Donovan Re-Affirms Commitment To Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn/Staten Island) Friday re-affirmed his commitment to supporting Americans with pre-existing conditions by joining Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) to introduce legislation focused on protecting vulnerable patients during the healthcare system reform process.
Walden sponsored the Pre-Existing Protection Act of 2017, with Donovan as an original cosponsor. The bill guarantees health insurance coverage for Americans with pre-existing conditions, if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed.
“Patients suffering from serious conditions shouldn’t be forced to choose between receiving medical care or going bankrupt. This legislation will ensure that every American has access to the health coverage they need, regardless of their health status. I look forward to helping pass this bill and will continue working to support real solutions that provide quality and affordable healthcare,” said Donovan.
The bill aims to protect patients with pre-existing conditions in three main ways:
- guarantees access to health care coverage through individual and group markets;
- prohibits pre-existing condition benefit exclusions; and
- bans basing premium ratings off of health status.
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 61 million Americans have pre-existing conditions. This bill creates a necessary safety-net for patients and families suffering from life-threatening conditions if the ACA is repealed without an immediate replacement.
Gillibrand Fights For Trump Administration To Not Cut NEA Funding
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Friday led the submission of a bipartisan letter, in which 24 Senators signed, urging President Donald J. Trump and his Administration to keep federal funding accessible for the arts and humanities for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
For over 50 years, the NEA and NEH have provided vital support and resources to endeavors in the arts and humanities across the country. The Senators cited the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report that determined the arts and humanities sector is a $704 billion industry, accounting for 4.2 percent of the nation’s GDP.
“The National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities have proven invaluable in the growth of our cultural institutions that our families and children enjoy, learn, and experience,” said Gillibrand. “Their reach extends to communities in every corner of the State of New York and across the country. The critical work of these agencies includes funding research, preserving our culture and history, strengthening museums, and bringing artistic projects to life, while adding tremendous value to the national economy. Support for national arts and humanities initiatives define who we are as a nation and are pivotal in the advancement of our education and economy.”
Schumer Wants USDA To Reverse Decision For Less Animal Cruelty Regulation
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) Friday called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse its decision to remove inspection reports on animal facilities and related animal cruelty information from its website.
The USDA annually inspects approximately 9,000 licensed facilities including dog and cat breeding facilities, laboratories and more. Over the past decade, the USDA has provided the public with information on compliant and non-compliant licensees by posting inspection reports on its website. Schumer and his colleagues, which include Senator Menendez (D-NJ), wrote to the Acting Deputy Secretary of the USDA and asked that public access to animal welfare records be restored immediately.
“When it comes to protecting animals and potential pets, the Trump administration’s USDA has just dropped the ball by doing away with access to information that safeguards vulnerable animals and outs abusive puppy mills,”said Schumer.
“Until now, pet owners, animal welfare advocates and others have relied on the USDA’s data to expose the evils of puppy mills and other inhumane treatment, but now this information is hidden, and that’s bad news for animals and the advocates who protect them. Public access to inhumane animal treatment at puppy mills, research labs, circuses, zoos and more is paramount to prevention, but suddenly, the USDA, under the new administration, has chosen to erase these online records from the public eye. The USDA’s decision to sweep this information under the rug and suspend its longstanding tradition of transparency means animal abuse could go unnoticed. I’m calling on the USDA to reverse its decision and continue to post animal welfare records online.”
Under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Horse Protection Act (HPA), the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspects licensed facilities like commercial dog and cat breeding facilities, laboratories, zoos, circuses, airlines, Tennessee walking horse shows, and other for-profit animal businesses.
For over 10 years the USDA has posted its inspection reports and other related information on its website, however, recently the USDA removed this online database. The USDA’s animal welfare database has been known to provide the public with data otherwise hidden about animal exploitation. These records have helped bring justice to any animals that may have been abused.
In addition, seven states currently prohibit the sale of dogs from breeding operations with a history of serious AWA violations. Schumer said that an online database is necessary to make sure dog sellers in these seven states are complying with the law.
Ortiz Convenes Interfaith Meeting To Discuss Immigration
Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park/Red Hook) yesterday convened an interfaith meeting of clergy in Sunset Park to discuss the federal government’s immigration policies.
“The President’s executive order attempting to block refugees from Muslim nations seeking to enter the United States based on nationality or religion was outrageous and un-American. In practice, the order “blacklisted” Muslims, creating a state-sponsored religious hierarchy and promoting confrontation and hate. What we need now is cooperation and diplomacy,” said Ortiz.
Ortiz invited clergy from Brooklyn to meet in Sunset Park to receive a briefing on the latest developments in Washington, D.C. and to discuss strategies to assist immigrants and their families.
Adams Announces 2017 Edition Of Dine In Brooklyn
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams tomorrow will launch the 2017 edition of Dine In Brooklyn, the borough’s premiere restaurant week celebrating and promoting the local foodie culture, with tastings from a variety of local participating restaurants in the Rotunda of Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Dine In Brooklyn will start on Monday, March 20 and continue through to Thursday, March 30 with dozens of establishments offering three-course dinner menus at $28 per person, two-course lunch menus at $15 per person, and weekend brunch menus at $12 per person.
Local business leaders such as Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Andrew Hoan as well as New York City Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie will join Adams and the three will speak about the contributions of Brooklyn’s restaurants to its vibrant culture and economy.
The kickoff announcement is slated for 11 a.m., tomorrow , Feb. 21 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Williams Dispells Rumors Of Flatbush Immigration Raids
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush/East Flatbush/Midwood) Friday dispelled rumors of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents making stops at Bobby’s department stores on Utica Avenue and Church Avenue, Kings County Hospital, as well as stopping commuter vans and cabs in Flatbush and East Flatbush.
“My staff and I have followed up on as many of the rumors as we can. We have spoken to owners of the commuter van lines, as well as the management at Bobby’s Department Store, and have confirmed that at this time there have not been general indiscriminate stops made by ICE agents over the past few days. There has however, been incidents of people posing as immigration officials in efforts to scam people for money. In addition, we remain in touch with the Mayor’s office,” said Williams.
“The best thing an understandably concerned community can do is be armed with accurate information. To that end, we ask everyone to make an effort to substantiate information before spreading as rumors. Unfortunately the immigrant community has reason to be worried and should stay vigilant. My office recommends: first, if you hear info about ICE activity please continue to forward them to us.
“Second, if you should see activity you suspect are ICE actions, please send any concrete information that can SAFELY and without interference be obtained, to vandre@council.nyc.gov. You should also call your local precinct as they may be ICE impersonators looking to scam unsuspecting people.
“The NYPD is not currently working with immigration officials, and as policy does not randomly ask people about their immigration status.
“In the coming days and weeks my office will attempt to keep the district updated with fresh information. Please stay updated by following me on Twitter @jumaanewilliams, Instagram @williamsjumaane, and Facebook @jumaane.williamscouncil.
