State Senator Liz Krueger
Standing Up And Speaking Out
New York State Senate – 26th District
Community Bulletin – December 2012
Table of Contents
- Message from Liz
- Community Update
- Senior Roundtable Series
- City Council Hearing on Problems with November 6th Election
- Update on NYU Hospital and Medical Centers
- Department of Health Offering "Rat Academy"
- Medicare Enrollment Extension for People Affected by Hurricane Sandy
- SCRIE Clinics at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Senior Centers
- Metrocard Bus and Van Schedule
- Heat Season Rules
- Spotlight on Policy
Message from Liz...
Once again, basic social safety net programs are at risk in federal budget negotiations. The outcome of the current battles over the so-called "fiscal cliff" will go a long way toward determining if the United States will become even more divided between the haves and have-nots.
President Obama has been adamant that the long-term solution to our fiscal problems must include increased taxes on the wealthy. The reason why this is correct is simple – any other strategy for reducing the federal budget deficit will fall disproportionately on those who can least afford it. Vital programs including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Unemployment Insurance, education, housing, and disaster relief programs would all have to face draconian cuts, with devastating effects for those who rely on these programs and for the economy as a whole.
One program at great risk in the current negotiations is SNAP(previously known as food stamps). The House farm bill cuts SNAP by $16 billion over 10 years, which would result in the loss of benefits to 1.8 million people each year, and would result in 280,000 children losing access to free school meals. The Senate bill, though less draconian, still proposes cuts of $4.5 billion over 10 years.
SNAP is the foundation of our safety net. It lifted 3.9 million Americans out of poverty in 2010, including 1.7 million children and 280,000 seniors. It is also an incredibly effective economic stimulus program – much more effective than tax cuts for the wealthy, because people spend their SNAP benefits immediately, in their local neighborhood food stores creating jobs. Moody's Analytics and the US Department of Agriculture estimate that the economic impact of each $1 in SNAP benefits ranges from $1.73 to $1.79.
The last election was about a lot of things, but it is undeniable that both candidates made clear their fundamental disagreement on whether to allow the Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans to expire. Both candidates made their arguments, and I am happy that in this election at least, a majority of voters supported President Obama, who made the case for higher tax rates for the wealthy because he believes, as I do, that we need to rebuild a strong and secure middle class, while not reversing the trend of growing poverty for our youngest and oldest.
This is the right policy because it will enable the federal government to preserve vital programs, such as SNAP, that help lift Americans out of poverty. Perhaps more importantly, it is the right policy because allowing the yawning gap of economic inequality in our society to grow further is fundamentally unjust and will cripple the political and economic system on which our society is based.
Economic inequality is a growing problem for both our country and for New York State. A recent study by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities found the ratio of wealth held by the top 20 percent of Americans increased from 7.2 to 8.0 when the years 1998-2000 are compared to 2008-2010. New York has consistently had above average levels of inequality, which have only gotten worse in recent years. In 1998-2000, the ratio in New York of the top 25 percent's average income to the bottom 25 percent's average income was 8.7. By 2008-10 that ratio had risen to 9.2.
For the extremely wealthy, the ratios are even more extreme. The average income of the top 5 percent of households was 13.3 times the average income of the bottom 20 percent of households. The states with the largest such gaps were Arizona, New Mexico, California, Georgia, and New York, where the ratio exceeded 15.0. The full report from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities is available at http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3860.
We must ensure that fears about the fiscal cliff do not result in decisions that only worsen these trends of growing inequality and further undermine the stability of our democracy. Fortunately, our U.S. Senators and Representatives have been strong advocates for a balanced approach to deficit reduction. I have written to our U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand urging them to stand strong and demand that any final deal protect vital programs and raise revenue through our country's historically more progressive tax structure.
Community Spotlight
Senator Liz Krueger's Roundtable for Boomers & Seniors:
In the past century, U.S. life expectancy at birth has climbed from 47 to 77 years, and according to some statistics the average life span today may be as high as 85 years. America's 78 million baby boomers began turning 65 last year at a rate of one every 10 seconds (3 million to 4 million per year). By the middle of the next decade, the U.S. will become a society with more Americans over age 60 than under age 15.
This year's 5 part Roundtable series is being devoted to discussions around "The Challenges of Longevity." Our guest speakers will be introducing such topics as: Longevity and Its Impact on Society, Health Care Challenges, Work Place Challenges, and Aging as a Community Experience, including Family Challenges and The Role of Technology.
