August 5, 2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’re already in the first week of August! Despite the hot and humid temperatures, I’ve enjoyed being in the district, meeting with constituents and attending local events. These include meeting with a decorated Bronxville cadet, attending the groundbreaking of an important new Critical Care facility in Westchester County, and honoring a White Plains High School student for her receipt of the NYS Quad Seal of Biliteracy for speaking 4 languages fluently!
I’ve also been hard at work to ensure that the many bills I passed during the 2024 legislative session are now signed into law. Forty-one (!) of my bills passed in both the NYS Assembly and Senate - which once again makes me the top bill passer in the Assembly. My bills include ones to protect and expand contraception access, facilitate insurance coverage for breast cancer patients, simplify Medicare enrollments, and achieve increased transparency in assisted living facilities for our loved ones. One of the best ways I can serve all of you is by passing impactful legislation.
Please follow me on my Assembly Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts or visit my Assembly website to stay updated on my legislative happenings. If there is anything you have questions about, or that my office can assist you with, please email me at paulina@nyassembly.gov or call (914) 723-1115.
Sincerely,
Amy Paulin
NYS Assembly 88th District
Pelham, White Plains and New Rochelle in the Olympics!
My district in Westchester is represented by four athletes in the Paris Olympics! Kate Douglass of Pelham and Claire Weinstein of White Plains are swimming for Team USA; New Rochelle's former Iona University Women’s Soccer Head Coach is coaching the USA Women’s Soccer Team in Paris; and Iona University alumnus Leonard Korir is representing the US as a long-distance runner. So proud of the athletes from my district!
White Plains High School Graduate Receives NYS Quad Seal of Biliteracy
Congratulations to White Plains High School graduate Olivia Perretto for receiving the NYS Quad Seal of Biliteracy. Olivia speaks four languages fluently in addition to English: Spanish, Italian, French and Mandarin. Amazing!
Three generations of Perrettos!
Honoring Bronxville Resident, Cadet Joseph Van Villanueva
It was an honor to present Joseph Van Villanueva a NYS Assembly certificate for his achievements, including his receipt of the prestigious Spaatz Award from the Civil Air Patrol. This award, given to only 0.5% of cadets, recognizes excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education. Congratulations, Joseph!
Expanding Critical Care Healthcare Services for Westchester Resident
It was a pleasure to attend the groundbreaking of Westchester Medical Center's new Critical Care Tower. This new facility adds to WMC's ability to provide the highest level of care to residents, with dignity and respect. Thank you, WMC, for continuing to expand, innovate and meet the health care needs of our residents with the highest of standards.
This year, 41 of my bills passed in the Legislature. Here are details about a few.
Expanding Birth Control Access
Last year I was extremely proud as the Birth Control Access Act was signed into law by Governor Hochul (Ch. 128 of 2023). The legislation made pharmacies a one-stop-shop for birth control by allowing pharmacists to dispense the medication via a non-patient specific order. The bill allowed the New York State Department of Health to sign a standing order allowing all pharmacies to dispense birth control. This year, I was elated to watch Commissioner McDonald sign that standing order, further expanding accessing to birth control in New York (Ch. 90 of 2024).
Helping Breast Cancer Survivors Receive Insurance Coverage
While State law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, the final stage of the reconstruction process, tattooing to create a realistic looking nipple and areola on the breasts, is not currently covered by most insurance companies.
My bill, A.5729a/S.6146a (Cleare), requires insurance coverage of breast tattooing following a mastectomy or partial mastectomy. This coverage should not be considered a cosmetic or elective procedure. It is the last needed step in the breast reconstructive journey and covering this procedure will ensure that women who have gone through this challenging process may begin to feel whole again.
Supporting Assisted Living Residents
New Yorkers deserve the very best care and support as they age. My bill, A.5790b/S.8865 (Cleare), requires annual quality measure reporting, a rating system, and will help promote transparency in pricing and services at assisted living facilities. These changes will empower families to make informed decisions and help improve facility standards. Everyone should be able to live with dignity and age with peace of mind.
Helping More Seniors Enroll in NY’s Medicare Savings Plan
My bill, A.7570/S.8650 (Cleare), will help seniors enroll in NY’s Medicare Savings Program. If signed into law, this bill will allow low-income subsidy data transmitted from the Social Security Administration to local departments of social services to be treated as an application for NY’s Medicare Savings Program without requiring the submission of another application.
This action is expected to create an easier enrollment process, increase enrollments and, most importantly, help our seniors save money on health care!
- Pelham Examiner: Paulin helps Pelham Manor secure funds for a Catch Basin Cleaner
- Lohud: Paulin comments on Lawrence Taylor's sex offender status and the need to eradicate sex trafficking
- Scarsdale10583: Paulin secured funding for new Greenacres playground equipment
- Lohud: Edgemont incorporation - Paulin bill and advocacy cleared the path for petition filing
Family History Hunt
Here’s an exciting opportunity for families in Westchester to explore local historical sites!
Blood Donations Needed
Visit The New York Blood Center Web site to find a drive near you.
Quit Smoking
Free workshops available.
