February 12, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com

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Quinn on Fingerprinting for Food Stamps
January 5th, 2012

Gov. Andrew Cuomo seemingly went after the city’s policy of fingerprinting people who want access to food stamps in his State of the State Address. The Bloomberg administration has supported the measure as a way to stop fraud and Bloomberg dismissed Cuomo’s statement in a press conference following the speech. Council Speaker Christine Quinn just weighed in via press release and she is taking Cuomo’s side.

“In these tough economic times, we need to help New Yorkers get the federal services they qualify for, not put obstacles in their way. Unfortunately, Mayor Bloomberg and I couldn’t disagree more — fingerprinting food stamp applicants is a time consuming and unnecessary process, which stigmatizes applicants and has prevented 24,000 New Yorkers from getting the help they deserve.  The State has the authority to eliminate finger imaging in New York City, and the Mayor should not even think of challenging Governor Cuomo’s decision.”

Cuomo said in his State of the State yesterday that, “One of the things we do now and makes the stigma actually worse and creates a barrier for families coming forward to get food stamps is we require fingerprinting. I’m saying stop fingerprinting for families,” said Cuomo.

Bloomberg told reporters, ““It’s not a stigma, and it may be elsewhere in the state, and maybe that’s what he was referring to, but it’s certainly not a stigma.”

By David King on January 5, 2012, 4:51 pm
In category: Albany, City Hall, Eye on Albany, Gotham City, Governing, Health, Social Services | No Comments »

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Hearings on Helping Veterans
October 25th, 2011

The New York State Assembly along with the Senate Puerto Rican Hispanic Task Force will be holding a televised town hall meeting tomorrow in conjunction with Time Warner Cable to discuss issues facing returning veterans. The meeting called, “New York Cares About Veterans” will take place from 6 -7:30 p.m..

The discussion, according to the press release, will include issues like the governments preparedness to provide services to veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, providing veterans with jobs housing and education opportunities and what kind of help the military offers returning veterans. The Gazette recently took a look at the services provided to veterans by Mayor Michael Bloombergs Office of Veterans Affairs. A a number of city council members were shocked by the lack of services provided by OVA. The following press release contains locations where you can attend the state-wide town hall:

Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on October 25, 2011, 4:29 pm
In category: Albany, Economy, Eye on Albany, Health, Social Services, Work and Labor | 1 Comment »

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Quinn Ducks and Parries
October 6th, 2011

Yesterday, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn presided over the passage of a bill that Mayor Michael Bloomberg adamantly opposes. Will she do it again?

This issue yesterday was the city’s increasing reliance on outside contractors. The City Council — obviously with strong backing from Quinn or else it wouldn’t have happened — unanimously passed a bill requiring a kind of cost-benefit analysis of proposed contracts.

Bloomberg later, according to WNYC’s Bob Hennelly blasted the measure. “To put impediments to us getting the best deal for the taxpayers particularly during this economy is something we can not tolerate. We are just not going to have this bill,” Bloomberg said.

The next issue could be the so-called Living Wage bill, a measure that would require businesses that get a city subsidy to pay their workers, not just the minimum wage but a living wage of $10 to $11.50 an hour, depending upon benefits.

The administration opposes that one too — usually trying to obscure the fact that it would only apply to employers getting city money. Yesterday Bloomberg somehow linked it to the Soviet Union.

Quinn wants the mayor’s business supporter and backing for her mayoral quest. She’s also probably like at least some unions on her side and a stamp of approval from the many council members who are for the living wage. And so despite repeated questioning from reporters who phrased and rephrased the question yesterday, Quinn would not be pinned down.

The verbal dueling after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry »

By Gail Robinson on October 6, 2011, 3:55 pm
In category: City Hall, Economy, Gotham City, Health, Work and Labor | 2 Comments »

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Food Stamps for Soda
August 19th, 2011

The federal Department of Agriculture has rejected the Bloomberg administration’s bid to bar New Yorkers from using food stamps to purchase soda sweetened with sugar.

The city made its request last fall, proposing a two-year test to see how effective a ban might be. The move – part of the administration’s campaign against obesity — came after the state legislature rejected efforts to put a tax on the sugary beverage.

While soda lobbyists, of course, objected to the restriction on food stamp use, even many public health experts questioned it from the get-go, fearing that it unfairly singled out people who receive food stamp. The agriculture department always seemed unlikely to approve the ban, and some questioned whether it even had the authority to do so without congressional approval.

