News

GOP health care plan would harm NY children, advocates say

Mar

2017

A children’s advocacy organization contends the American Health Care Act — the proposed replacement for Obamacare — would be devastating for youngsters in New York who are covered through Medicaid and the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.

House Republicans are seeking support for a bill some have dubbed Trumpcare, which calls for deep cuts in public forms of insurance as the GOP attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, former President Barack Obama’s signature legislation.

“What we’re saying is that currently there are slightly more than 2 million kids covered by Medicaid and CHIP in New York, and both of these programs receive a significant amount of federal money,” said Benjamin Anderson, director of health policy for the Children’s Defense...| read more ››

Schumer: Trump cuts endanger 3,000 LI jobs at Brookhaven Lab

Mar

2017

Brookhaven National Laboratory would lose critical funding under President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, endangering nearly 3,000 jobs at the Upton lab, Sen. Chuck Schumer said Friday.

Standing inside one of BNL’s research centers, the National Synchrotron Light Source II, the senator decried a proposed $3 billion in cuts to the federal Department of Energy, saying critical research would be undermined and the local economy harmed.

BNL received more than $537 million last year from the department offices that have been targeted for reduced funding, Schumer and lab executives said.

“It’s a cut to knowledge, it’s a cut to research, and it’s a cut to good-paying jobs here on Long Island,” said Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat. “It’s a cut to...| read more ››

Suffolk police: Violent crime down in 1st quarter of 2017

Mar

2017

Crime in Suffolk County, already at historic lows in 2016, is down 7.2 percent so far this year, Police Commissioner Timothy Sini said Wednesday.

Violent crime — categorized as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault — dropped by nearly 25 percent through March 11 compared to the same period last year, Sini said during a news conference at Suffolk police headquarters in Yaphank.

“We’re targeting the right people, we’re targeting the right spots and we are collaborating with the community to solve problems,” he said. “That is why you see reductions in crime across the board.”

Sini said the opiate epidemic remains the biggest challenge facing Suffolk police. His cops have executed 54 drug-related search warrants this year compared to...| read more ››

A.G. Schneiderman Statement On Hawaii Decision Regarding Immigration Ban

Mar

2017

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement:

"Today’s order by the federal District Court of Hawaii marks yet another victory for the Constitution and the rule of law.

President Trump’s second executive order is just a Muslim Ban by another name – with the same unlawful and unconstitutional goal of discriminating based on religion and national origin.

As Judge Watson pointed out in today’s order, the ‘illogic’ of the Trump administration’s policies is ‘palpable.’

I commend my colleague Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin, and all of the attorneys general who supported his work.

My office will continue to aggressively pursue our claims against President Trump’s unconstitutional order, as well as support my colleagues’ efforts, as we...| read more ››

Rep. Lee Zeldin’s tele-town hall draws complaints

Mar

2017

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) will meet with constituents one on one in East Patchogue Friday, but the congressman continues to draw complaints from some district voters over his decision to hold a telephone town hall last Thursday.

Several constituents reported that they registered for the 7 p.m. teleconference but never received a follow-up call or information about how to participate.

As GOP lawmakers faced off with combative protesters decrying President Donald Trump’s agenda at in-person town hall events across the country, Zeldin opted for a teleconference. He said the call method enabled him to reach a wider audience interested in “constructive dialogue.”

Zeldin’s spokeswoman Jennifer DiSiena defended the use of the teleconference, saying the congressman received a death threat last...| read more ››

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