Attendees at Direct Care Workers rally

Miller Attends #bFair2DirectCare Rally to Support Direct-Care Workers

Panel of speakers
at Direct Care Workers rally

Attendees at the #bFair2DirectCare rally on December 19 gathered at Nassau Community College to hear from Long Island elected officials, parents, and self-advocates.

Assemblywoman Melissa Miller (R,C,Ref-Atlantic Beach) attended the #bFair2DirectCare rally on December 19 at Nassau Community College to support the initiative for direct-support professionals (DSP) to earn a living wage. Currently, a DSP in New York only earns $12 an hour. The rally sought to urge Gov. Cuomo and state lawmakers to accelerate the implementation of funding to provide DSPs with living wages.

“DSPs work hard every day to bring the best quality of life to so many individuals with disabilities, like my son,” said Miller. “It is a tough job that is always in demand, but with such a low pay rate and the new minimum wage mandates, recruitment of DSPs is proving to be extremely difficult. This negatively affects individuals with disabilities who desperately need the care of a DSP. While we as lawmakers have heard the call to action to increase the pay of DSPs, we must now push for this funding to come sooner than the proposed timeline and get these workers the pay they deserve and the individuals with disabilities the care they need.”


Miller Sponsors Legislation To Require Food Allergy Signs
At Parks, Playgrounds And Recreation Centers

A statement from Assemblywoman Melissa Miller (R,C,Ref-Atlantic Beach) on Bill A.8761: “It is important for people to understand that having a food allergy doesn’t mean a reaction will only occur when an individual ingests what they are allergic to; it can also occur through exposure in the air or contamination on a surface. I have sponsored bill A.8761, which will require food allergy signage to be placed at parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds, to remind the public of the severity of food allergies. A child who ate a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich before using playground equipment without washing their hands puts a child with a severe peanut allergy at risk. While we can’t prevent every reaction from occurring, we can become more conscious of what we can do to help reduce the risks.”

Miller Introduces Gio’s Law: Legislation To Require Anaphylaxis Training For Emergency Responders

Assemblywoman Melissa Miller (R,C,Ref-Atlantic Beach) is excited to announce the introduction of a bill she sponsors (A.8790) which would require emergency service providers to be trained to provide anaphylaxis treatment and carry the necessary equipment. Also known as “Gio’s Law,” the bill was first introduced in late October 2017 and is currently in the Assembly Committee on Government Operations.

“The importance for all first-responders to be trained in anaphylaxis treatment is of the utmost importance,” said Miller. “In some emergencies police officers, who don’t have anaphylaxis training or treatments at hand, might arrive first on scene. With anaphylaxis every minute counts, which is why it is crucial for all first-responders to have access to treatments and be trained in how to administer them. This legislation will ensure that should someone experience anaphylaxis, no matter who responds first to the emergency situation, the proper treatment will be applied sooner rather than later.”


Kaminsky Hosts Forum On Vaping

James DeTommaso, Kristen Mednick, Judi Vining, Assemblywoman Melissa Miller, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Patricia Folan,
and Sgt. Charles Sollin and Officer John Zanni from the POP Unit of the NCPD

Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblywoman Melissa Miller, the East Rockaway Prevention Task Force, and the East Rockaway High School recently hosted an expert panel for a forum on vaping. With 20.6% of New York State high school students using e-cigarettes, vaping use is on the rise and is becoming a serious issue.

“New Yorkers deserve to know about the harmful effects of vaping and we need to collaborate with schools, law enforcement, and the health community to tackle the growing problem. I’m proud to have sponsored this event to inform the community about vaping, and I will continue to fight for a cleaner New York,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky.

“The title of the event is perfect (Vaping: Danger in Disguise) because since these vaping products were released in the U.S. several years ago, the perception is that they are safer than cigarettes and can help people quit smoking. However, research has yet to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of these products. In addition, these products are attractive to youth because of the packaging and flavoring. Use of these products exposes adolescents, who might not otherwise have started smoking cigarettes, to nicotine–a hazard to the brain and brain development,” said Patricia Folan, RN, DNP, CTTS, director, Center for Tobacco Control at Northwell Health Solutions.

“Vaping has become a rampant issue across the state, and most definitely on Long Island. Youth–and sometimes their parents–are under the misconception that because they are not smoking, vaping is a safe alternative. In reality, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known and can cause great damage to the growing brain. We need to educate ourselves, as well as our youth, about the realities and risks of vaping,” said Judi Vining, executive director, Long Beach AWARE.

“Excellent start at educating parents and students about dangers of vaping and good opportunity for parents to ask questions about what actions are being taken at our school. Our goal is to keep everyone safe,” said James DeTommaso, assistant principal of East Rockaway High School and co-chair of the East Rockaway Task Force.

“With both students and parents in the audience, I hope they continue this important conversation about substance use and addiction at home. Parents are still the #1 reason teens say they don’t use substance–so keep talking,” said Kristen Mednick, social worker at East Rockaway High School and co-chair of the East Rockaway Task Force.

Over 400 parents, students, and educators were in attendance at the event, which was held at the East Rockaway High School. For more information on this event, please contact Senator Kaminsky’s district office at 516-766-8383.

 

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