Lawmaker says: Don’t hate Obamacare

September 20, 2012 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Abbate%20Board%2011.JPG

Share this:

New York State stands to get nearly $3 billion in federal subsidies from the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, according to Assemblyman Peter Abbate (D-Bensonhurst), who said people should think twice about bashing the controversial law.

“Under Obamacare, New York State is going to get close to $3 billion. Without getting that $3 billion, we could be in some trouble,” Abbate told Community Board 11 in Bensonhurst at a Sept. 13 meeting.

The state is operating with fewer funds this year than last and the federal monies will help the state provide health care, Abbate said.

Abbate did not mention the most controversial part of the Affordable Care Act; the portion mandating that every American buys health insurance.

The state legislature will be dealing with the budget when it goes back into session. Abbate said it will be a daunting task. “There is less money coming into the state, but you don’t want to cut services,” he said.

Abbate made his remarks during a portion of the Board 11 meeting in which elected officials are invited to speak.

In other news from the meeting, Chairman Bill Guarinello said there is a “major proliferation” of commercial truck drivers parking their trucks on residential streets in violation of city law.

“I think it downgrades the quality of a block or a neighborhood,” Guarinello said.

Truckers illegally park because they believe it’s a risk worth taking, Guarinello said. “The ticket is only $65,” he said.

Board member Sonia Valentin said the trucks are causing parking problems for local residents. “These trucks are huge. They take up three spots,” she said.

Guarinello suggested that the board reach out to the city’s Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) and the New York Police Department (N.Y.P.D.) to demand solutions. “D.O.T. has to be involved as well as N.Y.P.D.,” he said.

“It does not seem to be on the police radar. We may need to go higher than our local police commander,” Guarinello said.