Public Affairs & Government Relations
Case Study
New York State Senator Greg Ball (R, 40th District-Westchester/Putnam)
That's me on the right :)
As Communications Director for New York State Senator Greg Ball (R, 40th
District), I organized and promoted the Senator’s Homeland Security hearing held on
Friday April 8, 2011, and lead in securing over 25 members of the press to attend the event, which resulted in massive local, national and
international media attention and exposure. Over 15 panelists testified on a range of homeland security topics from communication, police, preparedness and religion.
Media from the event:
Media from the event:
Select Video Links
The homeland security hearing in its entirety can be seen HERE or watch it below.
For additional media coverage of the event see:
Fox 5 NY YNN News 12 WPIX 11
Interview with Kaity Tong day before the hearing (WPIX 11)
The homeland security hearing in its entirety can be seen HERE or watch it below.
For additional media coverage of the event see:
Fox 5 NY YNN News 12 WPIX 11
Interview with Kaity Tong day before the hearing (WPIX 11)
"On The Ball" – Press Releases
I wrote and edited press releases, updated websites and social media for New York State Senator Greg Ball.
March 2011 press releases on Ball4NY.com April 2011 press releases on Ball4NY.com
March 2011 press releases on Ball4NY.com April 2011 press releases on Ball4NY.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2011
CHAIRMAN BALL: “OUR SOFT UNDERBELLY IS NOT SECURE”
FIRST CRITICAL HOMELAND SECURITY HEARING HELD ON APRIL 8, 2011
(appeared on the NY State Senate website and Ball4NY website)
New York, NY (April 9, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess), called on a panel of experts to testify at a public hearing on Friday titled, "To Consider Opportunities to Improve New York State’s Homeland Security Operations and How Far We Have Come Since September 11, 2001.” Unveiled at the hearing, were bombshell revelations about key New York landmarks and possible terrorist targets that lack proper security almost 10 years after 9/11.
Senator Ball, Chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee was joined by U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-New York), and six New York State Senators, Senator Jack Martins (R-7th District), Senator Joseph Griffo (R-47thDistrict), Senator Lee Zeldin (R-3rd District), Senator Thomas O’Mara (R-53rd District), Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-15th District) and Senator Eric Adams (D-20th District). Over 15 speakers testified and over 25 members of the press attended the hearing.
Key homeland security representatives and experts spoke about a number of critical issues from transportation, police, communications, and religion. U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-New York) applauded Senator Ball’s efforts in bringing these issues into the public forum. “Senator Ball has performed a tremendous public service in holding today’s hearing. He is reminding New Yorkers of how real the al-Qaeda threat is, how much more work needs to be done and how we must remain extremely vigilant and never back down to political correctness,” said King.
The most revealing testimony came from Robert Morris, Vice President, Port Authority PBA, on communication problems. Robert Morris’ redacted testimony, given to Senator Ball and committee members, includes possible terrorist targets. Senator Ball believes the public and lawmakers need to understand what these vulnerabilities are in order to solve these problems.
Communication problems include emergency personnel between different departments not being able to speak with one another and the inability to communicate because of radio signal problems. “The officer carries a radio on his belt but he might as well be wearing a brick,” said Morris.
“This hearing was critically important to investigate a wide range of topics. We now have clear direction as a committee and some imperative deliverables to follow up on. The revelation of lack of security for the JFK AirTrain that runs right under the international terminal was a huge eye opener, but that’s just one scary example. Further testimony indicated that a single roadway with access under the Port Authority Bus Terminal, previously guarded, is now unmanned and unsecured. Now is not the time to point fingers, but it is certainly time to fix the damn problem,” said Senator Ball.
“We have front line, rank and file troops unable to communicate. Forget about interoperability, which was a dictate of the 9-11 Commission; we are talking about complete inoperability! This is nearly a decade after 9-11 and the same ‘bugs’ in our communications systems that cost lives still exist. Let us remember that these system errors cost many brave souls their lives on 9-11,” said Senator Ball. “We do not live in the middle of America; we live in New York, and the federal government has spent billions of dollars on Homeland Security in places at much lower security risk. If this issue is not resolved before the 10 year anniversary of 9-11, we should be ashamed. This is an aberration of power at the highest of levels.”
Another critical concern is how safe our nuclear energy plants are. Indian Point was built to withstand various combinations of natural disasters, and improvements since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have strengthened the nuclear plant's defenses, security officials told the Committee.
"Nuclear power stations are the most hardened facilities in the United States," Dan Gagnon, Indian Point Coordinator of Security said. "It's essentially an industrial setting inside a military installation during wartime activity."
Senator Ball will join Senator Maziarz and Senator Carlucci for a tour of Indian Point on Thursday April 14th. A public hearing will follow titled “Public Hearing: To examine contingency plans for the Indian Point Power Plant in case of a natural disaster, as well as to assess the overall impact of the facility on the reliability of the electrical grid and the local economy.”
Senator Ball and the committee members welcome discussion on both sides of the issues discussed at the hearing to understand how to improve Homeland Security. Senator Golden said, “This is about homeland security and the future of the city and this state to make sure that we’re safe.” Additionally, Senator Zeldin said, “I’m very grateful that this hearing took place and that Chairman Ball have all of you here.”
“Through these hearings, which are the first of a series, I hope we can look back and see real progress. We have made improvements, but we still have a soft underbelly that makes us vulnerable and in the current environment, no threat can be taken lightly,” Senator Ball said. “The passage of time seems to have lulled many of us into a sense of complacency, and the opiate of poor memory is no virtue when it comes to Homeland Security. The very fact that we have learned that command staffing is so slim that key targets like the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel lack basic protection, should shake to the core any New Yorker. This must be fixed immediately.” Senator Ball said.
