Senator Urges Cuomo to Sign Bill to Restore OTB Retiree Health Benefits

Addabbo Releases Official Letter of Request to 'From The G-Man'

On June 27, 2011, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens), a member of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee, commended the Senate for bringing to the floor a vote on requiring the State of New York to maintain the health insurance and supplemental benefits received by retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYC OTB) (S.4489/Rules).

The bill notes that after the closure of NYC OTB on December 7, 2010, employees who had retired from the corporation were assured they and their dependents would receive health insurance and supplemental benefit coverage under their collective bargaining representative’s welfare benefit program. However, those benefits ceased upon closure of NYC OTB.

According to Addabbo, the State breaking a promise to supply benefits to retired NYC OTB employees and their dependents was one of the many reasons why he voted in favor of this bill and helped sought its passage.

“With the Senate’s commitment to provide health insurance and supplemental benefits to retirees of NYC OTB, the State is reaffirming its commitment to provide due benefits and recognition to former workers and families of NYC OTB. No one should have to endure financial hardships and choose which benefits to leave behind,” said Addabbo.

Former employees received supplemental benefits such as prescription drugs, optical and dental insurance through welfare fund benefit plans funded through employer contributions. Upon benefits ceasing to exist with the closure of NYC OTB, retirees were left to determine which prior benefits they could attain without employer contributions.

Addabbo notes it was illogical how benefits ceased to exist with plans in place to continue funding of benefits for retirees. “This bill is long overdue, and I am proud to stand with my Senate colleagues to provide for all present and future retirees the entitlement of benefits from any city-authorized health insurance or welfare benefit program,” he explained.

Under the proposed measure, the state will reimburse the city or its designee for the actual cost of benefits. The bill currently awaits signature into law by the governor after passing both houses of the legislature on June 22, 2011.

Senator Addabbo recently sent a letter of request to Govenor Andrew Cuomo urging him to sign the bill and restore the health benefits of thousands of New York City OTB retirees. The letter is being published on From The G-Man as a matter or public interest.

August 10, 2011

Honorable Andrew Cuomo

Executive Chamber

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

RE: OTB Health Insurance for Retirees

A5785/Abbate – S4489/Rules

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to take this opportunity to respectfully request your support in approving the measure that would provide health insurance benefits to retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation.

Before closure of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation on December 7, 2010, retirees were receiving health insurance through the New York City Health Insurance Plan. Additionally, employees had received supplemental benefits such as prescription drug, optical and dental insurance through welfare fund benefit plans funded by employer contributions. Since all these benefits ceased upon closure, these unfortunate retirees and laid-off workers are facing insurmountable financial obligations to continue COBRA and provide for themselves and their families.

The Legislature worked to create a bill that would address the welfare of former public employees and retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation. With the measure passing both houses, I believe the bill should be delivered to your desk and ask for your signature on said bill. These former employees are under severe emotional duress, and their health is being compromised without their prior health benefits. I would be prepared to make additional appropriate budget cuts in spending or seek to further eliminate wasteful allocations in order to absorb the cost of A5725/S4489.

Once again, I respectfully urge your support for this measure and to assist the individuals who, having served prior with the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation, contributed vast amounts of generated tax dollars to New York State.

If I can be of any assistance to you with regards to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

New York State Senator

15^th District

JPA/fs