The Political Scene

State Pays Tribute To Female Veterans

Assemblywomen Catherine Nolan has announced that the Assembly passed a resolution honoring the service of New York's women veterans (K.703) which declared June 12, 2009, as "Women Veterans' Recognition Day."

"Throughout history, women have played a critical role in protecting our nation," Nolan said. "Today, we recognize the tremendous service and sacrifice of the remarkable women who've answered our nation's call in the armed forces."

Last Monday, June 8, the Assembly welcomed women veterans from across New York State to be honored during a luncheon ceremony in Albany. Women Veterans' Recognition Day is celebrated annually on June 12, the anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. The law permitted women to serve as full members of the U.S. armed forces.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there are over 65,000 women veterans in New York State. Women now comprise 14 percent of active duty deployed forces and they represent a growing number of veterans.

"We can never truly repay these women for all they've done, but this day reminds us to pause and be thankful for the many freedoms we so often take for granted," Nolan added. "It is vital that we remember our women veterans both young and old and I'll continue to work to see that these courageous women receive all the support and recognition they deserve."

Enhanced Licenses Available To Drivers

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer has announced that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has begun issuing new Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDLs) that met the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements that went into effect June 1.

"The new EDLs are a wonderful option for New Yorkers who prefer not to carry their passport," Pheffer said. "For an additional $30 the EDL offers the ability to cross land and sea borders between the U.S., Canada and Mexico and also meets all driving and identification needs."

On Sept. 16, 2008, New York State began to issue WHTI-Compliant Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) (includes Enhanced learner permits) and Enhanced non-driver photo ID cards (ENDID) to applicants who can prove U.S. citizenship and NYS residency. An EDL or ENDID can be used instead of a passport to travel by land and sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean.

Travelers should contact their travel agent, their cruise line or the specific countries of destination to verify travel document requirements.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was recommended by the 9/11 Commission to strengthen border security and to facilitate travel in the Western Hemisphere. WHTI is a federal rule that regulates which documents U.S. citizens can use when they travel in the Western Hemisphere. As of June 1, only WHTI approved documents can be used for travel in the Western Hemisphere.

Anyone interested in obtaining a booklet providing further information on how to obtain an EDL may contact either of Assemblywoman Pheffer's offices at 90-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Rockaway Beach at 1-718- 945-9550; or 108-14 Cross Bay Blvd. in Ozone Park at 1-718-641-8755. The information is also available on the Department of Motor Vehicles website, www.nysdmv.com.

Bill Helps Exonerate Wrongly Convicted

In an effort to strengthen the investigative abilities of law enforcement agencies throughout New York, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol announced the passage of legislation that would protect people from being wrongfully convicted while expanding the state's criminal DNA database to include samples from all persons convicted of a penal law crime.

The legislation includes guidelines for DNA sampling, establishes important privacy safeguards to prevent wrongful convictions and provides remedies for those who have been wrongly convicted.

The bill would establish the Commission on the Integrity of the Criminal Justice System, empowered to investigate allegations that innocent people were wrongfully convicted of criminal offenses.

The commission, to be comprised of appointees from the governor and legislative leaders, would have the power to issue subpoenas, as well as seek testimony from witnesses involved in a criminal case.

Under the legislation all individuals convicted of a penal law misdemeanor would be required to submit a DNA sample, which would be included in the state and federal DNA conviction databases. The legislation expands current DNA sampling.

The bill also establishes a statutory procedure by which prosecutors may indict based on a DNA profile even if a suspect has not been identified, thereby preventing open cases from going "cold."

"Enlarging the DNA databank will help police and prosecutors in New York solve crimes," said Silver. "At the same time, this bill addresses the privacy interests of persons voluntarily submitting a DNA sample consistent with the presumption of innocence upon which our criminal justice system is built. Further, this legislation provides for an examination of wrongful convictions through a commission to pinpoint mistakes or misconduct resulting in wrongful conviction."

"The guidelines the Assembly passed are essential to a comprehensive, effective DNA system," said Lentol. "Our legislation improves upon our use of DNA evidence and will go a long way towards protecting against wrongful convictions. We can and should assist enforcement while at the same time uphold the rights of innocent persons."

Pols Seek Aid For Infertile Couples

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has announced her introduction of The Family Building Act, which is designed to ensure that men and women who suffer from infertility can afford the cost of advanced high-tech treatments.

Originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Anthony Weiner, this legislation is anticipated to help one in eight American couples that are affected by infertility. Despite the frequency of infertility and the advent of successful new treatments, according to Gillibrand, insurance companies still deny coverage.

"Thousands of women struggle with infertility each year, with insurance companies denying access to the fertility treatments that make the difference for so many," Gillibrand said. "This legislation will give women and couples more options and bring the dream of raising a family within reach for more New Yorkers."

Weiner added, "The costs of having fertility treatments can be staggering, but children are priceless. Wealth should not determine who can and who cannot fully exhaust the medical treatments available to people who want to have a child."

As described, the majority of group health plans do not provide coverage for infertility treatment, hindering people's ability to get tested or receive the treatments that are recommended by a doctor. As technology in the field advances, so do the costs, which can range into tens of thousands of dollars.

Reportedly, 12 percent of infertile individuals nationally receive full coverage for their treatment, and only 25 percent of health care plans cover fertility at all. A poll conducted by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, showed that lack of insurance coverage kept 63 percent of people who suffer from infertility from seeking treatment.

The Family Building Act would expand coverage to millions of New Yorkers, whose insurance carriers are either currently exempt from providing any fertility benefits at all under existing New York State law, or only provide benefits for the most basic treatments. The legislation would require insurance carriers to provide benefits for the advanced, often necessary, and highly effective, ART treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The bill does not confine eligibility for coverage within a certain age range.

Political Scene does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Times Newsweekly/Ridgewood Times. All submitted press releases are subject to editing. Send press contact information by e-mail to info@timesnewsweekly. com or by fax to 1-718- 456-0120.