40 Ideas in 40 Days Blog
September 9th
Primary Day - Vote
Today is Election Day, so please exercise your right and vote in the Democratic Primary. This is when your vote really counts.
Utilizing my web site and offering my 40 ideas in 40 days blog has been a great experience for me; I feel it has really separated me from my opponents. I have talked about real proposals that I will use to hit the ground running when I get to the State Senate.
I hope that by presenting a real detailed plan and not just saying it in mailers, I have earned the honor of your vote. Thank you!
Polls are open 6 am to 9 pm in Erie County and 12 pm to 9 pm in Genesee County.
-Michele
September 8th
Day 40 - Low Interest Home Loans for Hi Tech Workers
As we try to attract and retain the educated workforce that we need to grow our economy, we must take steps in assisting those who are at the beginning of their careers.
One proposal that would go hand in hand with the tri hi tech corridor, is to offer low or zero interest home loans to employees who live within the targeted area. Not necessarily for the whole term of the loan, but maybe for the first five years.
We need to look at new ways to make ourselves competitive again, and that means utilizing many different ideas. Lowering taxes, and improving the quality of life are imperative in keeping competitive and offering many incentives to live in Western New York is something that could help us attain that goal.
-Michele
September 7th
Day 39 - The Budget Council
The residents of Erie County know better than anyone how important budget projections are. We spent five years during the Giambra administration getting fudged numbers that led to out of control spending and waste.
That is why I am proposing the creation of an Independent Budget Council that will consist of experts from both the public and private sector, who will deliver an independent budget and revenue projection, quarterly, free of political influence and agendas. The Council will also be made available to do projections for large counties as well.
Having realistic budget projections, without political agendas, will go a long way toward halting out of control spending and tax increases in response to short falls.
-Michele
September 6th
Day 38 - Require Computer Technicians and Repair Personnel to Report Child Pornography
There have been some great strides made by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo toward combating child pornography in New York. Cuomo has reached voluntary agreements with several Internet providers to help stamp out providers of child pornography on the Internet.
I believe we need to go further. Protecting children from this unimaginable form of exploitation should always be a top priority. That is why we should pass a law to require computer technicians who find child pornography, while repairing or replacing computers, to immediately report such information to the police. In many cases, they already do, but we need to it mandatory to ensure that child pornography on any computer does not go overlooked.
Child pornography is one of the most repugnant forms of exploitation imaginable. We must eliminate the market for it at the source.
-Michele
September 5th
Day 37 - Farmer’s Health Collaborative
Too often we forget how rural New York State actually is and how important farmers are to New York’s economy. Like others, farmers are affected by the cost of healthcare. Many don’t realize, however, is that farmers almost all pay for their healthcare out of their own pockets because they are self employed.
This idea is similar to one in place in the state of Wisconsin, a Farmer’s Health Collaborative would allow farmers around the state to organize and form groups to purchase health care, to help Farmers’ need for better quality healthcare. In Wisconsin, it was found that farmers were paying three times as much as average employee and over 80s% did not have access to 24 hour medical care.
The hard working families that own farms shouldn’t be forced to pay more for their health insurance or have inadequate health coverage because of the industry they work in. We need to give them the tools to get quality care at an affordable cost.
-Michele
September 4th
Day 36 - Focusing K-12 education on Math and Science
Each year we hear that test scores in America are falling behind the rest of the world. Moving forward, as we create high tech jobs locally, the need for training our youth in math and science are a premium.
We need to make sure our children are ready to fill these high tech jobs. Our education system can focus on the academic curriculums that promote these opportunities to our students.
America should be the best in the world when it comes to cutting edge jobs. We need to begin by preparing our grade school children for entry into college in fields of math, science and engineering. At the same time we need to help in preparing teachers to better the subjects.
-Michele
September 3rd
Day 35 - Education Efficiency Study
Although I am not always fond of studies this is another idea from a great woman Governor, Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Governor Sebelius conducted the first Education Efficiency Study, on the top to bottom spending done in the education system of Kansas.
