Long Island Homeowners Seek Savings through C.O.D Heating Oil Services
June 18, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) High heating oil prices are turning the mindsets of thousands of consumers while the tides turn on oil dealers who require long term oil contracts and commitments from their customers. More Long Islanders are ordering home heating oil on a “cash on delivery” (C.O.D) basis in an attempt to save money. While most oil dealers that require a commitment are fair in their pricing, cash on delivery (C.O.D) services are becoming a popular way to order heating oil giving consumers more choices and better competitive prices.
Shopping on-line for home heating oil has increasingly become more popular. A new Internet site called www.codfuel.com lets Long Islanders use its on-line marketplace to purchase discount heating oil virtually choosing their own price per gallon. “There is more flexibility with pricing and payment options with C.O.D oil delivery than ever before; also consumers have the freedom of ordering as much or as little oil as they want. Ordering on a C.O.D basis can save between .50-.90 cents per gallon over the “full service” counterpart.” said CodFuel.com owner John Franco.
High oil prices are not just affecting consumers. Owners of “full service” oil companies are also feeling the punch. Many of these oil dealers are having difficulty getting paid in time from their customers and in return are having difficulty paying their own suppliers. Some oil dealers have renegotiated payment terms and locked in oil prices. They have also added additional late fees, termination fees, fuel surcharges and other miscellaneous fees to their contracts. Even some of the “good paying” customers have gotten burned by some oil dealers who could not provide fuel at the promised price; now forcing the consumer to find oil at a higher price than what was previously negotiated. It’s too expensive for full service oil dealers to play the part of a banker. They just cannot finance the oil at these rates. C.O.D is cut and dry. The oil dealer fills up their truck and gets paid instantly when the oil is pumped into a customer’s tank. This eliminates the risk of consumers getting over inflated oil prices and also leaves room for the oil dealer to provide a discount because there are no payment terms. www.Codfuel.com accepts cash, M/C, Visa, Discover and American Express.
“Ordering oil on a C.O.D basis alleviates many of today’s fears with full service oil. Prices go up and down daily as the market changes but the C.O.D price per gallon always reflects discounted rates. Visit www.codfuel.com today to check current oil prices in your area. It’s fast, easy and free for all consumers” said CodFuel.com owner John Franco.
City government is also increasingly being pinched at the pump, with its gasoline and heating fuel bills soaring nearly 40 percent during the last year. Some analysts are warning that consumers should expect prices to continue to skyrocket in 2009.
Related: NY Assembly to consider tax on oil companies
Senate Democrats Form New Task Force To Help Eradicate Domestic Violence in New York Homes
June 18, 2008
(Albany, NY) Senate Democrats are calling for tougher laws on domestic abusers and holistic family support systems for victims in New York as the number of incidents continue to increase in some parts of New York.
Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx/Mount Vernon) has formed the Senate Minority Task Force on Domestic Violence to look at new ways to combat the escalation in violent acts committed against family members, loved ones and children. A key component of the 10-member Task Force will be to review current legislation and state programs to determine whether consolidation is needed.
Hassell-Thompson said that ultimate goal is to keep families together.
“The escalation of violence in the home has a negative impact on every mother, father and child in a family,” said Senator Hassell-Thompson, Chair of the Task Force. “Some current procedures for handling domestic violence cases are erratic because there is no uniformity or conformity among law enforcement officials.”
Senator Hassell-Thompson said that New York state’s diversity also plays a role.
“Knowing that culture plays a major role in how domestic violence is viewed we must ensure that the upmost sensitivity is employed when providing services to victims,” Senator Hassell-Thompson said. “Through the creation of this Task Force the Senate Democratic Conference takes the stance that domestic violence is unacceptable.”
According to a five-year study by the State Department of Criminal Justice Services, there were up to 450,000 domestic incidents reported to police departments throughout the state from 2001 to 2005. Last year, New York City Police responded to 229,354 domestic violence incidents-about 600 incidents per day. The same year, domestic violence investigators made 76,602 home visits, a 98 percent increase since 2002.
Strikingly, federal statistics show that more than half of all domestic crimes went unreported.
