Highlights of the November 7, 2024 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature

The Legislature proclaimed the week of November 10, "Veterans Week" in Tompkins County. Tompkins County Director of Veterans Services J.R. Clairborne accepted the proclamation and stated, "there are a lot of people who have been in the military who have physical scars, but there are a lot more who have invisible scars. Some of those were inflicted by others, other things were compounded…be nice to people because you never know what battles they're facing inside." He added, "Sometimes its good just to be able to say thank you and to have a conversation with someone," as those conversations go a long way to recognizing military service.

November 18 - 22 was proclaimed Home Health Aide Appreciation Week recognizing the work and contributions to society of both paid and unpaid caregivers. The proclamation cites Home Health Aides as vital members of the healthcare system who improve the quality of life for hundreds of local people and their families. The proclamation was accepted by Frank Proto, former Legislator and Vice Chair of the Health Planning Council.

Legislature Chair Dan Klein (D-Danby) spoke about the Community Recovery Fund grant distribution process, including that over $4 Million has been disbursed so far and that the Crisis Stabilization Center through Cayuga Health is moving forward - they were granted $1.5 Million from the fund.