Suburban Street News

Links:

Congresswoman Nita Lowey Hears Concerns of Business Leaders and Health Providers on Proposed House and Senate Health Care Reform Legislation

Lack of Regulation of Health Insurers, Tort Reform, Potential Negative Impact on Small Businesses and Health Providers Voiced During Roundtable Discussion Requested by Lowey

WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 7, 2010) Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-18 th) heard concerns about the proposed health care reform legislation that is being debated by the U.S. Congress during a roundtable discussion today with a cross representation of the business community and health providers. The Congresswoman requested The Westchester County Association (WCA)—the area’s leading business advocacy group—to arrange the meeting.

The meeting marked the second time Congresswoman Lowey has sought input from WCA members on the proposed national healthcare legislation. The WCA has taken a leadership position over the past four years in seeking health insurance reform in New York State.

While participants agreed that providing health insurance for the uninsured and ending pre-existing conditions for heath coverage were commendable and long overdue positive steps, some of the provisions in the current House and Senate bills were problematic. Among the key points and recommendations made were:

The proposed cuts in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements will pose a serious threat to hospitals, physicians and other health providers in Westchester
The requirement that small businesses with an annual payroll of more than $500,000 provide coverage to their employees will pose a serious impact on the financial health of some firms that have not been able to afford health insurance. Congress instead should be looking at incentives to help small businesses grow and contribute to the economy
A regulatory body similar to the Federal Reserve that oversees the banking industry should be established to monitor the health insurance industry
Health insurance companies should be made accountable for the services that they provide
Medical malpractice insurance reform is critical to make it affordable for physicians to provide services and to help assure that access to care will be uniform throughout the country. Currently, those states like Texas that have passed liability reform have attracted a large migration of physicians.

As the lawmakers are now finalizing the bill, Congresswoman Lowey urged the group of 25 participants to e-mail their comments to her at the earliest.

The Westchester County Association (www.westchester.org) is the preeminent business membership organization in Westchester County. The Association is committed to business advocacy, economic vitality and to providing a strong and clear voice for the interests of businesses on the regional, national and international levels. Its key objectives are: promoting positive economic development in the region; fostering business development; and providing its members with access and interaction with key public and private sector individuals, agencies and organizations.

Women's Council of Realtors installs a new president - the same as last year's!

As a testament to its popularity with female Realtors and the affiliates who support them, its president Toni Chrystal accepted yet another year's term as president of Women's Council of Realtors, Empire Chapter, on Wednesday November 18 at the Westchester Hills Country Club in White Plains. Toni's twin sister Terri Crozier became treasurer. Myriam Ramos was president elect/vice president and Carol Christiansen, VP of membership and Debra Boccarossa, Secretary. Catherine Favara, New York State President of Women's council, installed the Governing Board.

Long before the almost nightly networking gatherings that characterize the Westchester landscape, there was Women's Council, an organization that celebrates the empowerment and professional development of female and male Realtors. In fact they began in 1938! Because the past years have been so difficult for Realtor business, agents brokers and managers can feel better about themselves when they see their friends and people who have a shared commitment to self-improvement. Just think how ready they will be, how empowered, when the market does pick up. Although its immediate likelihood seems doubtful, its past history of cyclical improvement is inevitable.

The mission statement of WCR is "We are a network of successful Realtors empowering women and men to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders" Nationally a network of around 16,000 committed real estate professionals are ready to put their knowledge, expertise and connections to work for every client they serve. There are also 300 local and state chapters. To help them in developing their potential, an assortment of sponsors have supported this mission , from mortgage companies to attorneys, from contractors to decorating centers and title companies, and more.

In addition to the supportive sponsors, there are also office ambassadors, whose role it is to tell as many people as they can about the benefits of Women's Council. This must have worked this year, because this Empire Chapter won the award for Recruitment and Retention for 82 members! President Chrystal was only too glad to go to Chicago to collect the award.

"A Gift Of Art"

Holiday Show and Boutique

at the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild from November 27 to January 2, 2009

The Mamaroneck Artists Guild will celebrate the 2009 holiday season with its annual show and boutique, “A Gift of Art,” will run from November 27th 2009 through January 2^nd 2010. The selective gift buyer can choose from an abundance of beautiful and affordable works of art, in a variety of media, as well as exquisite boutique items, including jewelry, textiles, scarves, holiday decorations, and other crafts. There will be a Gala Reception on December 4^th from 5.00-7.00pm. (Snow Date: December 10th, 5-7pm).

Regular Gallery hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, noon to 5pm.