Nurses and nursing students recently stormed the capital in a large rally to support higher staffing levels in all acute care facilities and nursing homes. As the bill makes its way through the Assembly, and continues to pick up sponsors, supporters are optimistic the bill may pass this session after […]
Month: April 2016
Legislation would mandate large-scale study of homeless veterans
A bill that would address the alarming trend of homeless veterans has been amended twice and is seeing movement in the Assembly. The bill (S.02575-b/A.00434-b) is sponsored by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, D-Fresh Meadows, and Sen. Kevin Parker, D-Flatbush. If passed, the legislation would require that the state conduct a […]
Time to expand NY’s medical marijuana law?
Advocates for expanded access to medical marijuana are pushing a slate of bills that would give more patients access to the drug, reduce the cost of prescriptions and create more dispensaries across the state. It’s been nearly two years since Gov. Andrew Cuomo passed the Compassionate Care Act. As of […]
Turning awareness into action
In an effort to pass legislation aimed at assisting New Yorkers with autism and developmental disabilities, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joined advocates to present the first-ever “Autism Action Award” to Sara Mae Hickey, owner of a café that employs autistic adults. Santabarbara unveiled five bills he hopes will increase job […]
Life comes full circle for accomplished alumna
Life has come full circle for Regina Calcaterra, starting with her success as a student at SUNY New Paltz. After writing two books, an illustrious career in state government, and being named a partner at a law firm, Calcaterra is returning to New Paltz to be the commencement speaker […]
Sen. Hassell-Thompson to join Cuomo Administration
After a 16-year career in the state Senate, Ruth Hassell-Thompson is joining the Cuomo Administration as special advisor for policy and community affairs for the New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Since 2000, Hassell-Thompson, D-Mount Vernon, has represented parts of the Bronx and Westchester County as senator. She […]
NYC housing a sticking point this session
Months after the death of the contentious 421-a tax abatement, lawmakers in Albany can’t agree on how to replace it. The 421-a property tax exemption program, which gives New York City developers tax exemption for building a multi-unit residential project on vacant land, expired in January. It was created […]
Senate bills aim to get more NY’ers on organ donor list
The New York State Senate recognized the month of April as “National Donate Life” month. Legislation is in the works and the house also passed a resolution to get more New Yorkers to become organ donors. A collection of bills, drafted in hopes of increasing the number of New Yorkers […]