October 2018
The following are highlights of the October Meeting:
As the Raise the Age Legislation has gone into effect on October 1, 2018, the Department of Social Services is mandated by NYS to offer preventative programs to avoid out of home placements and alternatives to incarceration for 16 year olds. The Legislature unanimously approved an agreement with three different agencies to identify risk factors and create safety and treatment plans, offer intense prevention programs, as well as respite, skill building, school advocacy and therapeutic recreation. The goal is to empower and strengthen families to problem solve and increase independence and productivity within the community. On October 1, 2019, 17 year olds will also join the Raise the Age mandate.
Seen Enough Tobacco Day – The Legislature unanimously declared October 13, as “Seen Enough Tobacco Day” and encourages community members to stand up against the tobacco industry and help raise awareness of the influence tobacco marketing has on our youth. The Troy Boys & Girls Club will host an event on October 13 from 1-3 pm.
The T21 Local Law – A law that prohibits retailers from selling tobacco products, including electronic devices to customers under age 21 was introduced again at the September meeting and failed to make it out of the Health committee for the entire Legislature to vote on. “As teen vaping (and juuling) has reached epidemic proportions and has become a serious health issue in schools, according to the FDA, I will continue to take a stand and fight for the health of our youth in Rensselaer County. We cannot wait for the State to take the action required to protect the well-being of our kids, our families, and our quality of life,” stated Deputy Minority Leader Cindy Doran.
“T-21 cannot continue to be a partisan issue in Rensselaer County. Other Counties in NYS have passed T-21 with Republican majorities. It’s time for our County to do the same. If we do not think our own residents, our own youth are important enough to protect, why should we expect the State to think so,” added legislator Doran, a retired high-school teacher.
Verdile’s Restaurant – The Legislature was pleased to honor Verdile’s Restaurant upon the occasion of their 75th Anniversary, as the longest standing multi-generational restaurant in Lansingburgh.
NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, November 13, 2018, in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 270-2890.
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