John and Robach Honored by State United Way

ALBANY, NY (02/26/2008)(readMedia)-- United Way of New York State is honoring Rochester area Assemblywoman Susan John and Senator Joseph Robach in Albany on Wednesday for their leadership in achieving two of United Way’s top priorities.

Assemblywoman Susan John is being recognized for her role in obtaining state funding to support 2-1-1 in the Finger Lakes region and across the state. Her efforts during the past two years have resulted in over 70% of the state being served by 2-1-1, including all of the Greater Rochester area.

2-1-1 is an easy to remember number that helps people get the help they need with health and human services issues. In an emergency or disaster, 2-1-1 becomes the place to obtain real time information updates and assistance, thus relieving 9-1-1 of non-emergency calls. Across the state, funding for 2-1-1 also comes from local United Ways, local government and foundations

“Susan John has been proactive every step of the way on state funding for 2-1-1,” stated Susan Hager, President and CEO of United Way of New York State. “She has been a strong advocate within her house and also rallied the support of Assembly leaders to the cause. Susan’s genuine commitment and persistence has been instrumental to the continued success in obtaining needed funding.”

Senator Robach is being recognized for his 3-year effort to enact a Prompt Contracting bill to provide relief to thousands of not for profits that contract with the state to provide services. Senator Robach forged a bipartisan partnership with Democratic Assemblyman Jonathan Bing to introduce and promote this legislation.

The bill, despite unanimous passage by the Legislature two years in a row, was vetoed twice by Governor Pataki.

Following unanimous passage for a third time late in the 2007 Legislative session, Governor Spitzer signed the Prompt Contracting bill into law on July 18.

“Senator Robach demonstrated his longstanding commitment to the not for profit sector through his effective and persistent support for this legislation for over three years,” said Mrs. Hager. “He could easily have moved on to other issues but instead worked with his colleague in the Assembly to continue pushing this bill. The not for profit sector is deeply indebted to Senator Robach for his determination to see this measure become law”.

The legislators will be honored Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. for Susan John and 10:00 a.m. for Joseph Robach and Jonathan Bing, at a United Way meeting at the Fort Orange Club in downtown Albany.

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