Res. No. 1095 Title Resolution calling upon the City and the State of New York to allocate a percentage of the tobacco settlement funds for special services for elderly New Yorkers many, of whom have smoking related illnesses. Body By Council Members Harrison, Boyland, Carrion, Clarke, Malave-Dilan, Freed, Henry, Lopez, Marshall, Nelson, Perkins, Rodriguez, Abel, Fiala, Oddo, Stabile; also Council Members Fisher, Foster, Koslowitz, McCaffrey, Michels, O'Donovan, Povman, Spigner ,Watkins and Wooten Whereas, New York State is due to receive $13 billion over the next 25 years as part of the master settlement agreement forged between 46 states and a number of tobacco companies; and Whereas, New York City will receive $6.8 billion as its share of the State settlement; and Whereas, It has been suggested that New York State will use its state share of $13 billion for the uninsured; and Whereas, According to the Independent Budget Office, the Mayor has indicated that most the City's share will be used to finance $2.5 billion in debt between 2000 and 2003 for the capital program, with the remaining funds to be used for other programs as yet unspecified; and Whereas, Currently ten states are earmarking a portion of their settlement funds for the elderly, like community-based services, long term and respite care and prescription drugs; and Whereas, Many of today's elderly are/were smokers and have suffered health-related problems associated with tobacco use; and Whereas, Many of these elderly tobacco users require special services as a result of disabilities suffered from years of tobacco use; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the City and the State of New York to allocate a percentage of the tobacco settlement funds for special services for elderly New Yorkers, many of whom have smoking related illnesses. Referred to the Committee on Aging. LS#2354 MB:ts 11/16/99 |10
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