Rather than a ban, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reportedly said in a letter, the department prefers to promote ” incentive-based solutions that are better suited for the working families, elderly and other low-income individuals” who get food stamps.

In a statement, Mayor Michael Bloomberg expressed disappointment with the decision. “We think our innovative pilot would have done more to protect people from the crippling effects of preventable illnesses like diabetes and obesity than anything being proposed anywhere else in this country – and at little or no cost to taxpayers,” the statement said.

By Gail Robinson on August 19, 2011, 5:49 pm
In category: City Hall, Gotham City, Health, Social Services | 4 Comments »

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Law on Pregnancy Centers Blocked
July 13th, 2011

A federal judge yesterday threw out a city law regulating so-called pregnancy crisis centers, only hours before the measure was set to take effect. The law, passed by City Council in March and signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, would require these centers to disclose that they do not provide abortions. They also would have had to post signs indicating whether they have medical professionals on staff.

The centers clearly have an anti-abortion agenda and try to encourage women to bear the child — either to keep or put up for adoption. Their attempts to conceal that, New York Civil Liberties executive director Donna Lieberman has said, misleads women and so can “pose serious health risks”

From the beginning, though, people affiliated with the center said the bill infringed on the centers’ rights to free speech.

Yesterday, Judge William H. Pauley III agreed, calling the law “offensive to free speech principles” and saying it was based on an “overly broad definition of commercial speech.”
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By Gail Robinson on July 13, 2011, 10:15 pm
In category: City Hall, Civil Rights, Health, Law | 2 Comments »

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Smokers Park?
June 15th, 2011

Marissa Miller filed this post.

Smokers take note: The city’s ban on smoking in parks so far does not apply to Hudson River Park. It is not part of the city’s park system — it is state regulated – and therefore does not fall under its jurisdiction.

That could change, though. The park is in somewhat of a “gray” area and so, according to the parks department, its exemption from the ban is currently under review.

For now, Hudson River Park has refrained from installing the “no smoking” signs found in other city parks. However, some residents in the surrounding neighborhoods worry that it will turn into a smokers “paradise,” infested by smokers from all around the city.

In an e-mail statement, David Katz, vice president of marketing and events at Hudson River Park Trust, wrote, “The state’s Administrative Procedures Act requires us to provide a public review and comment period and a hearing prior to issuing or amending our park rules. We are not allowed to ban smoking until this process is completed. At our most recent board meeting, we were asked to commence this process. We expect to hold a public hearing this summer on a proposal to ban smoking in the park.”

So, New Yorkers will have to wait and see if this park will remain a smoker’s oasis for much longer.

It was reported elsewhere that Battery Park City would also participate in this exemption from the ban as it also falls under state jurisdiction. However, a spokesperson from the Battery Park City Authority confirmed, “Battery Park City will follow New York City Park rules and regulations” and thus abide by the smoking ban.

By Gail Robinson on June 15, 2011, 9:14 am
In category: Environment, Health, Parks | No Comments »

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Bloomberg Releases Budget, Slashes Teachers
May 6th, 2011

As expected, Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a $65.7 billion budget this morning, which slashes 6,166 teaching positions, would close 20 fire companies and shutter four swimming pools this summer.

Bloomberg deflected all of the blame for the fiscal pain. Instead, he pointed towards Albany and Washington.

“Both places are keeping our tax dollars to close their budget deficits,” Bloomberg said. “If the state was paying 50 percent of the Department of Education, we would not be talking about laying off teachers.”

While Bloomberg did not hesitate to blame Albany, he also acknowledged the city was unlikely to receive any reprieve from the state or federal government. For now, the city will use the remainder of its surplus to close the budget hole.

The mayor’s executive plan did back away from slashing 16,000 child care slots — the result of a loss in federal funding. The administration plans to save the positions by expanding after school programs and increasing funding for the Administration for Children’s Services. The cost of the slots was originally put at $91 million. Officials said the program could be saved with just $40 million.

Advocates and council members, however, questioned the mayor’s calculations.

“With the budget released today, the administration is continuing its assault on early childhood education by cutting $50 million from our city’s child care,” said Councilman Steve Levin. “It is an outrageous sleight of hand that this administration would present itself as the savior of child care while simultaneously destroying it for thousands of New Yorkers. It’s like someone starting a fire, just so he could take the credit for putting 40 percent of that fire out.”

In a joint statement, Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Finance Chairman Domenic Recchia identified teacher layoffs, the child care cuts, a 29 percent cut to libraries and fire companies as their top priorities.

