Robb Smith, Executive Director
Interfaith Impact of New York State
646 State Street
Albany, NY 12203
518-463-5652
©
Copyright 2008 InterfaithIMPACT of New York State
Last updated
February 2008
Interfaith Impact Of New York State Priorities
for the 2007 Legislative Session
As the 2007 Legislative session gets under way, IINYS and allied organizations are developing strategies on the following key issues selected by the Board of Directors.
Health care coverage reform: We are supporting Assemblyman Dick Gottfried=s bill creating a Health Care Coverage Reform Commission (A6575). (No companion bill in the Senate yet.) Creation of a Reform Commission represents an important step toward a more just and inclusive health care system.
Emergency contraception in pharmacies: Representatives from the Emergency Contraception Access Campaign are in talks with the Assembly, Senate, and Governor about restrictions on minors and reintroduction of the bill, which the Governor vetoed.
Stem cell research: The lead organization is NYAMR (New Yorkers for the Advancement of Medical Research), which is still developing strategy for the next session. IINYS is the only voice of religion working with NYAMR on this issue.
Dignity for All Students Act (anti-bullying in schools): The legislation is being redrafted with input from the Dignity for All Students Coalition, which includes IINYS.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education: IINYS supports legislation, introduced in the Assembly and the Senate with bipartisan sponsorship, to establish a competitive grant program to fund medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education in New York State.
Rockefeller Drug Law reform: We will continue to work on repeal and a change in emphasis from incarceration to treatment, education, jobs and housing.
Death Penalty: We anticipate an attempt this year to revive the death penalty and will work in opposition with New Yorkers against the Death Penalty.
IINYS is making a difference in State government and ensuring that a religious interfaith voice for justice, compassion and community is heard in the public policy arena.