The hearing is a first in a series to explore how far we’ve come and where we need to go to protect New York. The next hearing will be held in Albany on May 17, 2011.
The hearing can be viewed in its entirety on Senator’s Ball YouTube page HERE.
###
..................................................................................................................................................................................
CHAIRMAN BALL: “OUR SOFT UNDERBELLY IS NOT SECURE”
FIRST CRITICAL HOMELAND SECURITY HEARING HELD ON APRIL 8, 2011
(appeared on the NY State Senate website and Ball4NY website)
New York, NY (April 9, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess), called on a panel of experts to testify at a public hearing on Friday titled, "To Consider Opportunities to Improve New York State’s Homeland Security Operations and How Far We Have Come Since September 11, 2001.” Unveiled at the hearing, were bombshell revelations about key New York landmarks and possible terrorist targets that lack proper security almost 10 years after 9/11.
Senator Ball, Chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee was joined by U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-New York), and six New York State Senators, Senator Jack Martins (R-7th District), Senator Joseph Griffo (R-47thDistrict), Senator Lee Zeldin (R-3rd District), Senator Thomas O’Mara (R-53rd District), Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-15th District) and Senator Eric Adams (D-20th District). Over 15 speakers testified and over 25 members of the press attended the hearing.
Key homeland security representatives and experts spoke about a number of critical issues from transportation, police, communications, and religion. U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-New York) applauded Senator Ball’s efforts in bringing these issues into the public forum. “Senator Ball has performed a tremendous public service in holding today’s hearing. He is reminding New Yorkers of how real the al-Qaeda threat is, how much more work needs to be done and how we must remain extremely vigilant and never back down to political correctness,” said King.
The most revealing testimony came from Robert Morris, Vice President, Port Authority PBA, on communication problems. Robert Morris’ redacted testimony, given to Senator Ball and committee members, includes possible terrorist targets. Senator Ball believes the public and lawmakers need to understand what these vulnerabilities are in order to solve these problems.
Communication problems include emergency personnel between different departments not being able to speak with one another and the inability to communicate because of radio signal problems. “The officer carries a radio on his belt but he might as well be wearing a brick,” said Morris.
“This hearing was critically important to investigate a wide range of topics. We now have clear direction as a committee and some imperative deliverables to follow up on. The revelation of lack of security for the JFK AirTrain that runs right under the international terminal was a huge eye opener, but that’s just one scary example. Further testimony indicated that a single roadway with access under the Port Authority Bus Terminal, previously guarded, is now unmanned and unsecured. Now is not the time to point fingers, but it is certainly time to fix the damn problem,” said Senator Ball.
“We have front line, rank and file troops unable to communicate. Forget about interoperability, which was a dictate of the 9-11 Commission; we are talking about complete inoperability! This is nearly a decade after 9-11 and the same ‘bugs’ in our communications systems that cost lives still exist. Let us remember that these system errors cost many brave souls their lives on 9-11,” said Senator Ball. “We do not live in the middle of America; we live in New York, and the federal government has spent billions of dollars on Homeland Security in places at much lower security risk. If this issue is not resolved before the 10 year anniversary of 9-11, we should be ashamed. This is an aberration of power at the highest of levels.”
Another critical concern is how safe our nuclear energy plants are. Indian Point was built to withstand various combinations of natural disasters, and improvements since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have strengthened the nuclear plant's defenses, security officials told the Committee.
"Nuclear power stations are the most hardened facilities in the United States," Dan Gagnon, Indian Point Coordinator of Security said. "It's essentially an industrial setting inside a military installation during wartime activity."
Senator Ball will join Senator Maziarz and Senator Carlucci for a tour of Indian Point on Thursday April 14th. A public hearing will follow titled “Public Hearing: To examine contingency plans for the Indian Point Power Plant in case of a natural disaster, as well as to assess the overall impact of the facility on the reliability of the electrical grid and the local economy.”
Senator Ball and the committee members welcome discussion on both sides of the issues discussed at the hearing to understand how to improve Homeland Security. Senator Golden said, “This is about homeland security and the future of the city and this state to make sure that we’re safe.” Additionally, Senator Zeldin said, “I’m very grateful that this hearing took place and that Chairman Ball have all of you here.”
“Through these hearings, which are the first of a series, I hope we can look back and see real progress. We have made improvements, but we still have a soft underbelly that makes us vulnerable and in the current environment, no threat can be taken lightly,” Senator Ball said. “The passage of time seems to have lulled many of us into a sense of complacency, and the opiate of poor memory is no virtue when it comes to Homeland Security. The very fact that we have learned that command staffing is so slim that key targets like the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel lack basic protection, should shake to the core any New Yorker. This must be fixed immediately.” Senator Ball said.
The hearing is a first in a series to explore how far we’ve come and where we need to go to protect New York. The next hearing will be held in Albany on May 17, 2011.
The hearing can be viewed in its entirety on Senator’s Ball YouTube page HERE.
###
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2011
SENATOR BALL BRIDGES THE DIVIDE- TAKES ON PROTESTERS AND CALLS ON FRANK GAFFNEY TO TESTIFY
9:30AM PRESS AVAILABILITY
New York, NY (April 2, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) has issued an important media advisory about his hearing this Friday at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 8th in New York City. Senator Ball has been inclusive and transparent during the planning of this hearing. "Why protest outside, come inside and discuss the important issues that matter to New Yorkers," Senator Ball said.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs will be holding a hearing in NYC on April 8th to discuss with experts a range of issues regarding the condition of homeland security in New York City, and throughout New York State.
