Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced a series of Assembly
public hearings focusing on key issues facing New York State in the
wake of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
The hearings will examine the recovery and rebuilding efforts of lower
Manhattan, particularly air quality and other environmental concerns,
the status of efforts to access federal assistance, insurance issues,
and effects on the New York City economy and tourism industry.
"While everyone acknowledges that the world dramatically changed
on September 11, we are still assessing the damage from the attacks,"
said Silver. "There are many practical issues that must be examined
so that we can plot an effective road to a successful and lasting recovery.
These issues range from immediate impacts on public health and the public
infrastructure - especially transportation and communications networks -
to longer term economic effects."
"It is vital that we consider these issues now, both because of the central
role that New York City plays in the state and national economies, and
because of the significant challenges we face in developing the state
budget for the 2002-2003 fiscal year," noted Silver. He added that the
Assembly will also hold additional hearings in December around the state on
the upstate economy, higher education, energy policy and other issues related
to the 2002-2003 budget.
Silver, a lifelong resident of the Lower East Side whose legislative district
includes the World Trade Center site and the downtown financial district, will
co-chair the hearings.
All hearings will be held in the Assembly Hearing Room, 250 Broadway at Park
Place, 19th floor - Room 1923, Manhattan.
Air quality and other environmental and public health issues in lower Manhattan
DATE/TIME:
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Monday, November 26 - 10:30 a.m.
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TOPIC:
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To examine air quality and other environmental and public health issues in
lower Manhattan resulting from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers,
and the effects on residents, local businesses, workers, students and tourists.
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CONVENING COMMITTEES:
- Environmental Conservation; Richard Brodsky (D-Greenburgh), chair
- Health; Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan), chair
- Labor; Catherine Nolan (D-Queens), chair
Status of federal and state efforts for downtown rebuilding and resurgence
DATE/TIME:
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Postponed - To Be Announced
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TOPIC:
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To examine the status of federal and state efforts to support
redevelopment of downtown Manhattan and spur economic resurgence
throughout New York City, including funds and programs currently
available and future program plans.
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CONVENING COMMITTEES:
- Ways and Means; Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D-Manhattan), chair
- Governmental Operations; RoAnn Destito (D-Utica), chair
- Corporations, Authorities & Commissions; Albert Vann (D-Brooklyn), chair
Overall impact on New York City economy
DATE/TIME:
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Thursday, December 6 - 10:30 a.m.
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TOPIC:
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Business owners, economic development professionals and others testify
on the huge financial impact of the WTC attack, and identify strategies for
economic resurgence.
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CONVENING COMMITTEES:
- Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce & Industry; Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore), chair
- Small Business; Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), chair
- Labor; Catherine Nolan (D-Queens), chair
Tourism in New York City
DATE/TIME:
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Friday, December 7 -- 12 noon
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TOPIC:
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Effects of the World Trade Center attack on tourism in New York City,
and strategies for stimulating tourism in the city.
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CONVENING COMMITTEE:
- Tourism, Arts & Sports Development; Joseph Morelle (D-Irondequoit), chair
Insurance industry response to WTC victims
DATE/TIME:
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Wednesday, December 12 - 10:30 a.m.
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TOPIC:
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To evaluate the response of insurance industry and state regulators to
claims related to the WTC attack, and to identify areas requiring
legislative action.
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CONVENING COMMITTEE:
- Insurance; Alexander B. Grannis, chair
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