The just-concluded 2008 New York State legislative session was among the most challenging and extraordinary in recent memory. While substantial progress was made on a number of important matters facing our state, a great deal of work remains on issues relating to the upstate economy, health insurance, consumer protection, oversight of public authorities, regulatory reform, and the high property taxes that continue to plague our homeowners.

The worsening condition of the national economy also continues to be a concern in terms of the state budget, where revenue projections may be affected by losses on Wall Street and the ongoing effects of the credit crisis. Governor Paterson has already done an outstanding job in demanding fiscal accountability in this difficult environment by insisting on more than $800 million in spending reductions in the 2008-2009 budget.

It is encouraging that New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has projected that revenues are on target at present, but we must remain vigilant as the fiscal year progresses.

On a personal note, I am pleased that a number of my high-priority bills for 2008 moved forward, in many instances in both the Assembly and Senate, and I would like to take this opportunity to review them with you.

I hope you will find this informative. As always, do not hesitate to contact me at my office, 585-467-0410, with any questions or concerns you may have.

· Amending insurance law to allow more of New York's small businesses to provide health care to their employees under the state's Health Care Reform Act of 2000. Previously, only those companies that had not offered medical coverage for at least one year were eligible to participate, a restriction that penalized employers who willingly took on the added expense of health care premiums on behalf of their workers. As chairman of the Assembly's Standing Committee on Insurance, I am committed to working towards the goal of universal health coverage for New Yorkers, and I believe that expansion of existing programs - particularly in concert with employment-based opportunities - is the best approach to achieving that goal. (A. 395)

· Establishing a state-wide commission to review the state's role in the emerging telemedicine and telehealth fields, in which medical information is transferred by telephone, the Internet or other networks so that physicians may consult, diagnose ailments and even carry out certain procedures from remote locations. This holds the real promise of significant reductions in health care costs and improved efficiency for providers and patients. (A. 422)

· Amending public health law to extend a pilot program in Monroe and Onondaga counties in which new and more detailed "do not resuscitate" forms are provided in non-hospital settings for individuals with serious and advancing chronic illnesses. It allows patients to clearly state whether they wish to submit to certain life-sustaining procedures. I want to particularly thank Dr. Patricia Bamba of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for leading this effort on behalf of patients facing emotionally and legally difficult end-of-life decisions. (A.10764)

· Amending insurance law to permit health insurance carriers to offer incentives, such as premium rebates, to consumers who participate in wellness programs that encourage healthier lifestyles and habits, which in turn will lead to fewer health problems and a reduction in the overall cost of health care for both providers and patients. (A. 10884)

· Amending insurance law to provide short-term health insurance, via parental policies, for those who have graduated from college but who do not have the opportunity to enroll in employee-based programs. This will especially benefit many young people who have received their degrees but are having difficulty securing employment in this challenging economy. (A. 11485)

· Amending economic development law to allow the establishment of regional "one-stop" economic development centers for small businesses. This will allow proprietors to learn about state programs that may benefit their businesses, and also make it easier for them to comply with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to their operations. Economic development, especially through the encouragement of entrepreneurship in the small business sector, has been perhaps my chief concern since joining the Assembly, and this bill reflects the need to establish a more business-friendly atmosphere in New York. (A. 2554)

· Amending general business law to allow service stations to sell lower-cost unbranded gasoline. Currently, retailers are restricted to selling the brand of fuel associated with their franchise. This legislation lifts that restriction, and the savings will be passed on to consumers at a time when per-gallon gas prices have risen well above $4. For individuals and businesses alike, the high cost of fuel is a major burden that must be alleviated. (A. 9073)

· Allowing the extension of Senator Keating Boulevard from South Clinton Avenue to Winton in the town of Brighton. This important roadway will relieve traffic congestion in an area of the town undergoing significant commercial development. (A.10957)

I was also proud to support many other important proposals this year, including those protecting homeowners from the effects of the subprime mortgage crisis (A. 10817), providing new safeguards for children and adults in residential care facilities (A. 10897, A.11482, A. 11753, and A. 11757), establishing harsher sentences for sexual predators who use drugs to subdue their victims (A. 3530) and improving the environment by providing greater support and incentives for the remediation of so-called "brownfield" industrial sites (A. 11768).

This latter bill is particularly significant for upstate, where many parcels of land that might otherwise be suitable for commercial uses are dormant due to industrial contamination.

For more information about these and other legislative actions, use the link below.

New York State Assembly

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About NYS Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle

Since 1990, Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle has represented the 132nd Assembly District, which includes portions of the city of Rochester and the Monroe County suburbs of Irondequoit and Brighton. During his tenure in the NYS Legislature, Joe has made economic development and expanding employment opportunities his top priority.