As the ten year anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Senator Greg Ball, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, is holding the hearing to assess the state of security in New York, to determine what has been done, as well as what needs to be done to improve infrastructure and fix any problems that are currently impeding New York’s security.
“I commend Senator Ball for undertaking this exceedingly important assessment of our homeland insecurity almost 10 years after 9/11 in the metropolitan area of New York State. Nothing could be more important than understand the threats we face and the persistent shortfalls against them,” said Frank Gaffney, Founder and President of The American Center for Security Policy and radio host on Secure Freedom Radio.
Senator Ball has dedicated the front row to press, therefore it is recommended that you arrive by 9 a.m. to ensure your spot and not miss out on this unique opportunity. Cameras will be allowed throughout the duration of the hearing and it is open to the public on a first come, first served basis.
“We are nearing the 10 year anniversary of 9-11. Through these hearings, which may be the first of a series, I hope we can look back and see real progress. We have made improvements, but we still have a soft underbelly that makes us vulnerable and in the current environment, no threat can be taken lightly,” Senator Ball said. “Unfortunately the possibility of a significant attack is real, and while we have made gains, initial evidence is compelling that we really are not as safe or as secure as we should be. These hearings are meant to assist in being frank about our weaknesses and making sure that we expose and protect our soft underbelly, before it be exposed by the enemy.”
Senator Ball has dedicated the front row to press, therefore it is recommended that you arrive by 9:00 a.m. to ensure your spot and not miss out on this unique opportunity. Cameras will be allowed throughout the duration of the hearing and it is open to the public on a first come, first served basis. In addition to the Senate Hearing Room, a smaller room will be available for one on one interviews.
WHEN:
FRIDAY. APRIL 8th, 2011
9:30 AM - PRESS AVAILABILITY
10:00 AM - HEARING STARTS
WHO:
Congressman Peter King, Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security
Raymond Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department
Douglas Ziegler, Head of Security for the MTA
Frank Gaffney, Founder and President, The American Center for Security Policy
Nonie Darwish, founder of Arabs for Israel, Director of Former Muslims United, and author of several books
Michael Cutler, former Senior Special Agent for the INS, advisor to the 9/11 Families for a Secure America
Charles Faddis, Former CIA Operations Officer / Head of WMD Terrorism Unit, Near East, South Asia and Europe
Representatives from Indian Point
WHAT:
Topics Include:
Daughter of Muslim Martyr to Testify on Shariah Law, “Culture of Jihad”
MTA Police Benevolent Association to Testify on Radio Inoperability
Indian Point Officials to Testify on Security Advancements since 9-11
Immigration Experts to testify on Illegal Alien Identification Programs
Electro Magnetic Pulse Devices, Weapons of Mass Destruction
WHERE:
Senate Hearing Room
250 Broadway, 19th Floor
New York, New York
###
SENATOR BALL BRIDGES THE DIVIDE- TAKES ON PROTESTERS AND CALLS ON FRANK GAFFNEY TO TESTIFY
9:30AM PRESS AVAILABILITY
New York, NY (April 2, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) has issued an important media advisory about his hearing this Friday at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 8th in New York City. Senator Ball has been inclusive and transparent during the planning of this hearing. "Why protest outside, come inside and discuss the important issues that matter to New Yorkers," Senator Ball said.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs will be holding a hearing in NYC on April 8th to discuss with experts a range of issues regarding the condition of homeland security in New York City, and throughout New York State.
As the ten year anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Senator Greg Ball, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, is holding the hearing to assess the state of security in New York, to determine what has been done, as well as what needs to be done to improve infrastructure and fix any problems that are currently impeding New York’s security.
“I commend Senator Ball for undertaking this exceedingly important assessment of our homeland insecurity almost 10 years after 9/11 in the metropolitan area of New York State. Nothing could be more important than understand the threats we face and the persistent shortfalls against them,” said Frank Gaffney, Founder and President of The American Center for Security Policy and radio host on Secure Freedom Radio.
Senator Ball has dedicated the front row to press, therefore it is recommended that you arrive by 9 a.m. to ensure your spot and not miss out on this unique opportunity. Cameras will be allowed throughout the duration of the hearing and it is open to the public on a first come, first served basis.
“We are nearing the 10 year anniversary of 9-11. Through these hearings, which may be the first of a series, I hope we can look back and see real progress. We have made improvements, but we still have a soft underbelly that makes us vulnerable and in the current environment, no threat can be taken lightly,” Senator Ball said. “Unfortunately the possibility of a significant attack is real, and while we have made gains, initial evidence is compelling that we really are not as safe or as secure as we should be. These hearings are meant to assist in being frank about our weaknesses and making sure that we expose and protect our soft underbelly, before it be exposed by the enemy.”
Senator Ball has dedicated the front row to press, therefore it is recommended that you arrive by 9:00 a.m. to ensure your spot and not miss out on this unique opportunity. Cameras will be allowed throughout the duration of the hearing and it is open to the public on a first come, first served basis. In addition to the Senate Hearing Room, a smaller room will be available for one on one interviews.