The new Task Force will work in conjunction with the related Domestic Violence Advisory Committee. Together both entities will refocus statewide efforts to stop domestic abuse and to assure that action is always on the minds of state leaders.
State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith said, “Domestic Violence should never be in the shadows.”
“Victims of domestic abuse can carry their physical and emotional scars for a lifetime,” said Senator Smith (D-St.Albans). “We all must look to bolster and improve support for victims, as well as, to strengthen measures to combat continued acts of domestic violence.”
Members of the Senate Minority Task Force on Domestic Violence, include Democratic Senators Smith, Hassell-Thompson, Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn), Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent), Neil Breslin (D-Albany), Efrain Gonzalez Jr. (D-Bronx), Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck), Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) and Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan/Bronx).
Each senator will appoint two members to the Task Force’s Advisory Committee. The committee will engage in open dialogue throughout the state with social workers, victims and community members.
Using community recommendations as a compass, the Task Force will reshape how lawmakers examine domestic violence, victim services and community outreach.
Senator Smith said that the ultimate goals of this renewed effort to eradicate domestic violence is to improve services for victims and survivors and toughen penalties for abusers.
Currently, there are nearly 50 domestic violence bills in both houses to strengthen protections and penalties. Using committee recommendations the Task Force will set out to meet the challenges each family faces when confronted with domestic violence issues. Through family, community and education outreach, hopefully, new solutions will be found to understanding the causes and ways to prevent domestic violence.
Senator Hassell-Thompson said that the committee will be committed to increasing public awareness. It will also suggest ideas and strategies to improve the delivery of services to victims and survivors. It will also support educational efforts and advocate for victims and their families.
“The purpose of both the Task Force and committee is to look at and take on a new approach as to how we deal with domestic abuse,” said Senate Democratic Whip Kevin Parker. “First and foremost, we need to look to our community members statewide who is impacted by domestic abuse. We need from them what can work better in supporting all victims.”
PHOTO: Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx / Mount Vernon) is joined by Democratic Senate colleagues, Assembly members and advocacy groups to announce the formation of the Senate Minority Task Force on Domestic Violence. The Task Force is calling for tougher laws on domestic batterers and holistic family support systems for victims in New York state. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrwdJEEcozc
Last Chance to Preserve Critical Species on Brink of Extinction
June 18, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) In an effort to protect a species that has survived the mass distinction of dinosaurs, the Long Island Horseshoe Crab Network, headed by Dr. John T. Tanacredi, Chairman of the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences at Dowling College, will conduct the sixth year of an Inventory of Horseshoe Crabs (HSC). The HSC Network invites everyone to join in and help protect a species 350 million years in the making. There are 60 beaches identified to be surveyed on JULY (3rd & 18th).
Horseshoe crabs around the world face a set of common and growing threats including over fishing, habitat loss and alteration, and pollution. This animal is essential for many reasons. They provide a chemical, LAL, that is used in hospitals to detect bacterial contamination. Also, the eggs of horseshoe crabs feed shore birds, including ones that may also be on the verge of being endangered.
“Over the last dozen years there has been considerable controversy over the extent to which horseshoe crab harvesting has impacted the species’ existence,” explained Dr. Tanacredi. ”It is general knowledge that HSC habitat covers from the coast of Maine to Florida, with Long Island historically having a robust population of HSC. Anecdotal information from ‘coast-wise’ people have recently expressed concerns that once large numbers of HSC observed each year, are today a mere skeletal population.”
To see the list of beach sites and register as a volunteer to be a “Beach Captain”, call Dr. Tanacredi at 631-244-3394. Anyone sighting a live horseshoe crab is asked to provide details and photos via an online field report form at www.hscli.org.
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
Nassau Coliseum Fair Returns Bringing More National Entertainment Than Ever Before
June 17, 2008
Over 100 rides, games and attractions, 25 free crowd-pleasing shows daily including big top circus with thrilling daredevil acts and spectacular animal shows will be at the fair weekends, June 13 to July 6 and Thursday, July 3 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
(Uniondale, Long Island) The Nassau Coliseum Fair returns with something for everyone between the weekends of June 13 and July 6 including Thursday, July 3 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The action packed fair known as the “The Big One” is the largest one of its kind in the New York metropolitan area. This year’s fair will include more free national entertainment acts than ever before. The fair will feature affordable family fun and attractions such as the spectacular Circus Hollywood with a Special Daredevil Show and more than 100 family-friendly rides and games. Local families can enjoy amusement park fun without the long and expensive drive at the Nassau Coliseum Fair.
