Local News for June 16, 2023

- Tompkins County Businesses Don’t Create Promised Jobs After Getting Tax Deals -
Half the Tompkins County businesses getting tax abatements haven’t created the jobs they promised last year. That’s according to a new report from the Tompkins County Industrial Development Authority, or TCIDA. The Ithaca Voice reports the IDA says the pandemic, low unemployment and supply chain issues made it harder for many businesses to hire and retain workers.

- State Education Department Updates Guidelines To Support LGBTQ+ Students  -
The state education department has issued new guidelines about LGBTQ+ students. The department says their goal is reduce bullying, drop outs, and suicides. All of which are higher among LGBTQ+ students. Spectrum News reports these measures include calling students by their preferred name and pronouns, allow students to use the bathroom or locker room of their choice. Failure to do so risks violating state and federal laws. The new rules are only for public schools in the state.