WHEN:
FRIDAY. APRIL 8th, 2011
9:30 AM - PRESS AVAILABILITY
10:00 AM - HEARING STARTS
WHO:
Congressman Peter King, Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security
Raymond Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department
Douglas Ziegler, Head of Security for the MTA
Frank Gaffney, Founder and President, The American Center for Security Policy
Nonie Darwish, founder of Arabs for Israel, Director of Former Muslims United, and author of several books
Michael Cutler, former Senior Special Agent for the INS, advisor to the 9/11 Families for a Secure America
Charles Faddis, Former CIA Operations Officer / Head of WMD Terrorism Unit, Near East, South Asia and Europe
Representatives from Indian Point
WHAT:
Topics Include:
Daughter of Muslim Martyr to Testify on Shariah Law, “Culture of Jihad”
MTA Police Benevolent Association to Testify on Radio Inoperability
Indian Point Officials to Testify on Security Advancements since 9-11
Immigration Experts to testify on Illegal Alien Identification Programs
Electro Magnetic Pulse Devices, Weapons of Mass Destruction
WHERE:
Senate Hearing Room
250 Broadway, 19th Floor
New York, New York
###
..................................................................................................................................................................................
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2011
SENATOR BALL: “It’s time to put cheap political theater behind and have a substantive and mature discussion about security at Indian Point.”
Senator Greg Ball to tour Indian Point Power Plant and Public Hearing to follow
Albany, NY (April 5, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) will tour the Indian Point Power Facility on April 14th at 9:00am. Following the tour, Senator Ball will share his findings at a public hearing held at Stony Point Community Center.
“After watching some press hungry politicians recently talk off the cuff about shutting down Indian Point immediately and replacing the facility with windmills and gas plants, I’m amazed at the lack of clarity on the issue of nuclear power. This issue is too important to leave to press releases and sound bites. While I have toured the Indian Point facility in the past, I look forward to the tour on April 14th at Indian Point to get a renewed first hand unvarnished view of Indian Point’s security infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans,” said Senator Ball.
Senator Ball has called on Entergy to testify at his Homeland Security hearing to be held on April 8th from 10:00am to 3:00pm at The Senate Hearing Room located at 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York City. There will be a press conference at 9:30am.
Senator Ball has confirmed that three Entergy executives are scheduled to testify including: Fred Dacimo, Vice President for License Renewal, Dan Gagnon, Coordinator of Security and Michael Slobedin, Director of Emergency Programs.
During Senator Ball’s Homeland Security Hearing on April 8th, he and other senators on the Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Committee will hear from Entergy’s executives as they provide testimony on Entergy’s Indian Point Security Program and Emergency Preparedness Plan.
“I’m pleased that Entergy has agreed to testify at our Homeland Security Hearing. Much disinformation has been spread recently by politicians seeking news coverage, rather than real answers. Indian Point is a huge employer and large provider of cheap energy, and closing them tomorrow as some have foolishly suggested would not begin to address the larger spent fuel issue, and would be immediately devastating to the economy of the region and beyond. Protecting our homeland from the threat of terrorism should rise above cheap political theater, and the real facts surrounding security at Indian Point need to be addressed maturely and rationally,” said Senator Ball.
As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee in the New York State Senate, Senator Ball is committed to assessing the state of security in New York, determining what has been done as the ten year anniversary of 9/11 approaches and determining what needs to be done to improve infrastructure and to fix any programs that are currently impeding New York’s security.
###
SENATOR BALL: “It’s time to put cheap political theater behind and have a substantive and mature discussion about security at Indian Point.”
Senator Greg Ball to tour Indian Point Power Plant and Public Hearing to follow
Albany, NY (April 5, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) will tour the Indian Point Power Facility on April 14th at 9:00am. Following the tour, Senator Ball will share his findings at a public hearing held at Stony Point Community Center.
“After watching some press hungry politicians recently talk off the cuff about shutting down Indian Point immediately and replacing the facility with windmills and gas plants, I’m amazed at the lack of clarity on the issue of nuclear power. This issue is too important to leave to press releases and sound bites. While I have toured the Indian Point facility in the past, I look forward to the tour on April 14th at Indian Point to get a renewed first hand unvarnished view of Indian Point’s security infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans,” said Senator Ball.
Senator Ball has called on Entergy to testify at his Homeland Security hearing to be held on April 8th from 10:00am to 3:00pm at The Senate Hearing Room located at 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York City. There will be a press conference at 9:30am.
Senator Ball has confirmed that three Entergy executives are scheduled to testify including: Fred Dacimo, Vice President for License Renewal, Dan Gagnon, Coordinator of Security and Michael Slobedin, Director of Emergency Programs.
During Senator Ball’s Homeland Security Hearing on April 8th, he and other senators on the Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Committee will hear from Entergy’s executives as they provide testimony on Entergy’s Indian Point Security Program and Emergency Preparedness Plan.
“I’m pleased that Entergy has agreed to testify at our Homeland Security Hearing. Much disinformation has been spread recently by politicians seeking news coverage, rather than real answers. Indian Point is a huge employer and large provider of cheap energy, and closing them tomorrow as some have foolishly suggested would not begin to address the larger spent fuel issue, and would be immediately devastating to the economy of the region and beyond. Protecting our homeland from the threat of terrorism should rise above cheap political theater, and the real facts surrounding security at Indian Point need to be addressed maturely and rationally,” said Senator Ball.
As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee in the New York State Senate, Senator Ball is committed to assessing the state of security in New York, determining what has been done as the ten year anniversary of 9/11 approaches and determining what needs to be done to improve infrastructure and to fix any programs that are currently impeding New York’s security.
###
..................................................................................................................................................................................
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2011
SENATOR GREG BALL SECURES $11.4 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR VETERANS
Brewster, NY (April 5, 2011) - Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) has secured a staggering $11.5 Million for New York State Veterans during a tough budget battle in the Senate chamber, where all operating budgets were cut by 10% across the board. In the budget, Ball successfully restored $10.9 Million to Veterans’ Homes located in Montrose, New York City, Oxford, Stony Brook and Batavia, all of which had been previously cut.
