Oneida Times

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-C-New Hartford, announced today that legislation they sponsored on behalf of the Village of Canastota has been signed into law.

The legislation (S.9772/A.10516-A) allows an individual to seek an age-based waiver to take the competitive examination to become a full-time officer with the village's police department, as approved by the mayor and chief of police.

After being made aware of the issue shortly before this year’s legislative session was scheduled to end, Sen. Griffo and Assemblyman Miller were able to get their bills passed by their respective chambers.

Once the village informed the legislators of an upcoming deadline for the individual to apply for the exam, they expedited the legislative process and got the bill signed into law by the governor.

“I am pleased that this legislation has been signed into law by the governor,” said Sen. Griffo. “After the Village of Canastota approached Assemblyman Brian Miller and I about this issue just a week before session ended, we immediately got to work. Thanks to longstanding and respected relationships that I have developed on both sides of the aisle during my time in office, I was able to get this bill passed in the Senate while Assemblyman Miller did the same in his chamber. When village officials made us aware of an upcoming deadline to apply for this position, I once again leveraged relationships that I have built to have this bill moved quickly through the legislative process and eventually signed into law. I thank the Senate Majority and the governor and her administration for their willingness to expedite this request and assist with this matter.”

"I am thrilled that legislation sponsored by Sen. Joseph Griffo and myself, on behalf of the Village of Canastota, has been signed into law,” said Assemblyman Miller. “By working together, we were able to address this issue swiftly and effectively. This new law will help maintain a qualified and dedicated police force in our village, reflecting our commitment to public safety and supporting our communities. I also want to thank village administration for reaching out to our office to pursue this legislative pathway and making public safety a priority. I extend my gratitude to Sen. Griffo for his leadership and collaboration on this joint effort. Thank you to Governor Hochul and her executive branch for acting swiftly in signing this legislation.”

“The Village of Canastota wishes sincerely thank Sen. Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Brian Miller for their hard work on such short notice,” said Canastota Mayor Rosanne Warner. “Their ability draft legislation, move it through various committees, bring it floor approval finally assist getting it signed Gov Hochul just short amazing We very grateful diligence helping ensure individual afforded chance take civil service exam move forward candidate fulltime employment police officer In today's atmosphere many choosing not enter law enforcement field causing hole vital service all communities including Canastota sincerely thank both senator assemblyman assistance looking out community serve”