senator michael ranzenhofer

From Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:

I hope that this message finds you and your family safe and in good health. Over the last week, we have seen our lives and schedules turned upside down. From mandatory business closures and workforce reductions to school closures and travel restrictions, everyone has been impacted by the recent COVID-19 outbreak in New York State.

In addition to our daily lives, the current budget process has been significantly disrupted. Making matters worse is the fact that the state was facing a projected $6.1 billion deficit, prior to the current pandemic. This is expected to grow significantly due to the sharp decline in economic activity across the state.

I am hopeful that everyone will act responsibly and work towards enacting a straightforward, transparent budget. With ever-increasing uncertainty, I do not believe that it is appropriate to be advancing new “bold” programs or loading the budget with unrelated policy initiatives.

Furthermore, we must do all we can to protect critical public health programs and avoid balancing the budget with measures that will increase costs drastically for hard working families and small businesses, who are facing unprecedented financial uncertainty. Striking this balance will not be easy but is essential.

I will continue to monitor these situations closely and do all I can to advocate for Western New York families and small businesses during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Ranzenhofer

State Senator

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For more information regarding how to best protect you and your family, visit the CDC website or call the NYS Department of Health toll free at 1 (888) 364-3065.

For businesses with questions regarding the Governor’s recent Executive Order, I encourage you to contact Empire State Development Corporation.

From State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, 61st District:

As the 2020 Legislative Session continues, Legislators are discussing several major policy changes. It is extremely important for me to hear directly from residents about issues facing New York State.  

This year’s community survey includes topics such as criminal justice reforms, strengthening vaccination requirements, making New York more affordable and the current $6.1 billion budget deficit.

Many of these topics are being actively debated and time is running out for you to share your opinions about these matters before they come to the floor for a vote.

Please take a moment to share your opinions with me.

Click here to take my 2020 Legislative Questionnaire

From Sen. Michael H. Ranzenhofer:

The New York State Senate passed the “Green Light Bill.” State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) voted against it. 

Senator Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“(Monday's) passage of the Green Light Bill is very troubling to me. I do not agree with granting driver’s licenses to those who enter the country illegally. This bill goes too far.

"It provides none of the protections or restrictions found in the 12 other states that issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. This is just another example of the misguided priorities of the Senate Majority.

“In my recent questionnaire, nearly 80 percent of residents opposed this radical bill. It is equally disturbing that Senate Democrats ignored concerns of the law enforcement community and local clerks.”

• Batavia Downs  -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 35

                                         EBP: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 37

• Vernon Downs -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 41

                                       EBP: Portion of New Winnings (percent) = 42

• Hamburg Gaming -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 41

                                            EBP: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 42

About Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs Gaming, operated by WROTB, is a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. WROTB is a public benefit corporation – owned by 15 Western New York counties, including Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming, as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo. Since its inception, WROTB has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in operating and surcharge revenues to the residents of those participating municipalities.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today announced $25,000 in state funding to support domestic violence crisis and prevention services at the YWCA of Genesee County.

“Victims of domestic violence don’t have to live in fear. Support, counseling and other helpful resources are available at the YWCA of Genesee County, and I am proud to provide the financial support for these important services. Together, we are working to end domestic abuse,” Ranzenhofer said.

YWCA’s staff worked with more than 700 domestic violence victims last year and is on track to serve about the same number this year.

“These victims’ lives are often uprooted due to domestic abuse, and they need to abandon all that is familiar to them, including their home, neighborhood and job,” said Assistant Executive Director Joanne Beck.

“Thanks to this grant from Senator Ranzenhofer, we will be able to ramp up our efforts to meet and work with other service agencies to provide the most well-rounded care and minimize further trauma to these victims.”

YWCA’s Coordinated Community Response efforts include establishing strong working relationships with other providers, such as law enforcement, the court system, fire departments and urgent care, in order to respond quickly and appropriately in times of any domestic violence crisis.

Grant funds will also be used for YWCA’s Prevention Education curriculum, which is presented to every school district in Genesee County. The course focuses on healthy versus unhealthy relationships and involves the characteristics of each, related activities and an overview of the programs and services available at YWCA.

Prevention education materials are distributed to students to share YWCA’s Care+Crisis Helpline number, which can be accessed via phone and text at (585) 344-4400, Live Chat at www.ywcagenesee.org or call toll-free at (844) 345-4400.

About Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services at YWCA of Genesee County YWCA of Genesee County is the sole provider of domestic violence services, including safe shelter, for victims in Genesee County. YWCA USA is the largest provider of these services across the country. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at our main site, 301 North St., Batavia, or through a 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (585) 343-7513. Walk-ins are welcome during the above designated hours.

Services include:
• Assistance with getting orders of protection, going to court and filing custody and support petitions;
• One-on-one counseling about aspects of an unhealthy relationship and making a safety plan for leaving an unhealthy relationship;
• Information and referral for community services;
• Support and self-esteem groups; and
• Transitional support for those in need of safe housing.