Government

Skoufis Responds to Polio Case in Orthodox Community, Calls on State DOH to Require Polio Vaccine be Administered to Every Rockland County Resident

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“The announcement by the New York State and Rockland County Departments of Health that a resident has contracted polio is jarring given it is the first such naturally-occurring case our country has seen in over 40 years. According to reports, the patient is an unvaccinated resident of the Orthodox community.

“Earlier today, I was briefed by the Department of Health. I thank the state and county public health teams who are fully engaged – it is paramount we must take every meaningful action available to us in order to protect ourselves from any further spread of this dangerous virus.

“With that goal front-and-center, I am calling on the New York State Department of Health to require every Rockland County resident currently unvaccinated against polio be administered the series of shots. Similar imperatives were enacted – and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court – as states fought smallpox in the early 20th century. The polio vaccine is proven, safe, and time-tested: today’s news out of the Orthodox community requires this same, decisive action.

“Additionally, I am calling on the Department of Health to allocate whatever resources are necessary to expeditiously contact trace the virus and, in coordination with the Department of Education, review Rockland County school compliance with polio vaccine requirements – and bring the full force of the law down on those who have skirted these requirements. Some Ramapo yeshivas in Rockland County have a history of non-compliance with the state’s vaccine laws; proactive, additional enforcement is required in light of today’s news.

“In the year 2022, it is hard to believe we are talking about a polio case in our backyard yet, given the extremity of the situation, a proportional response is absolutely warranted and necessary to safeguard the community. Polio has been eradicated from the United States for decades. Today’s alarming news requires us to utilize every tool at our disposal in order to ensure we stop this virus in its tracks and eradicate it once more.”

Reichlin-Melnick Issues Statement on Discovery of Polio in Rockland County

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“I want to thank the Rockland County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health for their efforts to quickly identify and contain the first case of polio in the USA since 2013 right here in our county. Based on their investigation, it is believed that the case originated in a location outside of the USA. At these times, I am grateful to have the very best public health professionals on the local and state levels.

Polio is a serious but preventable virus. Those who are vaccinated, including all who have had their polio vaccine as part of the required immunization schedule for schoolchildren, are at lower risk of contracting polio. If you are not already vaccinated, I encourage you to refer to the public health authorities and schedule a vaccination appointment as soon as you can, either at your healthcare provider or at one of the county-run clinics as early as tomorrow.”

Skoufis, Bar Owners, Advocates Call on Governor to Sign Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation

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Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and representatives from the Orange County Tavern & Restaurant Association and Fearless! gathered Tuesday at the Captain’s Table in Monroe to call on the Governor to sign Skoufis’ legislation (S.7360). The measure, advanced in both chambers this year, would require State Liquor Authority (SLA) bartender training programs to incorporate human trafficking awareness and reporting guidance in their curricula.

According to data collected by the National Human Trafficking Hotline, New York is the fourth most active state in terms of reported instances of human trafficking–behind California, Texas, and Florida–with calls from trafficking victims and survivors steadily rising in recent years. Those involved in the hospitality and tourism sector, such as hotel, airline, and bar workers, are uniquely positioned to encounter instances of trafficking given the transient nature of the industry. Skoufis’ legislation would require all 34 bartending courses currently recognized by the SLA to incorporate human trafficking awareness and reporting into their training.

“So much of what happens in the shadowy world of human trafficking is able to continue because those in proximity to it don’t have the tools to adequately identify and report these abuses,” said Skoufis. “My legislation will empower bar employees all over the state to spot and stop this inhumane exploitation, most frequently committed against vulnerable young women and girls. I urge the Governor to immediately sign this measure into law.”

“I want to commend Senator Skoufis for his efforts in this space,” said Orange County Tavern & Restaurant Association President and fellow pub owner Tommy O’Toole. “Speaking as a local tavern owner, safety is paramount. This measure is another step we can collectively take to protect the wellbeing of all of our patrons. I look forward to the Governor signing this important bill, and to making sure our members and their employees are appropriately informed and prepared to address instances of human trafficking.”

“This is a no-brainer in so many ways,” added Fearless! Executive Director Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier. “We frequently get calls from folks in the trenches asking, I think I’ve witnessed human trafficking, what are the next steps I can take? Bartenders are in a unique position to intervene since they’re interfacing with so many different people through their work, and this critical legislation could lead to a lifetime of healing and recovery for victims of trafficking.” 

Watch the event here: https://fb.watch/emH_cxahMl/

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