Long Island Sports Expo Set for Sept.6-7
June 30, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) The first annual Long Island Sports Expo will be held on Saturday-Sunday, September 6-7, 2008, at the Suffolk County Community College Sports & Exhibition Complex in Brentwood.
Targeted toward all sports and fitness enthusiasts; high school, college and youth athletes; coaches; athletic directors, and parents, the Long Island Sports Expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing products and services, as well as a wide array of seminars and demonstrations.
Sports performance training and conditioning, weight training, athletic injuries and rehabilitation, preventing burnout, mental preparation for athletic events, and coaching techniques will be among the topics of 30-minute seminars to be held throughout the weekend. Hands-on demonstrations will focus on performance training and various sport-specific skills. Professional athlete appearances also are being arranged.
A limited number of slots are still available for those interested in showcasing products or services and/or presenting seminars or demonstrations, according to Dennis Garetano, the driving force behind the expo, who can be reached at (631) 423-0620. More information is available online at www.supersportsexpo.com.
“We’re really excited about some of the topics we are getting from coaches and experts in the various fields,” said Garetano. “I have no doubt the attendees, from athletic directors to little leaguers, will be glad they came to the Long Island Sports Expo in September.”
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LIPA Board Votes on Multi-Million Dollar Package
June 26, 2008
(Brookhaven, NY) - The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Board of Trustees today gave the go ahead to begin the administrative process to implement a multi-pronged rate mitigation package which will allocate more than $140 million in reserve funds to residential and small business customers and create a special $10 million fund aimed at low-income senior citizens struggling to pay their electric bills.
The “Low-Income Senior Energy Assistance Program” is a $10 million dollar fund which will provide financial assistance to qualifying seniors in paying their LIPA bills.
“The number one request that comes across my desk since taking over LIPA is from senior citizens on fixed incomes begging for rate relief,” said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law. “Given the staggering rise in oil and natural gas prices and a sluggish economy, lowering rates for everyone is simply unrealistic. But whatever help I can extend to our low-income senior population to help ease the burden is worth the effort.”
Law anticipates that the program would be administered by a local not-for-profit organization or possibly in conjunction with the Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Aging and/or Social Services.
The rate mitigation package will be funded through $200 million in monies realized largely through a settlement of disputed payments under a previous Management Services Agreement (MSA) with KeySpan and through savings extracted under a renegotiated MSA with National Grid after its announced merger with KeySpan.
In addition to the $10 million “Low-Income Senior Energy Assistance Program”, the package will allocate more than $140 million in reserve funds to residential and small business customers over a 30 month period, $25 million to pay down debt on the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, $1 million for expert evaluation of a recently issued RFP to secure the largest block of solar energy in the State of New York and to kick off LIPA’s Commercial Net Metering program, and $1 million to fund a repowering analysis for six power plants in National Grid’s generation fleet.
As a result of skyrocketing fuel prices the Long Island Power Authority also today announced a 3% rate hike effective July 1st, 2008. The typical LIPA residential customer will see an increase of about $4.44 on their monthly bills.
As oil and natural gas prices continue to rise at record rates, with more than 55% of LIPA’s nearly $4 billion budget going for fuel and purchased power costs, a rate increase is inevitable. Utilities across the country are grappling with this problem and have increased rates as much as 30%.
The price of a barrel of oil increased from $92.18 at the beginning of the year to $138 as of this morning. That’s almost a 50% increase. In that same period natural gas has increased from $8.11 to $13.30, a 64% increase. Without LIPA’s fuel hedging program which allowed it to lock in 85% of its fuel costs the rate increase would have been 22.5%. LIPA’s hedging program, if current contract prices hold, will save LIPA ratepayers more than $400 million this year.
“I recognize the harsh reality that the energy crunch is having on our customers,” Law added. “And as I have been saying since I took over at LIPA, I cannot control the cost of fuel, but whatever costs can be controlled, I remain committed to doing what’s best for the ratepayers and that’s why I will be further cutting discretionary spending by 3.5%.”
The LIPA board also approved the 2008/09 capital budget which allocated $300,000 toward a smart meter pilot program in Hauppauge and Bethpage.
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LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2006, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State in all three major reliability categories. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: http://www.lipower.org
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission Created
June 26, 2008
(Albany, N.Y.) State Senator Antoine Thompson (D-Buffalo/Niagara Falls) and his Senate colleagues have received final passage of a measure creating a 13-member commission to create a cultural corridor in Niagara County honoring the underground railroad, an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th century Black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists who were sympathetic to their cause.
