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The Bulletin -- Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 (970) Program:
From the Thanksgiving Table to the Chopping Block, Assemblywomen Janet Duprey and Teresa Sayward were pleased to join the club to discuss the effects of the state’s economic crisis. Together they have rallied to tackle the difficult times that lie ahead. With the state of New York facing a $15 billion deficit, no stone will be unturned in the coming months as the state’s leaders find ways to straighten out what appears to be a growing and unruly financial mess. New York has asked for a piece of the national bailout pie. However, Assemblywoman Sayward is not hopeful that the Governor’s request for an economic bailout will be met. She said, “Being realists, we recognize state budgets are going to be cut.” Sayward added, “With 52% of the state’s budget allocated to Education and Health Care, those programs will be under the microscope.” High Costs of Health Care Of great concern under the health care umbrella is the Medicaid/Medicare program. New York has the highest rates in the country and both Assemblywomen feel it will be imperative to take a hard look at why that is. Assemblywoman Duprey emphasized the need for restructuring. “I know a diabetic patient who sees a podiatrist once a week. The doctor who cares for her gets $7. The cab driver who takes her to and from the appointment is paid $127. There’s something wrong with this,” said Duprey Another deep concern is the downsizing of local nursing homes. Four local facilities are being forced to make cuts necessary to just be able to provide basic resident care. Duprey and Sayward plan to compare New York’s Medicaid/Medicare service plans to California’s model which delivers services at significantly lower costs. Taking Pride in NYS Schools There is no question that New York’s education system is one of the best, and with 50% more money budgeted for education, perhaps it ought to be. Assemblywoman Duprey pointed out that our students are bright and full of promise. She added, “But are they 50% brighter on average than other students across the country?” Education will be on the list of programs with budget cuts looming. The Environment Assemblywoman Sayward touched on the state’s recent $10 million purchase of land in the Adirondack Park. She questioned the need for buying additional land so it can be protected when the land being bought is from the Nature Conservancy which takes protective measures. Following this, Sayward spoke to the recent energy conference held in Tupper Lake at the Wild Center. While experts suggest forests lock up carbon, Sayward said the other side of the coin is that mature trees take up very little carbon. She suggested that regulated forestation can create more productive carbon uptake. Logging could have additional benefits such as job creation, revitalizing sawmills and creating a revenue stream for the state. Sayward and Duprey plan to have experts weigh in on the issue and really address the Adirondack Park. In Closing Assemblywoman Duprey ended on a positive note. She generated applause in saying, “There are cell phones on the Northway!” She thanked to the community for coming together to make it happen.
Announcements:
Guests:
New Member Talk: Bryon Tuthill grew up in Bloomingdale, NY. Upon graduating in 1974, he joined the workforce as a banker. While working he attended NCCC where he earned an associates in Business Management. In the ’90s, he attended Plattsburgh State where he graduated from the School of Business and Economics. Brian is a strong proponent of community service. He spent years on the board for the Boy Scouts and Habitat for Humanity. He was Political Chairman for the Republican Committee in the Town of Franklin and a mentor for children through North Country Behavioral Health Services. Brian is currently on the board of the Adirondack Community Housing Trust. His wife, Amy, works for Paul Smith’s College, and his son is graduating from SUNY Brockport and will be a commissioned officer through the ROTC program. His daughter is majoring in International Studies and Spanish at Syracuse University and is currently in Chile. Welcome to Rotary, Bryon! Happy Thoughts:
50/50: The pot today was $2,010, and Bryon Tuthill drew the Three of Diamonds. Upcoming ProgramsWednesday, Dec. 10, 2008
------------------------------------------------ Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008
------------------------------------------------ Reminder:
------------------------------------------------ Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009
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