Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Susan Zimet for State Senate Fights for Veterans Health

On Thursday, October 26th, Ulster County Legislator and Democratic candidate for New York State Senate Susan Zimet will be holding a press conference to pressure Governor Pataki to sign an important bill for veterans. New York Assembly Bill A. 9116 and State Senate Bill S. 696 provide veterans with the best testing and medical treatment for exposure to hazardous materials, especially depleted uranium (DU).

The DU bill was passed in both houses in June. The bill has been held by the Senate Republicans for three months?it has not been sent to the Governor to sign. In the meantime, veterans have been suffering from respiratory problems, muscle pain, and migraines. Some of their children have been born with severe birth defects. Why hasn't this bill been sent to the Governor to be signed? Why has this testing and treatment been withheld from our veterans?

Susan Zimet sponsored a similar bill in her county last year. She then urged the bill to be passed on to the state level. She worked with Jeffrey Dinowitz to introduce the bill into the State Assembly. In February, she spoke at a press conference for Dinowitz, saying, "We have a lot of soldiers who are coming home incredibly sick. They are asking us to help them in their fight to get the federal government to follow their own protocols for treatment of our returning veterans. What's happening is not fair--it goes against everything we believe in." She has made veterans heath one of her priorities, and this bill is very important to us.

The press conference will feature Susan Zimet and other keynote speakers. But in order to make this press conference a success, we need to have a strong showing of support. The Senate Republicans must release this bill for Governor Pataki to sign. Join us on Thursday as we urge the Republican leadership to stop sitting on this bill and move it forward.

Join us on Thursday, October 26, at 10:00 AM
The New Paltz Town Hall
1 Veterans Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this event, please call Devon Elliman at 845-255-2369 or send an email to delliman@spitzer2006.com.

I wrote Mrs Zimet a letter suporting her efforts with this legislation and her Campaign called me today and wanted to see if we the CWVA could send a representative to the press conference. If anyone would like to represent us at this media event that would be great. I cannot attend its 6 hour drive from my house and I just do not have the resources to do it. If we could get someone to attend it is a great opportunity to for us to make our voices heard. Free Publicity is always nice and we could also maybe get the ear of some politicians for the CWVM while we are there.

If anyone is interested and can make it there let me know and I can RSVP them. If not maybe we can put together a letter or proclamation for the event.

Call me. 716 708-6416

Sean Eagan
New York State Director
Cold War Veterans Association

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