Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2006

Contact 518.462.2296

Schimminger Named Employer Alliance Assemblymember of the Year

KENMORE - Today New York’s largest single-issue business coalition recognized Assemblymember Robin Schimminger (D-140) as the Employer Alliance for Affordable Health Care 2004/05 Assemblymember of the Year. This award is based on his dedication to keeping health insurance affordable for New York’s small businesses and sole proprietors.

“Assemblyman Schimminger continues to support the idea of affordable health insurance for New York’s small business community through his opposition to health insurance mandates, or legislation that requires employers to pay for costly or redundant treatments or services in every package, ultimately increasing health insurance costs,” said Craig Lacy of Medina, a small businessman and member of the Alliance Board of Directors who presented this award. “Like our members, Assemblymember Schimminger believes that everyone should have access to basic, affordable health insurance and he’s not afraid to take a stand on this issue.”

This is the first time that a member of the State Assembly has received this award, said Alliance Chairman Jeff Leland. Assemblyman Schimminger was selected for the honor, based on a record of four consecutive “A” grades in the Employer Alliance’s annual Legislative Report Card. The report card offers an annual, in-depth evaluation of every state lawmaker’s voting and bill introduction record on issues pertaining to affordable health insurance, basing a final grade on the legislator’s overall commitment to the issue.

“The Assemblyman’s track record shows that he truly understands plight of New York’s sole proprietors and small businesses when it comes affordable health insurance,” Leland said. “His support is a step forward in giving New Yorkers the option of affordable health insurance coverage.”

The Employer Alliance for Affordable Health Care is a grassroots coalition with 2,500 members representing over 200,000 working New Yorkers. Members oppose the passage of health insurance mandates that increase costs and make it harder for many working New Yorker’s to purchase basic coverage.