Brad Hoylman’s Veteran Health Care Bill Passes the Senate
New York Senate Bill S2377, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman, just passed with a vote of 55-4 in the Senate.
The bill requires the state’s veteran health care information program to provide veterans’ families with information about the most common health problems afflicting veterans, such as traumatic brain injuries and PTSD. It also requires the NYS Department of Correction and Supervision to keep records on the military service of those under its jurisdiction.
Liz Krueger Commends New York for Banning Offshore Drilling
State Senator Liz Krueger released a statement yesterday giving New York kudos for putting an end to offshore drilling.
Yesterday, the New York State Senate approved a bill that would ban the state from providing permits for oil drilling in offshore locations under the state’s jurisdiction. The bill will now go to the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, who publicly supports the ban.
“Time and time again we’ve seen what happens when fossil fuel companies and the federal regulators they’ve bought and paid for put profit over safety and environmental security; beaches covered in tar, fishing grounds spoiled, communities destroyed” said Krueger. “I commend Sen. Kaminsky and Leader Stewart-Cousins for standing up for New York families against the disastrous policies coming from Washington.”
Chin, De Blasio Honor China Founder Sun Yat-sen
City Councilwoman Margaret Chin (D-Battery Park City, Chinatown) and Mayor Bill de Blasio have recently announced their decision to turn Columbus Park’s bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen into a permanent monument.
The statue of Dr. Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China, has been standing as a provisional public art piece in Columbus Park’s northern plaza since 2011. Yesterday, it was announced that not only will the statue become a permanent fixture, but the northern plaza will be renamed after Dr. Yat-sen.
“By making the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen permanent, we are sending a clear message that Chinese American history matters,” said Chin. “Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a transformational figure in Chinese history, and is considered to be the founding father of the Republic of China. Here in Chinatown he gave a famous speech to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA). The CCBA was among the organizations which provided financial and moral support to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s efforts on the China mainland. I want to thank the Mayor and Parks for their recognition of the importance of a figure of Dr. Sun Yat-sen to both the Chinese American community and to the City of New York.”