Senator Ball stated, “This was a budget of unmet needs, not wants. Yet the cuts to our veterans, if enacted, would have been debilitating. Being fiscally prudent doesn’t necessitate being heartless. As Chairman of Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs, I am proud to have fought in a pretty tough financial arena, and come out with solid gains and restorations for our veterans.”
Senator Ball also secured $500,000 for the establishment of a State Veterans’ Cemetery pursuant to a project approved by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“This program has been kicked around and languishing for years. Actually having New York’s commitment in the state budget is a giant leap forward and the first time this has ever been done. This money will allow New York State to take part in a very generous federal program allowing states to build State Veterans Cemeteries. While I am going to fight to bring a cemetery to the Hudson Valley, this allows all counties the chance to now apply to build a State Veteran’s Cemetery and properly honor their under served veteran population.” said Senator Ball.
“People from Putnam have served in every American War from the Colonial Indian Wars of the 17th Century until the present Middle East terror wars and deserve a sacred place of their own to be buried. Senator Ball has secured the funding to make sure New York State’s veterans will be honored as they should be,” said veteran and Putnam County Legislator, Richard Othmer (R-Kent).
$125,000 was also secured to help the New York Veterans of Foreign Wars eliminate the backlog of claims inhibiting disabled Veterans from getting their benefits in a timely manner, an issue brought up as a top priority at Senator Ball’s Veteran’s hearing held earlier this month.
“For far too long, veterans in New York have been mistreated with an avalanche of administrative backlog! Because of Senator Ball’s efforts and fighting on behalf of veterans, he has freed up the backlog of claims and has allowed veterans across our state to receive the immediate support we need,” said Willy Nazzario, Chief of Staff, Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Additionally, Senator Ball secured $25,000 for the Vietnam Veterans of America New York State council to assist with their growing population and concerns.
“Today the Vietnam Veterans of America New York State Council learned that, through the extraordinary efforts of Senator Greg Ball funds to help our Veterans’ Service Officer program have been secured,” said Ned D. Foote, President, Vietnam Veterans of America New York State Council. “We hail Senator Ball for recognizing the importance of funding for veterans programs.”
“Senator Ball is a fighter, a comrade and a fellow veteran. As our new Chairman of Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, Senator Ball has been a strong veterans advocate seeking to find out what issues are facing our veterans community, working with the community to find solutions, and then fighting for those solutions in Albany. It’s a new day in New York for veterans because of Senator Ball’s commitment,” said Daniel Morea, Deputy Director Department of Veterans Services, City of Yonkers.
###
SENATOR GREG BALL SECURES $11.4 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR VETERANS
Brewster, NY (April 5, 2011) - Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) has secured a staggering $11.5 Million for New York State Veterans during a tough budget battle in the Senate chamber, where all operating budgets were cut by 10% across the board. In the budget, Ball successfully restored $10.9 Million to Veterans’ Homes located in Montrose, New York City, Oxford, Stony Brook and Batavia, all of which had been previously cut.
Senator Ball stated, “This was a budget of unmet needs, not wants. Yet the cuts to our veterans, if enacted, would have been debilitating. Being fiscally prudent doesn’t necessitate being heartless. As Chairman of Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs, I am proud to have fought in a pretty tough financial arena, and come out with solid gains and restorations for our veterans.”
Senator Ball also secured $500,000 for the establishment of a State Veterans’ Cemetery pursuant to a project approved by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“This program has been kicked around and languishing for years. Actually having New York’s commitment in the state budget is a giant leap forward and the first time this has ever been done. This money will allow New York State to take part in a very generous federal program allowing states to build State Veterans Cemeteries. While I am going to fight to bring a cemetery to the Hudson Valley, this allows all counties the chance to now apply to build a State Veteran’s Cemetery and properly honor their under served veteran population.” said Senator Ball.
“People from Putnam have served in every American War from the Colonial Indian Wars of the 17th Century until the present Middle East terror wars and deserve a sacred place of their own to be buried. Senator Ball has secured the funding to make sure New York State’s veterans will be honored as they should be,” said veteran and Putnam County Legislator, Richard Othmer (R-Kent).
$125,000 was also secured to help the New York Veterans of Foreign Wars eliminate the backlog of claims inhibiting disabled Veterans from getting their benefits in a timely manner, an issue brought up as a top priority at Senator Ball’s Veteran’s hearing held earlier this month.
“For far too long, veterans in New York have been mistreated with an avalanche of administrative backlog! Because of Senator Ball’s efforts and fighting on behalf of veterans, he has freed up the backlog of claims and has allowed veterans across our state to receive the immediate support we need,” said Willy Nazzario, Chief of Staff, Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Additionally, Senator Ball secured $25,000 for the Vietnam Veterans of America New York State council to assist with their growing population and concerns.
“Today the Vietnam Veterans of America New York State Council learned that, through the extraordinary efforts of Senator Greg Ball funds to help our Veterans’ Service Officer program have been secured,” said Ned D. Foote, President, Vietnam Veterans of America New York State Council. “We hail Senator Ball for recognizing the importance of funding for veterans programs.”
“Senator Ball is a fighter, a comrade and a fellow veteran. As our new Chairman of Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, Senator Ball has been a strong veterans advocate seeking to find out what issues are facing our veterans community, working with the community to find solutions, and then fighting for those solutions in Albany. It’s a new day in New York for veterans because of Senator Ball’s commitment,” said Daniel Morea, Deputy Director Department of Veterans Services, City of Yonkers.
