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New York’s Taxis Need to be Accessible

September 26, 2011

I’m grateful Governor Cuomo has recognized that making the taxi and livery fleet accessible to wheelchair users is not an impossible feat. The Assembly has already taken the first step by passing my legislation, A.4406, which will make every new taxi accessible starting in 2014. Additionally, two U.S. companies are currently building purpose-built wheelchair accessible taxis, one of which, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has already approved. There is even a tax credit I sponsored, A.966-B, waiting to be signed by the Governor that would incentivize the purchase of these vehicles.

While I would like to eventually see every taxi be accessible, I’ve proposed a plan, the Access-for-All Taxi and Livery Plan (A4ATL), which modifies the current bill and will increase the number of accessible taxis and liveries from roughly 300 to 3,000 over the next three years. I hope the Governor will use this as a template and build upon it so that wheelchair users have a real opportunity to use this iconic mode of transportation.

VPG MV-1 Accessible Taxi

 

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Written by Micah · Filed Under Albany Report, Blogroll, Community, Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side | Leave a Comment 

Protecting LGBT Seniors

September 26, 2011

Today, Governor Cuomo signed my legislation (A.880) which requires the New York State Office of the Aging (NYSOFA) to monitor the needs of traditionally underservered elderly populations – including those in LGBT communities. The new law will also provide technical assistance and grants-in-aid to organizations like SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders), so that they can better provide their services to LGBT senior populations that provide services to LGBT seniors.

Despite being a rapidly growing segment of New York’s population, LGBT seniors do not receive the services they need.  This community often lacks the support networks that are more commonly available to non-LGBT seniors and will sometimes be reluctant to access needed health and social services because of fear of discrimination. This law will correct these inadequacies and ensure that current and future generations of LGBT seniors receive the care and respect that they deserve.

Specifically, the new law requires the NYSOFA, in its annual report to the Governor and the Legislature, to include recommendations for expanding service programs already in place and applying them to underserved populations which include but are not limited to those defined by actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, disability, familial status and language. The report must also cite the specific, targeted needs of these traditionally underserved populations — focusing on successful programs as well as addressing particular problems that need correction.

Further, the bill authorizes the Director of NYSOFA to make grants-in-aid for the purpose of providing training, outreach and education to entities providing services to LGBT senior populations.

I am proud to say that today steps have been taken by senior services in New York State in order to prevent these seniors from being left without a place to turn to in their time on need

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Written by Micah · Filed Under Albany Report, Blogroll, Community, Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side | 1 Comment