Something occurred on Saturday that was, to some, “monumental” or “monstrous.” To others, it was “historic.” To many, it was all three.
From where I sit, I think it could be a game-changer.
No, it wasn’t about the Yankees or the Bills. It wasn’t about environmental decisions regarding the landfills or bitcoin mining. It wasn’t about a verdict in a murder trial or upcoming school board elections or local property taxes.
Although, in a way, it was tied to all those issues — and a myriad of others that we report on every day in the Finger Lakes Times.
And, unfortunately, it wasn’t publicized enough, at least from my vantage point, so that more folks know about it.
But when Gov. Hochul and the New York State Legislature unveiled the final 2025 New York State Budget, it included something that is very near and dear to me and everyone who works at the FLT: A boost to local journalism.
Modeled after the oft-stalled Local Journalism Sustainability Act, the budget contains a bill that includes a payroll tax credit for local news outlets — newspapers and broadcast — to hire and retain local journalists.
Beginning in 2025, and extending for three years through Jan. 1, 2028, the legislation will provide a 50% credit against the first $50,000 of a journalist’s salary up to $300,000 per outlet. There are three funding streams: $4 million to help pay for new hires and two pots of $13 million each, one for outlets with fewer than 100 employees and one for those with........