Evening roundup

Photo: Vox Efx, Creative Commons, some rights reserved

Happy Veterans Day.

Today, North Country Congressman Bill Owens reminded veterans that new(-ish) rules permit them to salute the flag military-style during ceremonies and the national anthem, even if they’re out of uniform. The rules went into effect in 2008.

Governor Cuomo has announced a tax incentive for employers who hire post-9/11 vets. In a press release, he said, “There are approximately 75,000 post-9/11 veterans living in New York State today. These brave men and women served our country, now it’s our turn to help them get back to work.” The tax credit goes into effect on January 1st.

Cuomo also announced today that sex offenders living in NY will have to regularly provide the state registry with updated photos of themselves. Formerly, only one photo was required.

And from the social services beat: hundreds of low-income north country families will get their furnaces repaired or replaced after all. The furnace maintenance/replacement component of the Home Energy Assistance Program was initially underfunded – but HEAP as a whole actually ended up getting more monies than anticipated. So some of these HEAP programs – which normally start on Nov. 1 – will be launched this week and next.

Here’s what’s coming tomorrow on the Eight O’clock Hour:

Assemblywoman Addie Russell talks about the high rate of suicide among military veterans and the state’s plan to help service members.

A program that helps low-income families pay for their first house is going to be expanded across the North Country.

Sarah Harris reports on a regional collaboration to attract high-tech businesses to the North Country. It’s the latest in a growing number of economic development plans that have yet to pay off.

Chris Knight reports that the NYCO mineral company spent more than a half million dollars on advertising and promotions in advance of last week’s vote on a controversial Adirondack land deal.

The end of election season means the beginning of another, especially with mid-term elections and a Governor’s race coming in 2014. Karen Dewitt sizes up the emerging campaigns.