Together the Standard and Poor and the Kauffman Foundation, conducted a thorough analysis of how money was spent by Kansas' school districts. They learned what schools were working effectively and efficiently, and what lessons were needed for the ones that weren't.
Education is one of the most important roles played by government. This would serve as a tool to find efficiencies and help to provide for the best education possible, but it doesn't have to stop at education. It could also be used as a blueprint for New York State to analyze how all governments are operating.
-Michele
September 2nd
Day 34 - Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
The brave men and women of our country who risk their lives for our freedom are often faced with reassignments. Military families have to move on a regular basis and this can be particularly difficult for their children. Studies show that some military children can end up in six to nine different school districts by the time they graduate from high school. These children face issues that include losing and making new friends and adjusting to their new environment.
We need to ensure that the children of military families are afforded the same opportunities for educational success and that relocation is as light a burden as possible. Which is why I want New York to join the 11 other states who have joined the ICEOMC. ICEOMC fosters cooperation between states in order to make the transition from one school to another as streamlined as possible, while creating a uniformed standards for the treatment of military children transferring to a new school. Some specific impacts include, transfer of records, course sequencing,graduation requirements,exclusion from extra curricular activities,redundant testing,entrance age variations and the power of the Custodial Parent while parents are deployed.
Despite strong support from the Council of State Governments, this bill has not yet been introduced in New York. I would remedy that by making it one of my top priorities. The stresses that military families face are so great as it is, we owe it to them to make relocating an easier process.
-Michele
September 1st
Day 33 - Complete Streets
This is an idea that has been in effect throughout the country from Florida to Massachusetts to Oregon, and it is one I am also planning on introducing in the County Legislature.
The philosophy of "Complete Streets" is to integrate bicycling and walking into transportation for the safety, health and environmental integrity of all residents, visitors and the community as a whole. Complete streets concept allows persons with disabilities, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders the ability to safely move along and across a complete street. They are defined as facilities that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users comprehensive across the life span for both recreational and transportation. When new streets are built or street reconstruction and park projects undertaken, they would be required to meet selected "complete street" standards where allowable.
The benefits of complete streets are so numerous, the entire focus is on improving health, decreasing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and increasing walking and bicycling trips as a mode of transportation. Complete streets are important to improve our quality of life locally, which will make Western New York a more desirable place to live.
-Michele
August 31th
Day 32 - University Venture Funds
Here is an idea I am borrowing from one of my favorite Governor's, Jennifer Granholm of Michigan. Through her work as Governor, University of Michigan now has the largest University based venture fund in the country.
The way the program "Wolverine Venture Fund" works at U of M, is that it offers seed money, between $50,000 and $200,000 to local entrepreneurs. The program is run through the schools MBA program and students present the proposals to a Senior Advisory Board.
University at Buffalo is the perfect University in New York to replicate this program. With the growth of UB, as well as the local high tech industry, this would be an incredible investment. The money could provide the opportunity to allow new ideas of many entrepreneurs to get from the drawing board to reality, while creating new jobs locally.
-Michele
August 30th
Day 31 - CFL Bulb Recycling
Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFL Bulb) are a great energy saving product. According to the federal government's energy star program, they use three-quarters less energy, last ten times longer and produce 75% less heat. The average household can save $30 dollars of electricity costs through the lifteime of the bulbs.
However, there has been an increased problem dealing with the disposal of these bulbs. Each bulb contains a toxic amount of mercury, which can easily contaminate just about anything if it leaks out. That is why I am proposing that there be a ban put on using our every day trash as dispossal of the bulbs as well as making all state buildings recycling collection centers for these bulbs so that they can be properly disposed of with no chance of contamination.
It is important that we educate the public as we promote alternative energy and cost saving products like the CFL bulbs. At the same time by recycling properly we ensure the prevention of contaminating soil or the chances of this toxin getting into the hands of children, for whom it could be deadly.
-Michele
August 29th
Day 30 - NYS Environmental Corps
This idea runs in the same vein as yesterday, but instead this one focuses on the environment. Both are part of a broader program to create a New York based program like Americorps.
