Starting Monday, thousands of more New York families will be eligible for low-cost health insurance, Gov. David Paterson announced today.

The income limit for a family of four is going from $44,000 to $70,000 for the taxpayer-subsidized program. Monthly premiums range from $9 to $40 per child. People who don’t qualify for a subsidy can enroll and pay the full cost, $156 per month per child.

Hiking the limit is costing taxpayers about $25 million, according to the state Budget Division. The overall cost of the program is $716 million. The federal government pays about half of that.
Information on how to apply is available at www.nyhealth.gov/nysdoh/chplus, or by calling 1-800-698-4543.

   Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, chairman of the state Commission on Property Tax Relief, will visit Rockland County Wednesday as part of his statewide campaign for a cap on school taxes. He will give a presentation to the Rockland Business Association on the findings of the state commission this spring.

   The commission recommended that the growth in school property taxes be capped at 4 percent a year. It also called for reducing state mandates and tying taxes to a percentage of household income. Gov. David Paterson has been promoting the 4 percent cap. The GOP-controlled Senate passed legislation this summer to do that, but the Democrat-led Assembly did not.

   The presentation is 12:30 pm. Wednesday at the Rockland Country Club, 380 Route 9W, Sparkill.

NOW PAC Chair Kim Gandy called John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his ticket-mate
“a cynical effort to appeal to disappointed Hillary Clinton voters and get them to vote, ultimately, against their own self-interest.”

“Gov. Palin may be the second woman vice-presidential candidate on a major party ticket, but she is not the right woman. Sadly, she is a woman who opposes women’s rights, just like John McCain,” she continued.

“The fact that Palin is a mother of five who has a 4-month-old baby, a woman who is juggling work and family responsibilities, will speak to many women. But will Palin speak FOR women? Based on her record and her stated positions, the answer is clearly No.”

Here’s the take of The Daily Show on the DNC hagiography of nominee Barack Obama:

The McCain campaign just put out the transcript of the remarks by Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin today at the vice presidential ticket announcement. Here’s the part where she makes her blatant appeal to women:

“Profiles in courage, they can be hard to come by these days. You know, so often we just find them in books. But next week when we nominate John McCain for president, we’re putting one on the ballot!

“To serve as vice president beside such a man would be the privilege of a lifetime, and it’s fitting that this trust has been given to me 88 years almost to the day after the women of America first gained the right to vote.

“I think as well today of two other women who came before me in national elections. I can’t begin this great effort without honoring the achievements of Geraldine Ferraro in 1984, and, of course, Senator Hillary Clinton, who showed such determination and grace in her presidential campaign.

“It was rightly noted in Denver this week that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America. But it turns out the women of America aren’t finished yet, and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all. “

Republican Kieran Lalor, who wants to unseat Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, had this to say about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin joining McCain’s ticket:

“Gov. Palin is the tough, reform-minded choice that the Republican Party needs,” said Lalor. “Gov. Palin challenged and changed Alaska’s culture of corruption and I am confident that she will bring that same spirit of reform to Washington. Republicans in Washington have lost their way, but Gov. Palin’s nomination shows that the culture of corruption is on the run.”

“I’ve been blessed to have the support of the remarkable women in my life, with my wife, mother, sisters and daughters. John McCain will be a better leader with the addition of Gov. Palin’s strong character.”

Although Sen. John McCain has chosen a woman as his running mate on the GOP presidential ticket, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn’t pleased.

Pelosi, a California Democrat, has issued a statement criticizing McCain for choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin saying it “raises serious questions about his judgment.”

“Why, when the country is fighting two wars, facing an uncertain economy and an energy crisis, did Sen. McCain make the choice that he did?’’ Pelosi asked. “Why, with so many other qualified women and men in his party, did John McCain choose Sarah Palin? Sarah Palin is not the right choice. She shares John McCain’s commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade and continuing George Bush’s failed economic policies.’’

(AP photo from today’s VP announcement.)

Politicians are wont to note the upcoming anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s strike on the Gulf Coast. But perhaps none have done it in as – um – unusual a way as Kieran Lalor, the Republican running for Congress against U.S. Rep. John Hall, whose campaign put out a press release last night titled, “Hurricane Katrina’s Hero.”

The hero? Him. And he’s available for interviews about it. (It should be noted I have no reason to doubt the facts in the email, which I’ll post here:

As another Hurricane bears down upon the Gulf of Mexico, possibly hitting New Orleans like Hurricane Katrina did three years ago, this week-end, 19th Congressional District candidate Kieran M. Lalor recalls how he quietly organized a group of fellow Marines to leave on a 1,400-mile overnight journey to reach the people of New Orleans.

While our elected officials bickered in Washington, Lalor, along with two fellow Marine Reservists, drove quickly through the night to New Orleans to help rescue people from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Lalor’s reserve unit was not activated; rather he and two Marine buddies merely acted upon their training, initiative and need to serve. Once in New Orleans the Marines met with local Metropolitan Police and the National Guard and assisted in the search and rescue for five days.

“Because of the way the country rallied behind New York after 9-11, we felt the compelling need to help our fellow Americans in New Orleans, Lalor said.

For his efforts Lalor was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The citation reads in part: Corporal Lalor conducted numerous rescue missions by land and water working from dawn until dusk. “Corporal Lalor’s initiative and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Lalor’s efforts shine as an example of exemplary strength of character and dedication to his country. His story is compelling and reflects a man comfortable making decisions and getting the job done. If you would like to interview Kieran Lalor please contact Campaign Spokesperson – Chris Covucci at (deleted).

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, opted for a statement in which she said “too many are still struggling and waiting for the help that they have been promised and deserved.”

Full text after the jump: Read more of this entry »

President Bush is describing Sen. John McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as “an exciting decision.’‘Bush called it “yet another example of why the American people can trust him to make wise decisions. and to confidently lead this country.’‘ 

“Gov. Palin is a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government,’’ Bush said in a press statement.”Gov. Palin’s success is due to her dedication to principle and her roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and serves as a wonderful example of the spirit of America.  By selecting a working mother with a track record of getting things done, Sen. McCain has once again demonstrated his commitment to reforming Washington.’‘

Her first son is named Track, her husband is a champion snowmobiler, and her diet includes moose and caribou. The Wall Street Journal – in a display of near-perfect timing – has put up an excerpt of an upcoming magazine story they planned to run on Sarah Palin that contains those facts and more. Check it out here.(AP photo)