WWE Superstar Roman Reigns Receives Messages of Support from Children's Health Patients

The following statement was issued by "Children's Health". 

"We're sending our friend Roman Reigns love and support after he announced his cancer has returned. Our patients were inspired by Roman's strength when he and other WWE Superstars visited us last month. They want Roman to know he's not alone in his fight against his toughest opponent."
 

Reigns Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis,  Surrenders Universal Title

LGBTQ Community Holds 'Won't Be Erased' Rally: 'We're Just Trying to Live and Exist'

This report was published on YouTube on October 24.

Gary Vee and Tanya Ramos Discuss 10th Anniversary of 'Pencils of Promise'

Simone Biles Makes History Winning 4th All-Around World Title

This report was published on YouTube on November 2.

Home Energy Assistance Applications Being Accepted as of Nov. 13

More than $372 million in assistance is available to help older adults and low- and middle-income New Yorkers heat their homes this winter. Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program will be accepted by local departments of social services beginning on Tuesday, November 13.

"As cold winter weather approaches, this administration is steadfast in its commitment to assisting vulnerable New Yorkers struggling to pay their heating bills," Governor Cuomo said. "Whether it's senior citizens on a fixed income, or low-income working families, this assistance will keep New Yorkers safe and help them avoid having to choose between buying food or paying their heating bill."

A household can receive a one-time regular HEAP benefit of up to $726 if they are eligible. Eligibility is based on income, household size and how the home is heated. A family of four can have a household income of up to $55,178 a year, or $4,598 a month, and still qualify for help.

Last year, more than 1.4 million households received heating assistance through HEAP, which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for the program, which is 100 percent federally funded, are accepted at local departments of social services.

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

My Life After Leaving A Gang

This video was published on YouTube on August 18.

'Cool Cops' Compilation

This video was published on YouTube on May 6, 2017. 

Source: Gabbee

Steelers RB James Conner's Journey from Beating Cancer to Starting in the NFL

This video was published on YouTube on September 17.

This Is Make-A-Wish®

The following statement was issued by Make-A-Wish America. 

Every day around the world, a child battling a critical illness will receive a wish. During a family’s darkest days, wishes can inspire hope, build strength, uplift spirits and encourage the belief in the impossible. Whether it’s a wish to have a puppy, meet a celebrity or be a superhero, each wish we grant at Make-A-Wish is as unique as each child. Yet, one thing remains consistent – the undeniable power wishes can have on a child’s emotional and physical health. 

At Make-A-Wish, it is our vision to grant every eligible child’s wish – to ensure more kids have joyful experiences ... and some of the best days of their lives. Because wishes aren’t just nice – they are necessary. 

This is why wishes matter. This is Make-A-Wish.

With One Voice in Montreal: Art and Music Helping Homeless People

This video was published on YouTube on October 28. 

Michelle Obama Opens Up About Miscarriage, New Memoir 'Becoming'

2 Immigrants Become First Asian-Americans Elected To New York State Senate

 

Taiwanese-American John Liu and Indian American Kevin Thomas will serve in the state senate. 

By Kimberly Yam

The New York State Senate finally has some Asian-American representation. 

Democrat John Liu, who was born in Taiwan, won the District 11 state Senate seat on Tuesday, defeating three other challengers. Indian-American attorney Kevin Thomas, who immigrated to the U.S. when he was 10 years old, beat out Republican incumbent Kemp Hannon for the state’s District 6 Senate seat. 

The wins are historic, as the pair are the very first Asian-Americans elected to New York’s state senate. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Huffington Post

Valuable Tax Credits and Exemptions for Veterans

Ahead of Veterans’ Day, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded veterans of valuable tax exemptions and credits available to them, their families, and their employers.

“Our brave New York State veterans deserve our gratitude, and this is a small way to thank them for their commitment and sacrifice,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion. “These valuable credits and exemptions can provide a financial boost to veterans, their families, and their employers, which is why we encourage them to check their eligibility.”

New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs Executive Deputy Director Joel Evans said, “Governor Cuomo is dedicated to making New York State the place of choice for Veterans, Service members and their families to call home. Numerous tax exemptions and credits are available to those who served. These are a testament to New York’s dedication to thanking our Veterans and Service members. We encourage everyone to learn about and use these exemptions."

Hire a veteran credit

Businesses are entitled to claim the hire a veteran credit for employing the qualified veterans in New York State for one year or more for at least 35 hours each week.

Employers can earn a credit up to $5,000 per qualified veteran and $15,000 per disabled veteran. You must submit Form DTF-75, Employee Affidavit for the Hire a Veteran Credit to your employer to certify that you meet the requirements of a qualified veteran. See our website www.tax.ny.gov for more information.

Property tax exemption

New York’s veterans are eligible for valuable property tax exemptions from local governments statewide.

More than half a million New York veterans now benefit from property tax exemptions. The most common exemptions can reduce the property tax burden of a wartime veteran by 15%, or as much as 25% if the veteran served in a combat zone. Many local governments also offer a Cold War veterans’ exemption of up to 15% for veterans who served on active duty between 1945 and 1991.

Both categories of exemption allow the percentage of the exemption to be increased to as high as 50% if the veteran was disabled because of his or her military service. A third type of veterans' exemption provides property tax relief based on the amount of “eligible funds” that the veteran invested in the property. Thanks to recent legislation, school districts are now authorized to offer each of these exemptions.

Of the 679 school districts statewide, 288 are now granting at least one of the available veterans’ exemptions.

Because the types and amounts of exemptions offered and application deadlines vary, veterans should contact their local assessor’s office for details on how to obtain these valuable tax benefits. For local contact information, visit our Municipal Profiles website.

Source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance