Assembly Unanimously Passes Weisenberg Sunscreen Bill
On April 21, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed my bill (A.6367) requiring sunscreen manufacturers to clearly print an expiration date on their products. Most skin cancers are preventable, and effective sunscreen is key to prevention efforts. For 15 years, I have introduced this bill, which, each year, has passed in the Assembly but failed in the Senate. This year, however, there is encouragement that the Senate may pass the bill. In the meantime, I will continue to raise awareness about the need to protect ourselves and our families - especially our children - from the harmful effects of the sun.
Good Tax News
Under New York’s current tax system, families earning $40,000 a year pay the same tax rate as those earning $4 million. But a new temporary surcharge adds fairness to the tax code while generating much-needed revenue. Importantly: 97 percent of New Yorkers will see no income tax increases. Almost half of the 3 percent affected live out of state.
The New York State Assembly rejected $2.1 billion in taxes and fees proposed by the Governor that would have nickel-and-dimed working families. We rejected new and increased taxes on
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Capital improvements to homes
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gasoline
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clothing and footwear less than $10
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store coupons
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non-diet soft drinks, haircuts, nail salon visits and other personal service items
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movie and sports events tickets and other entertainment-related purchases
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digital downloads
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trout and salmon fishing stamps
Weisenberg-Sponsored Legislation 2009
The following bills, currently under consideration by the legislature, are among the many sponsored by Assemblyman Weisenberg during the 2009 legislative session.
Mental Health Parity
Bill A.5659 will make Timothy’s Law permanent. This landmark legislation,
originally enacted in 2006, removes access to mental health care by requiring that health insurance benefits
for the treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders are comparable to medical services.
Veteran Support
To help ensure that veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder receive effective mental
health care, bill A.5993A will create a course of instruction to train mental
health providers in veteran-specific mental health issues.
Restrictions on Sex Offenders
Several bills (A.822, A.1716,
A.3797, A.5435) have been introduced to place
tighter restrictions on sex offenders, including preventing them from working with or near children and
requiring them to inform the state of any public school within a half-mile of their residence.
Improving Services to those with Disabilities
Improving the care and delivery of services to those with disabilities is the goal of a number of bills
(A.1397, A.2993, A.5439 and
A.6764 and A.7656). These bills will, among other things,
create a New York State Autism Council, establish a bill of rights for children in residential care facilities, and
prohibit direct care employees of mental retardation and developmental disabilities residential facilities from
working more than 16 consecutive hours.
Protecting Public Health
To limit young people's exposure to alcohol and tobacco, this bill (A.6950) prohibits
mass transit facilities from advertising such products.
Relief for Airport Communities
This bill calls for the creation of an Airport Community Redevelopment Enterprise (ACRE) Program to improve
areas surrounding large airports. The bill (A.3084) provides for property tax abatements
for property owners and establishes a fund to help alleviate the noise, pollution and traffic congestion associated
with busy airports.