News from our Neighbors

Former mayor Phil Poirier passes away

A former Cornwall mayor who was battling a rare form of cancer has passed away. Phil Poirier died Tuesday. He was 68. City hall confirmed the news Tuesday afternoon. Poirier spent two terms as mayor of Cornwall, elected once in 1988, and again in 2003. Funeral arrangements have not yet been released.

Quebec elections

The Liberals in Quebec will form the province’s next majority government taking 70 seats in the 125 seat National Assembly, the Parti Québécois 30, the Coalition Avenir Québec 22 and Québec Solidaire three. Pauline Marois, who lost her own seat in her Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré riding, stepped down as party leader during a concession speech in front of her supporters. Philippe Couillard, the Liberal leader is Quebec premier-elect.

New Strike Force to Crack Down on Illegal Cigarette and Tobacco Trafficking and Sales

Albany, NY (March 31, 2014) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a new Cigarette Strike Force to crack down on illegal tobacco trafficking and sales. The multi-agency Strike Force is composed of state, local and federal agencies dedicated to stopping the influx of counterfeit and untaxed tobacco products into New York. The Strike Force also focuses on tracing any illicit financial earnings from that criminal activity.

The initiative will be coordinated and managed under the leadership of the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Michael Spinosa will serve as Chief Investigator to supervise the Strike Force. Under Investigator Spinosa’s leadership, the Tax Department has seized contraband cigarettes in 18 separate cases already this year.

The current tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes in New York State is $4.35; in New York City there is an additional $1.50 in tax added to the $4.35. The penalty for possession of unstamped cigarettes is $600 per carton and possible criminal charges.

Governor Cuomo Issues Warning to Employers Violating Minimum Wage Laws

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a warning to employers not complying with the state’s minimum wage laws, emphasizing that failure to comply can result in fines, charges and civil or even criminal punishment. Resources, including one-on-one support and a streamlined reporting process, are available to help businesses come into compliance with the minimum $8.00 per hour that went into effect on December 31. A business in need of assistance or a worker looking to file a complaint should call: 1-888-469-7365 to be routed the minimum wage hotline.

 As a result of a change in law increasing the minimum wage last year, the minimum wage in New York State is increasing in a series of three annual increments: $8.00 on 12/31/13, $8.75 on 12/31/14 and $9.00 on 12/31/15.