http://www.micahkellner.net Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:56:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Animal Care and Control of New York City (ACC) is the organization responsible for operating our city's animal shelters. Many dedicated New Yorkers serve as volunteers at ACC facilities, giving their time to help care for homeless and neglected animals. Unfortunately, there have been reports from some volunteers ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/09/01/defending-the-rights-of-animal-care-control-volunteers/ In June, I reported that my legislation to reform the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) had passed the Assembly. I am incredibly disappointed that Governor Paterson has now vetoed this legislation -- and I vehemently disagree with the reasons he has given for his veto. By passing the ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/08/31/governors-veto-is-not-the-end-for-rioc-reform/ Last Sunday I was interviewed by Alex Aliksanyan and Brenda Bush on the DogsInDanger radio show to discuss my bill, Oreo’s Law. I have blogged extensively about the tragic case of Oreo, an abused dog who was killed despite her rescue by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/08/25/discussing-oreos-law-on-dogsindanger-radio-show/ As I have often discussed, I am a strong advocate for making New York City's taxi fleet 100% accessible to people with disabilities. Now that the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission is deciding which vehicle to choose as the "Taxi of Tomorrow," we have a great opportunity ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/08/17/hailing-an-accessible-tomorrow/ I introduced Elle's Law in honor of 3-year old Elle Vandenberghe, who was struck by a motorist while she was on her way to school on the Upper East Side in September 2009. After the incident, Elle lay in a coma for two weeks; she suffered a stroke and ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/08/16/governor-honors-elle-vandenberghe-signs-elles-law/ The East River Esplanade should be one of our community’s treasured public spaces, yet currently it is in appalling condition—in fact, the seawall is disintegrating into the river, causing sinkholes and cracks in the asphalt that expose the river below. These hazards are multiplying, making the esplanade an increasingly ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/08/13/bringing-the-east-river-esplanade-back-to-life/ Recently, I posted about the hearing I held on July 14th focusing on the need for New York City’s taxi fleet to be completely accessible to people with disabilities. Below is a video clip from the hearing, in which Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky discusses how the TLC’s Taxi of ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/07/27/video-shows-tlcs-failure-to-require-accessibility-for-nyc-cabs/ I have always been a strong proponent of making New York City's taxi fleet 100% accessible to people with disabilities. In June of 2009, I released my report Stranded, which documented the failure of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s central dispatch pilot program. My report Not For ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/07/16/hearing-exposes-failure-of-tlc-to-make-cabs-accessible/ The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is responsible for decisions that have a huge impact on the lives of Roosevelt Island residents -- from housing to transportation, parks, sanitation, and more. Islanders know that the Island only works when RIOC is accountable and responsive to the community. This is ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/06/29/kellner-rioc-reform-bill-passes-assembly/ Two weeks ago, I posted about how my legislation to prohibit so-called "specialty tiers" in prescription drug pricing would protect millions of New Yorkers with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. These specialty tiers are a way for insurance companies to gouge patients, charging them enormous amounts of money for the ... http://www.micahkellner.net/2010/06/24/kellner-bill-to-protect-millions-of-new-yorkers-from-prescription-drug-price-gouging-passes-legislature/