“Since the recent financial crisis and recession, the City Council has worked aggressively to control spending and manage the city’s budget in a fiscally responsible manner while protecting vital services,” they said. “That’s why we have grave concerns about a budget that allows for teacher layoffs, which would be immensely damaging to our education system and children’s opportunities for a quality education. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to prevent teacher layoffs.”
Read the rest of this entry »

By Courtney Gross on May 6, 2011, 2:13 pm
In category: Albany, City Hall, Crime & Safety, Economy, Electoral Politics, Eye Opener, Gotham City, Governing, Health, Housing, Law, Measuring UP, Parks, Public Finance, nextNY | No Comments »

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Turn Off That Cigarette
April 20th, 2011

Michael Mandelkern filed this post.

City Councilmember Peter Vallone, who represents Astoria, has proposed a local law to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors and prohibit anyone from smoking electronic cigarettes in certain public areas.

“People should start getting the word out there about these cigarettes,” Vallone said. “It’s absolutely not a healthy activity.”

Vallone has noticed tobacco shops in Astoria selling electronic cigarettes to minors, and although he is not sure how widespread sales are across the city he seeks to nip their availability to children in the bud. He has no qualms about adults who buy electronic cigarettes under the impression that they are safer than regular cigarettes, but he is concerned that the flavors, such as strawberry and vanilla, will entice youngsters to develop nicotine cravings before adulthood.

“There’s no reason for a child to smoke,” Vallone said. “We are trying to get out in front of the potential problem.”

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices filled with nicotine or other chemicals that turn into vapor when lit by a heating element. The federal Food and Drug Administration has not conclusively determined whether they curb nicotine addiction.
Read the rest of this entry »

By Gail Robinson on April 20, 2011, 1:28 pm
In category: City Hall, Health | 5 Comments »

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Advocates Protest SWMP Delays (UPDATE)
April 12th, 2011

Five years after the City Council and Mayor Michael Bloomberg agreed to a solid waste management plan for the five boroughs – one that spread out the city’s garbage burden — council members and environmental justice advocates say the adminsitration is backpedaling.

In its preliminary capital budget, the adminsitration has delayed the construction of four waste transfer stations, three of which are in Manhattan. The cut, said Eric Goldstein of the Natural Resources Defense Council, could delay funding for these facilities between five and eight years. Advocates fear the stations will never occur. Five years from now, there will be a new occupant in City Hall — one perhaps with different priorities.

“We are very troubled,” said Goldstein.

The waste transfer stations are a crucial part of the 2006 solid waste management plan, which attempts to get garbage off of diesel-spewing trucks and onto rail cars and barges instead. The plan was also meant to spread stations throughout the five boroughs to ease the burden on communities inundated with city waste — like the South Bronx, Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The delayed stations in Manhattan are the only ones slated for the borough, which currently sends the vast majority of its trash to New Jersey.

We are waiting for a response from the Department of Sanitation.

Advocates also decried the administration’s recent exploration of waste-to-energy — a controversial technology that typically involves burning or heating trash to create electricity (We reported on it here two weeks ago). Laura Haight of the New York Public Interest Research Group decried the move.

“The types of technology they want to pilot have not been proven successful commercially anywhere in the country,” said Haight. “We believe this is a waste of energy.”

A conversation on the equal distribution of these types of facilities is occurring right now at a hearing of the Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses Subcommittee. Councilmember Brad Lander, the committee’s chair, blasted the adminsitration for refusing to testify (his letter appears below).

“We’ve concentrated those facilities in low-income communities, in communities of color,” Lander said this afternoon on the City Hall steps.

A spokesperson for the Bloomberg adminsitration said they would not send a representative, because “fair share,” as it’s commonly referred to, is currently the subject of litigation.

UPDATE: We just got this response from City Hall spokesperson Jason Post:

Because of the economy, the City has been forced to reduce all of its expenditures, including its capital program.

The preliminary capital budget for the Sanitation Department includes deferred spending on four Marine Transfer Stations.

The Administration remains fully committed to SWMP’s principles of borough equity, using rail and barge to transfer solid waste, relieving the burden of waste receiving from certain communities, strengthening our recycling infrastructure and piloting new technologies to derive clean energy from waste.

We have made great progress on SWMP already—long term rail contracts are in place and two marine transfer stations are under construction, as is the City’s new recycling facility—and we are exploring cost-effective alternatives to expedite the construction schedule outlined in the preliminary capital plan. We will make a decision before the Mayor’s executive budget presentation.

