ALBANY, New York, Feb. 17 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:

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Governor Hochul Directs State Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Representative Richard L. Ottinger

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Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, February 18 to honor the life and public service of Former Representative Richard L. Ottinger, who passed away on Monday, February 16 at the age of 97.