Google released a demo video of a blind man taking their self-driving car for a spin. The tech media reactions have been very favorable.
Sources:GoogleVentureBeatTorqueNews
By JJ Bailey
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Showing posts with label Google. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Google. Show all posts
Friday, March 30, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Google Plans to Penalize Sites That Overuse SEO
Google engineer Matt Cutts says the company wants to level the playing field between sites with good content and sites using SEO unfairly.
By Adnan S. Khan
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
South Korea Official Visit Arrival Ceremony
President Obama, joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden, welcomes Lee Myung-Bak, President of the Republic of Korea to the White House for an official visit.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Seventeenth Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
Vice President Joe Biden honors the 17th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. http://whitehouse.gov/1is2many
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Regulators Say Google CEO Knew About Illegal Drug Ads
Investigation of illegal drug advertisements has officials saying Google's CEO knew exactly what he was doing.
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
By Logan TittleAnchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Video provided by Newsy.com
Saturday, August 27, 2011
President Obama's Statement on Hurricane Irene
President Obama urges Americans in the projected path of Hurricane Irene to take precautions now and provides an update on ongoing federal preparations.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Vice President Joe Biden Speaks on U.S. - China Relations
The Vice President speaks on the relationship between the United States and China at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. The Vice President also took questions from the crowd after concluding his remarks.
Bracing for Hurricane Irene
FEMA Continues to Monitor Threat, Encourages Everyone to Be Prepared
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with the entire federal family, is continuing to closely monitor Hurricane Irene, and is coordinating closely with all of its state and territorial partners in the Caribbean and along the East Coast that have already or could possibly experience impacts from this storm.
FEMA also continues to closely monitor the earthquake that states experienced this afternoon, and remains in close contact with our federal, state and local partners. Read more about these efforts.
Additionally, the President was briefed today about the earthquake and status of critical infrastructure. The President was told that there are no initial reports of major infrastructure damage, including at airports and nuclear facilities and that there were currently no requests for assistance.
As part of our ongoing coordination for Hurricane Irene, FEMA's leadership is conducting daily calls with its regional offices in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and its Caribbean Area Office in Puerto Rico, the governors of the states and territories that already have or could be impacted, and its congressional and intergovernmental stakeholders.
FEMA has also been in close contact with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and President Obama, who has been briefed daily by his Homeland Security Advisor, John Brennan, about all federal response and preparation efforts.
Yesterday, President Obama signed an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico, making federal funding available to supplement commonwealth and local response efforts in the area.
"Our priority, as always, is to make sure that we are supporting local efforts as they work to keep residents and communities safe," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.
"As we continue to support response efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, we are also working with our state and local partners along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for Irene's path over the next few days. All East Coast residents should pay close attention to this storm and take the time now to prepare. Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for tips on creating your family emergency plan and putting together an emergency supply kit."
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Irene is expected to strengthen and could impact the East Coast later this week. FEMA encourages residents that have already or could possibly be impacted from the storm to continue to monitor weather conditions and listen to the direction of local and territory officials. For more forecast information from the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center, click here.
Under the guidance of President Obama and Secretary Napolitano, FEMA proactively deployed regional Incident Management Assistance Teams to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to coordinate with territory and local officials to identify needs and possible shortfalls impacting potential disaster response and recovery efforts.
These teams have been in close contact and coordination with both the U.S. Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency and the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency. As response efforts on the ground continue, FEMA also has liaison officers in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico emergency operations centers.
To help support East Coast states as they prepare for Irene, FEMA has proactively deployed its National Incident Management Team to North Carolina in anticipation of any potential landfall to the East Coast.
FEMA has also activated its National Response Coordination Center to 24-hour operations, to ensure federal coordination and resources are available to support the Regional Response Coordination Center and to monitor current storm conditions.
At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories.
These commodities are meant to supplement territorial or state resources if needed, but it's critical that individuals and families that are able build their own emergency supply kits, so that in the event of a disaster, state and local resources can be focused on our most vulnerable citizens.
