DOCSLIB.ORG

1 Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:52 Pm Acting

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
1 Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:52 Pm Acting TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012 1:52 P.M. ACTING SPEAKER P. RIVERA: The House will come to order. In the absence of clergy, let us pause for a moment of silence. (Whereupon, a moment of silence was observed.) Visitors are invited to join members in the Pledge of Allegiance. (Whereupon, Acting Speaker P. Rivera led visitors and members in the Pledge of Allegiance.) A quorum being present, the Clerk will read the Journal of Monday, May 14, 2012. 1 NYS ASSEMBLY MAY 15, 2012 Mr. Canestrari. MR. CANESTRARI: Mr. Speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading the Journal of Monday, May 14 and ask that the same stand approved. ACTING SPEAKER P. RIVERA: Without objection, so ordered. MR. CANESTRARI: In terms of the schedule today, my colleagues and guests, the members have on their desks the main Calendar as well as the debate list, similar to what we had yesterday. We will do some introductions and any housekeeping that you may have. We will then work off the debate list. Among the bills we'll take up today is Calendar No. 558 on page 36 by our colleague, the Chair of the Labor Committee, Keith Wright. So, that is a general outline. If there are introductions, let's start with those now, go on to housekeeping, then we will go to the debate list and bills taken from that list. ACTING SPEAKER P. RIVERA: Mr. Canestrari for an introduction. MR. CANESTRARI: Yes, Mr. Speaker. To the rear of the Chamber are some students who are visiting us here in the Chamber from East Greenbush. There are 30 students from the seventh and eighth grade of the Woodland Montessori Hill Middle School, Woodland Montessori Hill Middle School in East Greenbush. They're here with their teachers, Ms. Cora Heiser, Ms. Leah Blind, Ms. Heidi Nathaniels and they were in the office, my office, actually, 2 NYS ASSEMBLY MAY 15, 2012 early this morning. They asked me some tough questions. These kids are very smart and intelligent, know the issues and they're here to observe us in the Chamber before they get their bus very, very quickly. So, I appreciate a word of welcome to them as they visit the Capitol and leave the Capitol, hopefully learning a little bit about the procedure here in the State Assembly. Thank you. ACTING SPEAKER P. RIVERA: Gladly, Mr. Canestrari. I want to congratulate all of you because this was a special day. Mr. Peter Lopez on the same subject matter. MR. P. LOPEZ: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And just on that note, the school attracts students from all over the region and actually we have a young lady, Sage Banta, from Cairo and I just met Sage for the first time. She's a delightful young lady and she's also joining us as part of this contingent so if you could, of course, make her welcome here in the Chamber. ACTING SPEAKER P. RIVERA: As I was saying, this is a special day for you because not only did you meet your elected officials, but you had a chance to -- you have a chance to come down here and see how the House works and the intricacies of all the work that we do, a bill from the very, very beginning and how it starts to the very, very end. So, on behalf of Mr. Canestrari, Mr. P. Lopez, the Speaker and all my colleagues, please enjoy the time that you're here. 3 NYS ASSEMBLY MAY 15, 2012 Please enjoy the privileges of the floor and come back soon. Thank you for being here today. (Applause) Mr. Zebrowski for an introduction. MR. ZEBROWSKI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to do a very important introduction and if my colleagues will allow me to tell a brief story of some heroic individuals from my district in Rockland County and, of course, I do so on behalf, also, of Ellen Jaffee, Nancy Calhoun and Annie Rabbitt. I would like to I introduce to the Chamber today, we have from the West Haverstraw Fire Department Gerald Knapp and Kenneth Patterson, as well from the Orange and Rockland Utilities we have Ian Mackey and Lee Stipek. We also have Mayor of West Haverstraw, John Ramundo. We have Mr. Mackey and Mr. Stipek's family. We have the Orange and Rockland Supervisor John Mulligan and Public Affairs Coordinator of Orange and Rockland, Kim Campbell. If you would just allow me to tell just a brief story of what transpired in Rockland several months ago. On January 16, 2012 there was a gas line rupture that was reported in West Haverstraw, New York. The rupture was caused by the installation of underground lines. Among those responding to the emergency call were with Ian Mackey and Lee Stipek from Orange and Rockland Utilities, as well as Kenneth Patterson and Gerald Knapp from the West Haverstraw Fire Department. The Orange and Rockland 4 NYS ASSEMBLY MAY 15, 2012 workers immediately engaged in efforts to shut off the dangerous ruptured gas lines while firefighters, Kenneth Patterson and Gerald Knapp, went door to door to evacuate residents from their homes. At approximately 1:00 p.m., Kenneth Patterson and Gerald Knapp were in the midst of the evacuation process at the front door of a home on Zarriello Lane in West Haverstraw when the home exploded sending the two firefighters 30 to 40 feet in the air and injuring them seriously. The explosion also injured Orange and Rockland workers Ian Mackey and Lee Stipek who were near the explosion trying it to shut off the gas lines to prevent any other damage. Ian Mackey and Lee Stipek at this time were, nevertheless -- despite the explosion, they successfully continued their efforts to shut off the gas lines and