###
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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2011
SENATOR BALL: “COMMUNICATION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IS ESSENTIAL TO SAVING LIVES”
Radio transmission problems and other security issues will be discussed at hearing on April 8th in NYC
Albany, NY (March 30, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) knows the need for commuication in emergency situations is essential. As Chairman of the New York State Senate Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, Ball is concerned about the preparedness of the state to handle any possible security threat. The Senator will be holding a hearing in NYC on April 8th to discuss with experts a range of issues regarding the condition of homeland security in New York. One of the most pressing issues to be discussed is the outdated radio systems being used by police.
A 2005 report issued by the Public Employee and Safety Health Bureau informed the MTA that “without the implementation of any changes to enhance the current system, employees, may be exposed to death or serious physical harm from injuries which could occur through the occupational hazard of not being able to operate and make contact with the current communication system.” In 2008, the MTA was issued a formal citation for failing to provide all of their employees a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.
In a letter to Senator Ball, Michael O’Meara of the MTA Police Benevolent Association explained the gravity of the citation, “We believe this is the first time in New York State and possibly the entire United States that a police department has been issued a ‘notice of violation ’and‘ order to comply for a failure of its radio system.”
Senator Ball is currently circulating O’Meara’s letter to all of his colleagues in the Senate, along with an invitation for them to join him at the hearing on April 8th to hear testimony on the issue. He is calling on his colleagues to start looking at these security risks that seem to keep falling through the cracks year after year.
“Nearly 10 years after 9-11 we are on the precipice of the anniversary of a horrific attack. As New Yorkers, and as elected officials, we have a responsibility to ensure that all levels of government are doing their absolute best to secure New York City and the State of New York,” said Senator Ball.
“Communication in emergency situations is essential to saving lives. Radio systems and other means of communicating must be updated,” stated Senator Ball.
Daniel DeFedericis of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association explained the gravity of the situation, “Police members are continually placing themselves in harm’s way with only the hope that someone may hear them when the need for assistance arises.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police operate over 4,000 square miles including all of Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Upstate New York and portions of Connecticut. They are also responsible for operations in the mass transportation hubs of Grand Central and Penn Stations in Manhattan.
At the security hearing on April 8th Senator Ball will be hearing from Congressman Peter King, Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Douglas Ziegler, Head of Security for the MTA, as well as Ray Kelly, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
###
SENATOR BALL: “COMMUNICATION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IS ESSENTIAL TO SAVING LIVES”
Radio transmission problems and other security issues will be discussed at hearing on April 8th in NYC
Albany, NY (March 30, 2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) knows the need for commuication in emergency situations is essential. As Chairman of the New York State Senate Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, Ball is concerned about the preparedness of the state to handle any possible security threat. The Senator will be holding a hearing in NYC on April 8th to discuss with experts a range of issues regarding the condition of homeland security in New York. One of the most pressing issues to be discussed is the outdated radio systems being used by police.
A 2005 report issued by the Public Employee and Safety Health Bureau informed the MTA that “without the implementation of any changes to enhance the current system, employees, may be exposed to death or serious physical harm from injuries which could occur through the occupational hazard of not being able to operate and make contact with the current communication system.” In 2008, the MTA was issued a formal citation for failing to provide all of their employees a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.
In a letter to Senator Ball, Michael O’Meara of the MTA Police Benevolent Association explained the gravity of the citation, “We believe this is the first time in New York State and possibly the entire United States that a police department has been issued a ‘notice of violation ’and‘ order to comply for a failure of its radio system.”
Senator Ball is currently circulating O’Meara’s letter to all of his colleagues in the Senate, along with an invitation for them to join him at the hearing on April 8th to hear testimony on the issue. He is calling on his colleagues to start looking at these security risks that seem to keep falling through the cracks year after year.
“Nearly 10 years after 9-11 we are on the precipice of the anniversary of a horrific attack. As New Yorkers, and as elected officials, we have a responsibility to ensure that all levels of government are doing their absolute best to secure New York City and the State of New York,” said Senator Ball.
“Communication in emergency situations is essential to saving lives. Radio systems and other means of communicating must be updated,” stated Senator Ball.
Daniel DeFedericis of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association explained the gravity of the situation, “Police members are continually placing themselves in harm’s way with only the hope that someone may hear them when the need for assistance arises.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police operate over 4,000 square miles including all of Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Upstate New York and portions of Connecticut. They are also responsible for operations in the mass transportation hubs of Grand Central and Penn Stations in Manhattan.
At the security hearing on April 8th Senator Ball will be hearing from Congressman Peter King, Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Douglas Ziegler, Head of Security for the MTA, as well as Ray Kelly, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2011
Chairman Ball: “No to Proposed Licenses for Illegal Aliens and Terrorists” Calls Proposal “Terrorist Empowerment Act”
Brewster, NY (March 24, 2011) - Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District-Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, issued a statement today on the security risks that are associated with a new Senate bill, S4179, which Ball has deemed “a national security nightmare that should formally be renamed the ‘Terrorist Empowerment Act’.”
The legislation, if enacted, would allow illegal aliens to be issued New York State Identification Cards. The extreme and dangerous proposal which has been introduced in the Senate, is New York’s response to the failed “Dream Act” which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, but failed to pass in the Senate. The Bill would essentially require that DMV employees become experts at verifying every national identity card or voter card in the world (there are 194 countries, including Taiwan).
