Monthly Archives: September 2017

September 28, 2017. This article discusses the uncertainty surrounding the federal government and potential cuts to New York, which could run as high as $17 billion. According to the article, The latest push to repeal and replace broad aspects of the Affordable Care Act has failed, at least for now. Advocates opposed to the bill aren’t sure they’ve heard the last from it. “This bill is a lot like Frankenstein’s monster,” said Ron Deutsch of the Fiscal Policy Institute. “It just requires another jolt of [...]

September 28, 2017. In this article the author discusses President Trump's expected plan to cut the refugee cap to 45,000, the lowest cap since September 11, 2011. The author argues that the population and economy of Buffalo will be greatly impacted. The author notes how refugees have helped reverse population decline in Buffalo, as well as helped the economy grow through business ownership, job creation and a boost in real estate prices. The author also notes that refugee resettlement agencies will be negatively impacted and [...]

September 13, 2017. This article discusses the outrage of New Yorkers over a new business that would put vending machines in apartment buildings stocked with convenience store items. New Yorkers feel that using the Hispanic term "Bodega" as the name for the business is problematic. Fast Company via Twitter screenshot "Why are you using the Hispanic name - why are you doing that?" he said. Now a new startup aims to make buying convenience store items a little more convenient for some, while effectively eroding neighborhood [...]

September 12, 2017. Activists gathered in Albany on Monday to discuss the impact of budget cuts on social services. Ellen Teller, Director of Government Affairs at the Food Research and Action Center, and Ron Deutsch, Executive Director of the Fiscal Policy Institute, broke down the impact it would have on New York and the nation. Access to the full podcast can be found HERE.

September 8, 2017. More than 100 nonprofit human services organizations from across the state are calling on legislators to reject proposed federal cuts to social services programs. Organizations from Buffalo to Binghamton to Brooklyn signed on to letters that were sent to New York’s Congressional delegation, warning that these cuts would devastate core public services that provide New Yorkers in need with vital support. Link for FPI's press release for the letter Link to the Wall Street Journal Link to the Associated Press Link to radio interview [...]

September 8, 2017. This article discusses the potential devastating consequences of passing the Cassidy-Graham bill, new legislation that repeals and replaces the Affordable Care Act (ACA) like previous efforts made by Congressional Republicans. The bill would cut New York’s federal funding by $22 billion for health coverage by 2026, according to a new report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities based in Washington DC. New York would be the hardest-hit state, with an eye-popping estimated cut of 70 percent in 2026, relative to current law. [...]

September 8, 2017. This articles discusses a new Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal bill would cut New York’s federal funding by $22 billion for health coverage by 2026, according to a new report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities based in Washington DC. New York would be the hardest-hit state, with an eye-popping estimated cut of 70 percent in 2026. A report released Thursday raised concerns over the loss of federal funding that would hit New York if the latest measure to overhaul the [...]

September 1, 2017. In this op-ed, Frederick Floss discusses Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposal to raise the New York City's income tax for individuals with an income over $500,000 and family incomes over $100,000 by 1.03%. Floss discusses the question of fairness that arises for those with higher incomes. He argues that there is an assumption that individuals in the higher income brackets do not benefit from the mass transit system. He argues that they do benefit because it will reduce congestion and help the workers get [...]