Hugh T. Farley's News items

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) said influenza (flu) season is from late fall through March. Since it is now fall, Senator Farley suggests that constituents consider getting vaccinated for the flu.

"Health officials say the elderly, very young children and pregnant women are at a higher risk of getting the flu," Senator Farley said.

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) joined Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue in announcing more than $1.3 million in Building Skills in New York State (BUSINYS) job training grants for 33 area private-sector companies to upgrade the skills of 1,456 workers in New York’s Capital District and Mohawk Valley Regions. The announcement was made at Spray Nine Corporation in Johnstown, in Senator Farley's district.

As area residents begin to prepare for the colder months, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) offers suggestions on how to conserve energy and lower heating costs.

"Energy and heating homes are concerns to all of us," Senator Farley said. "As a result of a number of factors -- including recent natural disasters, crude oil shortages, and increased oil consumption throughout the world -- energy prices have skyrocketed.

As we continue to watch thenews from the Gulf Coast and provide assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, we whould also take not of the fact that each September is designated as National Preparedness Month.

While most New York residents have not experienced the type of devastation that the survivors of Hurricane Katrina are currently coping with, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) reminds constituents they should be prepared in case a disaster -- natural or man-made -- happens.

"Remember the ice storms of 1997 that ravaged the North Country?

While the summer season may be almost over, the mosquito season continues into the fall and, therefore, West Nile Virus season also continues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the peak season for West Nile Virus corresponds with peak mosquito season, which is mid-summer to fall. The CDC also reported in August that since 1999, there have been 16,000 human cases of West Nile Virus nationwide.

Schenectady County leaders today announced that the Senator Hugh T. Farley Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy on Erie Boulevard in downtown Schenectady has been selected to train over 40 new State Parole Officers. Many of the trainees will stay at the Holiday Inn in Schenectady. The new Parole Officers will receive training in police and criminal justice best practices at the newly renovated police training center.

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) reminds constituents that the New York State toll-free hotline number to report price gouging in gasoline is (800) 214-4372.

"In a time of crisis, most people come out to help their fellow man," Senator Farley said. "Unfortunately, disasters may bring out the worst in some people, too. From soaring prices, to limiting the availability of necessary goods, some businesses take advantage of consumers during natural disasters.

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) announced constituents can assist the survivors of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by making cash donations to voluntary relief organizations.

"People across the nation sent donations to New York when the terrorists struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001," Senator Farley said. "The outpouring of generosity was overwhelming. People have come into my office and asked how they can return the favor of helping their fellow Americans.

As some families are getting ready for back-to-school supplies and others eye fall fashions, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) reminds shoppers that New York's Sales Tax Free Week on clothing begins today, August 30th, and runsthrough Monday, September 5th (Labor Day).

"This means all purchases of clothing and footwear items of less than $110 will be tax free between Aug. 30th and Sept. 5th," Senator Farley said. "Last January, New York shoppers saved $37.2 million during a sales tax free week.