“This is an assault on our security as the world’s greatest terrorist target,” said Senator Ball. “New York State was attacked nine years ago and this extension of driver’s license privileges to 1 million illegal aliens is a national security nightmare. This Bill is aiding and abetting future terrorists by providing currently illegal identity documents in the form of driver’s licenses to those who may wish to harm us. This is not about immigration; this is about security. Terrorists look for weaknesses in our system and holes in our security to exploit. This bill would provide that loophole for those who wish to harm us.”
A recent report issued by the Congressional General Accounting Office confirmed that it has become increasingly easy for illegal aliens to obtain driver licenses using false documents. This has heightened national security risks and further substantiates the compelling Federal Trade Commission’s report which estimated 3.3 million people were victims of full-blown identity theft.
Ball explained, “The 19 terrorists who attacked our nation on September 11, 2001, used some 364 false aliases and in order to create those false identities made use of multiple driver’s licenses in addition to other documents. While the New York State driver’s license may well incorporate features to make it far more difficult to alter or counterfeit, the greatest area of vulnerability is to determine what name should be imprinted on that card in the first place. Additionally, it is outrageous to provide such a critically important form of identification to illegal aliens who have no right to be physically present in our country in the first place and whose presence within the borders of this great nation constitutes a violation of law. Doing so would be nothing less than devastating to our national and state security.”
Bill S4179 can be found on http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S4179-2011
###
Chairman Ball: “No to Proposed Licenses for Illegal Aliens and Terrorists” Calls Proposal “Terrorist Empowerment Act”
Brewster, NY (March 24, 2011) - Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District-Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, issued a statement today on the security risks that are associated with a new Senate bill, S4179, which Ball has deemed “a national security nightmare that should formally be renamed the ‘Terrorist Empowerment Act’.”
The legislation, if enacted, would allow illegal aliens to be issued New York State Identification Cards. The extreme and dangerous proposal which has been introduced in the Senate, is New York’s response to the failed “Dream Act” which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, but failed to pass in the Senate. The Bill would essentially require that DMV employees become experts at verifying every national identity card or voter card in the world (there are 194 countries, including Taiwan).
“This is an assault on our security as the world’s greatest terrorist target,” said Senator Ball. “New York State was attacked nine years ago and this extension of driver’s license privileges to 1 million illegal aliens is a national security nightmare. This Bill is aiding and abetting future terrorists by providing currently illegal identity documents in the form of driver’s licenses to those who may wish to harm us. This is not about immigration; this is about security. Terrorists look for weaknesses in our system and holes in our security to exploit. This bill would provide that loophole for those who wish to harm us.”
A recent report issued by the Congressional General Accounting Office confirmed that it has become increasingly easy for illegal aliens to obtain driver licenses using false documents. This has heightened national security risks and further substantiates the compelling Federal Trade Commission’s report which estimated 3.3 million people were victims of full-blown identity theft.
Ball explained, “The 19 terrorists who attacked our nation on September 11, 2001, used some 364 false aliases and in order to create those false identities made use of multiple driver’s licenses in addition to other documents. While the New York State driver’s license may well incorporate features to make it far more difficult to alter or counterfeit, the greatest area of vulnerability is to determine what name should be imprinted on that card in the first place. Additionally, it is outrageous to provide such a critically important form of identification to illegal aliens who have no right to be physically present in our country in the first place and whose presence within the borders of this great nation constitutes a violation of law. Doing so would be nothing less than devastating to our national and state security.”
Bill S4179 can be found on http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S4179-2011
###
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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2011
SENATOR BALL ANNOUNCES, “PEPSI STAYS…and EXPANDS!”Jobs are staying and being created in the Hudson Valley
(appeared on the NY State Senate website and Ball4NY website)
Brewster, NY (March 24, 2011) - Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District-Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) announced today that more than 1,200 high paying jobs with stay in the 40th District. There has been discussion over the past year that Pepsi could leave the area, even leave New York.
Today the Empire State Development, a state agency, announced an agreement that will provide PepsiCo with a $4 million grant to invest in the Westchester facility. PepsiCo will also invest up to $9 million in the project to retain and create new jobs. The bottler will expand its 1,200-employee operations from the 360,000-square-foot space it now leases in Somers to the entire 540,000-square-foot building.
“Educated, skilled, global talent surrounds us in this district,” said Senator Ball. “Including people like Amy Patel Daschle, a veteran, and daughter of Councilman Patel, a Democrat, of Yorktown. Upon graduating from West Point in 2005, and having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, she began a job at Pepsi in Somers as a brand development and commercialization manager.”
Senator Ball said, “Job growth and creation is essential in the Hudson Valley. We must continue to fight against New York’s openly hostile business environment and make it easier for companies like Pepsico to not only stay, but expand right here in the Hudson Valley. The biggest thing government can do to help businesses grow and expand is get out of the way!”
###
SENATOR BALL ANNOUNCES, “PEPSI STAYS…and EXPANDS!”Jobs are staying and being created in the Hudson Valley
(appeared on the NY State Senate website and Ball4NY website)
Brewster, NY (March 24, 2011) - Senator Greg Ball (R, C, 40th District-Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) announced today that more than 1,200 high paying jobs with stay in the 40th District. There has been discussion over the past year that Pepsi could leave the area, even leave New York.
Today the Empire State Development, a state agency, announced an agreement that will provide PepsiCo with a $4 million grant to invest in the Westchester facility. PepsiCo will also invest up to $9 million in the project to retain and create new jobs. The bottler will expand its 1,200-employee operations from the 360,000-square-foot space it now leases in Somers to the entire 540,000-square-foot building.
