Herkimer County Democrats

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Parents: Make sure your "away at college" kids get an absentee ballot, and make sure they complete and mail it early. See more at https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot

09/02/2026

"I was probably as close to this election as you can get. I watched Blake work this district, county by county. I sat next to him and had private conversations at forums and events. I know what he cares about, and I know he will be one of the votes our leaders will need in our continued struggle. That matters more right now than perfect alignment on every issue. What matters is having a majority in Washington to hold this administration accountable and to pass legislation that actually helps the people of the North Country." - Stuart Amoriell, former Democratic Candidate for NY-21

For those who heard me speak on the campaign trail and listened to my discussions about the issues I care deeply about, it is probably not surprising that I have some disagreements with my former …

09/01/2026

😲

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the firing of senior military officers and the direction of the service.

Driscoll’s departure leaves the Army without a Senate-confirmed civilian or military leader as the U.S. faces renewed fighting with Iran.

09/01/2026

Send a message to learn more

09/01/2026

Hochul’s proposals show a state government that’s clearly skeptical of the business practices of those companies.

09/01/2026

Counties will have to pick up the tab for `Big Beautiful Bill’ cuts

Ken Tingley
Aug 31

State to get bill
The state of New York will have to pay the bill once the “Big Beautiful Bill” is enacted in full later this year.

The New York Times reports that over 2.7 million New Yorkers are enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Last year, the average household received $376 in monthly benefits. That will soon go away.

The state will be responsible for 75 percent of the program expenses going forward and that will cost taxpayers an additional $168 million. It gets worse from there.

“Rather than using state funds, New York is making counties pay for most of the increase,” The Times wrote. “Counties, in turn, are likely to pick up the tab through higher property taxes — or cutting other social services and staff.”

The only other states paying for the program this way are New Jersey and North Carolina.

Each county in the state will be charged by how many of its residents use SNAP.

The Times wrote that Hamilton County would increase just $27,000, while people in New York City will pick up a $111 million tag. The median cost increase across the state is about $555,000