Weekly Update August 19th, 2016 – August 26th, 2016

Legislative Update:

Organ Donation Bill

I am pleased to see that Governor Cuomo signed into a law a bill that I sponsored that permits 16 and 17 year-old’s to sign up to be organ donors. As medicine continues to evolve and the organ donation lists expand it is admirable that our teenagers are so conscious of the importance of organ donation.

To read the full Times Union article, click here.

Rail Inspection Results

I like to post these reports provided by the Governor’s Office and reported by Matt Hamilton of the Times Union. This was an announcement by the Governor back in 2015 and true to form the administration continues its work. It is worth mentioning as this is a very small example of the work that is done, many times under the radar screen, to protect public safety.

Far too often in government there are commitments that are hollow and usually only good for the headline, not the long term. I am pleased that this commitment continues because it protects public safety which is paramount.

For the full report on the rail inspection results, click here.

District News:

National Immunization Month

You might not now it but August is National Immunization Month and whereas we think of shots are for children let’s not forget that adults need immunizations too. Yes, Shots are not just for kids!

Legislation passed here in New York over the past few years has reduced greater barriers as New York is trying to improve its immunization rates overall for protection of public health.

All adults should be vaccinated to protect their health as well as the health of others from serious diseases. Vaccinations are particularly important for adults over the age of 60 and those who have asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease.

To read my full article, please visit my Times Union Blog site.

Cancer Services Program of Albany and Rensselaer County

Women and men with little or no health insurance may be eligible for free cancer screenings through the Cancer Services Program (formerly known as the Healthy Living Partnership). The program offers free breast, cervical and colorectal screenings, as well as prostate education.

The Cancer Services Program is funded by the New York State Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and has many local partners and providers who provide services to patients.

For more information in this program please visit http://www.sphcs.org/FreeCancerScreenings or call 518-525-8680.

In the News:

Cohoes is set to receive over $300k to improve the Delaware Avenue area. It is always good to have the state assist local governments. Good projects deserve good support! To watch the full story, click here.

Job News:

The United States Postal Service is now hiring a City Carrier Assistant in Albany, NY. To qualify you must be 18 or over, pass a drug screen and physical exam and be able to lift up to 70lb, packages.

For more information on this position you can visit www.usps.com/employment or call (518) 452-2286.