NEW YORK STATE IS AS "SICK" AS IT CAN BE?

Here's a statement released by  Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz :

January 7, 2009

BP MARKOWITZ RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR PATERSON'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Governor Paterson said it right--it is our time to lead. New York State is in the midst of a devastating crisis. But as I have said before, we are blessed to have this governor at the helm. He is a straight shooter who can make tough decisions and knows that each region must play a role in our State's economic survival and revival. I agree with his priorities: balancing the state budget, bolstering our healthcare system, creating jobs, improving schools, rebuilding infrastructure, and cleaning up our environment with a focus on producing clean energy. We are all in this together.

In the area of job creation, we know that "green" energy equals "green" dollars--so I applaud the governor's "45 by 15" plan calling for New York to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved efficiencies by 2015. This will be a boon to Brooklyn and NYC, creating new jobs in green construction, design and contracting, while helping New York save money in the process.

This governor knows that when it comes to healthcare, New York State is as "sick" as can be--we have 2.5 million uninsured New Yorkers--and the best prescription, more money, is very hard to fill. For example, Brooklyn has skyrocketing rates of obesity and diabetes, which is why my office is currently working to bring healthy foods and supermarkets into underserved areas--so I am particularly pleased to hear the governor talking about incentivizing healthy foods. I also want to personally thank the first lady for her commitment to battling childhood obesity by helping our kids acquire healthy eating habits and getting them moving..

As someone who grew up in poverty, and whose family had to rely on the local public health center for care, I applaud the governor's emphasis on primary care, and am absolutely thrilled with his announcement today that he will be expanding the ability of families to cover their children beyond the limit of age 22 to the age of 29. So, when it comes to healthcare in New York State, 29 is the new 22--and that's a good thing.

Make no mistake, we have a tough road ahead. We look forward to Governor David Paterson and the Democratic majorities in the state legislature presenting and realizing a united vision and lead us, along with our City's mayor and our new president--through these trying days ahead and into our City and State's bright future.