prevent further explosions. All four individuals were hospitalized and treated for injuries, and some of them very seriously; over the next couple months had to go through physical therapy in order to get themselves here today, but I'm happy to report that these four individuals are with us in the Chamber today and that due to their heroic actions, many residents of West Haverstraw, many other first responders did not have to report that day. They were not -- their lives were not put in jeopardy and because they went where other people couldn't go at that time to report, that we probably saved almost dozens of lives by evacuating people and making sure that people stayed away from the zone. You know, the Orange and Rockland workers, Ian 5 NYS ASSEMBLY MAY 15, 2012 Mackey and Lee Stipek, responded during their jobs and did what they were -- they went above and beyond what they're paid to do in terms of protecting the other residents of Rockland County and also, Gerald Knapp and Kenneth Patterson, who are West Haverstraw, I should stress, volunteer firefighters. In Rockland County we have approximately 315,000 people and we have an entire volunteer fire department that protects our residents in Rockland County. And, certainly, not only did they protect Rocklanders that day, but they continue to protect our Rockland residents each and every day as they respond for no pay leaving their families often on nights, weekends and holidays in order to protect all of us. I would appreciate it, Mr. Speaker, if you would join in with myself and also their proud Mayor John Ramundo and the O&R supervisors that are here and their family members in welcoming them to Albany, thanking them for their heroic actions and giving them the cordialities of the House. ACTING SPEAKER P. RIVERA: Gladly, Mr. Zebrowski. It's a pleasure to have you here to partake in the ceremony, which we know is an honor to you and to the good deeds and the good work that you have done and continue to do back home. So, on behalf Mr. Zebrowski, the Speaker and all my colleagues, please accept our thanks for the good work that you have done. Please enjoy the time that you're here. Come back soon. Thank you for being with us here today. (Applause) 6 NYS ASSEMBLY MAY 15, 2012 Mr. Losquadro for an introduction. MR. LOSQUADRO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a few constituents from my district, if I could just ask those four gentlemen to stand up. Mr. Steven Gray, who is a First Assistant Chief of the Ridge Fire Department, Mr. William Hille, the Commissioner of the Manorville Fire Department, Mr. Sal D'Amato, the Second Assistant Chief in Manorville, and Mr. Anthony Gallino, who is a Commissioner in the Rocky Point Fire Department but is also the Vice President of the New York State Association of Fire Districts. While we are always excited to welcome up our volunteer firefighters, this is especially poignant for me because last month, over 1,100 acres, primarily in my district in Ridge and Manorville, burnt in one of the largest wild fires in the past 45 years in New York State. Over 35 departments responded to this fire and a brush truck from the Manorville Fire Department, which Mr. Hille was actually on, you can see the bandages on his hand, was lost in that fire. So, I would like to thank them for their dedication, their selflessness and truly living up to the words of Abraham Lincoln when he said, "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live that his place will be proud of him." And I think that these individuals and all the members in the volunteer fire services embody those qualities that make this country so wonderful.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • July 7, 2020 the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York
    July 7, 2020 The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State New York State Capitol Building Albany, New York 12224 Commissioner Howard Zucker MD, JD, LLM New York State Department of Health Corning Tower Empire State Plaza Albany, New York 12237 Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe New York State Education Department 89 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12234 Chancellor Betty Rosa Regents Office State Education Building 89 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12234 Dear Governor Cuomo, Commissioner Zucker, Interim Commissioner Tahoe & Chancellor Rosa: We write to you today at the request of the parents, teachers, students and school districts that we represent and to advocate on their behalf. We understand that throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the situation has continuously evolved, but, as the epicenter of one of the largest outbreaks in the U.S., we should be planning ahead to ensure there is statewide coordination in planning for school reopening this fall. As you all know, schools provide much more than just academic instruction services; they are community hubs, and provide social services, food services, health services, childcare services, and specialized services for children with developmental needs. Over the course of the pandemic, our children have missed out on opportunities that schools provide for them and learning remotely full-time has left many children behind. Without the full scope of school resources, the burden has fallen on parents and guardians who are already struggling to balance budgets and manage their time throughout the duration of this crisis. We must work together on their behalf to ensure that come fall, we have a safe and proper learning environment for students statewide, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely heavily on in-person instruction.
