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In the News: Denny Salas

Newsweek: What Donald Trump's Second Cabinet Could Look Like

With Donald Trump looking increasingly likely to clinch the 2024 GOP nomination, discussions have already begun to take place on the type of Cabinet the former president could build if he wins the general election.

City & State: The 2024 Political PR Power 75

A promising legislative proposal that’s not garnering much media buzz. A major project that needs to generate local buy-in. A bombshell corruption or abuse allegation.

The leading government relations firms across the five boroughs.

Full Article: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2023/12/2023-new-york-city-top-50-lobbyists/392390/?oref=csny-nav-trending

City & State: Gotham Government Relations Recognized as NYC's Top 50 Lobbyists

Gotham Government Relations Recognized as NYC's Top 50 Lobbyists

Manhattan-based lobbying firm Gotham Government Relations cut all ties with Stuart Seldowitz on Tuesday after a viral video emerged showing him harassing a halal cart vendor in the Upper East Side. “I did have an argument with a food vendor,” Seldowitz told City & State. “It is quite possible that it's me. I mean, I've not seen the video, but I believe it's probably me.”

Seldowitz, who worked in the U.S. State Department’s Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs and then served as Acting Director of the National Security Council South Asia Directorate in the Obama administration, was named Foreign Affairs Chair at Gotham Government Relations last year.

“Gotham Government Relations has ended all affiliation with Stuart Seldowitz,” the lobbying firm announced in a statement. “The video of his actions is vile, racist and beneath the dignity of the standards we practice at our firm.”

Full Article: https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2023/11/gotham-government-relations-cuts-ties-former-obama-administration-official-caught-harassing-halal-cart-vendor/392235/

City & State: Gotham Government Relations cuts ties with former Obama administration official caught harassing halal cart vendor

“By the way, I’ll represent the food vendor pro bono if he wants to bring a lawsuit,” Gotham Government Relations president David Schwartz said.

For 60 years, the APBA has been a bastion of support, safeguarding the rights and welfare of New York City’s Auxiliary Police Officers. Throughout these years, they’ve represented their members and have been instrumental in ensuring that the sacrifices, courage, and contributions of the Auxiliary Police Officers are recognized. In the face of mounting challenges, changing political climates, and evolving societal needs, the APBA has been a steadfast beacon, adapting, fighting, and shielding its members while promoting the significance of the Auxiliary Police service to New York City’s communities.

Full Article: https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/new-york-city-london-ac9ad9d2ca2cd75dbefcebdc9a3a6694

AP News: Gotham Government Relations LLC Joins Forces with The Auxiliary Police Benevolent Association of The City of New York

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, October 17, 2023 / EINPresswire.com / -- Gotham Government Relations LLC, a leading government relations firm, proudly announces its newest client, The Auxiliary Police Benevolent Association of The City of New York (APBA). Recognizing the recent decline and neglect of the Auxiliary Police Department in New York City, Gotham is committed to restoring and revitalizing this vital civilian branch of the NYPD.

Latinos are on the ascent in New York. While there has still been no Latino governor or mayor of New York City, there are plenty of rising stars who could break through in coming years. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a progressive icon whose name recognition alone would make her a compelling candidate for a more powerful post. State Sen. Jessica Ramos’ name is in the mix as a potential contender for mayor of New York City. And Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is a heartbeat – or a scandal – away from the governorship.

Full Article: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2023/09/2023-power-diversity-latino-100/390456/

City & State: Denny Salas Named on 2023's Power 100 Latino List

The 2023 Power of Diversity: Latino 100
The New York leaders with Latin American roots.

Yahoo Finance: More Downstate Voters Rejecting Major Parties & Registering Independent

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Voters in New York City and Long Island are increasingly scrapping the two major political parties to register as independents – a trend that underscores the importance of candidates appealing to voters 50-plus, a new AARP New York-sponsored analysis of voter rolls shows.

Calone, a former prosecutor who works in the private sector, touted his business experience as being the best fit for the job while Romaine maintained that his decades of service as an elected official in the county and Town of Brookhaven makes him the ideal choice for voters.

Full Article: https://www.danspapers.com/2023/10/calone-romaine-make-their-cases-to-long-island-seniors-at-aarp-forum/

Dan's Papers: Calone, Romaine Make Their Cases to Long Island Seniors at AARP Forum

Democrat Dave Calone and Republican Ed Romaine each argued why they are the best person to be the next top-elected official on eastern Long Island while making their case to the region’s largest voting bloc — seniors — during the AARP’s Suffolk County executive candidate forum on Oct. 10.

PoliticsNY: Calone, Romaine Make Their Cases to Long Island Seniors at AARP Forum

And yet, the mayor need not look as far as Washington for an example of the government attempting to limit the medical choices of individuals needing health care. In a shameful deal with some of the city’s more powerful municipal labor unions — a deal opposed by many other municipal unions — he has sold 250,000 city retirees down the river by continuing to attempt to remove their earned traditional Medicare benefits, proposing to limit their choice by forcing them into a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Full Article: https://www.nydailynews.com/2023/10/08/no-to-medicare-advantage-plan-nyc-owes-its-retirees-the-fair-coverage-they-earned/

NY Daily News: No to Medicare Advantage Plan

Mayor Adams has rightly been critical of a series of misguided decisions by the United States Supreme Court, expressing outrage at the high court for stripping away federal protection for a woman’s right to choose, in consultation with her doctor, concerning her reproductive rights.