The Roundtable meets once a month over a five-month period. The second session, "Health Challenges in an Aging Society: Chronic Disease and Cognitive Impairment as We Live Longer," will take place on Thursday, December 13, from 8:00 am – 10:00 am at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street.
To RSVP or for additional information, contact Rebekah Glushefski, rglushefski.nyc@gmail.com, or call our office at 212-490-9535.
City Council Hearing on Problems with November 6th Election:
On December 5th I testified at a New York City Council hearing on the conduct of the November 6th election in New York City. As I stated in last month's bulletin, I was deeply disturbed by the problems that occurred at polls throughout my district and the city. The hearing offered an opportunity to document these problems and for me and many others to offer proposals for ensuring future elections are conducted in a manner that does not disenfranchise large numbers of voters. A full copy of my testimony is available at http://bit.ly/dec5-boetestimony.
Update on NYU Hospital and Medical Centers
Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath left a number of our city's critical medical facilities in and around the flood zones crippled, so my office is thrilled to pass on this happy news from NYU: a phased re-opening of a number of procedural and surgical services located in HCC will begin in mid-December, with a phased re-opening of Tisch Hospital slated to begin before the end of December. Additionally, NYU expects to have nearly all of the services provided on the main campus prior to the storm up and running by the end of January 2013.
In order to meet the healthcare needs of the community, NYU will bring back some cardiac and ambulatory surgery services first in HCC, followed closely by a variety of surgical programs, and shortly thereafter by other specialty services and programs in Tisch.
Please feel free to call my District Office at (212) 490-9535 if you need additional information on hospital facilities in the wake of the hurricane.
Department of Health Offering "Rat Academy":
New York City Health Department will be conducting a" Rat Academy" on Thursday, December 13th, 2012, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at the East Harlem Asthma Center of Excellence, 161-169 East 110th Street (Between Lexington and 3rd Avenue). This free training is designed for building owners, managers and supers, and will cover the basics of rat prevention and control. There will be a raffle of ten free trash cans to participants who complete the training.
After the training is over, the Department will be hosting afternoon "office hours" at the same location. Participants from previous training events and interested members of the community can walk in during this time to speak with Health Department staff (Caroline Bragdon and Carla Toro) about their specific pest control questions, or simply come to pick up free educational materials.
Pre-registration is required. To register please contact: Carla Toro at: ratportal@health.nyc.gov or call (212) 341- 0432.
Medicare Enrollment Extension for People Affected by Hurricane Sandy:
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Service (CMS) granted an extension for people who need more time to change Medicare plans due to Hurricane Sandy. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you need more time. Fall open enrollment for Medicare was supposed to run from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2012. According to CMS, you should apply by the end of a given month to begin coverage for the following month (e.g.: an application submitted at any point in December will take effect January 1). Although there is an extension, you should make changes as soon as possible so that you receive the coverage you need.
During the extended open enrollment period, you can change from Original Medicare (Part A & B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), change from an Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare, change Advantage Plans, or change your Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
Medicare Quick Facts:
- Part A: hospital insurance (including hospital visits and nursing home care).
- Part B: medical insurance (including doctor's visits and preventive care).
- Part A & B are provided through the government and referred to as "Original Medicare." Most people have this type of Medicare, but some choose to take Medicare through Part C instead.
- Part C: the Medicare Advantage Program (like an HMO or PPO) is provided by private insurance companies.Part C plans cover services provided under Original Medicare, but the rules, costs, and coverage may be different. Additional benefits may include vision, hearing, or dental coverage. Most Part C plans include prescription drug coverage.
- Part D: This is the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, which is provided by private companies. You will likely want Part D if you have Part A & B and you need prescription drug coverage. You may also want Part D if your Part C plan doesn't cover prescriptions.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance ("Medigap") plans are provided by private companies and they cover the gaps in Original Medicare.
Have Questions? Helpful Resources:
- Go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for information, to find plans, and to join/change plans.
- Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HICAP): The NYC Department for the Aging provides free counseling on Medicare, EPIC (a program for people with a low-income that helps pay Part D premiums), Medicaid, and managed care. Call 212-442-1382.
- The Medicare Rights Center is a non-profit agency that can answer your questions about Medicare and Part D plans. Call 1-800-333-4114 or go to www.medicarerights.org.
- Insurance plans have representatives who can answer your questions about that specific plan.
