Applause for bills

* The Governor's proposal for and the Legislature's enactment of charter schools, said Mrs. Gallagher, is "a step forward in providing additional opportunities for parents to choose their child's school."

* Gov. Pataki's proposed State Budget for 1999-2000 continues increases in textbook and software aid for both public and non-public schools.

* The Governor has proposed school violence legislation and formed a Lt. Governor's Task Force on School Violence. "We applaud efforts to prevent school violence, especially in light of the recent school shootings around the country," Mrs. Gallagher stated.

* In recent years, New York has continued a transition from institutional care of persons with mental illness or developmental disabilities to a system of community-based services. "The Community Mental Health Reinvestment Act, and the Home and Community Based Services waiver have allowed New York to invest state and federal dollars in the development of community-based services as institutions are downsized," Mrs. Gallagher explained. "In this regard, we strongly support the 1999-2000 Executive Budget's plan to continue the move from institutional to community-based services. The Governor has proposed more than $29.4 million to continue the community mental health reinvestment and $24.6 million to create new residential placements for persons with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the budget would grant a preference to community-based services for persons addicted to alcohol and other drugs, over costly inpatient services."

* Two other bill introductions are applauded by the Conference: A. 1945 by Assemblyman Keith Wright of NYC would repeal the state's death penalty for capital crimes; and A. 2815 by Assemblyman Patrick Manning and S. 1638 by Senator Serphin Maltese would prohibit the practice of partial-birth abortion in New York State.

(02-11-99) [[In-content Ad]]