Issues: Health

BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement upon the SUNY Board of Trustees vote to authorize Downstate's president to propose a plan to the New York State Department of Health that could close Long Island College Hospital (LICH) and sell off the hospital for real estate development:

"Our fight isn't over. 

Honorable Andrew Cuomo Executive Chamber State Capital Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

We write to request changes to your state budget and also to highlight specific changes that would support education, the justice system, MWBE, ELL, minimum wage, and school age children. However, we begin by acknowledging our support for a number of your proposals. We appreciate that your budget reflects an increase in minimum wages, as well as a 4.4% growth in education aid. 

ALBANY, 02/04/13 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has been named to three key senate budget sub-committees which will review the governor’s budget proposal and offer recommendations for modifications.  Senator Seward will serve on the education, health and higher education & arts sub-committees.

“State expenditures on education and health are leading concerns and effect a number of economic sectors,” said Senator Seward.  “Spending decisions made at the Capitol in these areas greatly influence the budgets of local schools, households, and governments.  Small business owners also closely monitor these issues because they impact their ability to operate and expand.

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.