Governor Paterson Signs Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

On August 31, 2010, In Straight Talk

Governor David A. Paterson today signed into law a landmark bill to grant workplace protections to domestic workers, the first such law to be enacted in the nation. Domestic workers had been excluded from many of the rights granted to other employees by legislation enacted in the past.

“Today we correct an historic injustice by granting those who care for the elderly, raise our children and clean our homes the same essential rights to which all workers should be entitled,” Governor Paterson said. “I am grateful to the sponsors for their extraordinary efforts to enact this landmark bill, and most of all to those domestic workers who dreamed, planned, organized and then fought for many years, until they were able to see an injustice undone.”

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Week in Review August 23 – August 27

On August 27, 2010, In Straight Talk

This week was highlighted by the announcement that New York State placed second in the Federal Government’s Race to the Top competition and will receive more than $696 million in federal education funds. In addition to this announcement, Governor Paterson made several other announcements regarding health care in New York State, the development plan of the World Trade Center in New York City, and grants for housing and community revitalization. Though always working, Governor Paterson also made time to kick off the start of the Great New York State Fair.

On Monday, Governor Paterson announced that New York State’s Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program, called the NY Bridge Plan, is now accepting applications. NY Bridge Plan is available to people with pre-existing conditions, individuals who are already ill and who currently do not have health insurance. The affordable program was made possible by the Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which makes $5 billion available over the next three and a half years. New York is expected to receive about $297 million of the federal funds. The program will provide coverage starting October 1, 2010. It is expected to enroll about 15,000 New Yorkers.

On Tuesday, Governor Paterson held a press conference in New York City to announce that New York State was awarded second place in the Race to the Top competitive grant funding included in The America Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. (more…)

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Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on Approval of World Trade Center Development Plan

On August 27, 2010, In Straight Talk

“I would like to thank the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners for approving the Port Authority-Silverstein Development Plan. At long last, this authorization by the Commissioners will provide for and ensure the full restoration of the entire World Trade Center site.

“One World Trade Center has reached the 36th floor and is beginning to make its mark in the Lower Manhattan skyline, and the Memorial Pools and the Plaza are on schedule for completion by the 10th Anniversary. And now, with the Port Authority and the Durst Organization joint venture and the recently signed Letter of Intent with Condé Nast to lease one million square feet of office space in One World Trade Center, this Development Plan provides the capstone to a summer marked by significant progress towards resurrecting the World Trade Center’s symbolic towers.

“I would like to recognize and thank New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward and Chairman Anthony Coscia, Larry Silverstein, and their respective staffs for their commitment and diligence in transforming the framework outlined in the March 25, 2010 term sheet into a Development Plan.

“This Development Plan balances the risk and rewards of the private sector development between the public and private parties. And, most importantly, will responsibly restore the World Trade Center site in a manner that does justice to the victims of September 11th. With the 9th anniversary only two weeks away, we can look forward as New Yorkers and Americans in watching the progress of the construction, brick by brick, as our great monument of freedom is brought back to New York.”

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Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on Race to the Top Funding

On August 24, 2010, In Straight Talk

“I am proud to announce that today New York State has been awarded $696,646,000 in Race to the Top Round II stimulus education funding. During these difficult economic times, this funding will go a long way to ensure that our State’s children are given greater opportunity and access to a quality education. This new funding will help provide the foundation for academic success and the emergence of a new generation of leaders and achievers for New York State.

“This funding would not have been possible without the Legislature approving my proposals to lift the State’s charter school cap, link teacher evaluations to student performance, and provide resources to implement a data system that tracks individual student performance. In addition, the hard work of the State Education Department to ensure our application was the strongest it could be was recognized by this significant award for New York’s schools. Moreover, I know the support of our New York Congressional Delegation was key to our success.

“I would like to thank President Barack Obama for his commitment to our nation’s children, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan for pushing the President’s strategy forward and for recognizing that New York State is worthy of these important dollars. These funds will be directly invested in our children’s futures, which I am confident will lead to a bright and prosperous future for New York State.”

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Governor Paterson Announces State Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is Ready to Accept Applications

On August 23, 2010, In Straight Talk

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State’s Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program is ready to take applications now. The program, called NY Bridge Plan, is available to people with pre-existing conditions—that is, who are already ill—and who currently do not have health insurance. It will provide coverage starting October 1. The program is expected to enroll about 15,000 New Yorkers.

NY Bridge Plan will provide immediate coverage to individuals for medical expenses, including those related to the pre-existing condition. In addition, the program will be affordable. Currently, an individual buying health insurance will pay about $1,000 a month. NY Bridge Plan will cost $362 per month in upstate New York counties and $421 per month in downstate counties. Physician services are subject a $20 co-payment and there are no deductibles.

“One of the most immediate benefits of Federal health reform is this program to provide assistance to people with health problems and no insurance,” Governor Paterson said. “We welcome this opportunity to offer affordable health insurance to our most vulnerable uninsured New Yorkers.”

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Week in Review August 16 – August 20

On August 20, 2010, In Straight Talk

Governor Paterson this week signed a major piece of legislation, enhancing health insurance protections, and made several major announcements, on both regional and statewide levels. He also appeared on CNN’s “Larry King Live” to discuss his perspective on the construction of a mosque and Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero.

Governor Paterson began the week by announcing on Monday that the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a physical and economic injury disaster declaration for Cattaraugus County and for the contiguous counties of Allegany, Chautauqua, Erie and Wyoming in New York State as well as McKean and Warren in Pennsylvania. This declaration allows homeowners, renters and businesses to be eligible for low-interest loans for damages suffered in the severe storms produced by last month’s devastating tornadoes. Following the storms, Governor Paterson asked the SBA and the New York State Office of Emergency Management to work with the impacted counties and conduct a detailed assessment of the damages incurred.

The Governor on Monday also issued a statement regarding the report from the Task Force on Public Authorities Reform. (more…)

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Governor Paterson Signs “Ian’s Law” to Enhance Health Insurance Protections

On August 19, 2010, In Straight Talk

Governor David A. Paterson today announced he has signed “Ian’s Law” into law, which will enhance protections for consumers in case a health insurer or health maintenance organization (HMO) discontinues a class of policies or contracts. Governor Paterson was joined by the Pearl family, Senator Eric Schneiderman and Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell in highlighting the passage and enactment of this legislation.

“With this legislation, New York consumers have one more weapon in their arsenal of legal defenses against unscrupulous insurance practices,” Governor Paterson said. “Inspired by Ian’s courageous fight, this law fortifies consumer protections in the event a health insurer terminates coverage without offering a replacement. Namely, this law will prevent insurance companies from discontinuing an entire class of policies as a pretext to avoid paying one person’s medical claims.”

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