    [Show full text]
  • Firing Lines March/April 2021 Fighting for Your Second Amendment Rights Since 1965 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
    S.C.O.P.E., Inc. Shooters Committee on Political Education Volume XXX, Issue II Firing Lines March/April 2021 Fighting for your Second Amendment Rights since 1965 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, SCOPE Chapter and the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. BoD Information 2 ————————————————————————— Newsletter Deadlines 2 ————————————————————————— Protecting the Constitution 4 ————————————————————————— Court packing 4 ————————————————————————— Things Change Quickly Member Clubs 5 ————————————————————————— By Tom Reynold One of the 2 nd Amendment’s great- Civics education 6 ————————————————————————— est enemies in Washington, Joe Biden, hid in We the people 8 nd ————————————————————————— Just before Christmas, when we his cellar or on the 2 floor of the White Defensive use of guns 9 were all feeling down after the election, I House for the past year. The left-wing media ————————————————————————— Ghost guns 10 emailed members to remind them of the was his shield from anything negative. But ————————————————————————— Legalizing suppressers 11 story about Washington’s crossing of the yesterday, there was an internet article that ————————————————————————— Delaware. Washington was starting from a headlined, “ Media Fact Checkers Finally A time for choosing 12 ————————————————————————— position much worse than now and the mes- Come for Joe Biden ” and the article high- Proposed bills 14 ————————————————————————— sage I was conveying was that things can lighted the many times Biden has had prob- NYS Assembly & Senate 18 change quickly. lems with the facts. Could it be that the 2 nd ————————————————————————— Business members 23 This article is being written on the Amendment’s enemy in the White House is ————————————————————————— SCOPE application 24 Ides of March.
    [Show full text]
  • April 30, 2020 the Honorable Donald J. Trump
    April 30, 2020 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 The Honorable Charles Schumer Senate Minority Leader Hart Senate Office Building, 322 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Mr. President, Minority Leader Schumer & Congressional Leaders: As a fifth stimulus package is being negotiated in Washington, we hope that it includes aid to local governments, especially in states being hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. We write to urge you to direct some of that aid to volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) that are on the front lines of this epidemic and are facing economic devastation as a result. New York State is protected daily by 110,000 volunteer firefighters in nearly 900 fire districts. According to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the services provided by volunteer fire departments save New York taxpayers more than $3 billion per year. New York State has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak for months, with more than 290,000 positive cases. COVID-19 is taking its toll on our communities both personally and financially. We simply cannot afford to lose our volunteer fire departments and volunteer EMS as a result. We respectfully request that you consider these recommendations to provide direct assistance to volunteer fire departments and volunteer EMS to help them survive this pandemic: Ensure federal reimbursement to volunteer fire departments and volunteer EMS for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face shields, gloves, gowns, goggles and glasses, head covers, masks, respirators, and shoe covers in conformance with FDA requirements.
