| Representing Our Values, Standing Up For Women in New York
The Dollinger Plan proposes the immediate passage of critical of legislation that would protect and improve the rights and health of women in New York:
1. The Reproductive Health Act: The Reproductive Health Act (RHA) would update New York's laws to formally protect a woman's right to choose. Currently, New York relies on the precedent set by Roe v. Wade to protect this right. However, the makeup of the Supreme Court has shifted due to judicial appointments by George W. Bush, and subsequent court decisions have threatened the precedent of Roe. Dollinger stands firmly behind a woman's right to choose and he will fight to ensure that this right is not undermined by Republicans in Albany or Washington. In the State Senate, Dollinger will support the RHA in order to establish and secure a fundamental, statutory right to choice and to privacy in making personal reproductive decisions.
2. The Healthy Teens Act: The Healthy Teens Act (HTA) responds to a dire public need for comprehensive health education in New York. Currently, New York has some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy in the nation. The HTA would establish a grant program through the NYS Department of Health for the specific purpose of awarding grants to school districts to provide age appropriate sex education programs. The Act has passed the Assembly in each of the last four years, but has died in the Senate each time. In the State Senate Rick Dollinger will fight for the passage of the HTA.
3. The Paid Family Leave Act: Today, 66% of mothers of young children work outside the home, and 20% of adults care for an elderly relative. More than three out of four employees (78%) have reported that they have needed time off for family leave but could not afford to take it. The Paid Family Leave Act would expand existing coverage under the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) to allow workers to take up to 12 weeks time off to care for a child or loved one in times of need. It has passed the Assembly but failed to pass the Senate. In the State Senate Rick Dollinger will fight to enact the Paid Family Leave Act.
4. Family Planning: Currently, more than 400,000 low-income women in New York State access family planning services through clinics that receive funding from the New York State Family Planning Benefit Program. Despite public support and the documented social and economic benefits associated with family planning services, these programs remain significantly underfunded. In the State Senate, Rick Dollinger will support increasing funding of the New York State Family Planning Benefit Program. This will ensure that health care providers are given the support they need to provide a full range of reproductive health options.
5. Breast Cancer Prevention & Awareness: Each year in New York State alone close to 14,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and over 3,000 die from the disease. Rick believes we have to step up our efforts to fight breast cancer not just after it has been detected, but that also wee need to commit to a groundbreaking public outreach and education program that teaches women how to take preventative steps and what health care options are available to them. In the State Senate, Rick will support funding for the Women's Health and Wellness Act, which the Senate Republicans continue to block. Additionally, Rick will fight to create a more comprehensive education and research program via the Cancer Surveillance Improvement Initiative, a program that identifies the root causes of breast cancer. |