The Nassau Coliseum Fair includes more than 25 free crowd-pleasing shows each day. The fair is proud to welcome under The Big Top, The Coronas Family. This exciting and talented troupe features daring and spectacle performances that include the Giant Gyro Wheel performances by The Fearless Vincente, high wire thrills with the Sensational Sanchez, and the daring motorcycle Globe of Death riders.
Free family entertainment also includes for the first time Close Encounters of the Exotic Kind Lion and Tiger show, featuring seven big cats including 450 pound Bengal tigers, The Magic and Illusions of Lance Gifford, Giraffic Park Adventure Menagerie with exotic animals from the four corners of the globe, Hollywood Pig Racers and much more. Fair goers can become stars themselves when they take part in the “Karaoke at the Fair” shows.
The fair will also feature free fireworks shows from Bay Fireworks Saturday nights during the fair, weather permitting; check the fair’s website for schedule changes.
The fair will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the weekends of June 13, 14 and 15; June 20, 21 and 22; June 27, 28 and 29 and will be open on Thursday, July 3 and July 4, 5, and 6. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and July 3rd, and 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through July 8. The fair closes at 11:00 p.m.
Pay one price wristbands are available for unlimited amusement rides.
Admission to the Nassau Coliseum Fair is $8; free fair parking (except when other Nassau Coliseum events are taking place). For directions, two for one free admission coupons, schedule of events and free parking information visit www.nassaufair.com or call (631) 920-2103. Nassau Coliseum Fair and special event schedule subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
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Corbett Public Relations, Inc.
http://www.corbettpr.com
Dowling College Releases Research Leadership Learning Podcast
June 16, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) The Research Leadership Learning Podcast from Dowling College’s Research Leadership Learning Center is now available at http://leadership.dowling.edu and on iTunes. This podcast explores many fields of knowledge related to leadership in social agencies, bringing listeners conversations with teachers, principals, superintendents and others working in and around the Long Island region, including Dowling faculty and Dowling doctoral candidates. By sharing research and knowledge from the field, the goal is to develop a profound human awareness among leaders of social agencies in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and beyond.
The first podcast available is entitled “Superintendents” and was posted Wednesday, June 11, 2008 with a total length of 24:57. The music featured on the podcast is Mozart’s Oboe Quartet in F after K496 - Allegretto by American Baroque courtesy of Magnatunes.
On this inaugural podcast from Dowling College’s Research Leadership Learning Center, the topic is how one becomes a school superintendent; from the search process to the skills needed to succeed in the position. Dr. Albert Inserra, former superintendent of schools in Carle Place and Port Washington and Dr. Richard Bernato, former assistant superintendent
of schools for curriculum and instruction in Connetquot, discuss their experiences with Dr. Robert Manley. “Right now the field lacks qualified candidates in the numbers that we have seen in the past,” said Dr. Albert Inserra.
To listen to other Dowling College podcasts, please visit:
Library Podcasts
http://www.dowling.edu/library/newsblog/podcasts.asp
Listening Tour of South Shore History
http://www.dowling.edu/library/maps/oakdale.html
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.
New Report Co-Authored by SUNY Albany Researcher: Teen Marijuana Use Down in States With Medical Marijuana Laws
June 16, 2008
New Report Co-Authored by SUNY Albany Researcher: Teen Marijuana Use Down in States With Medical Marijuana Laws
(Albany, N.Y.) A newly updated analysis released today, co-authored by Dr. Mitch Earleywine, associate professor of psychology at the Albany campus of the State University of New York, shows that state medical marijuana laws have not increased teen marijuana use, despite fears that have been raised when such measures are considered. Teen marijuana use has consistently declined in states with medical marijuana laws, and generally more markedly than national averages.
The report, based entirely on data from federal and state government-funded drug use surveys, is available at http://www.mpp.org/teens.
In New York, medical marijuana legislation passed the state Assembly last year, and the issue awaits Senate action.
