Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law in May that officials say strengthens New York’s health care workforce by permitting nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through simulation experiences.

Overseen by the state Education Department, simulation training gives students hands-on experience in clinical environments while allowing nursing education programs to offer more options for clinical education. As New York currently faces a nursing shortage, expanding simulation experiences can help expedite training and deliver an influx of nurses where they are needed most.

“Our nurses have been invaluable to our health care system, especially throughout the pandemic, but too often feel overworked doing the jobs that they love, which has only been amplified by the current nursing shortage,” Hochul said. “I’m proud to sign legislation strengthening our health care workforce expediting training and allowing more capable nurses into the workforce improving care for all and creating a safer, healthier New York.”

Legislation allows for up to one-third of clinical education in nursing certificate and degree education programs to be completed through simulation experience. It will make nursing education more accessible, helping to address New York’s nursing shortage, which is projected to reach a workforce need of nearly 40,000 employees by 2030.

Two state agencies are marking Allergy Awareness Month by informing the public about a new law affecting New York restaurants and other food service establishments.

Beginning  May 20, any business that serves food in New York is required to post an allergy notice that is visible for employees involved in preparing and serving food. The notice also includes information on how staff should respond to a customer who reveals they have a food allergy, how to prevent cross-contamination in food preparation and service, and directs them to call 911 if a customer has an allergic reaction.

The policy is the product of a bill sponsored by state Sen. Cordell Cleare and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation in November. The legislators explained that the bill’s intent is to “educate restaurant personnel and ensure that safety mechanisms are utilized in food preparation and service.”

The new law also requires restaurants and food delivery services to label the eight major food allergens on menus.

New York state has opened the application period for Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 state agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis.

The councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities—including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding.

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 28, at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

Officials said new this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York state craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth.

Also, for the first time since 2015, the councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.

“Our Regional Economic Development Council Initiative continues to transform communities across the state, creating jobs and driving private investment all over New York,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The launch of this latest round builds on state efforts to address our most pressing economic priorities—from sustainable development to the growing demand for childcare—all while empowering communities to tap into their regional strengths. Thanks to the work of the REDCs, New York is continuing to make the catalytic investments that foster economic growth and continued success in every corner of our state.”

By Ann Donnelly

Supporting the businesses of South Glens Falls and the town of Moreau, the South Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce started meeting again in February. 

Over the time of the pandemic, many of the existing board members retired and decided not to participate any longer. 

“While this slowed starting the Chamber back up, it has provided an opportunity to bring on board fresh faces,” said Cheryl Lawyer, director of marketing and outreach at the Moreau Community Center who is now president of the Chamber. 

“We were motivated to keep going by the amount of community interest in the concert series. The free Concert in the Park series will take place in the village’s historic Park Pavilion on Saturdays from 5-7 p.m., July 1, through Aug.  19. The concerts give people a reason to cross the bridge and see what South Glens Falls offers,” she said.

The local chamber is a way for businesses and other organizations to network and work together to benefit themselves and the community. 

Other officers are Patty Van Dyke, vice president, and Kathy Scherer, secretary.

The village of South Glens Falls is known for its high community support for charitable causes, like the annual South High Marathon Dance, which has raised over $10 million from the 46 dances held over the years. 

An event of this magnitude requires skilled organization and collaboration from all corners of the community: school and school district staff, students and their families, local government and local businesses. This type of collaboration has proved to be an asset for companies that start up in South Glens Falls.