Assemblyman Colton’s Community Office has moved down the street. The faces, the office hours, the telephone number, and the friendly atmosphere all remain the same. Around the clock, Colton’s Community Office will continue working for the community by improving neighborhood quality of life and providing an informative and helpful place for community residents to get the answers they seek.

155 Kings Highway (W 12th St. – W 13th St.)
(718) 236-1598
OFFICE HOURS: MON, TUE, WED 10-3
THURS NOON-8, FRI 10-12

Assemblyman Colton presented HERO citations to the firemen of Fire Company #245 as well as to neighbors that responded to the fire at a neighborhood home. The mother saved four of her children by dropping them from a second story window into a blanket held by neighbors. Firefighters then saved the mother and fifth child who became unconscious before they could escape the fire. Recently, firefighters from the other two engine and ladder companies were awarded their HERO citations.

HISTORIC BUDGET FOR NYC CHILDREN

In the 2007-08 Legislative Budget, Assemblyman Colton was triumphant in his efforts to acquire an historic amount of funding for education. The budget provides a $714 million increase to New York City schools. Colton successfully supported a new foundation education formula that encourages more stable funding for New York City through a 43 percent increase in aid. Most of all, Colton fought to include a Contract for Excellence to reduce average class size within five years and to create special incentives to improve low performing and overcrowded schools. Finally, the budget increased universal pre-K to make it available to every 4-year-old who seeks it, ensuring a fair opportunity in the beginning of their education.

A SUCCESSFUL FIGHT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING

Assemblyman Colton utilized his role as a member of the Higher Education Budget Conference Committee to create a successful higher education budget. Colton was victorious in his efforts to increase operating aid to both SUNY and CUNY. He also worked to reinstate the budget cuts proposed to the TAP program while restoring the Ability to Benefit Test, which is a test given to students with foreign high school diplomas, to determine their eligibility for TAP grants.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Assemblyman William Colton has renewed his annual Summer Reading Challenge to the children in neighborhood public and parochial schools. The challenge is for parents and children to read together for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during summer vacation. Those who complete the challenge receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate. Colton began the program in 2000. Assemblyman Colton has sent out thousands of Summer Reading Challenge brochures to those schools requesting them. Each brochure includes a list of suggested books. Individuals can also take part by calling the Assemblyman’s community office for a Reading Challenge Brochure. Assemblyman Colton said, “Of course we want the kids to have fun during their summer vacation, but who says reading isn’t fun?”

On May 9, Assemblyman Colton sponsored the Business to Business Expo and Trade Show organized by the Bensonhurst Business Club and the Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst. Along with providing a great networking experience for businesses the event also celebrated the 80th anniversary of Marks JCH of Bensonhurst supporting youth, seniors and immigrant programs for Holocaust Survivors and WWII Veterans. The sponsors included Davidson Radio & Radio, RTVI, The Bensonhurst Business Club, and Russian-American Media.

On May 9, Assemblyman Colton sponsored the Business to Business Expo and Trade Show organized by the Bensonhurst Business Club and the Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst. Along with providing a great networking experience for businesses the event also celebrated the 80th anniversary of Marks JCH of Bensonhurst supporting youth, seniors and immigrant programs for Holocaust Survivors and WWII Veterans. The sponsors included Davidson Radio & Radio, RTVI, The Bensonhurst Business Club, and Russian-American Media.

“The transfer station will not benefit our community, it will only generate serious problems for our health, environment, and quality of life,” stated Colton.

Under the city government proposal, approved by the City Council, a waste transfer station would open on Shore Parkway and Bay 46th Street. This is an area surrounded by parks, soccer and baseball fields, a marina, schools, senior nursing homes, and residential housing. The plan requires the dredging of the waters abutting the site to permit large garbage barges to enter and exit.

The transfer station will create traffic nightmares on already congested neighborhood streets. The station also poses a threat to surrounding communities and neighborhoods being the site of years and years of toxic incinerator residue. Reopening the transfer station will stir up these toxins and will contaminate our fish, other marine life, and our health.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
NEW YORK STATE EPIC AND MEDICARE WORKING TOGETHER

All seniors enrolled in EPIC will now be required to enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan. Although EPIC will pay up to $24.45 of the monthly Medicare Part D premium and covers the gaps in the Medicare Part D program, seniors may face much confusion in complying with this requirement.

NEW CHANGES TO EPIC

Beginning July 1, 2007 all EPIC enrollees will be required to join a Medicare Part D drug plan as a condition of their EPIC eligibility. EPIC will help enrollees pay for Part D premiums so that seniors will not be disadvantaged by this new requirement. EPIC will enroll seniors into a Medicare drug plan that is based upon the drugs and pharmacy the senior uses, or the senior can choose a plan. The Extra Help application requirement will be expanded to include enrollees potentially eligible for partial subsidy. Lastly, EPIC will continue to provide wrap-around coverage for drug costs not paid by Medicare drug plans such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance, drugs not covered and gap coverage.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

For EPIC fee plan enrollees, EPIC will pay the Medicare Part D monthly premiums up to the benchmark amount of $24.45, for all fee plan enrollees, including seniors already enrolled in Medicare drug plans. Enrollees will continue to pay their quarterly EPIC fees. However, those receiving full Extra help from Medicare will continue to have their EPIC fees waived.

EPIC deductible plan senior enrollees in Medicare Part D will receive an annual credit toward their EPIC deductible amount to the benchmark premium amount which is prorated based on the number of months remaining in their EPIC coverage year. Enrollees will be responsible for paying their own Part D premiums.

ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS?

There are exceptions for deductible enrollees who do not meet their EPIC deductible, for seniors in Medicare Advantage plans that do not offer a cost effective Part D option without reducing other medical benefits, and for enrollees who would lose, or whose dependents would lose, retiree health coverage by enrolling in Medicare Part D plans.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Seniors who experience problems or who have questions regarding the changes in EPIC can contact Assemblyman Colton’s community office to obtain answers to their specific concerns.

COLTON HONORS SUBWAY HERO

In early January, Mr. Wesley Autrey, a 50-year-old New York City construction worker jumped in front of a speeding train to save the life of a fellow rider, who suffered a seizure, causing him to fall on to the subway tracks. Mr. Autrey did not hesitate to act as a human shield between the fallen man and the subway. Both left the scene very much healthy and alive. Assemblyman Colton attended a special luncheon in honor of Mr. Autrey and congratulated and thanked him for setting such a brave example.

At the opening day ceremonies of the Grace Gravesend Field on April 28, 2007, Assemblyman Colton was awarded a plaque from the President of the Gravesend Athletic Association, Chris Ruggiero, and the Commissioner, Bob Cardillo. The plaque was presented in appreciation for a grant Colton secured to improve the athletic field.