Similarly, it would offer scholarships to the SUNY system and college credit for involvement in the Environmental Corps. It will be aimed at cleaning up the state parks, building parks and playgrounds in our poor areas, and many other ways that would help clean up New York.
We all know lower taxes are important to bring back people and businesses to New York, but we also need a good quality of life for people to want to live in the area. That means clean parks and recreational areas, clean water and clean air.
-Michele
August 28th
Day 29 - Healthy New York State Service Project
A critical strategy for reducing the cost of healthcare and medicaid is making sure people in underserved areas get proper prevention services and quality medical attention. Strenghtening underserved communities (and especially the un-insured and under insured) to see preventive health professionals and primary care physicians will improve New York State's health , reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and cut costs to the system and the taxpayer.
That is why I am proposing the Healthy New York State Service Project. To facilitate this innovative project we would tap into one of our States best assets(our human capital) by offering scholarships to SUNY schools, college credits to students and continuing education credits to health promotion and health care workers, to work for selected periods of times in understaffed facilities in underserved communities.
Too often people forget that the underserved uninsured and underinsured effect us all, whether it is the cost of our deductible, an employers health insurance premium or our county's medicaid bill. We have an opportunity and obligation to address this issue by acting pro-actively at the same time we encourage service to our communities.
-Michele
August 27th
Day 28 - Healthy Public Employees
Throughout the country employers from all sectors have found that investing in measures to make their employees healthier is improving health, saving money and enhancing productivity.. For every health promotion program dollar invested there is typically over $3 dollars savings.( see www.ihpm.org )
That is why I am borrowing an idea from King County, Washington, to reward public employees who participate in wellness programs to improve their own health. Based on how active employees are in a program to improve their health, their deductible, copay and the amount the county covers changes. This is something we should do in New York State, to support our employees and reduce the burden of escalating health care costs on the system and the taxpayers.
As I have advocated in the past, pro actively addressing chronic illness is one key to our personal and fiscal well being., Kings County found that 10% of employees with chronic illnesses account for 70% of the medical claims the County makes. This program is a 21st century remedy for preventing and managing chronic illnesses in our public employee workforce.
-Michele
August 26th
Day 27 - Pilot Program for Algae Carbon Recycling
Here is one of the more innovative ideas I have come across during my campaign, It was suggested to me the other day while going door to door. This company, Greenfuel Technologies Corporation, converts CO2 into algae, then the algae that is created can be used as transportation fuels, feed ingredients or even biomass for power.
I would propose starting a pilot program that would offer tax incentives for businesses engaged in this project and other similar projects, that explore new ideas in alternative energies. Greenfuel Technologies Corporation has already partnered with NRG Dunkirk, right here in Western New York.
One important reminder, my proposal of the Center for Alternative Energy at UB would enable investment and foster new ideas like algae carbon recycling.
-Michele
August 25th
Day 26 - Criminal Penalties for Passengers of Drunk Drivers
According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, every 39 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver and three of every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol related accident.
The passengers of drunk drivers are now being held civilly liable for their part in a car accident, but now it is time to make them criminally liable. Anyone who has engaged in drinking with a drunk driver and gets into the car with that driver, is just as guilty.
To go even further in the prevention of drunk driving, we need to make sure that people are held accountable for their actions, even if that means punishing those who fail to stop a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel.
-Michele
August 24th
Day 25 - Greater Accountability for Boards, Commissions and Authorities
It seems every time we turn around, Albany is creating a new board to study this, a commission to plan that or an authority to control the other. Then they last forever, they have little accountability and the taxpayers are stuck with the bill.
In order to add greater accountability to these entities, what I am proposing is to give all newly created entities a mandatory "sunset" date. After a set period of time, maybe five years any new board, commission or authority will cease to exist unless it is reauthorized by the State Legislature.
These groups will now have to stand before the State Legislature and justify their existence. The state representatives will have a real opportunity to scrutinize all of these groups who are collecting and spending the taxpayers dollars.
