Issues: Health Care

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.

Highlights of the Executive Budget:

· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.

· Holds spending increases below 2 percent for third consecutive year.

Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Amherst and Warsaw

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-Elma), joined with community leaders and advocates for the disabled in Amherst and Warsaw today to celebrate the first annual “International Day of Persons With Disabilities” in New York State and to recognize the achievements that the community have contributed to the diverse fabric of New York State and Western New York.

NANUET, NY – Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) and the Lions Club of North Rockland today announced that they will be hosting a free eye screening program for children between the ages of 2 – 5 years old.  The program helps identify children with amblyopia and is conducted in partnership with the Ira G. Ross Eye Institute.

The event will be held next Monday, October 8th from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Senator Carlucci’s District Office, located at 95 South Middletown Road, Nanuet.

Ritchie, Huang Discuss Working Together to Fight Mosquito-Borne Disease

State Senator Patty Ritchie met with Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang Monday, to discuss what can be done to stop the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses in the Central New York region.

Electeds Urge Comprehensive Plan to Save Hospital and Medical School

BROOKLYN – Today, a coalition of Brooklyn elected officials sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging immediate action to save critical services and medical training at the State University of New York’s Downstate Medical Center (Downstate) and its affiliates.

Downstate faces a major operating deficit, and a significant restructuring is necessary for the institution’s survival. Downstate’s Long Island College Hospital has already laid off 150 employees; over 400 more Downstate employees will receive contract-mandated notice of future layoffs this month, with over a thousand layoffs expected in the next year. This will lead to a massive cut in services and the ability to train medical professionals in Brooklyn.

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle's (R-C-I, Port Jefferson) bill that would help some breast cancer patients by requiring insurance companies to cover reconstruction for partial mastectomies has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.The bill (S3801A. CH. 302), sponsored by Senator  LaValle (R-C-I, Port Jefferson), adds partial mastectomies to the law that already covers reconstruction for full mastectomies. It would ensure that  breast cancer patients who undergo the partial loss of a breast have reconstruction as an option covered by insurance.