State health care act support

DAVID HULSE
Posted 8/21/12

GLEN SPEY, NY — Town of Tusten community activist Star Hesse appeared before the Lumberland Town Board on October 14 to urge local support for the New York Health Act.

Having passed by the …

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State health care act support

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GLEN SPEY, NY — Town of Tusten community activist Star Hesse appeared before the Lumberland Town Board on October 14 to urge local support for the New York Health Act.

Having passed by the Assembly, the act is opposed by the private insurance lobby and is now stalled in the state Senate (Senate Bill 3525).

Hesse said the comprehensive health care law would work in conjunction with federal health care legislation to provide medical services to all New Yorkers, regardless of age, income, employment status or existing health conditions, with “no co-pays or deductibles.”

An Amherst University economic study determined that with enactment of the law, the state could “reduce burdensome expenses, administrative waste, monopolistic pricing of drugs and medical devices, fraud,” and thus reduce state health care spending by 25% or some $70 billion by 2019.

The law would also eliminate county Medicaid tax costs, which amounted to 39% of the county tax levy in 2014.

Hesse said letters of support would let legislators know that the public wants them to act.

“A letter might move them along,” Supervisor Nadia Rajsz agreed, and asked Hesse to provide a letter template for the board’s consideration.

In other business, the board heard Linda Hazen of the Circle Park/Renaissance committee announce that the town’s “Trunk or Treat” Halloween program would again take place at the park’s parking area beginning at 2 p.m. on October 31, following a 1:59 p.m. plaque unveiling ceremony.

The board discussed display problems for the beautification group’s growing number of awards, given the limited wall space in the town hall and existing displays. Rajsz also began recruiting efforts, asking for a volunteer for the writing of a short history of the Sullivan First program, which generated the Renaissance effort.

Lumberland is considering coordinating a program by The Animal Rights Alliance (TARA) for the spaying and neutering of cats. Attorney for the town, Danielle Jose-Decker, explained that should the program be funded in the new budget, the town would require proof of ownership for each cat to be neutered.

To avoid a conflict with Veterans Day, the board rescheduled its November 11 meeting to Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m.

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