    [Show full text]
  • June 4, 2020 the Honorable Andrew M
    June 4, 2020 The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor, State of New York Executive Chamber State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: Our state’s successful recovery from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on how quickly we transition from a state of near total lockdown to a fully functioning and vibrant economy. One sector that has been deemed necessary from day one, construction related to essential infrastructure, is key to this success. However, $743 million in local infrastructure construction and maintenance projects are on hold due to inaction by the state. We appreciate your recent statements about the importance of infrastructure investment as a critical and effective way to help restart and stimulate our economy and get people back to work. At your briefing you said: “There is no better time to build than right now. You need to start the economy, you need to create jobs, and you need to renew and repair this country’s economy and infrastructure. Now is the time to do it.” We could not agree more. And while your remarks thus far have focused on larger, regionally significant downstate tunnels and mass transit needs, we are confident that you fully recognize the importance of local transportation infrastructure projects to the vitality of so many upstate, rural economies, and to the statewide transportation system as a whole. Our Assembly Minority Conference and other legislative colleagues worked together with you this year to enact a fully committed and dedicated plan to invest in the local transportation infrastructure network through vital programs like CHIPS, PAVE-NY, BRIDGE-NY, and Extreme Winter Recovery.
    [Show full text]
  • Avon Advocacy Letter To
    ·Y\.von Centra{ScfiooCs 191 Clinton Street ·Avon, New York 14414-1495 Bruce D. Arney, Superintendent (585) 226-2455 Rodney George, Board of Education President Kristen A. Murphy, Business Manager William LaBine, Vice-President Barbara F. Zelazny, High School Principal James Colt Jennifer K. Miller, Middle School Principal www.avoncsdorg Robert DeBruycker Robert T. Lupisella, Primary School Principal Kristi Hughes Kerstin Wheeler, Director of Pupil Services, Curriculum, and Instruction December 5, 2011 The Honorable Andrew Cuomo New York State Govemor NYS Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: I am writing on behalf of the children in my district and all NYS children who reside in lower wealth districts. We are in desperate need of your position and influence to drive some changes home. In your first year as Govemor, you have made significant imoads into some long-standing sacred cows; I implore you, on behalf of the children to address another sacred cow ... that being funding for public education. Since the 2008-2009 school year the budget within my district has increased a total of $225,279, which translates into an average aruma! budget increase of0.4%. My Board of Education strives to provide the children of our community the best possible education and program opportunities the "community can afford." In the difficult fiscal times, the Board has done its best to hold the line on spending increases while being confronted with mandated increases in pension contributions, mandates in Special Education along with their associated costs that exceed those required under federal law, and increased costs in employee benefits.
    [Show full text]
  • Contact: November 2, 2018 Karyn Burns-Gerling, MACNY (315) 474-4201 (Office) (315) 317-3402 (Cell) [email protected]
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: November 2, 2018 Karyn Burns-Gerling, MACNY (315) 474-4201 (Office) (315) 317-3402 (Cell) [email protected] MIPAC Announces 2018 Senate and Assembly Legislative Endorsements Statewide Manufacturing Association’s Political Action Committee Releases Endorsement of Pro-Business Candidates MIPAC, The Manufacturing & Industry Political Action Committee and the political action committee arm of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association and The Manufacturers Alliance of New York State today announced their 2018 candidate endorsements. This year, MIPAC looked to endorse pro-manufacturing and reform-minded candidates from all areas throughout New York State, focusing their attention on key issues, including corporate tax reductions for pass through manufacturers, strengthening the State’s workforce development platform, workers compensation issues, and the increasing regulatory burdens in New York State. This year, MIPAC recognized its growing statewide presence, and is actively participating in races from across the State. MIPAC member Nathan Andrews stated, "This year we were pleased to review responses and voting records from a number of statewide candidates. We looked for those who would best represent issues important to the state's manufacturers. We have always maintained and understood that we will not always agree with our representatives on every issue. What is most critical is that issues important to manufacturers are heard and understood, that the lines of communication always remain open, and that good policy and open government remain priorities first and foremost to those candidates we support.” Andrews continued, “Our sector has a number of policy driven concerns, to include costly and burdensome areas such as Paid Family Leave and the Bereavement Bill.
