Clarke Introduces Legislation Prohibiting Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brooklyn), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, introduced legislation yesterday to prohibit discriminatory practices against individuals with disabilities who need Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS).
Despite the Supreme Court’s landmark 1999 ruling in Olmstead v. L. C. that public entities must ensure individuals with disabilities have access to home- and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalization, people today continue to be forced into institutions, including nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals.
The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act would codify existing law and strengthen the right of Americans with disabilities to receive Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in the setting of their choice, including a prohibition on government entities and insurance providers from denying home- and community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require LTSS. The legislation is named in honor of Latonya Reeves, a woman who was forced to flee a Tennessee nursing home to move to Colorado so she could access the care she needed to live independently in her own home.
“For far too long, people with disabilities have had their homes and lives taken from them through forced institutionalization without any say of their own. No one should lose their freedom for the sake of care, regardless of their disability,” said Clarke. “This legislation is a necessary step towards ensuring people like Latonya Reeves are given the care they need in the communities they know, not the nursing homes they are forced to live in.”
Myrie, Eichenstein Introduce Legilsation to Publish List of Banks waiving Fees for Holocaust Reparation Payments
State Sen. Zellnor Y. Myrie (D- Brooklyn) and Assembly Member Simcha Eichenstein (D-Brooklyn) announced new legislation yesterday that would require the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to maintain an updated list of banks that agree to waive wire transfer or other processing fees for Holocaust reparation payments.
In December, the DFS requested that state-chartered banks voluntarily waive wire transfer and processing fees associated with Holocaust reparations payments, and published a list of the banks that have agreed to do so. This new legislation would require the Department to maintain and annually update a list of all banks, posting it publicly on its website.
“Bank fees can add up quickly for anyone, especially for elderly Holocaust survivors and their heirs who depend on these payments to make ends meet,” said Myrie. “This legislation will encourage good corporate citizenship by banks that agree to waive these fees for Holocaust victims, and ensure that survivors will have access to the most updated information.”
“Our Holocaust survivors are a precious gift, and it is our duty to assist them in any way we can during their twilight years.” said Eichenstein. “This bill will ensure that our survivors are aware of which banks are waiving fees on reparation payments. Bank fees can add up substantially and they are certainly significant to the elderly population who shouldn’t be charged unnecessarily for the payments that are rightfully theirs. They deserve better.”
New York City is home to an estimated 20,000 Holocaust survivors, many of whom live in poverty. Many banks charge foreign transaction or wire fees ranging from $15 to $40 per transaction.
Ung Vows Stricter Oversight on Pro-Voter Law Compliance
Council Member Sandra Ung (D-Queens), chair of the Council’s Committee on Governmental Operations, yesterday had the committee hold oversight hearing on New York City’s Pro-Voter Law, which requires over 25 city agencies to offer voter registration to eligible New Yorkers when they apply for city services.
Enacted by the City Council in 2000, the Pro-Voter Law was designed to supplement state and federal laws that rely heavily on Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices to register voters. Given the high rate of car ownership in much of the country, this is a sensical approach to engaging new voters.
In New York City, however, residents are much less likely to own a car, and therefore less likely to visit a DMV office. The Pro-Voter Law was intended to reach New Yorkers who may never visit their local DMV, but may interact regularly with other city agencies.
“In a state like New York, where registering to vote remains a burden, the Pro-Voter Law can make it easier for New Yorkers to get themselves registered, and keep their registrations up to date,” said Ung. “In addition, by enlisting city agencies—many of which target low-income households, and disproportionately reach communities of color—the Pro-Voter Law can help address racial and economic disparities in voter registration rates, as well as increase civic engagement in immigrant communities where language continues to be a barrier to increasing voter participation.”
The Committee explored ways the law could be updated or improved, particularly in light of forthcoming reforms at the state and local level, including online voter registration and municipal voting, which became law on January 8 and will allow legal permanent residents and people with work authorizations to vote in local elections beginning in January 2023.
Sanders to Host Public Hearing on Banking and Climate Change
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens), chair of the New York State Senate Banks Committee, is hosting a virtual public hearing today on Banking and Climate Risks.
The purpose of the hearing is to learn about the risks posed by climate change on the banking industry and reporting practices on these risks by banks. Additionally, the hearing will explore ways to improve oversight and reporting of climate risks. As you know, climate change is a great threat to the economy of New York State, the United States and the World.
In September 2021, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “I cannot emphasize enough that time is running out. Irreversible climate tipping points lie alarmingly close. Civil society is watching closely and is running out of patience.”
The hearing is slated for between 11-a.m.- 2 p.m., today, March 1. To watch it go to nysenate.gov/events.
Meng Takes Part in Mayor’s Roundtable Addressing Asian-American Hate and Violence
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) yesterday joined New York City Mayor Eric Adams at City Hall for a roundtable with Asian American community leaders and other officials to discuss ongoing attacks on Asian Americans.
During the event, Meng talked about the enactment of her COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act which is in the process of being fully implemented by federal officials, and she discussed the need to provide mental health resources, and assistance for the homeless, among other things. The event included nearly two dozen local Asian American organizations.
“Thank you to our new Mayor for bringing us together and working to address the ongoing hate and violence against New Yorkers of Asian descent,” said Meng. “We thank the Mayor for keeping a light shined on this critical problem, and look forward to him being a partner in our fight to combat these heinous attacks.”