-Michele
August 23rd
Day 24 - Exporting Products
For too long New Yorkers have seen jobs go overseas, now its time that we started sending New York based products overseas. This is an idea I am going to steal from the State of Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, they have created an Office of Trade Policy, which is aimed at helping Pennsylvania based companies export their products overseas. It helps companies find markets, new sources of financing and even promote their business.
We have many small businesses in Western New York that could benefit if given the opportunity to expand through a program like this. The success of all Small businesses is key to getting WNY back on its feet economically. Finding new markets for them is going to help them grow and create new jobs locally.
-Michele
August 22nd
Day 23 - New Formula for Aid and Incentives for Municipalities
I recently proposed a resolution calling for the Governor to re-examine the formula by which the Aid to Municipalities was disbursed.
Aid to villages is based on a formula that is over 50 years old. It was based on a dictionary definition back when villages did not provide the services that cities are responsible for such as police, public works and recreation departments in some cases. In the 1990's when the state faced a fiscal crisis, villages took another hit and suffered a decrease in funding. In my district, I can compare the City of Tonawanda to the Village of Kenmore both in population numbers and in geographic area. The disparity of funding between the two shorted the Village of Kenmore by about 1 million dollars. This has nothing to do with Revenue Sharing to Cities. I believe that aid should be based on services provided, not the dictionary definition of the government entity. The villages of Williamsville, Akron and Leroy are also affected by this outdated formula.
As a Senator, I will push to bring this issue to the attention of the State Legislature. The taxpayers in Kenmore could have possibly been saved from a tax increase if the funding was made equal.
-Michele
August 21th
Day 22 - Getting State Forms Online
Everyone hates standing in lines, or waiting to receive important documents that need to be taken care of. Fortunately, technology, especially the internet, has made our lives much easier.
I would like to see all state forms available online to reduce waiting time for people doing business with the state. One example of how the state is still behind on the times is in the Office of the Aging. Meals on Wheels provides a very important service to our senior citizens, but the process in which it gets its funding is very archaic. They still use duplicate forms that need to be processed with an old fashioned type writer.If the forms were available in an electronic format they could be stored in a database, sent by e-mail or printed if a hard copy is needed. This would really steam line and speed up the process.
We are living in the 21st century and we have seen so much convenience added to our life through the internet. Now it is time for state government to step up and do the same.
-Michele
August 20th
Day 21 - The Center for Treatment and Management of Chronic Illnesses
Chronic illness is one of the biggest burdens on the health care system and Medicaid system in NYS. Of all Americans, 50% have chronic illness. In the next 20 years that number is expected to go as high as 80%. It is stated that 20% of patients with chronic illnesses account for 80% of the cost to Medicaid.
That is why I am proposing the need for NYS to create The Center for Treatment and Management of Chronic Illnesses at University at Buffalo.
UB has a great Medical School and with the growing biomedical corridor, UB would be the prefect place to locate the Center. With the creation of a Center to help manage and combat chronic illness, we will not only help lessen the burden on patients, taxpayers and the healthcare system, we will also create new jobs locally.
-Michele
August 19th
Day 20 - Worker and Citizen Response Survey
There is no one who knows better how to improve the services the state provides, than those who use them and those who execute them. We can learn a lot about improving the efficiency and effectiveness from those on the front lines.
I believe that the State should begin conducting thorough and ongoing surveys to improve its services and streamline its operations. State employees from management on down should be surveyed quarterly and there would be a system set up for suggestions.
There should also be surveys presented to the users of state services to find out how they could be improved. We should establish websites and toll free numbers set up for people to offer suggestions.
Too often the people trying to fix the "system" are too unfamiliar with the system to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses or understand how the services are perceived by those who use it every day.
-Michele
August 18th
Day 19 - Mid-Year Budget Hearings
It has been reported that top aides to Gov. Paterson and the state's legislative leaders have come up with about $200 million in cuts from the current budget. While this is not the $600 million being sought by the governor, I hear that additional cuts may be agreed upon before tomorrow's scheduled special budget-cutting session of the Legislature that was called by Gov. Paterson two weeks ago to address massive growing deficits.