“Opponents of medical use of marijuana regularly argue that such laws ’send the wrong message to children,’ but there is just no sign of that effect in the data,” said Dr. Earleywine, a substance abuse researcher and author of the acclaimed book, “Understanding Marijuana” (Oxford University Press, 2002). “In every state for which there’s data, teen marijuana use has gone down since the medical marijuana law was passed, often a much larger decline than nationally.”
In California, which passed the first effective medical marijuana law in 1996, marijuana use has declined sharply among all age groups. Among ninth-graders, marijuana use in the past 30 days (”current use” as defined in the surveys) declined by 47 percent from 1995-96 to 2005-06, the latest survey results available.
A similar pattern is emerging in the states with newer medical marijuana laws. Vermont and Montana, whose medical marijuana laws were enacted in 2004, have seen declines in current marijuana use of 15 percent and 9 percent, respectively. In Rhode Island, whose medical marijuana law took effect in January 2006, current use declined 7 percent from 2005 to 2007. There are no before-and-after data available yet from New Mexico, whose medical marijuana law was passed last year. Overall, declines in teen marijuana use in the 11 medical marijuana states for which data are available have slightly exceeded the national trends.
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 http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.
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Senate Democrats Call on Republican Colleagues To Meet Half Way On Paid Family Leave Bill
June 13, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) With Father’s Day this Sunday, Senate Democrats are calling on the Republican Majority to move legislation to the floor guaranteeing Paid Family Leave to New Yorkers before the end of session.
State Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith is heading the end of session charge with the entire 30-member Democratic Conference, each of whom signed a letter addressed to Senator Thomas Morahan (R-New City) in support of S.8428.
With 30 Senate Democrats and four Republicans for the bill, there is enough Senate support to sign the bill to law if Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick) would bring it to the floor.
“This is not a time for partisan politics. This is a time for something that is good for the people and good for our families. This is a family issue, it has nothing to do with one-up-menship. It’s about a new born child that deserves attention and an elderly family member that needs assistance,” said Senate Minority Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens).
Senate Democrats urged Senator Morahan to move the bill this session. The Assembly passed a similar bill sponsored by Speaker Sheldon Silver last year. It was passed the last day of the 2007 legislative session.
“This bill is about our families, it is about our parents, about our children. It is about helping our family in a time of need and making sure that our professional responsibilities can be put aside for the time being while we take care of our families,” said Senator Craig Johnson (D-Nassau).
This June marks the second consecutive year Senate Democrats have called for the passage of Paid Family Leave legislation proposed by Morahan. While federal protections are in place like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), guaranteeing workers 12 weeks unpaid leave to care for the sick or newborns, many families can’t afford to take the time off without pay, said Senator Johnson.
The Paid Family Leave proposal would use the Disability Benefits Law, within the Worker’s Compensation Law to provide for the paid benefit. The proposal would amend the law’s definition of disability to include family leave. Purposes for leave would include: caring for an ill parent, child, spouse, domestic partner or grandchild, or to bond with a new born or newly placed foster child.
Without paid leave in New York families are forced to weigh their personal lives against their professional lives. The scales are rapidly tipping in favor of the later, said Johnson.
Many New Yorkers can’t afford to go without a paycheck and because of that elderly parents may not get the attention they need and parent-child relationship could suffer; or worse, fail to develop.
More than 50 percent of Americans are not offered paid family leave at their jobs, said Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the Working Families Party of New York. So far, three states have established Paid Family Leave, California, Washington and New Jersey, who passed the legislation last month.
“It’s time to give working families a hand up in a time of need. This is a bill that can get done. The Assembly passed it last year, Senator Morahan has a bill in now. We are getting close and we need to get it closer still,” said Cantor.
Morahan’s bill has four other Republican sponsors in the senate. Senate Democrats are calling on Senatator Bruno to join Republican Senate colleagues, Joseph Robach (Rochester), Serphin Maltese (Queens) and Caesar Trunzo (Brentwood), in support of Paid Family Leave.
Senator Smith added: “We have a formula for Paid Family Leave and my colleagues are on board. We just need Senator Bruno to cross the aisle and take a stance.”
