The Assembly passed legislation to prohibit insurance discrimination based on a person’s past travel history. This legislation is in response to an incident where a person was denied life insurance because he had traveled to Israel in the past.

"Whether or not someone has visited a specific location should not influence his or her ability to secure a life insurance policy," Assemblyman Weprin said. "The practice unfairly discriminates and this legislation will put an end to it. As Americans, we have the freedom to travel abroad and should not have to worry about repercussions because of where we choose to visit."

Certain life insurance companies have refused to issue policies to U.S. citizens based on past travel experience. The legislation Assemblyman Weprin sponsored would prohibit life insurance companies from basing a decision on whether to deny insurance, cancel an existing policy, or demand a higher premium on an applicant’s lawful travels.

"While assessing risk is a legitimate concern of the life insurance industry, a person’s travel history is not a fair indication of future risks," Assemblyman Weprin said. "Working families invest in life insurance to protect themselves in the event of an untimely death of a parent or spouse. I strongly oppose insurer practices which deny access to this essential investment because of an applicant’s past travels."

Legislation introduced by Assemblyman Mark Weprin that increases the fine for second or repeat violations of state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities accompanied by guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs, in many places of business has successfully passed the State Assembly. The bill is awaiting action by the Senate.

The Assemblyman has seen firsthand how this bill could help someone with a guide dog who wants to have the freedom of going to any restaurant without the fear of being turned away because of his guide dog. Assemblyman Weprin and his former college roommate, who happens to be blind, have been turned away on several occasions when they have tried to enter a restaurant with strict rules regarding animals being allowed inside. "I have personally seen how upsetting this can be for the individual with the guide/service dog," said Weprin. "Establishments need to know the law and be severely punished for violating it!" added Weprin.

"It is inconceivable that persons with disabilities should be separated from their companions and denied the safety and security provided by these outstanding animals," said the Assemblyman.

Along with State Senator Frank Padavan, Assemblyman Weprin has provided funding that will allow the Northeast Queens Senior Services to continue to provide transportation services to seniors so that they can go to medical appointments in neighboring communities. Transportation is a critical need for seniors who are unable to drive to doctor and dentist appointments. The seniors are eligible for one round trip a week and are asked to contribute toward the cost of the taxi ride. Seniors who are at least sixty years old, unable to drive, and live in Community Boards 8, 11, and 13 can apply for this service or find out more information by calling the Northeast Queens Senior Services Program at (718) 357-4903 between the hours of 1:00 and 3:30, Monday to Friday.

In order to protect families from intrusive telemarketers, Assemblyman Mark Weprin supports new legislation that would more than double fines for violating the "Do Not Call" law from $5,000 to $11,000. The law protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls.

"We’re sending a message loud and clear that families do not want their homes invaded by calls from telemarketers," Assemblyman Weprin said. "When people have made the effort to place their numbers on the "Do Not Call" registry, they deserve some assurance they will not be called – it’s that simple."

Since the creation of the state registry in 2001, over three million households from across the state have signed up, and an estimated half-billion unwanted calls have been blocked from New York homes. Last year, New York became one of 15 states to merge the state’s registry with the federal registry – a move that saved taxpayers over $1 million in operating costs. The "Do Not Call" registry is available to personal numbers including cell phones, but not business numbers. Registration lasts five years.

"Do Not Call’ means do not call. Creating stiffer penalties for violating New York’s law will better protect our families," said Assemblyman Weprin. "Having a telephone line should not be an invitation for endless annoying calls from telemarketers. New York has been a leader in preventing this kind of harassment, and this bill gives some teeth to the protection measures we’ve put in place."

To report a violation, call the New York State Consumer Protection Board at 1-800-697-1220 or visit www.consumer.state.ny.us.

Assemblyman Mark Weprin is extremely pleased with the number of responses he received from his Community Survey. He would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the questionnaire and return it.