| LEGISLATURE HONORS BRIAN EMERICK WITH THE DISTINGUISHED YOUTH AWARD In recognition of his service as a volunteer member on the Tompkins County Youth Services Board, the Legislature honored Brian Emerick with the Distinguished Youth Award. The Lansing Youth Services Commission and several members of the Tompkins County community nominated Brian for the award. The Program Manager of the Lansing Youth Services Program has this to say about Brian: “Brian demonstrates maturity, responsibility, the ability to take initiative, and involvement in his community on a continual basis. He has been an invaluable asset to the Youth Services Program, both as an employee and a volunteer…” Contact: Tompkins County Legislature, 607-274-5434. LEGISLATURE SUPPORTS CHANGES IN MEDICARE PART D The Legislature voted (9 to 3; 3 Legislators were absent) to support Federal legislation aimed at fixing the major problems with Medicare Part D. The resolution urges passage of Federal legislation such as the Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2005 (H.R.752 and S.345), which would establish a standard drug coverage plan administered by Medicare, mandate price negotiation for prescription drugs, and save taxpayers billions of dollars. The resolution also supports additional Federal legislation that would extend the initial open enrollment period beyond May 15, 2006, waive the late enrollment penalty, and permit beneficiaries to change plans if their prescription needs change, or their provider changes the formulary or significantly raises prices during the benefit year. Contact: Tompkins County Legislature (607) 274-5434 LEGISLATURE SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR FIREFIGHTER AND AMBULANCE CORPS VOLUNTEERS By unanimous vote, the Legislature passed a resolution encouraging the adoption of State legislation that would provide a credit against personal income tax for Volunteer Firefighters and members of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps. As the resolution states, “Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Service volunteers provide untold value in public service to their communities by their selfless dedication in responding at all hours to the needs of their community.” In recognition of their dedication, it would be fitting to “provide a credit against personal income tax for active members in good standing who have a minimum of five years of service, and maintain continuous eligibility.” Contact: Tompkins County Legislature (607) 274-5434 AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GRANT AWARD By unanimous vote, the Legislature accepted a $26,700 STOP grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The STOP grant will fund the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, Self-Defense Training, and a lock-change program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The grant represents a collaborative effort between Tompkins County Cayuga Medical Center, The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, and Cornell University Police Department. Contact: Probation and Community Justice Department (607) 274-5380 |