June 1st, 2022 Daily Headlines

Last week, Tompkins County legislator Mike Sigler ended his campaign for Congress. According to Syracuse.com, Sigler dropped out after the approval of the State’s new Congressional maps. Sigler, a Republican, launched his campaign in the proposed 22nd congressional district. However, the new maps will place Tompkins into the 19th congressional district. Sigler has chosen not to continue his campaign in the 19th district. Sigler endorsed Steve Wells of Madison county in the Republican primary. Wells jumped into the race shortly after the new maps were approved. Wells will face Brandon Williams, a Cayuga county entrepreneur who has received the support of the New York Conservative party in the Republican primary. 

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Tonight the Ithaca Common Council will consider a new law which would allow citizens to access government meetings remotely. According to the Ithaca Voice, the measure was approved by the City Administration Committee unanimously at last week’s meeting. Government bodies have been permitted to meet remotely during the pandemic thanks to a state of emergency order that expires on July 9th. While the law will allow citizens to access meetings remotely, members of government bodies will still be required to attend in person due to New York’s open meetings law. 

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Beginning today New York will suspend part of its gas tax. According to Syracuse.com, the tax break will save drivers about 16 cents per gallon. The break was approved in April as a part of the State’s budget process and will be in effect through the end of the year. The suspension will cost the state about $580 million in lost revenue. The average gas price in New York state is around $4.92 per gallon.