PHOTO: (Albany, NY)-Senate Minority Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens), center, joined by other state lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, calls on Senate Republicans for passage of paid family leave legislation in New York.
Going Green Requires National Commitment
June 13, 2008
(Washington, D.C.) No single individual, organization or government entity can clear the path to a pristine environment or American energy independence. But the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is taking advantage of its unique position as the federal government’s purchasing arm to clear some of the obstacles.
Let’s look at an average day through the eyes of a fictitious government employee we’ll call Bob. Bob’s first job each morning is to drop his kids off at a GSA-managed daycare center. GSA runs about 110 centers, nearly all accredited by the toughest daycare rating organization, and most equipped with environmentally friendly features. “Tundra Tykes” in Alaska, for instance, has motion sensor faucets, cabinetry made from recycled materials and a playground built from recycled plastics and recycled wood fibers.
Bob may head into the office, or he may telework. GSA is among the leading advocates for telework in the federal workforce. Telework saves gas, reduces harmful emissions, increases productivity and gets us better prepared for times of emergency. GSA’s goal was to get 20 percent of our 12,000 employees teleworking one day a week or more by the end of 2008. We hit the mark in May.
Should Bob go to the office instead, he may work in a green building like the new FEMA headquarters in Winchester, Va., which has a specially designed roof that bolsters insulation and improves utility costs, a smart under-floor air distribution system and an environmentally sensitive bio-swale to collect rainwater. None of this would surprise Bob, since GSA has been a leader in sustainable design for years.
If Bob is someone who does a lot of work in the field, he may be assigned a car. And that government vehicle may one of 131,112 Alternative Fuel Vehicles that GSA has helped purchase for other federal agencies as part of our effort to green the federal fleet.
Back at the office, Bob and his co-workers likely benefit from smart control lighting systems that use harvesting techniques to capture natural daylight. In 2007, GSA purchased more than 127 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy for other agencies.
I could go on, but the work day is over and Bob has to pick up his kids at the daycare center. By the way, the curriculum in our centers includes lessons that help youngsters begin to think about making responsible environmental choices.
None of what I’ve mentioned guarantees a future of blue skies, clean air or pollution-free lakes and streams. We have always known our nation was blessed with numerous resources. Now we know those resources are not unlimited.
As Acting Administrator and Chief Environmental Official, I’m delighted that GSA offers some 10,000 green goods and services, and that we’ve made eco-friendly procurement easier and easier for federal agencies. Therein lies a tremendous opportunity for private vendors who offer eco-friendly products and services. Those not moving in this direction should note that we will be phasing out non-compliant products and services over the next couple of years.
How do we become better stewards of the resources that remain? GSA believes the time for debate is over. Walt Disney was right when he said, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
David L. Bibb is Acting Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration
Central Islip’s Darrell Madison Claims NY State Heavyweight Title
June 12, 2008
Looks to Face Off with Patchogue Medford’s Derrick Rossy!
By: Jason Sardelis
(Central Islip, N.Y.) Central Islip’s, Darrell “King David” Madison 10-0-1, 3Ko’s convincingly beat veteran Zuri Lawrence 23-14-4 0Ko’s to win NY states vacant heavyweight title on May 30th at Monticello Raceway.
Madison a three time Gold Glove winner, 2005 Ringside World Champion and nationally ranked amateur now has many career options but one bout he is looking forward to is a face off with fellow Long Islander Derrick Rossy.
Rossy a 1997 Patchogue-Medford High School graduate and former Hansen Trophy winner as outstanding high school football player went on to Boston College where graduated and established himself as football standout. Rossy also is a NY Gold Glove winner, Empire State Champion and former New York State Heavyweight Champion.
In January, Rossy 18-2, 10 Ko’s beat former heavyweight contender Ray Mercer in the first heavyweight championship bout in China winning the interim WBO, NABO heavyweight title, the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council heavyweight title and WBF International heavyweight titles.
Madison and Rossy met several times as amateurs and have created a great rivalry. The fight would be a big one and promoters will chomp at the bit for that showdown. That fight should take place on Long Island.
