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Southern Ulster Times, Wednesday, June 19, 2019
I n B rief
One killed, six injured
in two-car crash
Forest Road MVA
One person was killed and six others were injured
Tuesday morning when a southbound car crossed into
the opposite lane of traffic on Route 9W in Highland and
was struck by a cargo van going north.
Lloyd Town Police said the 57-year-old driver of the
1995 Saturn car was transported to MidHudson Regional
Hospital in Poughkeepsie by Mobile Life Support Services
ambulance where the Dutchess County man died.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 29-year-old Dutchess
County man, and five passengers, were transported to
Vassar Brothers Medical Center by Mobile Life. All but
one had minor injuries; one suffered serious injuries.
Route 9W was shut down for three hours while police
investigated. Lloyd Police were assisted at the scene
by State Police, their Collision Reconstruction Unit,
Highland Fire Department and Mobile Life ambulance.
Marlboro library receives grant
The Marlboro Free Library has received the Mid-
Hudson Library System’s 2019 Mini Outreach Grant.
The Library has been awarded $650 to increase
services to the aging population of Marlborough. Grant
funds will be used to create “Reminisce Kits” to add to
the Library’s Item Lending Collection. These kits will
contain materials all related to a particular theme that
will help facilitate dialogue and are a great way to share
memories with friends, families, and caregivers.
Kits will be available for check out by Library patrons
by late summer.
For updates, please visit marlborolibrary.org.
Jacobson supports end to religious
exemptions for vaccines
Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh)
voted last week in favor of a bill (A2371) that ends the
religious exemption for vaccines. The medical exemption
is retained, meaning a child can be exempt when a
physician certifies that it could be detrimental to their
health.
Amid a growing measles outbreak that has seen
hundreds of cases in New York State over the past few
months, Jacobson said, “this was a common-sense health
bill. There is no greater priority and compelling State
interest than protecting the public health.”
The law now requires all children attending school
to receive immunizations for debilitating and life-
threatening diseases, including poliomyelitis, mumps,
diphtheria, pertussis, rubella, tetanus, hepatitis B, and
varicella.
While emotions ran high in the Assembly chamber,
Jacobson, a co-sponsor of the bill, was unwavering in
his support. Initially, the bill passed 77-53, but several
Assemblymembers either weighed in late or changed
their vote, leaving the final tally at 84-61.
Jacobson said, “Science proves that vaccinations save
lives, and I will always put New Yorkers’ safety and well-
being first.”
The Senate voted on the bill later that same day and
Governor Cuomo quickly signed it into law.
Bob McCormick
The Plattekill Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle into stone pillar on Forest Road on June 16. Town of Newburgh
Police and EMS responded. The subject was removed from vehicle by EMS and fire fighters. Fire fighters spread speedy
dry on fluids on roadway. Town of Newburgh EMS transported subject to St Lukes/Montefiore Hospital. The crash is under
investigation.
Skoufis bill to require disclosure of
campaign ads passes
A bill (S.4910/A.A4668) sponsored by Senator James
Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and Assemblyman Ken
Zebrowski (D-Rockland County) to require political
groups to disclose who is behind political advertisements
has passed the full Legislature.
In 2017, the state passed legislation prohibiting
anonymous social media ads, however, state campaigns
are still legally permitted to send out physical mailers,
television spots, radio ads, and robocalls with complete
anonymity. This bill will end anonymous mailings and
require that all communications have a “paid for by”
tag. Currently, anonymous mailings and advertising
allow shadowy political operatives to avoid taking
responsibility for the content of communications.
“‘Paid for by’ are three words synonymous with
campaign advertising-- except in New York state politics,”
said Senator James Skoufis. Most states already have
laws requiring political communications disclose the
sender’s identity, as does the federal government for
congressional and presidential races; it’s about time
New York State also gets on board. This bill is absolutely
vital because voters deserve to know who is behind the
campaign material they receive. Whether it’s in the mail,
on television, or calls to one’s personal phone, voters
should know the group responsible for any political
advertisement. I’m proud to have worked on this bill
with Assemblyman Zebrowski to close this egregious
loophole.”
Schmitt hosts anti-vaping forum
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R,C,I,Ref-New Windsor)
held his Youth Anti-Vaping Public Forum this morning
at the Washingtonville High School Auditorium. The
goal of Assemblyman Schmitt’s Youth Anti-Vaping
Public Forum was to receive testimony on the health
consequences of youth vaping and to raise awareness of
the negative impacts associated with the growing use of
vape products by youth populations.
Schmitt sat on a panel with Washingtonville Mayor
Joseph Bucco and County Legislator Kathy Stegenga to
hear testimony from Orange County Commissioner of
Health Dr. Irina Gelman, Pediatric Pulmonologist Dr.
Sankaran Krishnan, representatives from the Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Council, representatives from the
American Lung Association, students and faculty from
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as School
Law Enforcement, and community members.
Some general topics that were addressed at the public
forum included what is vaping and why it is a health
concern for youth populations, the impact of vaping on
lungs that are still developing, addictive properties of
nicotine and THC products (vaping marijuana), and the
progression of vaping that can eventually lead to more
dangerous substances. There was discussion on what
can be done to decrease usage among youth populations
through legislative and community-based actions as
well as increase in awareness on the hidden dangers and
health risks of youth vaping.