Governor Patterson's swift and dramatic response to the fiscal shortfall facing the state was necessary to forestall an economic crisis in this state. My only question is why did it take a near-crisis to cause the state government to look at the books and make cuts-isn't this something that should be done on a continual basis?
We asked and answered this question during my tenure as an Erie County Legislator. There, we have instituted mid-year budget hearings. These sessions allow all departments to report their financial status in order to avoid a near budget crisis. I propose that the State Legislature adopt a similar policy of reviewing the budget mid-year as a matter of course and not await a crisis or near crisis for a re-examination of the budget. Continuous oversight of the budgeted state funds by the legislature is what the public deserves.
-Michele
August 17th
Day 18 - Debt Diet for New York State
Here is a goal we had in Erie County, unfortunately, we have got a bit off track. One of our goals after the disastrous Giambra administration, was to put the county on a debt diet.
The idea of a debt diet is simple, the state will borrow less each year than it did the previous year and it will retire more debt each year than new borrowing it makes. The amount of debt the state carries is a huge burden on the taxpayers, especially when we are already in tough times, this year the state will have to pay $6 billion dollars in debt services.
It is time to stop mortgaging our future for quick fixes to spending gaps. We should only be spending the money we have and not paying this debt on the backs of our children.
-Michele
August 16th
Day 17 - Performance Based Budgeting
I am pleased that Governor Paterson is speaking seriously about cutting State spending. However, it will take more than passing on unfunded state mandates to the local governments. While reducing the number of state employees can help, it is only part of an overall, larger solution.
The State needs to begin performance based budgeting with every department of New York State Government. Reducing spending is hard work. Good government involves a thoughtful process for reducing spending, not simply pushing the cost to another level of government to pay or taking the axe to important services. We need to take a hard look at the goals we are trying to achieve in state government and whether money is being spent effectively to achieve them. New York State realize significant tax savings making sure government is operating efficiently and effectively.
This is the first of a few ideas I will put forth to reduce state spending in ways that don't just involve passing the buck, or taking the axe to important services.
-Michele
August 15th
Day 16 - Gas Sales Tax Cap
Earlier this year In the Erie County Legislature, I proposed a measure which would have capped the counties sales tax portion collected from gas at $3 dollars per gallon. However, it was feared that any reduction in the sales tax would not be passed down from the distributor to the consumer. I have revised my proposal for gas tax relief which takes into account those concerns. I propose that the sales tax that is collected from "per-gallon gas sales" over two dollars would be divided between two new dedicated funds.
The first fund would be dedicated to the promotion and expansion of public transportation in New York State. The second fund would be devoted to creating a center for alternative energy at the University at Buffalo.
So instead of allowing windfall taxes collected on gasoline to go into the pockets of the oil companies, a portion of the gas sales tax money will be devoted to fighting our dependence on oil.
-Michele
August 14th
Day 15 - Lobbying Ban for former Legislators
Just yesterday recently-resigned Republican Senate Majority Leader registered as a lobbyist. Because of present laws, Bruno is banned from directly lobbying the legislature for two years, but former Senator Bruno told an Albany newspaper that he plans to "interact" with the agencies comprising the executive branch to further the interests of clients of CMA Consulting, the corporation of which he is now CEO.
I propose banning all former state legislators from acting as lobbyists or from "interecting" with either the legislature or the executive branch agencies for a period of one year after they leave office, and for a period of two years if the former legislator was in a leadership capacity with the legislature. The two year ban would include those who formerly occupied the position of Assembly Speaker, Assembly Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority leader.
The legislature enacts laws and rules which apply to the agencies of the executive branch. For example, in 2007, the legislature enacted sweeping changes affecting Workers' Compensation, an executive branch agency. It would appear to me to be a conflict of interest for Joe Bruno, a man with considerable influence and fresh political connections, to be able to "interact" with that agency at this early point in his post-legislative career. While Joe Bruno's party was in the majority, the State Senate had the ability to influence the appointees to that and other agencies. It would appear to me that interacting with executive branch agencies is fraught with conflicts when the contacts with the former legislator occur so soon after the legislator leaves his elected Albany post.
