2007 Highlights

Cures on the horizon: New York is now a leader in stem cell research. Malkin & Ross worked with New Yorkers for the Advancement of Medical Research (NYAMR) to secure state funding for stem-cell research. Stem cells offer the hope of future cures for chronic and degenerative conditions such as spinal cord injury, Type-One diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Working with NYAMR, Malkin & Ross was able to facilitate a deal that addressed the concerns of elected officials on both sides of the issue. New York scored a victory when Governor Eliot Spitzer and the State Legislature signed off on a long-term, $600 million package for stem cell research. This move will help attract and retain scientists, invigorate the economy and lead to life saving cures. 

High achievements in education: After a 14 year legal battle to ensure a quality education for every child, the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) and Malkin & Ross worked with the Governor and Legislature to bring this goal one step closer to reality. In 2003, the NYS Court of Appeals ruled that New York City Schools were entitled to additional funding. AQE and M&R developed and ran an issue campaign to ensure that the State not only honor this ruling, but also change the funding system to ensure that decisions were based on need, not politics. This year’s state budget provides a record increase to school districts across the state and for the first time, features a fair school aid formula that will begin directing funding to where it is needed the most.

Fighting Alzheimer’s: Early detection of Alzheimer’s will now be a little easier. Malkin & Ross worked with the Alzheimer’s Association to create a cognitive assessment tool for health care settings, a first-of-its-kind in the nation. Despite significant opposition from the health care industry, Malkin & Ross was able to convince state officials that this was an efficient use of resources that would save money in the long run. As many as one third of older hospital patients have undiagnosed dementia. A cognitive assessment tool will aid doctors in identifying individuals with impairment, such as Alzheimer’s, and in many cases allow for early treatment. This will help families and their loved ones access the care they need and allow for the targeted delivery of health care services when they are needed most.

Combating fraud: Since 1986, the federal government has recovered nearly $20 billion in fraud through a False Claims Act. Even though the federal government had passed legislation increasing the state share of each dollar recovered by 20% in 2005, the New York State Senate was still blocking this measure. Through M&R’s efforts, the State Legislature passed and Governor Spitzer signed a False Claims Act that will not only help New York to recover millions in taxpayer dollars paid out due to fraud, but will also serve as a model for the rest of the country. Now New York taxpayers will be better served, and whistleblowers who report fraud will be able to share in the recovery of misspent funds.

Telephone justice for prison families: For more than 15 years, New York prison family members were forced to pay inflated telephone rates – that were 630% more than the average consumer rate – in order to stay in touch with their loved ones in prison. The State received 57% of the profit and by doing so, forced some families to choose between buying food and talking to their loved one. Malkin & Ross teamed with the New York Campaign for Telephone Justice to put an end to this egregious practice. Through a combination of lobbying, media and grassroots, M&R built the support necessary for newly elected Governor Spitzer to eliminate the commission. In June, he signed a law codifying that decision, preventing future administrations from taking advantage of prison families.