The Underground Railroad was at its height between 1810 and 1850. Census figures from that period estimate that 6,000 people escaped enslavement using the Underground Railroad.
“We want to build on our cultural assets,” said Senator Thompson. “We have an internationally-known city with a cultural corridor that we can put into place in such a way that we can create a tremendous economic benefit in the growing industry of cultural tourism. Tourists will be able to visit the old sites, go to shops and boutiques and a tribute plaza.”
The measure was also sponsored by Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte (D-Lewiston).
“Niagara Falls attracts over 8 million visitors every year, but it is so much more than a one-stop tourist destination,” said Assemblywoman DelMonte. “The creation of an Underground Railroad Heritage Area will provide an opportunity for students and families to learn about the role Niagara Falls and Niagara County played during this monumental point in history. In addition, The Underground Railroad Heritage Area will provide a boost to the local economy by encouraging visitors to stay in Niagara Falls longer.”
Approximately two thousand slaves from all slaveholding states were able to escape each year using the Underground Railroad. The psychological impact upon slaveholders of a well-organized network to assist escaped slaves was immense. Under the original Fugitive Slave Law of 1793, the responsibility for catching runaway slaves fell to officials of the states from where the slaves came.
The escape network of the Underground Railroad was not literally subterranean, but rather “underground” in the sense of underground resistance. The network was known as a “railroad” by way of the use of rail terminology in the code. The Underground Railroad consisted of meeting points, secret routes, transportation, and safe houses, and assistance provided by abolitionist sympathizers. Individuals were often organized in small, independent groups, which helped to maintain secrecy since some knew of connecting “stations” along the route but few details of their immediate area.
Due to the risk of discovery, information about routes and safe havens was passed along by word of mouth. Federal marshals and professional bounty hunters known as slave catchers pursued fugitives to Niagara Falls.
The bill allows for twelve members of the commission to be appointed as follows: four to be appointed by the governor, two appointed by the temporary president of the senate, two appointed by the speaker of the assembly, one person appointed by the minority leader of assembly, one appointed by the minority leader of the senate and two members appointed by the mayor of the city of Niagara Falls. The other member will be the chair of the Niagara county legislature, or his or her designee. All appointments need to be residents of the county of Niagara. At the initial meeting the members will elect officers.
“By forming the commission we will be able to provide access to federal and state dollars,” Senator Thompson said. “As many people know, Niagara Falls is the honeymoon capital of the world but it is also the last stop on the Underground Railroad.”
Landmark Brownfields Legislation Receives Final Passage
June 26, 2008
(Albany, N.Y.) While citing some reservations that the measure does not go far enough, Senate Democrats are hailing the final passage of new Brownfields legislation. The reforms adopted in the unanimously passed measure go a long way towards helping to stimulate the upstate economy, clean up the environment and assist developers with tax credits to encourage new building on sites once thought to be vast wastelands.
“Jobs and housing are key components to redeveloping the upstate economy,” said Senator Antoine Thompson (D-Buffalo/Niagara Falls), the Ranking member of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. “This legislation will help in the mission to assist communities in western New York as well as districts across New York state. The prospect of turning urban eyesores into new, shovel-ready sites is exciting because this agreement protects the environment while, at the same time, helping businesses by reducing development, construction and cleanup costs as well as offering new opportunities.”
The agreed upon legislation (S. 8717) provides:
- Up to half the cost of the site cleanup
- Encourages manufacturing projects up to $45 million in tax credits
- Reduces the red tape to access the benefits of the program
- Allows certain previous applications for Brownfield cleanup to be eligible for the tax credits
The current law needed to be expanded to provide greater transparency on what companies became eligible for the tax credits. These reforms would allow all previously underserved, blighted areas in inner cities across the state to receive badly needed aid and attention. Understanding where the legislation failed was the impetus for the reform legislation.
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers), a member of the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee said: “Those of us who have important revitalization projects going on in our districts, those of us who have had commitments by developers based on the tax credits, were very, very concerned that suddenly the game would be changed midstream. This measure allows for many of the projects in Yonkers, Tarrytown and across the state that have already been in the process to continue in that process and also gives the added impetus so that we will be able to reclaim those Brownfields that could indeed be revitalized so that we could use them so the economic prosperity continues.”
Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) said: “I was pleased that the reform legislation will not only help to create a new economic spark in many communities but it will also return accountability to a program that sorely lacked the strict guidelines programs such as this one desperately needed. Accountability to the state taxpayers is a paramount concern when it comes to how Brownfields grant dollars are spent.”
One of the streamlining measures in this bill moves the administration of the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program to the Department of State, eliminating current dual-agency requirements in reviewing and expediting projects. The Department of State has experience and staff to facilitate and carry out planning processes, including smart growth planning, waterfront redevelopment, and other urban planning work
The Governor is expected to sign this agreed upon legislation.
Senate Democrats Strengthen Slaughterhouse Safeguards
June 26, 2008
(Albany, NY) - State Senator John Sabini (D-Queens) announced today that legislation he sponsored to strengthen safeguards against unsanitary slaughterhouses in New York state has passed.
The legislation S. 5874-A, which establishes a three-strikes provision for slaughterhouses who routinely fail state inspections, was amended after original passage on June 11th. The amendment also requires licensed slaughterhouses to post a copy of their most recent sanitary inspection.
“For years licensed slaughter houses have been failing inspections and have continued to receive licenses,” said Senator Sabini. “This bill will ensure these slaughterhouses will be held accountable and no longer be able to continue this practice.”
The legislation states that any licensed establishment where animals or fowl are slaughtered or butchered will lose its license after failing three consecutive inspections. Under the legislation the Commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets will enforce the regulations and suspend the licenses of violators.
The new regulations also requires that slaughterhouses post copies of recent sanitary inspections at each public entrance and make this information available to the public upon request. Failure to comply with the provisions will result in a fine of $500 for every day in violation.
State Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St.Albans) said: “These are common sense measures that will go a long way to protect New Yorkers. I commend Senator Sabini for his efforts to reign in the few slaughterhouses that would knowingly distribute tainted and contaminated meat while jeopardizing the health of our families.”
“People pay more for freshly killed meat under religious procedures, such as halal and kosher foods. Consumers should get the quality they deserve and pay for. These tougher regulations will guarantee that,” said Sabini.
As the number of state-licensed live poultry markets continues to increase, so too does the need for increased oversight to ensure environmental and public health. This legislation addresses an issue that arises under current law where slaughter facilities may fail a series of inspections and still be allowed by law to operate once the violations are corrected.
Senator Sabini said the old regulations contributed to a continuous cycle of violators receiving citations, correcting the problem, only to lapse into violation again. This measure would strengthen existing law and encourage market owners to better comply with existing sanitary regulations.
Dowling College Student from Merrick Recognized by President of United States
June 23, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) David Kirschman, a Dowling College student and a resident of Merrick, recently participated in volunteer work and was recognized by the President of the United States for outstanding service to the community. David assisted the Long Island Volunteer Center; a division of the Points of Light Foundation that is endorsed by the President.
David recently graduated from Dowling College with a B.B.A. in May 2008 and was eager to apply the knowledge he attained at Dowling. The center faced a human resource problem that needed to be solved and after months of research, David presented a solution that worked for the center. David was recognized for his efforts and was presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award which included a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. David will continue his efforts to help the Long Island Volunteer Center before starting his graduate studies.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education. www.Dowling.edu
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LIPA Poised to Become First Utility in State to Launch Commercial Net Metering to Encourage More Use of Solar Energy
June 23, 2008
(Uniondale, N.Y.) The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is amending its electric service tariff to further encourage the use of solar generating resources and will become the first utility in the state to make commercial net metering available to commercial customers.
Under the proposed changes, LIPA will introduce new tariff provisions to allow for net metering of energy for commercial customers who install solar generating equipment at their facilities and would expand existing tariff eligibility provisions for net metering to residential customers as well.
LIPA’s tariff will conform largely to the legislation spearheaded by Long Island lawmakers Senator Owen J. Johnson and Assemblyman Steve Englebright that recently passed both houses of the Legislature and that authorizes utilities to implement these changes statewide.
Under LIPA’s existing net metering program, residential customers who generate electricity with solar power can in effect see their electric meters “spin backwards” and receive full credit for the electricity they generate with an opportunity to sell back any excess power they produce to LIPA. Net metering provides a significant economic incentive to customers considering the installation of solar generating resources in their homes and businesses.
