State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (ny)
Recent News About State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (ny)
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New York Senators Introduce Bill to Make “Honor and Remember Flag” Official State Flag
New York State Sens. Griffo, Oberacker, and Scarcella-Spanton have introduced legislation to make the “Honor and Remember Flag” the official flag for recognizing military members in New York. The bill was introduced by Sen. Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Santabarbara.
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Griffo: Local governments receiving temporary increase in AIM funding
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, announced that municipalities in the 53rd Senate District will be receiving a temporary increase in their Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding. The additional funding is crucial for many localities that heavily rely on AIM funds for their budgets.In response to the news, Utica Mayor Michael Galime emphasized the importance of AIM funding, stating, “Cities cannot continue to combat ever increasing operational expenses through local property tax alone." He added, "Utica will continue to fight for permanent,...
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Griffo, Murray and Oberacker Call on Governor to Withhold State Funding from Columbia University
New York State Senators Joseph Griffo, Dean Murray, and Peter Oberacker have united in a call to Governor Kathy Hochul to withhold state funding from Columbia University following pro-Hamas protests on the campus. The senators are also advocating for the removal of the university's tax-exempt status.In a joint letter to Governor Hochul, the senators expressed their dismay at the university's handling of the situation, with Sen. Griffo remarking, "Students, faculty and staff should feel safe when on campus." Sen. Murray echoed this sentiment by stating, “The fact that...
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Sen. Griffo to Host Electronics Recycling Drop-off Event in Utica
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, has announced a partnership with the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority, Confidata, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation to host an electronics recycling event in Utica on Saturday, April 27. "This is an important opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted electronics, medications, and papers," Sen. Griffo stated in a press release. "I thank the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority, Confidata, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation for again partnering with me for this upcoming event."The...
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Griffo Statement on Most Recent Budget Extender
State Senator Joseph Griffo has criticized the recent budget extender passed by the New York legislature, expressing concern over the lack of transparency in the budget negotiation process. Griffo highlighted the secrecy surrounding the discussions between legislative leaders and the governor, stating that New Yorkers are being left in the dark.Griffo specifically called out Assembly Speaker for using confusing metaphors during negotiations, comparing the situation to a scene from a Batman movie. He emphasized the importance of providing clear and direct updates on the...
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Sen. Joseph Griffo presents New York State Senate Liberty Medal to OIN Police Officer Andrew Costello
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, presented a New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Oneida Indian Nation Police Officer Andrew Costello in recognition of his heroic efforts to rescue a man who had fallen through the ice while fishing.The Liberty Medal, one of the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive, is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.According to the Oneida Indian Nation, Officer Costello, a member of the Nation’s...
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Griffo statement on Speaker Heastie’s comments regarding retail worker attacks
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, has criticized Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's stance on tougher sentences for individuals who attack retail workers. In response to Heastie's comments, Griffo stated, "Speaker Heastie is out of touch with the needs of businesses in New York, especially those that I represent in the 53rd Senate District. We have seen an increase in retail thefts, assaults on employees and overall lawlessness because of the policies supported by the Speaker and the legislative majorities and because criminals know that there are no consequences...
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Griffo and Miller Advocate for 'Made in NY' Flatware at SUNY
State Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Brian Miller are urging the State University of New York (SUNY) system and the governor to consider using flatware products made in New York. This call to action comes following SUNY's decision to eliminate plastic utensils and single-use plastics.Sen. Griffo emphasized the importance of supporting local manufacturers, stating, "Our SUNY schools are funded by New York tax dollars and primarily attended by New York’s residents, so it should go without saying that SUNY schools should take pride in the fine products that are...
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Griffo and Picente to Host Artificial Intelligence Roundtable Discussion
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. have announced their collaboration in hosting a roundtable discussion focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The event, open to the public, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Mohawk Valley Community College Rome Campus.Sen. Griffo highlighted the importance of the discussion, stating, “The use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more common.” He expressed gratitude to Picente Jr. and the panelists for their participation in what promises to be...
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Griffo encourages area students to apply for New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators scholarships
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is offering four $3,000 scholarships, two for academics and two for athletics. The scholarships are open to New York residents who are current college students or high school seniors preparing for college and reside in a district represented by a conference member.Sen. Griffo's district covers Oneida and Madison counties and parts of Herkimer and Chenango counties. Applicants are required to have a GPA of 85 or higher, be engaged in community service...
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Leave school funding alone!
On February 2, 2024, concerns were raised over the governor’s Executive Budget proposal, particularly regarding school funding in the state. The proposal includes the elimination of the “hold harmless” provision for school funding, which would lead to a significant $168 million reduction in education aid for 337 school districts across the state. Additionally, there are plans to alter the foundation aid formula, potentially resulting in a further reduction of $245 million in aid.Amidst a budget that is set to grow by $5.9 billion in state operating funds, criticisms have...