Issues: Health

State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk (D-46th S.D.) has been appointed the Ranking Democratic Member on two legislative committees -- Elections and Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. She will also serve as a member of four other Senate committees – Education, Agriculture, Environmental Conservation and Children and Families.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Sen. O’Brien received his committee assignments today, including the position of ranking Democratic member of the Banks Committee.

O’Brien will also serve on Insurance; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Health; Codes; Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Parks and Recreation; and Local Government.

Broad Coalition of Brooklyn Elected Officials Urge Long-Term Plan to Keep All Campuses Open

BROOKLYN – Today, a broad coalition of Brooklyn elected officials joined 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), nurses and caregivers, and community members to rally in support of SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Long Island College Hospital (LICH), and the hospital’s other affiliates – which are vital to Brooklyn’s already-underserved residents.

Last week, an audit released by the New York State Comptroller’s office made clear that there is a fiscal crisis at SUNY Downstate and its affiliated institutions. The elected officials are arguing that the potential closure of any campus is unacceptable, and that SUNY must develop a stabilization plan that provides a long-term solution to preserve critical diversity in medical education, quality healthcare, and good jobs for Brooklyn and the entire state.

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.

Governor  Cuomo has declared a Public Health Emergency for all of New York State in response to this year’s increasingly severe flu season. The Governor issued an Executive Order which allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccinations to patients between six months and 18 years of age. This Order suspends for the next 30 days the section of State Education Law that limits the authority of pharmacists to administer immunizing agents only to individuals 18 years of age or older.

Julian Ross Made Honorary “Sergeant” by 10th Mountain Division Soldiers

State Senator Patty Ritchie, along with members of Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division, on Tuesday visited the home of Julian Ross, an Oswego County second grader who has been battling cancer for more than a year.

Utilizing her close ties with Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, Senator Ritchie arranged the visit after learning of seven year-old Julian’s fascination with all-things military.