FEMA is coordinating across the federal government to ensure territorial and state officials have the support they need as they respond to or prepare for Irene. These actions include:
The National Guard Bureau has personnel on the ground in Puerto Rico providing support for clearing roads and debris, transporting equipment, communications, urban search and rescue efforts, and public safety and security needs.
U.S. NORTHCOM's has deployed staff to Puerto Rico to help provide support and coordinate response efforts.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Coast Guard is currently conducting port and air assessments in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help re-open ports as soon as possible.
The American Red Cross is sending volunteers to North Carolina and South Carolina, and moving feeding trucks and communications equipment to East Coast states. Local chapters are also getting ready for sheltering efforts.
For more information about FEMA's efforts to support territorial, state and local officials as they prepare for and respond to Hurricane Irene, visit the FEMA blog.
As is always the case, state and local officials make decisions on issuing evacuation orders, so remember to listen to the direction of your local officials and be sure to know your evacuation route in case evacuation orders are given.
FEMA encourages everyone, regardless of whether they live in a hurricane-prone area, to take steps to ensure their family, homes and businesses are prepared for a possible emergency. Important items to have ready in case of an emergency include a battery-powered radio (like a NOAA Weather Radio), flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, hand-operated can opener, utility knife and first aid supplies.
Photo source: http://www.ouramazingplanet.com
Author: NASA
Copyright: NASA
Author: NASA
Copyright: NASA
Presidents Obama and Sarkozy Confer on Global Economy, Libya
Readout of the President's Call with President Sarkozy of France
The President and French President Sarkozy spoke today about the situation in Libya and continued their close consultations about the global economic situation and recent developments in financial markets.
With regard to Libya, they agreed that Qadhafi and the remnants of his regime needed to accept that their time is up and relinquish power once and for all, and they welcomed the progress that has been made by the Libyan people in pursuing an end to the Qadhafi regime.
At the same time, they agreed to continue to work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. President Sarkozy joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya.
With regard to Libya, they agreed that Qadhafi and the remnants of his regime needed to accept that their time is up and relinquish power once and for all, and they welcomed the progress that has been made by the Libyan people in pursuing an end to the Qadhafi regime.
At the same time, they agreed to continue to work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. President Sarkozy joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya.
The two Presidents also discussed the global economic situation, the Eurozone crisis and recent market developments. They agreed on the importance of concerted action, including through the G20, to address these challenges and to spur growth and job creation in the global economy.
Author: European People's Party
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
Monday, August 22, 2011
In Memoriam....Army Private 1st Class Douglas L. Cordo
From the Executive Chamber of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, August 24 in honor of a soldier from Kingston who died in Zabul, Afghanistan on August 19.
Army Private 1st Class Douglas L. Cordo died of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest sympathies to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Private First Class Cordo," Governor Cuomo said.
"We will mourn the loss of this New York soldier and we will remember his dedication to our nation."
Army Private 1st Class Douglas L. Cordo died of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest sympathies to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Private First Class Cordo," Governor Cuomo said.
"We will mourn the loss of this New York soldier and we will remember his dedication to our nation."
From The G-Man would like to honor Army Private 1st Class Douglas L. Cordo, his love of country and his service with the following video tribute. May he rest in peace.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Leaders of Tomorrow: Derek Netto
18-Year-Old Genius Develops Apparatus to Enhance NASA Space Suits
To say that Derek Netto is not your average teen would be an understatement. His list of accomplishments, from sixth grade to his recent graduation from Archbishop Molloy High School, are nothing short of astounding.
"Over the past six years I have worked on five books in collaboration with the Aquinas Honor Society, two of which have been published. The most recent book, Images of America: Jamaica Estates, was published by Arcadia Publishing, a major publishing company," said Netto.
"Arcadia Publishing was so impressed by our work that they requested us to write an additional book covering the entire town of Jamaica. The book, Images of America: Jamaica,was published this spring."
