KAPLOWITZ TO HOST MAJOR HEARING ON HEALTHCARE
POLITICAL LEADERS, LABOR UNIONS AMONG THOSE TO TESTIFY
PRESS ADVISORY: April 16, 2006
Contact: Michael B. Kaplowitz
Tel: (914) 995-2848 or (914) 924-3404 cell
“It is time to shift the cost of healthcare from
the taxpayer to the shareholder”
--KAPLOWITZ
Westchester County Legislator Michael B. Kaplowitz (D-I-WF, Somers), chairman of the County Board’s Budget & Appropriations Committee, will host a joint meeting this Tuesday, April 18th at 12noon with the Board’s Committee on Family, Health & Human Services, chaired by Legislator Judith A. Myers (D-I-WF, Larchmont) and the Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor & Parks, chaired by Legislator Jose I. Alvarado (D-I, Yonkers).
According to Kaplowitz, the hearing will be on a proposed state bill, “Fair Share for Healthcare”, which would require large employers in New York State to pay the full cost of health benefits for their employees.
“With the anticipated arrival of Wal-Mart in White Plains, the proposed bill is timely,” said Kaplowitz.
Nearly three million New Yorkers lack any health insurance. Wal-Mart alone has an estimated 3,000 workers (plus their dependents) enrolled in public health programs such as Medicaid, costing taxpayers more than $20 million, and 10,000 workers with no insurance, costing the public another $10-15 million.
In addition to union leaders who support the proposed bill, the Westchester Business Council, who opposes the bill, will also be present to give testimony.
The hearing will take place at 12 noon this Tuesday, April 18th, on the 8th floor of the Michaelian Office Building, located at 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains.
The press and the public are encouraged to attend.