    [Show full text]
  • June 4, 2020 the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor, State of New
    June 4, 2020 The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor, State of New York New York State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: We write today in support of allowing schools in New York State to host graduation ceremonies for this year’s graduates, provided that safety precautions are implemented. This pandemic has understandably upended the lives of all New Yorkers. Millions have changed their behaviors and made great sacrifices to help bend the curve of the virus. These decisions were not made lightly, and the health and safety of our citizens is of paramount importance. The members of the Assembly Minority Conference are particularly concerned about the negative effects the closure of schools and the cancelation of graduation ceremonies will have on our students in the future. We must consider that students have been isolated at home for almost three months due to the pandemic. Graduation ceremonies to celebrate educational accomplishments are an important rite of passage and represent a lifetime milestone. But they could also be an excellent way to finally transition our state out of this lockdown. For many young people who do not plan to attend college, this will be the only opportunity to participate in a graduation ceremony. Many will be entering the workforce, going into a trade, or enlisting in the military. Allowing graduation ceremonies to proceed would offer a sense of closure for students who so abruptly left school and had their educational experiences turned upside down. This is often the last time these young people will see each other as they move onto different paths in life.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of the December 10, 2018 Regular Meeting and the December 27, 2018 Year End Meeting of the Schuyler County Legislature 18
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF SCHUYLER FOR THE YEAR 2019 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE DISTRICT I............................................... ……. DAVID M. REED DISTRICT II………………………………….. VAN A. HARP DISTRICT III.................................................... MICHAEL L. LAUSELL DISTRICT IV………………………………… JAMES W.D. HOWELL, JR. DISTRICT V…………………………………. CARL H. BLOWERS DISTRICT VI ………………………………… PHILIP C. BARNES DISTRICT VII ……………………………….. MARK F. RONDINARO DISTRICT VIII ………………………………. DENNIS A. FAGAN OFFICERS CHAIRMAN.................................................... DENNIS A. FAGAN CLERK............................................................. STACY B. HUSTED DEPUTY CLERK............................................ JAMEE L. MACK COUNTY ATTORNEY................................... STEVEN J. GETMAN, ESQ PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF SCHUYLER FOR THE YEAR 2019 CHAIRMAN AND CLERK'S CERTIFICATE STATE OF NEW YORK ) COUNTY OF SCHUYLER ) We, Dennis A. Fagan, Chairman, and Stacy B. Husted, Clerk of the Schuyler County Legislature, each for ourself, do hereby certify that this printed volume is a true record of the acts and proceedings of the Legislature of the County of Schuyler, State of New York, for the year 2019, pursuant to Section 211 of the County Law. DENNIS A. FAGAN Chairman, Schuyler County Legislature STACY B. HUSTED Clerk, Schuyler County Legislature MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF THE 2019 SCHUYLER COUNTY LEGISLATURE Seated from the left: Steven J. Getman, Esq., County Attorney, Jamee L. Mack, Deputy Clerk, Stacy B. Husted, Clerk, Timothy M. O’Hearn, County Administrator Standing from the left: Legislators James W. D. Howell, Jr., Carl H. Blowers, David M. Reed, Michael L. Lausell, Mark F. Rondinaro, Van A. Harp, Philip C. Barnes, Dennis A. Fagan, Chairman DEDICATIONS 2019 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHUYLER COUNTY LEGISLATURE Bulinda M. Perry Bulinda joined the County in June of 1988 in the Social Services Department as a Typist.
    [Show full text]
  • May 8, 2020 the Honorable Andrew Cuomo Governor, State of New
    May 8, 2020 The Honorable Andrew Cuomo Governor, State of New York Executive Chamber, State Capitol Albany, New York 12224 The Honorable Carl Heastie Speaker, New York State Assembly Legislative Office Building, Room 932 Albany, New York 12248 The Honorable Andrea Stewart-Cousins Majority Leader, New York State Senate Legislative Office Building, Room 907 Albany, New York 12247 The Honorable John Flanagan Minority Leader, New York State Senate Legislative Office Building, Room 909 Albany, New York 12247 Mr. John B. Rhodes Chair, New York State Public Service Commission 3 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12223 Dear Governor Cuomo, Legislative Leaders & Chairman Rhodes: As State officials, the past few months have been some of the most challenging we have ever faced. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unforeseen obstacles and exposed weaknesses in our State’s infrastructure. One weakness brought to light is that New York’s current broadband infrastructure in many areas cannot meet the demands of millions of New Yorkers working and learning from home every day during this pandemic. Despite efforts to expand broadband services, New York still has many underserved areas. Members of the Assembly Republican Conference are very thankful that private companies have stepped up and provided free broadband services where possible. Now it is the State government’s turn to step up and take the steps necessary to ensure that broadband services are made available to all New Yorkers in every region of the State, both urban and rural. Our recommendations to expand broadband access to underserved communities are to: Ensure critical infrastructure workers providing access to broadband are considered essential as the State opens up regionally.
