Issues: Families

A year after Michael Israel’s death and months after push began for I-STOP and the Michael David Israel Laws, deal struck to reform the system

ALBANY, N.Y. – Last fall, Senator Tim Kennedy and Avi Israel joined forces to announce a new legislative package that they called the Michael David Israel Laws. The bills – which outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing the epidemic of prescription drug abuse – were named for Mr. Israel’s son, Michael, who took his own life after battling addiction to painkillers.

The New York State Senate today passed a bill (S.490), sponsored by Senator Joe Robach, that waives the 24-hour waiting period for military members to get married after receiving a marriage license. This would apply to military members who are scheduled for deployment in less than 30 days.  “Given the sacrifice, coupled with the unique circumstances of active veterans, we feel this bill will better accommodate the requests of some of our brave men and women in the military with their personal and family lives,” said Senator Robach. “This is one small favor we can do to accommodate their time frame.”

Senator Kennedy, family of Luke Gould announce efforts to raise awareness of unpredictable, devastating heart condition

WEST SENECA, N.Y. – Luke Gould, a 10-year-old West Seneca boy, passed away unexpectedly November 16, 2011. An active, healthy young athlete, Luke lost his life to an unpredictable heart condition known as myocarditis – which often leads to sudden death.

TAKE THE PLEDGE HERE!

Lancaster High School students today joined State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (59th District) and AT&T to raise awareness about the risks of texting while driving by encouraging all wireless consumers, especially youth, that text messages can – and should – wait until after driving.

As part of AT&T’s national “Txtng & Drivng…It Can Wait” campaign, Lancaster High School students were shown a powerful 10-minute documentary, “The Last Text”, highlighting the devastating effects of texting and driving and were then given the opportunity to sign a commitment pledging to not text while driving.

Making College Affordable for Middle Class Families Through:

Increased Tuition Tax Breaks; Lower Student Loan Interest Rates;

Tuition Pre-Payment; Truth-in-Lending for Student Loans