CM Lander Letter to Mayor Bloomberg Re Fair Share Hearing(2)

By Courtney Gross on April 12, 2011, 2:22 pm
In category: City Hall, Civil Rights, Community Development, Crime & Safety, Environment, Gotham City, Governing, Health, Land Use, Waterfront, nextNY | 1 Comment »

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Cuomo on Indian Point
March 22nd, 2011

The Indian Point nuclear plant has become the point of much scrutiny in light of the nuclear disaster in Japan. Now Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he has the assurance of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission that they will make Indian Point its priority when reviewing seismic risk at nuclear plants across the country. Indian Point is in close proximity to New York City and sits on two fault lines. Here is the release from Cuomo’s office: Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on March 22, 2011, 3:51 pm
In category: Albany, Environment, Eye on Albany, Health | No Comments »

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Philly Votes, New York Doesn't
March 4th, 2011

With a paid sick leave bill stalled n the New York City Council, a similar measure is wending its way toward possible approval in Philadelphia. Earlier this week, the council’s Committee on Public Health and Human Services voted in favor of a measure that would requires that employees at businesses with 11 or more workers earn up to nine paid sick days a year and those working for a place with 10 or fewer employees get five days. A vote by the full council could come next week.

The arguments for and against the bill echo those here. And in Philadelphia, as in New York, businesses and the city administration oppose the mayor, arguing it would create job loss. Advocates dispute that contention and also maintain that having sick workers on the job poses a health risk — particularly when so many workers without paid sick leave are in the food service business.

But there is one difference between New York and Philadelphia. In Philadelphia the council actually will get to vote on the bill. Here, even though 35 of the 51 City Council have expressed support for the measure, the council has never voted on it.

For that, credit — or blame — City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who can effectively kill any measure that does not meet her approval. And that is what she has done with paid sick leave.

By Gail Robinson on March 4, 2011, 4:52 pm
In category: City Hall, Gotham City, Governing, Health, Work and Labor | No Comments »

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Gottfried and Silver Approve Medicaid Redesign Team Recs
February 25th, 2011

Assemblyman Richard Gottfried was one of four members of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s redesign team who abstained on voting to put forward recommendations to the governor yesterday. He complained that the process was rushed and didn’t take time to add recommendations or adjustments. He expected a vote to take place this coming Tuesday.

But just minutes ago Assembly Speaker Sheldon’s Silver office issued a joint statement with Gottfried approving of the Medicaid Redesign Team’s final report.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:

I commend the members of the Medicaid Redesign Team for their work to find substantial savings in Medicaid while preserving quality care for New Yorkers.  We look forward to reviewing the MRT’s final report and reiterate the Assembly’s commitment to delivering an on-time budget that reflects the overwhelming consensus that emerged from the MRT process.

Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried:

Despite the concern I voiced yesterday about the speed with which the MRT voted, I believe, on the whole, that the final report contains needed reforms that will place our Medicaid system on a path to long term financial sustainability while safeguarding quality healthcare for New Yorkers in need, the elderly and the disabled.

By David King on February 25, 2011, 4:13 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany, Health | 1 Comment »

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Cuomo's Statement on Medicaid Redesign Team Proposal
February 24th, 2011

Here are the official details from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office on the proposals submitted to him from the Medicaid Redesign Team:

GOVERNOR CUOMO ACCEPTS RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MEDICAID REDESIGN TEAM

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today accepted a report from the Medicaid Redesign Team which meets the Governor’s Medicaid spending target contained in his 2011-2012 budget by introducing a global cap on State Medicaid expenditures of $15.109 billion. The report included 79 recommendations to redesign and restructure the Medicaid program to be more efficient and get better results for patients.

New York spends more than twice the national average on Medicaid on a per capita basis, and spending per enrollee is the second highest in the nation. At the same time, New York ranks 21st out of all states for overall health system quality and ranks last among all states for avoidable hospital use and costs. Unfortunately years of attempts to address the problem have been unsuccessful.