    [Show full text]
  • REGULAR MEETING Morning Session Monday, January 24, 2011 Legislative Chambers, Bath, New York
    REGULAR MEETING Morning Session Monday, January 24, 2011 Legislative Chambers, Bath, New York The County Legislature of the County of Steuben convened in Regular Session in the Legislative Chambers, Bath, NY on Monday, the 24th day of January, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. and was called to order by the Chairman of the Legislature, Joseph J. Hauryski. Roll Call and all members present except for Legislator Nichols (arrived at 10:10 a.m.) and Legislator Swackhamer. Mr. Creath provided the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Walsh. Chairman Hauryski asked Theresa Bridge to come forward. Ms. Bridge is an employee in the Department of Social Services. He presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation and a pin in recognition of her 25 years of service to Steuben County. Chairman Hauryski asked Terrie Dunn to come forward. Ms. Dunn was an employee in the Information Technology/Telephonic Communications Department. He presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation and a watch in recognition of her retirement following 23 years of service to Steuben County. Chairman Hauryski opened the floor for comments by members of the public. Jack Zigenfus, Supervisor, Town of Cohocton, stated that he is here regarding how the Town and County tax bill is set up. There is a lack of clarity with regard to chargebacks and special taxes. Even though the Town of Cohocton did not increase taxes, on the Town and County tax bill it looks like we raised our levy 4.5 percent. He respectfully asked that the Legislature or the proper committee look at what changes could be made to the Town and County tax bill in order for people to understand it better.
    [Show full text]
  • August 27, 2020 the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor Of
    August 27, 2020 The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State NYS State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo, We write to you on behalf of our local school superintendents, teachers, and parents from the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Western regions. It has come to our attention that the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) issued new guidance regarding COVID-19 testing for schools. The announced guidance has caused a tremendous amount of uncertainty with our school administrators, county departments of health, and New York families. We urge you to immediately release updated guidance ensuring schools, families and their doctors are part of the decision as to when it is safe for a child to return to school. Previously, the guidelines stated that if a school staffer or student exhibited one of the many symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, they would need to meet one of the following criteria: • Be quarantined for a certain number of days and be symptom free upon return. • Receive approval from a primary care provider or school medical director after receiving an alternative diagnosis with similar symptoms such as ear infections, strep throat, seasonal allergies, or other related illnesses. • Receive a negative COVID-19 test. The latest NYS DOH now implies staff and students must hit all three criteria, meaning all staff or students must receive a negative COVID-19 test in order to return to school after displaying symptoms. This will cause a tremendous amount of problems for school officials, county administrators, parents, and students. First, requiring this level of testing will dramatically curtail available testing capacity.
    [Show full text]
  • June 18, 2020 Hon. Carl E. Heastie Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins
    June 18, 2020 Hon. Carl E. Heastie Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins Speaker, New York State Assembly Temporary President, New York State Senate Legislative Office Building, Room 932 Legislative Office Building, Room 907 Albany, NY 12248 Albany, NY 12247 Hon. John Flanagan Minority Leader, New York State Senate Legislative Office Building, Room 909 Albany, NY 12247 Dear Legislative Leaders: Legislation passed on March 3 added “disease outbreak” to the list of circumstances under which the governor assumed expanded authorities during a declared state of emergency. As you know, those emergency powers were always intended to be temporary. The COVID-19 virus continues to retreat – infections, hospitalizations, and fatalities have been in steady decline for weeks, with numbers falling below levels that were seen during the early days of the emergency declaration. All regions of New York have started phased re-openings. Slowly but surely, restrictions are being lifted and our constituents can finally experience some level of normalcy to their daily lives. With that in mind, the time has come for state government to return to its normal operations. New York State simply does not require additional time under one-person rule. The Assembly Minority Conference is calling for both houses of the Legislature to reconvene and pass a concurrent resolution ending the governor’s emergency authorities under Executive Order Numbers 202 - 202.42 and restoring New York State government to its proper form of representative democracy. This is not a politically driven issue, yet one that demands our immediate attention. Members of both parties have supported measures to curtail the Executive’s powers.
    [Show full text]