“This legislation will help Long Island businesses and other businesses throughout the state become eligible for the same advantages residential customers already enjoy,” said Governor David A. Paterson, who called for an expanded and enhanced net metering law earlier this year as one of 16 recommendations from his Renewable Energy Task Force. “Expanding net metering opportunities to commercial customers will lighten the load on the utility grid and give us another renewable option as we continue to wean ourselves from our reliance on fossil fuels and foreign oil.”
“Including commercial customers, and expanding eligibility requirements for residential customers under LIPA’s net metering program is a key part of our continuing efforts to promote the use of renewable sources of energy,” said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law. “As we move forward in these tough economic times when fuel prices continue to soar, it’s important we give all of our customers the same opportunity to reap the rewards of using solar energy resources in their homes and businesses.”
Law added that he expects these modifications to generate a significant number of “green collar” jobs for renewable energy manufacturers and installers. LIPA hopes to generate the momentum for a market transformation on the commercial side, as it already has for installation of residential solar power systems under its successful Solar Pioneer Program that has seen the installation of more than 1,200 photovoltaic systems since the program’s inception and has resulted in more than $30 million in customer rebates.
Just last month, Governor David Paterson and Law announced an RFP seeking the largest block of solar power (50 MW) in the state, to be generated on island, and produce enough energy to power approximately 6,500 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 tons.
“As long-time advocates for clean renewable energy technologies, we are thrilled to finally see that all Long Islanders will now be able to lower their electric bills and even sell excess solar power back to LIPA,” said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of the not-for-profit Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI). “Kevin Law must be commended for making Long Island the first region in the state to enact this simple and sensible policy.”
“We’re looking forward to working side by side with LIPA to make Long Island the solar capital of New York State,” said Kevin MacLeod, Chairman of the Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association (LISEIA). “We applaud Kevin Law for his leadership in moving solar power forward.”
“At a time of skyrocketing fuel prices and increasing global warming, clean, renewable energy makes more sense now than ever,” said Neal Lewis, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Network. “This vote by the State Legislature to provide the mechanism for commercial businesses to tap renewable energy resources is historic. Today’s announcement by LIPA means that Long Island can lead the state in implementing commercial net metering. This is a strong demonstration of leadership by LIPA that will create ‘green collar’ jobs locally while providing long-term relief to local businesses hit by skyrocketing fuel costs.”
“This will allow businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to sell power back to LIPA and reduce operating costs,” said Desmond Ryan, Executive Director of the Association for a Better Long Island (ABLI). “As our region continues to struggle under the weight of high property taxes and the exodus of our highly-educated and skilled workforce for less expensive pastures, this opportunity for LIPA’s commercial customers could not have come at a more appropriate time.”
Under LIPA’s current tariff the net metering program is not available to business customers. In addition residential customers are limited to the amount of solar they can install and still be eligible for net metering. The proposed amendments would include the following:
1) To authorize net metering for non-residential customers with an overall capacity of up to the lesser of the customers peak demand, or 2MW
2) Increase the overall capacity for net metering on residential solar customers from 11kW to 27.5 kW
3) Increase the combined total allowed overall capacity for residential and non-residential net metering on LIPA’s transmission and distribution system from 3.6MW to 51.2 MW
Law commended state lawmakers for passing the legislation to expand the net metering provisions statewide. “By loosening the state’s net metering restrictions, the Legislature is allowing for the expansion of the use of solar power, which will no doubt lead to positive impacts economically and environmentally,” Law said.
Fore more information on LIPA’s net metering program visit www.lipower.org
LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2006, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State in all three major reliability categories. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: http://www.lipower.org
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LIPA Contact Information:
Ed Dumas- VP of Media Relations
516.719.9838 (Office)
631.872.2790 (Cell)
LIPA Media Pager: 516-525-LIPA (5472)
media.relations@lipower.org
LIPA News Center
www.lipower.org/newscenter
LIPA Creates Advisory Committee for Defunct Shoreham Nuclear Plan Site
June 19, 2008
(Uniondale, N.Y.) - An advisory committee created by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) consisting of government, civic, and educational leaders from the Shoreham-Wading River area held its inaugural meeting recently with an eye toward future potential uses for the decommissioned nuclear power plant site.
LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law formed the Shoreham Advisory Committee in April to openly share and evaluate options that may exist for the future use and redevelopment of the land owned by LIPA surrounding and including the $6 billion nuclear plant that was decommissioned in 1994.