"Arcadia Publishing was so impressed by our work that they requested us to write an additional book covering the entire town of Jamaica. The book, Images of America: Jamaica,was published this spring."
From The G-Man showcased students from the Aquinas Honor Society at the Immaculate Conception School and their publications in a previous installment of Leaders of Tomorrow.
Netto became a founding member of the Aquinas Honor Society in 2005. Through numerous projects, the organization erected historical markers, fought social ills, promoted diversity, educated the public and worked to preserve history. One of their projects involved the design and installation of a stained glass window made with scrap from the Twin Towers that symbolized hope.
Another venture led to the renovation of a forgotten WWII monument. The 18-year-old, whose parents hail from India, directed a long-term project to restore the stolen bust of Jacob Riis at Riis National Park. After five years of conceptualization and execution, the work was featured in the New York Daily News.
Another venture led to the renovation of a forgotten WWII monument. The 18-year-old, whose parents hail from India, directed a long-term project to restore the stolen bust of Jacob Riis at Riis National Park. After five years of conceptualization and execution, the work was featured in the New York Daily News.
"As a historian, I am always trying to educate the public about the past. At Spirits Alive, an annual event held at Kew Gardens' Maple Grove Cemetery, actors dress up in costume and portray various historical figures who lived in my neighborhood," continued Netto.
"I have been a part of this event from its beginnings, before it was well known. In recent years, I have taken on an organizational role in addition to acting."
"I have been a part of this event from its beginnings, before it was well known. In recent years, I have taken on an organizational role in addition to acting."
"Seeing and shaking hands with President Obama was one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Netto, who is located at the bottom of the photo.
Netto has successfully completed the NYU Poly: Innovative Conceptual Engineering Design Course – Grades 10-12; the ACE Mentor Program – Grades 11-12; the Women and Minorities Engineering Program – Summer 2010; and the Dolan DNA Learning Center Program – Summer 2009.
In addition to being a gifted student, Netto is also an exceptionally-talented martial artists. He was employed at the ASAHI Martial Arts Academy from 2008 to 2011, as Senior Instructor, and trained younger students in the art of Tae Kwon Do -- teaching them concentration, self-defense, and discipline.
In January of this year, Netto ventured into online auto sales and has gone on to sell a total of 27 cars, and it was only recently that he celebrated his 18th birthday!
The boy wonder's recent achievements and awards include the Innovative Engineering Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers and Professional Engineers in Industry; the Frank W. and Jan J. Stahl Memorial Award for Technical Excellence; the U.S. Army Award for Outstanding Science Project; and the New York State Comptroller’s Award for Academic Excellence & Civic Commitment. Remarkably, Netto received all of the awards in 2011.
From The G-Man posed the following questions to Netto, and the responses he gave clearly illustrate that he is wise beyond his years.
FTG: What has been your greatest source of inspiration, thus far?
Netto: My greatest inspiration is my grandfather who lives his life to the fullest. He advises me that four things come not back to man: the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life and the neglected opportunity.
FTG: What goal would you like to achieve in the next two years?
Netto: In the next two years, I would like to be involved in the testing of biological cells and soft tissues to gain a better understanding of their properties.
FTG: What is your biggest fear regarding the future?
Netto: My biggest fear is that climate change may accelerate faster than modern technology can develop an effective method to suppress its consequences.
Netto: My greatest inspiration is my grandfather who lives his life to the fullest. He advises me that four things come not back to man: the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life and the neglected opportunity.
FTG: What goal would you like to achieve in the next two years?
Netto: In the next two years, I would like to be involved in the testing of biological cells and soft tissues to gain a better understanding of their properties.
FTG: What is your biggest fear regarding the future?
Netto: My biggest fear is that climate change may accelerate faster than modern technology can develop an effective method to suppress its consequences.
The Aquinas Honor Society member will be pursuing a major in mechanical engineering at Columbia University in the fall as an incoming freshman.
Derek Netto, without question, one of America's brilliant... leaders of tomorrow.