I want to try, one step at a time, to eliminate the conflicts of interests which have made Albany so dysfunctional. Joe Bruno's new job and registration as a lobbyist should be a wake-up call to the citizens of New York.
-Michele
August 13th
Day 14 - Eliminating Sales Tax on Essentials
While there is no sales tax on food in New York State, families need more than just food to survive. It is time to remove the sales tax on other items that are essential to our families and put more money back in their pockets.
We can start out by removing the sales tax on various hygiene based products like toilet paper, soap, tooth brushes and tooth paste. Our goal should be the eventual elimination of all sales tax on the basic utility bills that everyone pays - electric power and heating.
Families are facing the toughest times that they've seen in a while, we need to make sure that we make the burden on them as little as possible.
-Michele
August 12th
Day 13 - Bus passes for State Employees
Now, more than ever we need to be encouraging the use of public transportation. As government leaders we should offer our employees free bus passes to get to and from the work place.
With any "clean and green" energy initiative, there is always an upfront cost and some people may be skeptical about what might seem to be a costly benefit for public employees. With this initiative, in the long run, there are many benefits to the taxpayers.
It would mean less cars on the roads, a reduction in congestion, less wear and tear on the roads and a lower demand for gas. It puts more money back into the local economy, keeps money out of the pockets of the big oil companies and reduces our carbon foot print.
-Michele
August 11th
Day 12 - Computerize Doctor's Prescription Orders
There are always jokes about the famously illegible handwriting, of doctors. Unfortunately, it is no laughing matter, because the poor handwriting can lead to mistakes in prescriptions for patients, with serious consequences to innocent people.
This article from Science Daily, shows that up to 61% of mistakes in medication are due to illegible handwriting and transcription errors. However, in hospitals that have moved to computerized systems errors dropped by 66%.
According to the article, just 9% of hospitals have computerized systems, and the cost of the system is the reason for not doing so. That is why New York State should offer incentives to hospitals and other medical facilities that upgrade to a computerized system for prescriptions. Prevention of such mistakes occuring is much cheaper and safer than the cure for them after they are made.
We need to bring the cost of health care under control and eliminating needless burdens on the system like errors from poor handwriting is a critical part of the plan.
-Michele
August 10th
Day 11 - The Continuation of Health Insurance Coverage for Divorced Single Parents
Here is an issue that has affected me personally. When I was divorced, I was left with only two options regarding the health care coverage that I was receiving from my then husband's employer.
One, was to pay to retain the same coverage as the group plan by way of the COBRA law which was an expensive option for a single plan. The other was to simply go without health care insurance. That meant as a single parent I now had to choose between food for myself and my son or having health care coverage. This issue affects many single parents, besides me.
We need to change the insurance law to allow divorced persons who were previously covered under their spouse's plan, to remain under that plan for up to 3 years. This would permit them to not only continue having health insurance coverage but to allow them time to get back on their feet emotionally and financially. Divorces cause enough stress and financial burden on families. Former spouse shouldn't also need to bear the burden of losing their health insurance as well.
Often, such a newly divorced spouse is also the primary custodian of children. While the law has tried to ensure that the children of divorce don't suffer a loss of health insurance as a result of divorce, nothing has been done for the parent. Without such coverage, a parent may realize significant health and financial suffering, if he/she cannot afford to replace the lost family coverage. Ultimately the children's caregiver and the public (if the uninsured costs are absorbed by the taxpayer) bear the cost of this lack of coverage.
At a time when we are all concerned about making certain that all persons have access to health insurance coverage, this is a logical and financially sound method of doing so.
-Michele
August 9th
Day 10 - Energy Efficient Appliances for the State
Here is another idea that we passed in the Erie County Legislature. Last year we passed a local law that required that all appliances purchased with taxpayer dollars to be Energy Star compliant.
Energy Star is a federal program that promotes energy efficient products. Energy Star products cut energy costs and greenhouse gases.
