Issues: Consumer Protection

Helps Middletown Resident After Contractor Bails on Bathroom Remodel

State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) sent a warning to all Bronx residents this week as many prepare to hire contractors for home improvements and remodeling during the summer season. The warning - to stay away from using unlicensed contractors - comes on the heels of a nearly three month battle on behalf of a Middletown resident whose contractor left her with a half-finished bathroom.

Throggs Neck seniors Lenore and Dominick Marano avoided being charged more than a thousand dollars in unnecessary insurance costs thanks to State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester). Klein worked with the Maranos' mortgage lender to help fight a nearly $1,400 increase in their annual flood insurance premium.

This spring, the Maranos received a letter from their bank with whom they have a mortgage stating that their flood insurance had to be dramatically extended. The letter said that their yearly flood insurance premium would double. Upon receiving this information, the Maranos immediately contacted Senator Klein’s office.

New York's legislature today passed Senator Eric T. Schneiderman's Fraud, Enforcement & Recovery Act ("FERA"), a historic bill to strengthen the state's powerful False Claims Act. The New York False Claims Act, passed in 2007 and modeled after the then-existing United States False Claims Act, is New York's most powerful tool to fight fraud against the government, especially fraud by corrupt government contractors.

Morris Park resident Jean Downey can finally sleep through the night, thanks to the work of State Senator Jeff Klein.

Last fall, Downey was constantly awoken by an extremely noisy outdoor HVAC unit at the Capital One Bank on Williamsbridge Road, which sits directly behind their home. Each night, the unit would loudly switch on and off multiple times between the hours of 1AM - 5AM.

(Albany, NY) The State Senate Democratic Majority has passed legislation sponsored by State Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens), Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, requiring baby-bottles and sippy cups to carry a label warning consumers of the potential hazard of early childhood tooth decay and other dental issues resulting from the use of these products.

The sippy cup is often used for prolonged periods of time, including time spent sleeping and as use as a pacifier. During that time, sugary beverages other than water can pool in the child's mouth causing tooth decay.

Commissioner of Health to give restaurants A, B, or C letter grades

Klein Bill Establishes Uniform Letter Grade System for Restaurant Inspections

State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced on Thursday that the Senate passed his legislation to establish a uniform, state-wide grading system for restaurants. Klein’s bill (S.8171) would require the NYS Commissioner of Health to establish a uniform letter grading system of “A,” “B,” and “C” to classify restaurant inspection results and mandate that restaurants prominently display their letter grade for patrons.

Tough measures on the manufacture and sale of child products containing BPA

(Albany, NY) The State Senate Democratic Majority has passed legislation sponsored by State Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens), Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, requiring car dealerships to pay preexisting balances on vehicles they purchase or accept for trade in from consumers in a timely manner.