Editor's Note: In order to further illustrate the extraordinary talent of this young man, From The G-Man has taken the liberty of publishing Netto's groundbreaking concept that was specifically created for NASA space suits and astronauts. Netto received a national award for the design.
NYCSEF
The Biological Injection System
The Biological Injection System
Project ID: 1558
Derek Netto
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to enhance the current NASA spacesuit and provide astronauts with the means necessary to carry out missions with increased efficiency. The Biological Injection System was designed to meet this purpose. Ideal chemical compounds for each of the Biological Injection System's functions were researched and found. Epinephrine, glucose, and saline served as the principal injections. Intravenous saline injection is considered to be the most efficient means of temperature regulation because no heat is lost to the atmosphere. The injection system was constructed using 0.6 diameter plastic tubing, tape, and syringes. The Biological Injection System's effective delivery of substances was demonstrated on clear Jell-O representing the human forearm. The system was able to successfully inject the Jell-O with colored dyes each representing their respective substance. Adrenaline, glucose, and saline were represented by red, green, and blue respectively. The apparatus was able to fulfill its purpose of delivering the substances. The Biological Injection System and its components can easily be integrated into the current NASA Portable Life Support System carried by astronauts. The Biological Injection System may also be used to aid exploration and enhance human life in harsh environments such as deserts or high altitude mountains.
Introduction:
This project brings an innovation to the field of Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering. The Biological Injection System will give astronauts the means necessary to carry out more complex missions and allow them to work outside their habitat for a period longer than the current eight hour maximum. Currently, spacesuits employ an air cooling system for temperature regulation. However, such a system would not be ideal for the planned mission to Mars. Because the Martian temperature is generally too cold for human comfort, an alternate to the current air temperature regulation system is needed. The Biological Injection System is also safer than the current system because it reduces the potential failure mechanism of puncture. The Biological Injection System’s intravenous injection is more efficient than the current system because all of the thermal energy is transferred directly into the bloodstream of the astronaut. Use of the Biological Injection System in space exploration can lead to numerous new discoveries and help humans gain a better understanding of the universe.
Materials and Methods:
The Biological Injection System would provide astronauts with additional time in a fatal situation, nourishment when they are away from habitat, and a maximum efficiency temperature regulation system. These benefits are gained through the three injections that the system offers. The adrenaline provides astronauts with additional time in a fatal situation. The glucose injection gives astronauts the sustenance they need to effectively carry out missions away from the habitat. A maximum efficiency temperature regulation system uses temperature controlled saline used to intravenously regulate the body temperature of the astronaut. The beneficial effects of these chemicals on the human body were researched and compared to the chemical’s side effects.
The Biological Injection System is a simple apparatus that was made with materials readily available at a hardware store. The apparatus was constructed using 0.6 diameter tubing, tape, and syringes. (See Figures 1, 2, and 3). The Biological Injection System's effective delivery of substances was demonstrated on clear Jell-O representing the human forearm. Clear gelatin was used so the injected substances could be seen inside the gelatin. The system was able to successfully inject the Jell-O with colored dyes each representing their respective substance. Adrenaline, glucose, and saline were represented by red, green, and blue respectively. The effective delivery was demonstrated 10 times. The apparatus was able to fulfill its purpose of delivering the substances.
Figure 1: 1st Sketch of Design
Figure 2: 2nd Sketch of Design
Figure 3: Photograph of Final Design
Red tip (Needle to astronaut), Syringes (left to right: Glucose, Adrenaline and Saline)
Discussion:
Because it may be hard to convince astronauts to use a syringe to carry out their missions, alternate delivery methods were researched. Instead of using a syringe, an alternate model of the Biological Injection System could incorporate a microneedle patch into its design. A microneedle patch is a device used in drug delivery that only enters the epidermis, causing virtually no pain. The use of this attachment would increase the device’s safety, comfort, redundancy, and reliability.
