February 9, 2010

The Legislative Gazette February 9, 2010 Page 5
Letters to the Editor Other Voice
More gambling
Equal rights
Party infighting could
would require
more safeguards
for disabled
result in Dems’ downfall
To the editor:
From The Daily Freeman of Kingston, Democratic slugfest for U.S. Senate already
To the editor:
Feb. 1 is raging, and, again, one of the participants
G
overnor Paterson is proposing
isn’t yet even a declared candidate.
major changes of legalized O
n Monday February 1, 2010,
a very important bill (A.9534)
passed unanimously in the
Another accidental incumbent, Kirsten
gambling in New York to try Assembly, which would give the same
Y
ou get the feeling Democrats in
New York are about to implode?
It’s been a while since Empire Gillibrand, who was surprisingly
and balance the state’s budget deficit. equal rights to people with disabilities that
State Democrats had a knockdown, drag em appointed by Paterson to replace Hillary
Changes of particular concern are: vulnerable elderly people
n
out intramural tussle to choose a statewide Clinton, has been continuously criticized
Eliminate restrictions on the Quick already have from abusive
candidate. Now there are two: one long- by ex-Tennessee Congressman Harold
Draw game related to the hours of operation, caregivers. Current New
simmering, the other in full bloom. Ford Jr., a new New Yorker.
food sales, and the size of establishments – York State law has two
Trying to recover from basement-level Ford called Gillibrand a “parakeet”
Consequence: New Yorkers will lose an levels of felony offenses
poll numbers, accidental Gov. David in his most direct attack on the
additional $33 Million for caregivers that cause
n
Paterson’s standing has slowly risen as senator’s alleged lack of independence.
Eliminate the restriction on the physical injury or serious Carey
he’s tried to remake his image through In particular, Ford claims Gillibrand
number of hours per day the Video physical injury to a vulnerable elderly
a series of well-crafted TV commercials is under the wing of Sen. Charles
Lottery Terminals may be operated – person. This legislation would simply add
and tough talk about the Legislature, the Schumer. (That’s not a new charge,
Consequence: New Yorkers will lose an to the existing law to include people that
only other entity in Albany with worse by the way, given the reported internal
additional $45 Million are unable to care for themselves because
approval ratings. strong-arming by Schumer and the
Furthermore, Powerball revenue of a physical disability, mental disease,
Lurking in the background, reportedly Obama administration in convincing
projections indicate that New Yorkers will or defect.
ready to enter the fray and take the other would-be challengers to stay away
lose $134 Million. Overall, this year’s Even though the majority of caregivers
governor to a primary, is Attorney from taking on Gillibrand.)
budget projects that New Yorkers will are caring and responsible people, this
General Andrew Cuomo. His poll “Her approval numbers are rock
lose $2.838 billion due to gambling. legislation is vital to deal with those who
numbers are strong — aren’t all state bottom, unemployment is rising and
In addition to these major changes are not. Most people would have assumed
attorneys general? — and he’s biding the economy around the state isn’t
in legalized gambling, funding for five that in 2010 people with disabilities
his time, perhaps to stay out of the line improving on her watch,” said a Ford
additional problem gambling prevention would long ago have had these rights,
of fire until the annual state budget spokesman.
programs that were previously deemed especially after the horrific abuses of
deliberations conclude. Responding to the “parakeet” comment,
necessary has been eliminated. the disabled which were exposed at the
That hasn’t prevented Paterson to go Gillibrand declared, “I wouldn’t accept
With the expansion of operating hours Willowbrook State Institution by Geraldo
on the offensive to lure Cuomo out of that kind of name-calling from my
for video lottery casinos and Quick Draw Rivera, but they do not. As we approach
the weeds. 6-year-old, and I think it’s a pathetic
games, and the addition of multi-state the third anniversary of my disabled
But Cuomo, who lost much of his effort by someone who aspires to be a
lotteries, New York residents will now son Jonathan’s death at the hands of his
support in the black community in 2002 U.S. senator.”
have more opportunities to gamble and caregivers, this new law will be another
when he challenged then-Comptroller Gillibrand said Ford was “unable to
unfortunately more opportunities to powerful step toward reforming New
H. Carl McCall, apparently has learned convince Tennessee voters to trust him
develop gambling problems. York State’s mental health care system
his lesson and mended fences, probably or put their vote in him, and now he’s
On the same day as the governor released for the better. Yet, there is much more
figuring widespread calls within an moved to New York and thinks he
his proposal to eliminate restrictions on that must be changed as well to properly
anxious party for a Paterson withdrawal should be senator.”
See Gambling on page 24 See Rights on page 24
will give him clear sailing.
See Downfall on page 24
As this slow dance continues, a
Michael Adebiyi is already a success
story. The College of Westchester
student has a job, a 3.88 GPA
and goals. Lots of goals. Thanks,
in part, to New York’s Tuition
Assistance Program (TAP), Michael
is on his way to a rewarding and

now with...
fr
ctive List!
uitful career.
Why rely on anything but
te A
But Michael’s path to success could
the OFFICIAL source?
Sena be cut short if the governor’s
“Lowering the
proposal to cut TAP funding is
TAP fund will
adopted in the 2010-11 state
not allow me to
budget. Tens of thousands of
reach my goals.”
students like Michael would
suffer a similar fate, putting their
Michael Adebiyi,
educational futures – and dreams
Student, The College
– in jeopardy.
of Westchester
TAP is an investment. Students who
receive TAP go on to earn degrees, start their careers and
become taxpaying members of their communities.
NOW with...
Invest in Michael.
Senate Active List!
Invest in the future of New York.
Take action at www.apc-colleges.org.
This session, BE LRS Conﬁdent!
CALL TODAY! Free two week TRIAL-ID!
(800) 356-6566 or (518) 455-7677
1450 Western Ave., Suite 310, Albany, NY 12203
www.nyslrs.state.ny.us
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