Politics on the Hudson

Gov. David Paterson mixed in a few vetoes with approvals of dozens of new laws in recent days. Three of the bills were sponsored by Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City. They would have:

  —Created a housing waiting list for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. It is unknown just how many people in this population are in need of affordable housing, and the legislation would have helped determine that.

  —Required the state to undertake a study on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders. (The governor vetoed this and another bill on autism, saying they would be costly and duplicate efforts already underway by the state.)

  —Established a task force to study and make recommendations on for employment, staffing ratios, the use of overtime, employee retention, training and whistleblower protectoins in the mental hygiene system.

   Other bills Paterson said no to would have:

    —Permitted a one one-year waiver of the state registration fee for professional fundraisers who complete a class in the law and ethics of fundraising. The bill was vetoed last year by now-former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

  —Created a women’s rights history trail in the state to promote tourism and education about the involvement of New York women in securing the right to vote for their gender. The state’s historic landmarks related to this chapter in history include the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, the Elizabeth Stanton House in Seneca Falls and Carrie Chapman Catt’s home in New Rochelle.

  —Allowed civil service employees who have a disability resulting from an on-the-job injury to take a leave of absence of up to 18 months. 

  —Allowed volunteer firefighters to serve in more than one volunteer fire department at a time.

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