Even in tough economic times, it's vital that New York State continue to provide quality health care options to its residents at an affordable rate.
Here are some bills I helped pass or sponsored in recent years:
The Heath Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Act of 2002 that provided $1.8 billion over three years for pay increases, additional benefits and training for health care workers.
The Women's Health and Wellness Act giving New York the most comprehensive women's health coverage law in the country, including access to vital preventive health care screening and treatment services.
Family Health Plus, a landmark health care law that provides health care coverage to 1 million uninsured New Yorkers.
Expanded the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program to give over 250,000 seniors access to low-cost prescriptions.
Advocated for legislation holding HMOs liable for denying necessary treatments.
In the 2007 Budget, supported expanded health care coverage to 400,000 uninsured children, and streamlined enrollment for Medicaid and Family Health Plus.
An advocate for Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Awareness, penned important preventative legislation.
Signed into law in 2004, a bill requiring hospitals and birth centers to request that maternity patients and fathers view a video presentation on the dangers of shaking infants.
In 2006, legislation allowing parenting education classes in secondary schools to include information on SBS.
In 2007, introduced new legislation that requires that inmates in state correctional facilities receive education on SBS, which could help save the lives of children who will be under their care once they are released from prison.
The driving force behind the statewide "Amber Alert" law. This lifesaving program enables law enforcement to broadcast information immediately about missing children through media sources, increasing the chances of their safe return.