“Educated, skilled, global talent surrounds us in this district,” said Senator Ball. “Including people like Amy Patel Daschle, a veteran, and daughter of Councilman Patel, a Democrat, of Yorktown. Upon graduating from West Point in 2005, and having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, she began a job at Pepsi in Somers as a brand development and commercialization manager.”
Senator Ball said, “Job growth and creation is essential in the Hudson Valley. We must continue to fight against New York’s openly hostile business environment and make it easier for companies like Pepsico to not only stay, but expand right here in the Hudson Valley. The biggest thing government can do to help businesses grow and expand is get out of the way!”
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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2011
SENATOR BALL CO-SPONSORS THE CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT AWARENESS ACT DURING BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
(appeared on the NY State Senate website and Ball4NY website)
Albany, NY (March 23, 2011) - March is brain injury awareness month. Senator Greg Ball (R, C—Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) on Brain Injury Awareness Day, March 16th, joined Senator Kemp Hannon, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator George Maziarz , co-sponsor, and members of the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, a group that advocates nationwide for victims of brain injuries, to push for legislative action on the Concussion Management Awareness Act.
“We realize now what we may not have known a few decades back. Concussions create long-term, detrimental health effects, and those hits taken on the playing fields can have substantial and lasting impacts. It’s time to get serious and protect our young athletes so they can enjoy long and healthy lives,” said Senator Ball.
The bill (S.3953), co-sponsored by Senator Ball, would direct the State Health and Education Departments to adopt rules and regulations for the treatment and monitoring of students with mild traumatic brain injuries. It is essential to educate the students, their parents or guardians, coaches and school staff about the proper early recognition of the signs and symptoms of concussions. “When a student suffers a head injury playing sports, it can affect the rest of his or her life. Our effort helps develop a plan to make sure that young athletes are treated and supervised properly to protect their long-term health and well-being as much as possible,” said Senator Maziarz.
Senator Ball understands that too many New Yorkers are faced with the dilemma of not being able to afford vital medical care. According to the New York State Department of Health between 2006 and 2008 more than 23,000 school aged children visited the emergency department for concussions. The cost of their medical care is estimated at 80 million dollars. The three year total cost of both hospitalization and emergency department visits in the same period for all age groups in the state was over 1 billion dollars.
“Coaches are educated on many pressing issues associated with organized youth sports, specifically concussions,” said David Furfaro, President of The Mahopac Sports Association. The MSA has a “When in doubt leave them out” policy. “I applaud Senator Ball’s effort to stay out in front of this very important issue keeping the children of our community safe.” Furfaro said.
“By instituting these regulations, school personnel will be able to more easily identify concussions and thereby reduce the risk of long-term complications in our young people,” Senator Hannon said.The proposed legislation would require that each school district have a concussion management team comprised of health and sports staff. The concussion management team would be responsible for overseeing staff training, educating parents and students about concussions and helping transition students who have sustained a concussion back into school and sports with specified guidelines. “In the future, this legislation will encourage parents, students and coaches to take preventative steps to avoid such significant injuries,” Senator Hannon said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury and children under age 4, and almost half a million emergency department visits are made every year for traumatic brain injuries by children under age 14.
###
SENATOR BALL CO-SPONSORS THE CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT AWARENESS ACT DURING BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
(appeared on the NY State Senate website and Ball4NY website)
Albany, NY (March 23, 2011) - March is brain injury awareness month. Senator Greg Ball (R, C—Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess) on Brain Injury Awareness Day, March 16th, joined Senator Kemp Hannon, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator George Maziarz , co-sponsor, and members of the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, a group that advocates nationwide for victims of brain injuries, to push for legislative action on the Concussion Management Awareness Act.
“We realize now what we may not have known a few decades back. Concussions create long-term, detrimental health effects, and those hits taken on the playing fields can have substantial and lasting impacts. It’s time to get serious and protect our young athletes so they can enjoy long and healthy lives,” said Senator Ball.
The bill (S.3953), co-sponsored by Senator Ball, would direct the State Health and Education Departments to adopt rules and regulations for the treatment and monitoring of students with mild traumatic brain injuries. It is essential to educate the students, their parents or guardians, coaches and school staff about the proper early recognition of the signs and symptoms of concussions. “When a student suffers a head injury playing sports, it can affect the rest of his or her life. Our effort helps develop a plan to make sure that young athletes are treated and supervised properly to protect their long-term health and well-being as much as possible,” said Senator Maziarz.
Senator Ball understands that too many New Yorkers are faced with the dilemma of not being able to afford vital medical care. According to the New York State Department of Health between 2006 and 2008 more than 23,000 school aged children visited the emergency department for concussions. The cost of their medical care is estimated at 80 million dollars. The three year total cost of both hospitalization and emergency department visits in the same period for all age groups in the state was over 1 billion dollars.
“Coaches are educated on many pressing issues associated with organized youth sports, specifically concussions,” said David Furfaro, President of The Mahopac Sports Association. The MSA has a “When in doubt leave them out” policy. “I applaud Senator Ball’s effort to stay out in front of this very important issue keeping the children of our community safe.” Furfaro said.
“By instituting these regulations, school personnel will be able to more easily identify concussions and thereby reduce the risk of long-term complications in our young people,” Senator Hannon said.The proposed legislation would require that each school district have a concussion management team comprised of health and sports staff. The concussion management team would be responsible for overseeing staff training, educating parents and students about concussions and helping transition students who have sustained a concussion back into school and sports with specified guidelines. “In the future, this legislation will encourage parents, students and coaches to take preventative steps to avoid such significant injuries,” Senator Hannon said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury and children under age 4, and almost half a million emergency department visits are made every year for traumatic brain injuries by children under age 14.
###
