Press Releases

Assemblyman Jones: Road Salt Task Force Bill a Step Forward in Protecting Public Health and Reducing Pollution

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D – Chateaugay Lake) announced that a bill he introduced – the Randy Preston Road Salt Reduction Act – to better protect the health of North Country families and safeguard Adirondack waterways and sources has passed...

Assemblyman Jones: New SLA Guidance Punishes Responsible North Country Businesses

“The new State Liquor Authority guidelines released yesterday that put further restrictions on bars and restaurants point to exactly why a more regional approach for a COVID-19 response is needed. Responsible businesses across the North Country are...

Assemblyman Billy Jones Is Appointed Co-chair of CSG East's Canada–U.S. Relations Committee

New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones of Plattsburgh, representing Assembly District 115, has been appointed to serve as co-chair of The Council of State Governments’ Eastern Regional Conference’s (CSG East) Canada–U.S. Relations Committee...

Assemblyman Jones: Listen to School Administrators, Teachers, and Faculty When Considering Reopening Schools

“With the recent guidance for reopening schools released by New York State, over the last few days I have heard from many school administrators, teachers, faculty and parents from our local school districts. While it is great to see guidance available...

Assemblyman Jones: State Must Provide PPE and Hand Sanitizer to Our Schools

“Many school administrators, teachers, faculty and concerned parents from our local schools have reached out to my office with concerns about acquiring PPE and hand sanitizer for the upcoming school year as New York State releases more guidance for...

Assemblyman Jones: OASAS Funding Crucial Now More than Ever

“As a representative for the North Country, I understand how important OASAS is for prevention, reduction, treatment, and recovery programs because so many of my constituents and their families are affected by addiction. Throughout my tenure as the...

Assemblyman Jones: Governor Must Issue Regulations for Restarting 5-Hour Driving Classes

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every part of our lives and affected our communities in ways we could have never expected. This includes New Yorkers who are in the process of acquiring a driver’s license. Restarting these 5-hour...

Assemblyman Jones: Nursing Home Visitation A Welcomed Announcement

“For 120 days nursing home residents, their families, and staff have made immense sacrifices to keep their facilities, and the community at large, safe. Throughout that time, I have spoken with numerous administrators, employees and family members...

Assemblyman Jones: Racism and Bigotry Will Not Be Tolerated

“There have recently been instances of blatant acts of racism and hatred right here in the North Country, and it cannot and will not be tolerated. It is most concerning that one of our very own diversity officers feels threatened and unsafe in her...

Assemblyman Jones: Mall Reopening is Good News for North Country

“Today I was pleased to hear that Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that malls will be allowed to reopen under Phase IV on July 10 as long as the shopping center has the correct filters for their air conditioning system. The Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh...

Assemblyman Billy Jones Joins Local Leaders to Demand More Guidance for Mall Reopening

Assemblyman Billy Jones (Chateaugay Lake) joined President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce Garry Douglas, Clinton County Chairman Mark Henry, Supervisor Michael Cashman, General Manager of Champlain Center Mall Lisa Getty and the owner...

Assemblyman Jones: Reversing Course on Visas Right Decision, But We Must Go Further

“The federal administration’s decision to suspend H-1B, H-2B, L and J visas would have a detrimental impact on the North Country’s regional economy. These visas allow many of our region’s largest businesses to permanently employ many...

Assemblyman Jones: More Guidance Needed for Phase IV

“Today the Governor announced that our region is on track to move into Phase IV. What still remains unclear is guidance for hundreds of businesses who have long standing practices of disinfecting such as fitness centers, malls, movie theatres or...

Assemblyman Jones: More Businesses Should be Included in Phase III

“While I am encouraged that many regions, including the North Country have been able to reopen with restrictions, this phased reopening left a large gap between previous guidance and what is projected to be covered under Phase IV. “It seems...

Assemblyman Jones Recognizes the Chateaugay Boys' Basketball Team for their Accomplishments

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that he has presented a proclamation to the Chateaugay Boys’ Basketball team in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments. He also presented senior Jonah McDonald with a proclamation for...

Assemblyman Jones: Extended Border Restrictions Will Have Dire Consequences

“Today, the federal administration announced that they are extending the travel restrictions between the United States and Canada. It has been 87 excruciating days since the border restrictions have been put in place and as the Honorary Co-Chair...

Assemblyman Jones: Visitation in Our Hospitals and Nursing Homes Must Be Explored

“As we continue the phased reopening of the state, it seems only fair that we look to find safe ways to allow individuals the opportunity to visit with their family members, face-to-face, in our hospitals and our nursing homes. Hospitals and nursing...

Little/Jones Bill to Revitalize St. Regis River Waterfront Passed

Senator Betty Little (R-Queensbury) and Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced the bill that they sponsored to designate the St. Regis River as an inland waterway was passed in both houses of the state Legislature (S.6715/A.8827). They...

Assemblyman Jones: Phase III Announcement a Welcomed Relief

“The Governor announced today that the North Country region is cleared for the Phase III regional reopening. This includes limited indoor restaurant seating as well as personal care services such as appearance enhancement practitioners, massage therapy,...

Assemblyman Jones: North Country Communities Will Create Memories of a Lifetime for Graduating Seniors

“Today the Executive issued guidance regarding graduation ceremonies. Graduation is a once in a lifetime experience that our graduating seniors have been robbed of, due to the public health crisis. I share in their disappointment and my heart goes...