday that focused on finding solutions to complete the north-south expressway project.

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean), joined by a delegation of bi-partisan lawmakers from Western New York, hosted the “Route 219: Road to Our Future” forum at the Mahoney State Office Building to hear from key transportation, labor, tourism, logistics, education, banking, and health care officials on expanding the route.

Senator Catharine Young and Hinsdale residents Jeff and Susan VanDeCar stand near the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Albany on Tuesday with other members of the VanDeCar family. Almost 90 years after fighting a fire that took his life, Jeff’s grandfather, Charles H. VanDeCar, was officially inducted and included among the 2,366 names that are etched on the Memorial Wall.

ALBANY – While the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) continues to investigate the merits of allowing drivers to “self-certify” vision-tests, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) is questioning the legality behind the policy change and already has introduced legislation that would make vision tests mandatory.

DMV announced recently that it would no longer require eye exams for drivers wishing to renew their licenses. DMV unveiled a new Internet application they said would increase customer service and allow drivers to self-certify that they meet vision requirements, the same way they do with other medical issues.

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown resident Anthony “Tony” J. Costanzo has earned a special place of distinction in recognition of his meritorious military service during WWII and his tireless advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans.

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) hosted a special ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Chapter #865 in Jamestown on Friday to induct Tony as a member of the 2011 New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

"It is my honor to recognize Tony who has lived a life of service not only to his country but to his community as well. He embodies the definition of a true American hero and is the exact type of individual this Hall of Fame was created to honor," said Senator Young.

WESTFIELD – Westfield’s Helen Baran, co-owner of Baran Vineyards, President of the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association, and successful area realtor, was named a 2011 Woman of Distinction Thursday, an honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.

Helen was nominated for the honor by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) who hosted a special ceremony attended by family and friends on Thursday at Noble Winery in Westfield.

“People like Helen Baran make our communities a better place and help others become successful in their lives. She enthusiastically supports her community, and is an effective ambassador for many worthy causes. Her hard work and determination has earned her this recognition and I can’t think of anyone more deserving,” said Senator Young.

AMITY – On Thursday, Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham was honored by over a hundred family, friends, elected officials, military personnel and veterans during a special road and bridge dedication ceremony spearheaded by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).