Mark Grisanti

The New York State Senate will act today on the "Public Assistance Integrity Act," sponsored by Senator Tom Libous (R-C-I, Binghamton) and Co-sponsored by Senator Mark Grisanti (R,I, Buffalo)  that would help cut down on the flagrant abuse of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards by prohibiting welfare recipients from using cash assistance to purchase tobacco, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or to gamble. "The Senate again made the right choice in protecting your tax dollars by passing a measure that would stop the abuse in the welfare program. Using your tax dollars to support a transaction at a liquor store, casino or strip club is not only inappropriate but it goes against the intent of the welfare program," said Senator Mark Grisanti.

On January 1, 2013, the NYS Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program had many prescription benefits restored. EPIC will provide expanded coverage for those enrolled in Medicare Part D drug plans throughout the year instead of just in the Part D coverage gap. This change will result in additional savings for members to purchase needed medications.

EPIC members must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan in order to receive benefits.  EPIC will provide secondary prescription coverage for Medicare Part D and EPIC covered drugs after any Medicare Part D deductible is met.  Additionally, EPIC will also cover many Part D excluded drugs.  EPIC co-payments will continue to be $3, $7, $15 and $20.

Senator Mark Grisanti (R, I-60) announced passage of Senate Bill S.1604 that will change the labor law to make it an authorized absence for members of the volunteer fire department and volunteer ambulance squads when they respond to a state of emergency declared by either the federal or state government. Employers will not be able to charge the time to vacation, sick leave or other excused absences provided the employee provides a statement from the head of the volunteer firefighter department or volunteer ambulance squad defining the applicable period of time that the employee was called on to respond to the state of emergency. "I am pleased that this bill has passed the Senate and will protect those who serve as volunteer firefighters and ambulance squad memb

" I am proud to be a co- sponsor of "Jackie's Law" in the New York State Senate. Now, with bi-partisan support this piece of legislation has a realty of passing the New York State Senate. Installing a GPS device is a form of stalking that must be stopped.  With the introduction of new technology, our laws must be changed to keep up with criminals in order  to protect victims of domestic violence and other related crimes."

- Senator Mark Grisanti ( R,I-60)

The proposed legislation will update the State's penal code under "Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree" to include GPS tracking devices.