Politics on the Hudson

   The Senate gave final passage Monday to legislation that would require any hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit to offer flu vaccine to the parents and caregivers of newborns in the NICU. The vote was unanimous. The bill passed the Assembly Tuesday (June 2) and now goes to Gov. David Paterson for consideration.

   Newborns cannot be vaccinated, and flu mortality is greatest for infants younger than 6 months. The flu vaccine is recommended for health-care providers, caretakers and family members.

   “We have taken an important step toward preventing influenza infections among one of our most vulnerable populations, infants,” Senate Health Committee Chairman Thomas Duane, D-Manhattan, said in a statement. He was the bill’s lead sponsor in the Senate.

   The vaccinations would be offered to family members and caretakers before leaving the hospital. “The legislation will help save lives and prevent many babies from developing lifelong disabilities that could be caused by the flu,” said Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, D-Mamaroneck.

   Also Monday, the Senate passed a bill to allow municipalities to increase property-tax breaks for Cold War veterans without needing the Legislature to pass “home-rule” legislation that would permit the larger tax breaks. Under current law, Cold War veterans are not eligible for the same property-tax breaks as other combat veterans.

   The legislation, which passed the Senate unamimously, is under consideration in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

   “It is only right to show our appreciation to the men and women who so valiantly serve our nation any way we can,” said Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers. “While increasing property-tax exemptions is only a small token of thanks, it may mean the difference between having or not having an affordable place to live and raise a family.”