The Biological Injection System would serve as a driving force behind space exploration. The Biological Injection System would provide astronauts with additional time in a fatal situation, nourishment when they are away from habitat, and a maximum efficiency temperature regulation system. The Biological Injection System and its components can easily be integrated into the current NASA Portable Life Support System carried by astronauts. The Biological Injection System may also be used to aid and enhance exploration and human life in harsh environments such as deserts or high altitude mountains. The Biological Injection System may even allow humans to inhabit and thrive in environments that were otherwise considered to be unsuitable for human life. The use of the Biological Injection System in space exploration can lead to numerous new discoveries and help humans gain a better understanding of the universe. This innovation has the potential to open a vast amount of doors to scientific discovery.
References
Luttge, R. "Silicon Micromachined Hollow Microneedles for Transdermal Liquid Transport." Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 12.6 (2003): 855-62. IEEE Xplore. Web. 12 Aug. 2010.
Norman, James. "Insulin Regulation of Blood Sugar and Diabetes - The Important Roles of Insulin and Glucagon: Diabetes and Hypoglycemia." EndocrineWeb. 29 Mar. 2009. Web. 04 Aug. 2010.
Stendell, E. "An Experimental Study of Warming Intravenous Fluid in a Cold Environment." PubMed. Web. 06 Aug. 2010.
Stone, C. K. "Controlled Trial of an Intravenous Fluid Warmer." PubMed 13.1 (1994): 18-20. Web. 06 Aug. 2010.
Voelckel, Wolfgang G. "Effects of Epinephrine and Vasopressin in a Piglet Model of Prolonged Ventricular Fibrillation and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation." Critical Care Medicine 30.5 (2002): 957-62.
White House Responds to Israel Terrorist Attacks
Statement by Press Secretary on Attacks in Southern Israel
"We condemn the brutal terrorist attacks in southern Israel today in the strongest terms. Our deepest condolences go to the victims, their families and loved ones, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. The U.S. and Israel stand united against terror and we hope that those behind this attack will be brought to justice swiftly."
Flag of Israel image source: Wikipedia
Permission: Public Domain
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Obama Puts Romney, GOP in His Sights
On day one of his bus tour, President Obama blasted GOP presidential candidates on their views on taxes and health care, singling out Mitt Romney.
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Video provided by Newsy.com
Are the Media Ignoring Ron Paul?
Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) placed second at the Ames Straw Poll on Saturday, but he isn't getting much love from the media.
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video provided by Newsy.com
President Obama's Bus Tour Slammed by GOP
President Barack Obama's three-day midwestern bus tour is meant to focus on the economy.
Sources:CNNRNCABCYahoo!Los Angeles Times
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
By Tracy Pfeiffer
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video provided by Newsy.com
Risk of Autism in Siblings
A new study suggests children with autistic siblings face a greater risk of developing the disorder.
Sources:MSNBCCBSCNNLA Times Blog
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
By Stefanie Redding
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video provided by Newsy.com
CSEA Contract Ratification Announced by Cuomo, Donohue
New Contract Avoids the Need for Broad Layoffs While Meeting Tough Fiscal Demands
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and CSEA President Danny Donohue announced that members of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) have ratified the five year labor contract agreed to in June by CSEA leadership and the Cuomo administration. The agreement marks a milestone accomplishment for collective bargaining and labor-management cooperation in New York State.
The contract includes provisions to keep CSEA-represented state employees on the job delivering essential services to New Yorkers. The new contract freezes base wages for the first three years, and then allows for retention payments – totaling $1,000 – as well as salary increases in each of the last two years. It also calls for a redesign of the employee health care contribution and benefit system.
"This is a big, big win-- a win for the union and a win for the people of the state," stated Governor Cuomo.
"The union avoided layoffs and the state is financially stronger. I’m pleased that our approach of labor and management working together is vindicated. Mutual respect and honest negotiations work. I applaud Danny Donohue for his leadership and vision in this negotiation. This vote demonstrates their commitment to seeing this state get back on the right track. In these difficult financial times, shared sacrifice is needed, and CSEA members have shown willingness to do their part."