In an unprecedented change from past practice, Governor Cuomo established the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) bringing together stakeholders and experts from throughout the state to work cooperatively to reform the system and reduce costs. The approach was designed to move past the dysfunction and rancor of the past and produce real results for all New Yorkers. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on February 24, 2011, 7:40 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany, Health | 1 Comment »

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Cuomo's Medicaid Design Team Hands in Report
February 24th, 2011

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team submitted their plan to the governor and he has accepted it. The team was tasked with saving the state billions of dollars in Medicaid costs as part of the governor’s 2011-2012 budget and their plan would do just that–it trims over $2 billion in costs.  Their recommendations include putting a four percent cap on all annual Medicaid funding, reducing aid for home health care, as well as reforming policy relating to malpractice and pharmaceuticals.  Two legislators who were part of the team, Assembyman Richard Gottfried and Sen. Kemp Hannon abstained from the vote as did Lara Kassel from Medicaid Matters New York.

Legislators have been concerned that Cuomo’s team would not be able to make the deadline for changes to be maid to Cuomo’s budget proposal. Their concern was misplaced as the group was scheduled to meet tomorrow as well but came to a decision a day early.

By David King on February 24, 2011, 6:11 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany, Health | No Comments »

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Getting the PCBs Out
February 23rd, 2011

As the Wall Street Journal reported this morning, the city has just announced a plan to remove PCBs from some 722 schools where tests have found elevated levels of the toxic substance. The city says the $708 million program will include removing lighting ballasts with PCBs from the school system as well as energy audits and retrofits.

In announcing a plan that will come as a relief to many parents across the city, the Department of Education sun it, not as a response to what may saw as a critical health risk, but as a program to “increase energy efficiency and environmental quality” and reduce greenhouse gasses.” No where does the release mention the rising concern among parents, many public officials the federal government over what they saw as the city’s foot dragging on the PCB issue.
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By Gail Robinson on February 23, 2011, 11:38 am
In category: Education, Environment, Gotham City, Health | 1 Comment »

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Council Members Give to Crisis Pregnancy Clinic
February 22nd, 2011

billboard

Funding for one Flushing-based pregnancy crisis center trickled into the City Council’s discretionary budget last year just before the speaker’s office drew up legislation to target the pro-life facilities.

The council is currently considering a controversial bill to force pregnancy crisis clinics to reveal in advertising and in their offices if they do not provide abortions or referrals and do not have licensed medical professionals on staff. There are about two dozen centers across the five boroughs.

One of them is The Bridge to Life in Queens. Republican Councilmembers Eric Ulrich and Dan Halloran allocated a portion of their member items to the group in June — $3,000 and $3,500 respectively. (Check out our new tool Councilpedia for more on the connections between legislation, member items and campaign contributions.)

According to the council’s member item database, the contributions are “to fund pregnancy counseling, testing and referrals” and for “pregnancy crisis counseling, free pregnancy tests, referrals to post abortion counseling. Referrals to Maternity homes and shelters. Material assistance of clothing, supplies, referrals for sonograms.” The funding was channeled through individual member items — not through the much larger “speaker pot.”

In comparison, Planned Parenthood of New York City was allocated $365,000 in council discretionary funds last year.

When The Bridge to Life’s executive director Marcy Sarosick was asked how the organization counsels pregnant women, she said: “[We first] ask how far along you are and explain that the fetus is not just a blob of tissues, and it’s a living human being.” She said the center would refer women to adoption services. Sarosick opposes the pregnancy crisis bill at the council, calling it “anti-First Amendment.”

Supporters of the bill say these crisis centers are deceptive and give the perception they perform all medical procedures. Staff have been known to walk around in scrubs although they are not medically trained.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn has been very vocal on the issue. According to insiders, the legislation could be up for a vote as soon as next month.

In an e-mailed statement in response to The Bridge to Life allocations, the speaker’s spokesperson, Maria Alvarado, said, “We stand fully behind Council member [Jessica] Lappin’s legislation. Allocations from individual council members are made at their discretion.”

When the bill comes to the floor, Ulrich said he won’t vote for it.

“I’ll be a voice on the floor against it when it does come up for a vote,” Ulrich said today. “If a young girl is walking into a convent, you think she is being duped?” One crisis center is run by nuns, Ulrich said.

This bill is one small example of the recently reinvigorated, fierce national debate on abortion clinics and their funding. Just today, the pro-life nonprofit, Life Always, installed a large anti-abortion billboard (pictured above) on Sixth Avenue and Watts Street in Manhattan. The provocative billboard shows a photo of a young black girl, and the message reads: “The most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb.”
Read the rest of this entry »

By Courtney Gross on February 22, 2011, 6:35 pm
In category: City Hall, Civil Rights, Electoral Politics, Gotham City, Governing, Health, Law, Public Finance, Social Services, nextNY | 6 Comments »

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MTA Not Taking Any More Questions
January 4th, 2011

From the MTA

Image from the MTA

Were you befuddled by the stranded passengers on the A or the lack of service for days on the Q post Boxing Day blizzard?

