On the Issues: Taxes and Fiscal Responsibility / Protecting Our Environment
Health Care / Seniors and Veterans / Public Safety and Protecting Our Children
Preserving Our Quality of Life

On the Issues: Health Care

A growing concern nationally and here in Suffolk County has been the issue of health care. As Vice-Chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, Steve Stern has worked on the local level to improve public health. Recently, Steve introduced legislation encouraging New York State to pass laws that will help medical professionals better understand why certain diseases seem to occur in “clusters,” and ways to take precautions to prevent diseases such as breast cancer. He has also encouraged awareness of donations of cord blood — which is rich in stem cells and can be used to treat many diseases. Among these accomplishments is his successful ban of mercury from vaccines made available in Suffolk County, Establishing Autism Awareness Month, and his contributions to the “Health Care Responsibility Act.”

• Sponsored legislation in support of the “Health Care Responsibility Act” requiring large big box retailers to provide health insurance for employees.
• Sponsored legislation requiring the use of Mercury-Free vaccines in County Health Centers.
• Sponsored legislation in support of the "Federal Combating Autism Act of 2005."
• Sponsored legislation requesting the New York State Legislature to pass the Mental Health Parity Bill known as "Timothy's Law."
• Sponsored legislation requesting the United States Congress to enact the “Medicare Informed Choice Act of 2005” to extend deadline to enroll in Medicare Part D. 
• Co-sponsored legislation to establish a County policy permitting leaves of absence for breast cancer and prostate cancer screening.
• Co-sponsored legislation declaring November as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Suffolk County.
• Sponsored legislation authorizing the Suffolk County Department of Health Services to promote awareness of the benefits of cord blood and encourage cord blood donations.