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Contact:
Jason Sardelis
443 Boxwood Dr. Shirley, N.Y. 11967
631-772-4656
pkboxing@aol.com
Senate Democratic Conference Backs Statewide Sex Education Initiative
June 12, 2008
(Albany, NY)- With six out of ten high school students having sex before they graduate, Senate Democrats, parents, educators and child health care advocates pushed for bipartisan passage of the Healthy Teens Act to provide a comprehensive sex education curriculum in public schools.
The Healthy Teens Act would set up a local-option grant program through the state Department of Health to fund comprehensive, age-appropriate and medically accurate sexuality education. Individual school districts, boards of cooperative education services (BOCES), school-based health centers and local community-based organizations would be eligible to apply for money to be determined by the legislature.
Senate Education Committee Ranking member Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) said that the Healthy Teens Act is needed because it opens up the door for targeted and responsible discussion of both abstinence and contraception, coupled with parental involvement, and will reverse erroneous information exchanged each day by teens in the hallways of our schools.
“Research demonstrates that comprehensive sex education, which teaches both abstinence and contraception, is most effective at reducing teen pregnancy and reducing risk for HIV infection and other sexually-transmitted diseases,” said Senator Oppenheimer. “It’s time to get this approach into New York schools that need it and want it. That is why I am supporting the Healthy Teens Act.”
Senator Oppenheimer was joined by Senators Craig Johnson (D-Long Island) and Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn), among other members of the Senate Democratic Conference today, calling on the Senate Majority to pass legislation to fund comprehensive age-appropriate sex education at public schools throughout the state.
“We in New York are struggling with some serious problems: our state has the highest number of teen pregnancies in the nation and the most HIV infections of any state,” said Senator Oppenheimer. “Six out of ten teens in New York State have had sex by high school graduation. And one out of four teen girls in the United States has a sexually transmitted infection.”
Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau) said, “Under this measure, teens would be receiving the correct information to make smart decisions, while parents and the community at-large rightly remain in the driver’s seat. I respect Senator George Winner’s wisdom in sponsoring this legislation. I am asking the majority leadership to recognize this bill’s bipartisan support and bring it to a vote on the Senate floor.”
Key parts of the comprehensive Healthy Teens Act include:
§ Include parental involvement and encourage family communication;
§ Promote self-esteem and the importance of making responsible decisions about sexuality;
§ Promote the ‘value of abstinence’;
§ Provide medically accurate information about sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy prevention
Studies report 90 percent of parents say they don’t know how to talk to their kids about sex. Healthy Teens programs would be developed with input from parents and family members.
Senator Montgomery said: “There is no denying that our young people are talking about and engaging in sexual activity. We need to replace dialogues about abstinence-only with educational talks about sexuality that will empower our children to make smart choices about their personal health.
Montgomery is a long-time supporter of school-based health centers where young children and teens receive primary medical care and mental health services.
JoAnn M. Smith, president and CEO of Family Planning Advocates of New York State, said: “Parents want their children to get honest, accurate sex education in school. We have a duty to provide teens with the basic health information they need to make good decisions throughout their lives. Let’s not let another school year end without passing the Healthy Teens Act.”
Dr. Carrin E. Schotter-Thal, MD, FAAP representing the American Academy of Pediatrics, District II, New York State said: “Young people are continually exposed to sexually explicit information through television, movies magazines and the Internet. They need access to understandable and accurate information to build their personal capacity to make informed decisions about their health and sexual activity.”
The bill passed the Assembly with a vote of 130 to 14 and passed the Senate Health Committee May 20 by a vote of 13-4: this is the farthest the Healthy Teens Act has ever come in the legislative process. Senate Democrats are urging their colleagues across the aisle to move the legislation before the end of this year’s legislative session.
Senator Oppenheimer concluded: “We can’t keep our head in the sand. Education can be the best form of preventive medicine, and the Healthy Teens Act will help schools, parents, and youth work together on sexuality and responsible decision making.”
Photo: Senate Democrats, parents, educators and child health care advocates push for passage of the Healthy Teens Act to provide a comprehensive sex education curriculum in public schools statewide. State Democratic Senators, Velmanette Montgomery (Brooklyn), Suzi Oppenheimer (Mamaronek) and Craig Johnson (Nassau) led the press conference in Albany seeking bipartisan support. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bBLkRs0TfU
