The Regents Folly and Long Island Schools
The Regents Folly and Long Island Schools
August 8, 2011
By Richard C. Iannuzzi
Pencils down! Standardized tests in math, science, social studies and English Language Arts for third through eighth graders; mid-terms and finals; and an exhausting battery of high school Regents exams have all finally come to a close for Long Island’s 475,000 students. Who could blame them for exhaling a huge sigh of relief?
Welcome to Grey Matter
Welcome to Grey Matter
August 8, 2011
By Robert Grey
A Column Devoted to Workplace Safety
This week’s current event is the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of proposed regulations for the reopening of the Victim Compensation Fund under the Zadroga Act. The U.S. Department of Justice issued proposed regulations that will govern how victims of the World Trade Center site after 9/11 will or will not be compensated.
Sun Safety Tips
August 1, 2011
Tom Canty, Vice President Sales Empire BlueCross BlueShield
One of the things I enjoy most about summer is that it gets us out into the beautiful outdoors. But, while you’re out there working or playing, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States*.
Here are some simple tips for sun-safe skin:
· Always wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Broad spectrum sunscreens are best as they absorb a higher percentage of UVA and UVB sun rays.
The Rewards of Voluntary Benefits
August 1, 2011By John Thornton, Executive Vice President Amalgamated Life Insurance
Previously, only large organizations offered employees dental, disability and supplemental insurance. Today, small and middle-market businesses also offer these insurances as voluntary benefits. A 2009 Eastbridge Associates survey of over 500 U.S. employers’ benefits managers found that: within the 10-100 employee range, 65% offer at least one voluntary product; 101-500 employee range, 77% do: 501-2,000 employee range, 78% do; and for employers with 2,001 or more employees, 87% do.
25 Years of Matchless Expertise in Financial Services for Labor Unions and Employee Benefit Plans
August 1, 2011
For over twenty-five years, Salvatore J. Armao has provided accounting, auditing and consulting services to labor unions and Taft-Hartley employee benefit plans.
The son of a union official, Mr. Armao learned from his father how important unions are to the workers they represent. His father taught him that unions give workers job security, retirement income, and medical benefits. That’s why Mr. Armao works so hard today to help keep the unions that he serves on sound financial footing — so that they can continue to protect the rights of workers.
Statement by Mayor R. Bloomberg on Resignation of Commissioner of Administration for Children's Services John B. Mattingly
July 29, 2011
After Seven Years, Commissioner Will Step Down in September
“As I’ve said countless times over the last seven years, New York City has been extraordinarily lucky to have a nationally-renowned expert, John Mattingly, ably and tirelessly leading our Administration for Children’s Services. When John came to us and said he wanted to return to his foundation work in Baltimore and have more time for his family, I asked him to reconsider.
New Spending Cuts Hurt Workers
By Harry Kelber
Whether or not Democrats and Republicans reach a bipartisan agreement on raising the nation's debt ceiling before the August 2 deadline, American workers and retirees can expect spending cuts of at least $1 trillion, that would reduce their living standards and retirement income, as well as affect working conditions on the job. And it would increase unemployment, rather than reducing it.
For dozens of years, Congress has routinely raised the federal debt ceiling, without much debate, compared with the furious, ongoing battle between Democrats and Republicans about the size of the increase, and who will pay for it. Both parties are trying to use the government debt problem for political advantage to win control of Congress in the 2012 elections.
deBlasio Visits MedReview
deBlasio Visits MedReview
July 28, 2011
By Bendix Anderson
In a season of sharp budget cuts, when even teachers and firefighters face proposed layoffs, Bill deBlasio has a different prescription for the City budget and its ailing economy. DeBlasio, the Public Advocate for New York City, recently fought against a plan to fire 6,000 teachers, close 20 firehouses and shut down scores of daycare centers.
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
July 28, 2011
Joint Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Committee on Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Chair Margaret Chin
“We are disheartened to learn that the Zadroga 9/11 health law will fail to cover Ground Zero responders and residents suffering from cancer. By excluding these victims from the benefits of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, the federal government turns its back on people who rushed to the nation’s aid during one of the darkest days in our history.
This legislation provides much needed health-care and compensation for the heroes of 9/11. It aims to heal those who continued to heal our community after the attacks. It’s a promise to the heroes of 9/11 that we will never forget the sacrifices they made. Implementing the Zadroga 9/11 health law in the way it was originally intended is the best way to keep this promise.
NY Jobs Held Hostage
By Richard L. Trumka, President AFL-CIO
Last weekend, House Republican leaders proved just how far they are willing to go to achieve their ideological goals. They shut down the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
As if bringing America to the brink of default hasn’t done enough damage already. Are they out of their minds? Because of the extreme ideological agenda of House Republicans and their political game-playing, 4,000 workers were furloughed over the weekend and more than 90,000 jobs across the country are on the line—including 2,304 in NY.
Social Network Your Way to Better Health!
July 26, 2011
Tom Canty, Vice President Sales Empire BlueCross BlueShield
Believe it or not tweens, teens and thirty-somethings have something in common. Social networking and dieting. Health minded folks of all ages are turning to interactive internet sites to help them lose weight and keep it off. As part of its effort to help people live healthier lives, Empire BlueCross BlueShield has launched a virtual contest to help people boost their way to better health. Facebook users who enter Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s “Join In to Win contest,” can “like,” post, and jump start their way to a healthier life and a personal training experience with Bob Harper from “The Biggest Loser.”
Progressive Caucus Introduces Resolution to Extend Millionaire's Tax
Progressive Caucus Introduces Resolution to Extend Millionaire's Tax
July 26, 2011
By Neal Tepel
The New York City Council's Progressive Caucus has introduced a resolution supporting an extension of New York State's current "millionaire's tax," an income tax surcharge on high-income households, for households earning more than $1 million per year. The resolution was introduced by Council Member Jumaane Williams on the same day that the City Council adopted the New York City Budget for Fiscal Year 2012.
Jay Walks
July 21, 2011
Statement from TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen on the resignation of MTA Chairman Jay Walder
“Transit workers won’t miss Jay Walder and quite frankly will be glad to see him go. He has been antagonistic to the union and the workers from his first day on the job. His attempt last year to blackmail the union into major pay and other concessions led to gratuitous layoffs.
.jpg)
.jpg)