Well, at least for now, you’re not going to get any answers from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

When Gotham Gazette touched base with the authority this afternoon, spokesperson Charles Seaton said the agency won’t be taking any more questions on the service-stalling storm.

“We are being investigated by the [Inspector General's] office and the City Council,” said Seaton. “We are not taking any more questions on the storm.”

But they will have to on Monday.

Seaton said authority officials would testify at the City Council’s hearing on the blizzard response, scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. Several top officials at the Bloomberg adminsitration have also been invited to testify, including Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, Sanitation Commission John Doherty and Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

Today’s response from the MTA follows a Daily News editorial, which blasts the authority for its slow response to the massive snowfall and demands an explanation.

The investigation by the authority’s inspector general is expected to take 60 days, an official said.

By Courtney Gross on January 4, 2011, 5:06 pm
In category: City Hall, Crime & Safety, Electoral Politics, Environment, Gotham City, Governing, Health, Parks, Transportation, nextNY | No Comments »

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Silver On Zadroga Signing
January 3rd, 2011

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver congratulated President Barack Obama for signing legislation that will provide health care to emergency responders and others who became sick after working at ground zero. Here is his statement:

“The United States has now met its moral obligation to the heroes of 9/11. By providing crucial care to the brave rescue workers who sacrificed their health for our country after we were attacked, as well as to the thousands of Downtown residents who became casualties of this tragedy, we as a nation now stand behind those who stood up for us.

I want to thank President Obama for signing this bill into law. It will literally save the lives of many of my neighbors, as well as those around the country who answered the call on 9/11.

I would also like to thank Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congress members Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, Anthony Weiner and the rest of our congressional delegation for their determined efforts to make sure the Zadroga bill became law and for never giving up the fight to deliver justice to the 9/11 heroes.”

By David King on January 3, 2011, 4:54 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany, Health | 1 Comment »

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Senate Passes Zadroga
December 22nd, 2010

The U.S. Senate passed a scaled down version of the Zadroga bill that will provide health care to 9/11 responders and survivors for a five-year period. Democrats held marathon negotiations with Republicans who opposed the expense of the bill. The bill originally provided $7.4 billion in funding  over eight years but was shaved down to $4.3 over five. The bill must now be approved by the House.

Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand issued as statement calling the deal a “Christmas Miracle.”

“Over the last 24 hours, our Republican colleagues have negotiated in good faith to forge a workable final package that will protect the health of the men and women who selflessly answered our nation’s call in her hour of greatest need. This has been a long process, but we are now on the cusp of the victory these heroes deserve.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver issued this statement:

“This afternoon’s Senate vote literally will save lives.  With the passage of the Zadroga bill, our brave and suffering 9/11 rescue workers and the thousands of Downtown residents who are also casualties of the attacks, have overcome the primary obstacle in their path to receiving the health care they so desperately need.  I am pleased that Congress has acknowledged our moral and national obligation to care for the casualties of this tragic attack on America.  I applaud Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congress members Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, Anthony Weiner and the rest of our congressional delegation for their dedication and persistence in securing passage of this critical legislation.  I look forward to President Obama signing this historic bill into law.”

By David King on December 22, 2010, 3:47 pm
In category: Albany, Crime & Safety, Eye on Albany, Health | No Comments »

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Zadroga Delayed
December 9th, 2010

The so-called Zadroga bill to provide health care and compensation to 9/11 responders is the latest hostage in the battle over tax cuts, according to the office of Sen Kirstin Gillibrand, who has been pushing for the measure. A press release said Senate Republicans today have refused to vote on the bill until Congress extends the Bush era tax cuts.

President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans agreed to a deal extending the cuts earlier this week, but some Democrats and a few Republicans have balked at the agreement, saying it is too generous to the very rich and would enlarge the deficit.

Gillibrand’s statement said in part: ““The idea that tax cuts for millionaires would derail this legislation is simply outrageous and offensive. The men and women who rushed to the burning towers and worked for hundreds of hours on the pile did not delay and the Senate should not have delayed either, certainly not to give tax breaks for millionaires. .”

By Gail Robinson on December 9, 2010, 12:19 pm
In category: Electoral Politics, Gotham City, Health | No Comments »

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