"These are not ordinary times and CSEA worked hard to reach an agreement that we believed would be in everyone’s best interest," said CSEA President Danny Donohue.
"CSEA members agree that this contract is reasonable and responsible for the long term and shows that CSEA members will do what is right for the good of all New Yorkers. The Governor’s leadership is helping move this state in the right direction."
The terms of the agreement will take effect immediately as the state legislature already approved the agreement contingent on the CSEA ratification.
Base Wages: Under the five year agreement, there will be no general salary increase in Fiscal Year 2011-12; 2012-13; 2013-14. Employees will receive a 2 percent increase in 2014-15 and 2015-16.
Savings: The 2011 wage agreement is $2.5 billion less costly to the state than the 2007 agreement, if adopted through the state workforce.
Health Care System Redesign: The agreement includes a series of reforms in the employee health care system. If adopted by all bargaining units, these reforms would save $1.27 billion. The components of the health system redesign are:
Savings: If adopted for the entire workforce, this change will save $165 million per year, and $764 million over the term of the contract.
Health Care Opt Out: For the first time, the state is offering an opt-out option. Health care premiums cost $16,600 for family coverage and $7300 for individual coverage. Employees electing to opt out of the health insurance program must provide proof of alternative coverage and will receive $1000 or $3000 for the cessation of individual or family coverage, respectively.
Savings: The opt-out achieves $21.6 million in annual savings, and $91.8 million over the five year term if adopted statewide.
Health Benefit Redesign: The health benefit plan system of co-pays, deductibles, and programs has been redesigned to encourage healthy choices and control costs of pharmaceutical products. For example, for the first time the plan will cover the use of nurse practitioners and "minute clinics" and encourage employees to use these services when appropriate instead of hospital emergency rooms.
Savings: If adopted by all bargaining units, these changes generate $85.5 million annually when adopted statewide, and $361.4 million over the term of the contract.
Deficit Reduction Leave: Under the agreement, employees will take a five day unpaid deficit reduction leave during fiscal year 2011-12 and four days unpaid leave during fiscal year 2012-13. The value of the days taken not worked will be deducted from employee pay over the remaining pay periods equally during the fiscal year in which they are taken. Employees will be repaid the value of the 4 days from 2012-13 in equal installments starting at the end of the contract term.
Savings: The furloughs will yield $360 million in savings if adopted by all bargaining units.
Performance advances, longevity and retention payments: Performance advances and longevity payments will continue to be in effect. Current employees who remain active through 2013 will earn a onetime retention payment of $775 in 2013 and $225 in 2014 in recognition of working without a wage increase for three years.
Patient Abuse Reforms: Both CSEA and the State agree that the system in place for investigating allegations of abuse of patients at state facilities does not adequately protect our most vulnerable population in state care. While CSEA employees are dedicated caretakers, allegations of abuse must be dealt with thoroughly. Under the new contract, the State and CSEA will take a number of steps to improve the quality of care, including creating a completely new Select Panel on Patient Abuse with A-list arbitrators and creating a table of penalties for increasingly severe acts of misconduct, along with a number of other reforms.
Review of Temporary Employees: The State and CSEA will form a joint committee to review the use of temporary employees and contractors and make recommendations to the Division of Budget and Department of Civil Service.
Layoff Protection: CSEA employees will receive broad layoff protection for fiscal year 2011-12 and 2012-13 arising from the $450 million budget gap. Workforce reductions due to management decisions to close or restructure facilities authorized by legislation, SAGE recommendations or material or unanticipated changes in the State's fiscal circumstances are not covered by this limitation.
Image courtesy of http://www.csea813.org/.
The contract includes provisions to keep CSEA-represented state employees on the job delivering essential services to New Yorkers. The new contract freezes base wages for the first three years, and then allows for retention payments – totaling $1,000 – as well as salary increases in each of the last two years. It also calls for a redesign of the employee health care contribution and benefit system.
"This is a big, big win-- a win for the union and a win for the people of the state," stated Governor Cuomo.