“This advisory panel is an important component of our study,” said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law. “I look forward to an open and transparent dialogue with our government and civic leaders that will help depict the best way for the property to be utilized.”
The advisory committee will provide suggestions and feedback on what to do with the 58 acres of LIPA-owned land which includes the 10-acre parcel upon which the plant’s shell sits, while paying close attention to how it will impact the environment, taxes, and overall quality of life.
“I appreciate LIPA’s efforts to ensure transparency in the initial stages of planning for this site and am pleased to be a member of the advisory panel,” said Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. “The future use of this property will have an impact on the community. Therefore, it is important that the residents and local governments have input into the recommendations for its use.”
“The old power plant property offers great potential to the community and I am confident in moving forward the best public interest will be served,” said Assemblyman Marc Alessi. “LIPA, under the new leadership of Kevin Law, is taking the right step to addressing this land use situation through community involvement. I am hopeful we can come up with a plan to make this property productive and help reduce the property tax burden for the surrounding community.”
“I commend Kevin Law for developing a use for this property and for his willingness to gather input from elected officials and other community stakeholders,” said advisory panel member and Suffolk County Legislator Edward P. Romaine. “Community involvement is essential to the decision-making process, as any plans for this site will have a profound impact on local residents.”
In 1965 the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) announced plans to erect a 500MW nuclear power plant but drew increasingly intense opposition after the 1979 Three Mile Island and the 1986 Chernobyl accidents, resulting in delays and cost increases. In 1983 Suffolk County legislators voted 15-1 on a resolution asserting that it was impossible to safely evacuate Suffolk in the event of a nuclear accident. In 1985, the federal government granted permission for LILCO to operate the facilities at test levels not to exceed 5% over the next two years, but in June 1989, following community protest, the facility was closed down and the nuclear energy used to fuel the power plants was removed. Three years later, the internal engines powering the facility were dismantled. The power plants were finally decommissioned in 1994.
“I applaud Kevin Law’s leadership and I think LIPA is moving on the right track,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley. “The choices we make to develop the Shoreham site can help relieve the tax burden for many families who are struggling. Assembling an advisory committee is a positive step to demonstrate transparency and ensure that the community is included in the process.”
“I am very pleased with LIPA’s open approach, it’s definitely refreshing,” said President of the Wading River Civic Association Sid Bail. “I believe that Kevin Law is interested in doing something useful with the property that the community can live with. I would urge him to strongly consider green energy for that site.”
“I was certainly encouraged by our first meeting,” said Law. “That is a $6 billion white elephant standing out there (in the Sound) and serves as a constant reminder of what once was. It is my hope that forming this committee was the first step in the process of determining what might be.”
Members of the Shoreham Advisory Committee:
- Kevin S. Law, President and CEO, Long Island Power Authority
- United States Congressman Timothy Bishop
- New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle
- New York State Assemblyman Marc S. Alessi
- Town Of Brookhaven Supervisor Brian X. Foley
- Town Of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner
- Suffolk County Legislator Edward P. Romaine
- Thomas A. Isles, AICP, Director, Suffolk County Planning Department
- Sid Bail, President, Wading River Civic Association
- Kevin Ward, President, Shoreham Civic Association
- Harriet Copel, Ed. D., Superintendent, Shoreham-Wading River Central S.D.
- Mike Fucito, President, Board of Ed., Shoreham-Wading River Central S.D.
- Dr. Matthew C. Cordaro, Professor, C.W. Post College, LIU
LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2006, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State in all three major reliability categories. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: http://www.lipower.org
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LIPA Contact Information:
Ed Dumas- VP of Media Relations
516.719.9838 (Office)
631.872.2790 (Cell)
LIPA Media Pager: 516-525-LIPA (5472)
media.relations@lipower.org
LIPA News Center
www.lipower.org/newscenter
New York Assembly Passes Medical Marijuana Bill
June 18, 2008
(Albany, N.Y.) The New York Assembly passed a bill today that would protect New Yorkers with life threatening or debilitating conditions from arrest for using medical marijuana when their doctors believe it would be the best treatment option, 79-48.
The bill is similar to the medical marijuana bill the Assembly passed last year. The version passed today was modified to address concerns voiced by members of the Senate, who have until June 23 to pass the bill before the legislature recesses.
