December 2010, the New York State Senate failed to pass a bill, and the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation was shutdown -- laying off hundreds of employees. In the process, terminating the health benefits of all NYCOTB retirees. That's right, retirees who played by the rules while performing their duties, had the rug thrown out from under them and they were suddenly without any medical coverage. And since December 2010, numerous former NYCOTB employees had passed away or have become seriously ill because they could not afford doctor visits and/or needed medications. Governor Cuomo had a chance last year to correct this injustice but he vetoed Bill 5785. Time is running out! The New York State Legislature needs to come up with legislation with appropriation, and Governor Cuomo needs to sign it! The health benefits for NYCOTB retirees needs to be restored now!!!
Please work together to come up with legislation (with appropriation) to restore the health benefits to NYCOTB employees. The retirees worked to provide New York State (and other municipalities) with revenue for their entire careers, they deserve to have the health benefits they worked for and are entitled too. Please work together to correct this injustice.Thank you for your consideration and taking the time to read this letter