Other Important Dates:
- January 1- March 31, 2013: General Enrollment Period for Medicare Part A & Part B. If you did not enroll in Medicare when you initially became eligible for it, you can sign up during this time.
- January 1 - February 14, 2013: Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period. You can switch from an Advantage Program to Original Medicare.
SCRIE Clinics at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Senior Centers:
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Legal Advocacy & Organizing department has partnered with and trained lawyers and legal assistants from the law firm of Paul Weiss and the Citi Legal Pro Bono Initiative in order to offer monthly clinics to low-income seniors who need assistance applying for and recertifying for SCRIE. Clinics are open to seniors citywide, but an appointment is necessary. Upcoming clinic locations and dates are:
- Lenox Hill Senior Center, 343 East 70th Street, December 15th and January 17th from 9-11AM. To make an appointment, call (212) 744-5022 ext. 1392.
- Lenox Hill Senior Center at St. Peter's Church, Lexington Avenue & East 54th Street, January 28th from 2-4PM. To make an appointment, call (212) 744-5022 ext. 1392.
Metrocard Bus and Van Schedule:
The MTA offers Metrocard-related services throughout New York City through mobile buses and vans. Buses provide a full range of services, including applying for or refilling a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, buying or refilling a regular MetroCard, or getting answers to a MetroCard-related question. Vans sell Unlimited Ride MetroCard and Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, and refill MetroCards and Reduced-Fare MetroCards. Buses and vans will be in my district on the following dates and locations:
- December 18, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 69 St & Lexington Ave – Bus
- December 20, 8:30 - 10:30 am, 47 St & 2 Ave – Van
- December 20, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, 28 St & 2 Ave – Van
- December 24, 9 - 10:30 am, 92 St & Lexington Ave – Bus
- December 24, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm., 86 St & Lexington Ave – Bus
- January 2, 9 - 10:30 am, 79 St & 3 Ave – Bus
- January 2, 11 am - 1 pm, 79 St & York Ave – Bus
- January 2, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 72 St & York Ave – Bus
- January 3, 7 - 9:30 am, 90 St & York Ave – Van
- January 3, 8:30 - 10:30 am, 47 St & 2 Ave – Van
- January 3, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, 28 St & 2 Ave – Van
- January 4, 9 - 10 am, 57 St and 1 Ave – Van
- January 4, 10:30 - 11:30 am, 57 St and 3 Ave – Van
Heat Season Rules:
The City Housing Maintenance Code and State Multiple Dwelling Law require building owners to provide heat and hot water to all tenants. Building owners are required to provide hot water 365 days a year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Between October 1st and May 31st, a period designated as "Heat Season", building owners are also required to provide tenants with heat under the following conditions:
- Between the hours of 6AM and 10PM, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Between the hours of 10PM and 6AM, if the temperature outside falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tenants who are cold in their apartments should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should call the City's Citizen Service Center at 311. For the hearing-impaired, the TTY number is (212) 504-4115. The Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Policy Spotlight
Hydrofracking
On November 29, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) extended its review period for the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement on hydraulic fracturing by ninety days, to allow for further review by the state Department of Health of the potential impacts on public health. This makes it likely that a final decision regarding hydrofracking in New York State will come down as soon as the end of February. I am concerned about whether this time frame will allow adequate time for public comment on the Department of Health report. I continue to have serious concerns about the dangers that hydrofracking poses to the health and safety of New Yorkers, as I do not believe that the science has demonstrated that hydrofracking can be done safely.
A recent study of the potential impacts of hydrofracking on farms is another example of why I think we should all be concerned. New York State agriculture is a $4.4 billion industry, and it is clear that if hydrofracking is permitted in New York state, it will take place primarily in agricultural areas – but the record of its impact on agriculture in other states suggests these two uses of land are far from compatible.
The study by Michelle Bamberger and Robert Oswald, "Impacts of Gas Drilling on Animal and Human Health," was published in New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy. It found that "documentation of cases in six states strongly implicates exposure to gas drilling operations in serious health effects on humans, companion animals, livestock, horses, and wildlife," with production animals having the greatest risk of exposure. The study also documents the lack of research on impacts on livestock.
I am reaching out to the New York State Department of Agriculture to request they analyze the potential dangers to New York's agricultural industry presented by hydrofracking. A review of the impacts of hydrofracking on our food supply should also be part of the Department of Health review.![]()
Read the press release