“Every day that goes by without this sensible, compassionate law is a day in which our most vulnerable citizens must choose between suffering debilitating pain or risking arrest in order to find relief,” said bill sponsor and Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. “These patients don’t have the luxury of waiting another year for their elected representatives to act – they need the Senate to stand up for them now.”
Dr. Kevin Smith, a Saugerties psychiatrist who has been recognized by the state legislature for his work with police forensics, said the bill would change the lives of people like him who have no better pain relief options.
“Unless you or a loved one has experienced it, it’s difficult to understand the frustration and helplessness that comes from knowing that relief is readily available but forbidden by law,” said Smith, who suffers from a painful genetic defect that causes his immune system to attack his spine and hips as though they were foreign bodies; the debilitating pain forced him to quit practicing medicine. “Medical marijuana can give me my life back, but right now I am barred by law from using it. This is crazy.”
Glenn Amandola, a medically retired New York City police officer from Northport who suffers from chronic pain and a seizure disorder after being injured on the job in 1987, said it makes no sense for the law to prevent him from using medical marijuana when his doctor says it could help.
“As an officer with the New York City Police Department, I swore to uphold state law, and I’ll never break that oath,” he said. “The flip side to that, however, is that our lawmakers owe it to people like me who live in constant pain to make sure the law doesn’t penalize us for seeking relief. I should have the right to decide for myself – with my doctor – what my best treatment options are.”
With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.
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Final Legislative Push in Senate Urges Republican Majority to Enact Key Bills for Mortgage Reform and Paid Family Leave
June 18, 2008
(Albany, NY) – Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) was joined by his Senate colleagues today to urge Senate Republicans in the final days of the legislative session to pass bills to protect homeowners from the mortgage foreclosure crisis, to enact paid family leave, pass progressive Brownfields legislation and act to address the crushing property tax burden.
Senator Smith said: “New Yorkers are facing an ongoing mortgage crisis and a crushing property tax burden. I am calling on the Senate Majority to urge his members to stand up for New York homeowners and taxpayers. Our constituents need relief.”
New York state is in the midst of the national subprime mortgage crisis, with over 125,000 foreclosures anticipated within the next year. Passing the bill calling for a one-year moratorium will impose a delay between the moment where the lending institution has proven entitlement to foreclosure and the actual court order, enabling the foreclosure to proceed.
In addition, Senate Democrats urged their Republican colleagues to support broader subprime mortgage legislation, which would protect homeowners and strengthen communities. Without comprehensive reform, property values run the risk of depreciating by an average of $18,000 as a result of subprime foreclosures, leading to a $65 billion decline in the statewide tax base.
Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said: “For two years now our Republican colleagues have rejected legislation which would reform the mortgage industry and protect thousand of New York homeowners. This willful inaction in the face of a projected 125,000 foreclosures is near criminal and speaks to the majority’s failure to grasp the issues which concern average New Yorkers.”
The State Assembly passed moratorium legislation with a vote of 126 to 11, signaling strong bipartisan support. Senate Democrats have continued to call for the passage of the Senate version of the Assembly-passed measure (S. 6724-B, Padavan).
Another top priority for Senate Democrats includes support for legislation to enact paid family leave in New York. Earlier this month, the Senate Democratic Conference sent a letter of unanimous support to the sponsors of the Senate bill (S.8428, Morahan). The bill would amend the worker’s compensation law as well as the insurance law by providing payment of disability benefits to employees who take family leave to tend to an infant child or ill family member.
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) said: “Paid family leave represents an essential, sensible policy solution for working families to be able to care for their loved ones and to deal with the real needs that constitute real life. I am certainly aware of the critical need for legislation that protects the ability of all New Yorkers to provide for all of the demands of family life. This expansion of economic security will give people the ability to make the appropriate choices based on their individual circumstances. It’s still possible to bring all sides to the table on a bipartisan basis to discuss the differences between the proposals on the table and the best way to pay for these important benefits.”
Although the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to most workers to care for a sick relative or new child, many people remain unable to afford to take unpaid time off from work.
“I am proud to take the lead, as a member of the Senate Democratic Conference, and urge the Senate to take action so that this component can be added to New York’s existing Temporary Disability Insurance program, to better serve working families across the State of New York,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins.
Senator Smith concluded: “It’s time to put politics aside to pass bipartisan legislation with substance that will provide immediate help to hard-working New York families. We have millions of working families depending on us.”
Photo: Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) and Senate colleagues meet with reporters to discuss legislative priorities for the end of session.