Requiring all State agencies and State colleges and universities in New York to buy only Energy Star compliant appliances would be an important part of a larger plan to reduce New York State government’s energy consumption. Less energy consumption means less cost to the taxpayer, a smaller carbon footprint and cut the demand for energy.
-Michele
August 8th
Day 9 - Downsizing the State Senate
In 2002 the Republicans decided to increase the size of the State Senate from 61 to 62 Senators. The Republicans were worried about their majority and wanted to pad it, and leave taxpayers foot the bill.
Over the last six years, between the salary for a Senator, their staff, their offices, and perks, the taxpayers have been stuck with a bill in the $1 million dollar range. $1 million dollars all for blatantly partisan purposes.
At a time when the subject of reducing the size of government is at the forefront of many issues it is time to roll the Senate back to 61 members.
-Michele
August 7th
Day 8 - Reward Doctors for Quality Care
I know as well as anyone how the mistakes of doctors can have serious consequences. Last year my son had to have his appendix removed. During his surgery, a mistake was made which caused him to need hospitalization for three weeks. Fortunately we have health insurance.
New York should start a pilot program with Medicaid to reward doctors that provide high quality care to patients. Medicaid is one of the biggest burden on taxpayers, so ensuring those who need it receive high quality care that prevent repeat visits can reduce costs to the Medicaid system.
We also need to help Bridges to Excellence, an independent program operating in parts of New York, expand statewide. BtE rates and pays doctors for the quality of their care. We don't want government to get in the way of a successful program, but we can offer them help to expand. With tax incentives for companies and health care providers who join the program, we can create a successful public/private venture.
With healthcare costs out of control, preventing the increased burden on the system caused by poor quality care is an important first step.
-Michele
August 6th
Day 7 - Campaign Finance Reform
New York has some of the weakest campaign finance laws in the country. It is clear that the system is broken, here are my ideas to help fix it.
1)Eliminate the soft money loophole that allows unlimited contributions to party housekeeping accounts.
2)Reduce the amount an individual may contribute to a party committee from $94,000 to $50,000.
3)Increase the penalty for failure to file campaign reports; raise the fine from $500 to $2,000 and make failure to file a continuing penalty with the fine increasing every 30 days.
4)Require corporations to file reports on all contributions made.
5)Impose civil fines on any committee/candidate accepting amounts in excess of the maximum contribution and on contributors for making donations in excess of the maximum allowed.
These are an important first step in closing loopholes, increasing penalties and making enforcement easier.
-Michele
August 5th
Day 6 - Term Limits
This is not a new idea, but it is one that I have been a proponent of since I got involved in government. Simply put, if you keep electing the same people, you are going to keep getting the same results.
I am proposing, just like I did in the County Legislature, that the members of the State Legislature be limited to serving 12 years in office. All of the State's Constitutional offices, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller would be bound to the 12 year limit as well.
The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, not career politicians. Term limits will help remove the out of touch career politicians and make room for new faces with new ideas.
As you know the idea of term limits scares the career politicians. So whether or not I can get term limits legislation passed, I pledge to only serve 12 years in the State Senate. If in that amount of time I can't make the real changes I want to as a legislator, it will be time for me to move on or go home.
-Michele
August 4th
Day 5 - Green Standards for Public Buildings
Here is an issue I have discussed often while on the campaign trail and that is something I am very proud to have been one of the main sponsors of in the County Legislature. In 2007 we passed a local law requiring that the construction and renovation of County buildings be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Standards.
One of the first pieces of legislation I will sponsor as a State Senator will be to require that construction and renovation of State buildings be built to LEED standards.
As I have emphasized before on this blog, I believe it is important for government to be a leader in energy conservation. If the government is asking the taxpayers to cut back on energy usage, government should act first. Also by cutting demand we can lower skyrocketing energy prices.
-Michele
August 3rd
Day 4 - The Creation of a Tri-Hi-Tech Corridor
Upstate New York needs to focus on our strengths that will help get our economy moving again. That is why I am proposing the designation of the metro areas of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to become the Tri-Hi-Tech Corridor.