"The union avoided layoffs and the state is financially stronger. I’m pleased that our approach of labor and management working together is vindicated. Mutual respect and honest negotiations work. I applaud Danny Donohue for his leadership and vision in this negotiation. This vote demonstrates their commitment to seeing this state get back on the right track. In these difficult financial times, shared sacrifice is needed, and CSEA members have shown willingness to do their part."
"These are not ordinary times and CSEA worked hard to reach an agreement that we believed would be in everyone’s best interest," said CSEA President Danny Donohue.
"CSEA members agree that this contract is reasonable and responsible for the long term and shows that CSEA members will do what is right for the good of all New Yorkers. The Governor’s leadership is helping move this state in the right direction."
The terms of the agreement will take effect immediately as the state legislature already approved the agreement contingent on the CSEA ratification.
Base Wages: Under the five year agreement, there will be no general salary increase in Fiscal Year 2011-12; 2012-13; 2013-14. Employees will receive a 2 percent increase in 2014-15 and 2015-16.
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 |
0% | 0% | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Savings: The 2011 wage agreement is $2.5 billion less costly to the state than the 2007 agreement, if adopted through the state workforce.
Health Care System Redesign: The agreement includes a series of reforms in the employee health care system. If adopted by all bargaining units, these reforms would save $1.27 billion. The components of the health system redesign are:
Savings: If adopted for the entire workforce, this change will save $165 million per year, and $764 million over the term of the contract.
Health Care Opt Out: For the first time, the state is offering an opt-out option. Health care premiums cost $16,600 for family coverage and $7300 for individual coverage. Employees electing to opt out of the health insurance program must provide proof of alternative coverage and will receive $1000 or $3000 for the cessation of individual or family coverage, respectively.
Savings: The opt-out achieves $21.6 million in annual savings, and $91.8 million over the five year term if adopted statewide.
Health Benefit Redesign: The health benefit plan system of co-pays, deductibles, and programs has been redesigned to encourage healthy choices and control costs of pharmaceutical products. For example, for the first time the plan will cover the use of nurse practitioners and "minute clinics" and encourage employees to use these services when appropriate instead of hospital emergency rooms.
Savings: If adopted by all bargaining units, these changes generate $85.5 million annually when adopted statewide, and $361.4 million over the term of the contract.
Deficit Reduction Leave: Under the agreement, employees will take a five day unpaid deficit reduction leave during fiscal year 2011-12 and four days unpaid leave during fiscal year 2012-13. The value of the days taken not worked will be deducted from employee pay over the remaining pay periods equally during the fiscal year in which they are taken. Employees will be repaid the value of the 4 days from 2012-13 in equal installments starting at the end of the contract term.
Savings: The furloughs will yield $360 million in savings if adopted by all bargaining units.
Performance advances, longevity and retention payments: Performance advances and longevity payments will continue to be in effect. Current employees who remain active through 2013 will earn a onetime retention payment of $775 in 2013 and $225 in 2014 in recognition of working without a wage increase for three years.
Patient Abuse Reforms: Both CSEA and the State agree that the system in place for investigating allegations of abuse of patients at state facilities does not adequately protect our most vulnerable population in state care. While CSEA employees are dedicated caretakers, allegations of abuse must be dealt with thoroughly. Under the new contract, the State and CSEA will take a number of steps to improve the quality of care, including creating a completely new Select Panel on Patient Abuse with A-list arbitrators and creating a table of penalties for increasingly severe acts of misconduct, along with a number of other reforms.
Review of Temporary Employees: The State and CSEA will form a joint committee to review the use of temporary employees and contractors and make recommendations to the Division of Budget and Department of Civil Service.
Layoff Protection: CSEA employees will receive broad layoff protection for fiscal year 2011-12 and 2012-13 arising from the $450 million budget gap. Workforce reductions due to management decisions to close or restructure facilities authorized by legislation, SAGE recommendations or material or unanticipated changes in the State's fiscal circumstances are not covered by this limitation.
Image courtesy of http://www.csea813.org/.
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