Locally, we have seen growth in the high tech, biomedical industry. Respectively, Rochester and Syracuse have seen similar success with pharmaceuticals combined with military research and development. There is already a highly educated workforce in the area and numerous universities are graduating students to further fill these types of jobs.
A High Tech Development "Czar" position would be created, tasking the Empire State Development Corporation with promoting the Corridor. The focus of each city would be their present strength, Biomedical companies would be centered in Buffalo, pharmaceuticals in Rochester and Military R&D in Syracuse. There would be a focus on ensuring that the present tax credits available for high tech businesses are fully utilized, creating new tax credits to foster increased cooperation between businesses and local universities. This would include the expansion of local educational and work force development opportunities.
-Michele
August 2st
Day 3 - Property Tax breaks for Companies investing in Research and Development
Here is another idea that I wanted to push on the county level, but was unable to because counties can only pass laws that are already created and passed on the State level.
I want to create a law that would partner with the existing Qualified Emerging Technology Incentive Program. QETC, as it is known, gives companies that invest in Research and Development tax credits. My law would allow counties to eliminate some or all property tax on companies that qualifiy for QETC.
Research and Development creates high paying 21st century jobs. We have seen the growth of high tech jobs here in the Buffalo Medical Corridor. These property tax breaks will allow us to compete for even more R&D based jobs. We have the educated workforce, our Buffalo metropolitan area is near the top in graduating scientists and engineers per capita. Now we need to be more competitive in creating the jobs to keep the graduates here.
-Michele
August 1st
Day 2 - Sales tax reduction on Hybrid Cars
It is time we started rewarding those who aim to reduce our dependence on oil. That is why I am proposing a sales tax break on the purchase of hybrid cars.
This is actually an idea I came up with a few months ago and wanted to pass on the county level. Unfortunately because of Albany's restrictive laws, Counties are not allowed to reduce sales tax, or property tax for that matter, without a law being passed by the State Legislature.
We can use the tax code to encourage New Yorkers to buy cars that will help cut the demand for gas and reduce the emissions polluting our air. We all know that prices are based on supply and demand, and by reducing the demand for gas we can help cut the prices.
-Michele
July 31st
Day 1 - Turn off the Computers
This isn't a new idea for me, but I still think it is a great one. Earlier this month I proposed a resolution calling on Erie County to adopt a new policy to deal with its computers. Believe it or not Erie County had no policy for turning off computers after work hours, except that computers should be rebooted twice a week.
My resolution suggested that Erie County adopt a smart computing policy, by requiring employees to turn off their computers when they left work, shut down their monitors when they would be gone from their desk for more than 20 minutes, and enabling power saving features that employees presently could not use.
My research showed that by following these simply steps, the County could save up to $100 a year on each of its 4000 computers, or $400,000 yearly. The County took an important first step last week, following my suggestions, by now requiring employees to turn off their computers on the weekends.
Now I want to make this policy on the state level. We have the opportunity to save the taxpayers millions on the state level while being a leader on energy conservation. Besides saving the taxpayers money directly, the decrease in energy use will help cut demand and pass savings on to energy consumers as well.
I've always believed that government needs to be lean and green, and that's why I'll keep pushing this proposal.
-Michele
July 30th
Welcome to the 40 ideas in 40 days blog
I started this blog as an outlet to talk about real ideas to make Western New York and all of New York State a better place. I've been so busy out campaigning door to door I haven't had as much time to embrace critical new mediums like the internet and blogging as I had hoped to.
Just like most other people, I can get frustrated with the coverage of politics by traditional media, there is too much focus on fundraising and polls, who's ahead, who's behind. My goal with this blog is to bring my idea driven agenda directly to the voters.
For the next forty days, up until Primary Day, I will be offering a new idea each day. Some will be big ideas, some will be small ideas, but they will all be ideas aimed at getting us back on the right track, changing the way New York does business and making this an even better place to live.
Feel free to send me your feedback!
-Michele
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