The bipartisan Right to Medicare Act would prohibit employers from forcing retirees enrolled in a retiree health plan in traditional Medicare to move to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are managed by private insurance companies. It would instead allow currently retired employees to opt into a Medicare Advantage plan if they choose to do so.

Full Article: https://blog.aarp.org/fighting-for-you/aarp-backs-bill-protecting-choice-in-medicare-plans

AARP: AARP Backs Bill Protecting Choice in Medicare Plans

AARP wrote to U.S. House of Representatives lawmakers this week in support of a bill that would protect the rights of retirees to remain in the type of Medicare plan they are enrolled in.

The forum will be held at Stony Brook University and is sponsored by AARP New York, WABC-TV and Schneps Media, the parent company of the Long Island Press, Dan’s Papers and Noticia. The forum will be moderated by Chantee Lans, WABC-TV’s Long Island correspondent and will offer voters the chance to hear directly from the candidates.

The forum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the Charles B. Wang Center, 100 Circle Rd., at Stony Brook University. RSVPs are required for in-person attendance at countyexecforumaarpli.com

Full Article: https://www.danspapers.com/2023/09/aarp-suffolk-county-executive-candidate-forum-is-oct-10/

Dan's Papers: AARP Suffolk County Executive Candidate Forum Is Oct. 10

Republican Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine and Democratic ex-prosecutor David Calone will focus on issues facing voters age 50 and older during the next Suffolk County Executive Forum scheduled for Oct. 10.

Long Island Press: AARP Suffolk County Executive Candidate Forum Is Oct. 10

NY Daily News: Reps. Malliotakis, Torres introduce bipartisan bill blocking Mayor Adams’ Medicare Advantage switch for NYC retirees (Exclusive)

A bipartisan legislative push is afoot on Capitol Hill to prohibit all U.S. employers from forcing their retired workers into Medicare Advantage coverage — a proposal that could spell trouble for Mayor Adams, who’s trying to mandate the privatized health insurance program for New York City’s 250,000 municipal retirees.

NEW YORK — Former prominent New York City union officials are putting pressure on the City Council to back legislation that would permit retired municipal employees to keep their traditional Medicare.

Details: In a letter to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council members Thursday, 35 ex-labor leaders who either sat on or whose unions were part of the Municipal Labor Committee — an umbrella group for 102 public sector unions — urged the body to back a measure sponsored by Council Member Charles Barron that would change the administrative code to preserve health care insurance choice.

The committee supported the Adams administration’s plan to force roughly 250,000 retirees onto a Medicare Advantage plan recently blocked by a Manhattan Supreme Court judge.

Full Article: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2023/09/former-city-union-officials-push-bill-seeking-health-care-choice-for-retirees-00114599

Politico Pro: Former city union officials push bill seeking health care choice for retirees

In a letter to the City Council, 35 ex-labor leaders urged the body to back a measure that would change the administrative code to preserve health care insurance choice.

Bronx Times: Torres announces new legislation aimed at protecting seniors’ access to Medicare

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres on Thursday joined local health care advocates — as well as senior citizens and public sector retirees — to announce he will be introducing new legislation aimed at protecting the rights of seniors to access traditional Medicare coverage.

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres Announces New Legislation Aimed at Protecting Rights of Seniors to Access Traditional Medicare Coverage

BRONX, N.Y. – U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) today joined local healthcare advocates and affected seniors and public sector retirees to announce he will be introducing new legislation – the “Right to Medicare Act” – aimed at protecting the rights of seniors to access traditional Medicare coverage.

News12-The Bronx: Rally held to support passing of Right to Medicare Act

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres was in the Bronx with advocates on Thursday making a big push when it comes to health care for seniors.

NY Daily News: NYC’s largest municipal union urges workers to confront Council members who oppose Medicare Advantage push

New York City’s largest municipal union is text-blasting its members urging them to bombard Council members with critical phone calls if they support a bill that would guarantee traditional Medicare coverage for retired municipal employees, the Daily News has learned.

NY Daily News: The City Council owes retirees Medicare choice: Let people pick if they want to switch to Medicare Advantage

Historically, New York’s City Council has set nationwide precedents by adopting historic and landmark legislation dealing with such vital issues as campaign finance, anti-apartheid, human and worker rights, and women and senior citizen protection laws. It once again has the opportunity to protect the health and well-being of more than 250,000 retired city public servants.

A state Supreme Court judge blocked New York City from switching municipal retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan aimed at saving hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs, delivering retirees a key victory in a hard-fought battle to keep their current coverage.

“This is now the third time in the last two years that courts have had to step in and stop the City from violating retirees’ healthcare rights,” Marianne Pizzitola, president of the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees, said in an emailed statement. “We once again call on the City and the Municipal Labor Committee to end their ruthless and unlawful campaign to deprive retired municipal workers of the healthcare benefits they earned.”

Mayor Eric Adams’ administration signed a contract with Aetna earlier this year for a Medicare Advantage plan that the city has said would save $600 million a year on retiree health care costs. (Retirees fighting the switch have disputed this figure.) The switch from retirees’ traditional Medicare plans was set to go into effect on Sep. 1, until Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Lyle Frank granted a temporary restraining order in July.

Retirees have fought the switch, arguing that privatized Medicare Advantage plans will limit access to their medical providers, could come with higher out-of-pocket costs, and have been found to deny necessary care. Retirees currently enroll in traditional Medicare, along with a city-subsidized supplemental coverage plan known as Senior Care.

A spokesperson for Adams said that the city plans to appeal the decision, and pointed to benefits of the Medicare Advantage plan that it negotiated alongside the Municipal Labor Committee, including a lower deductible, a cap on out-of-pocket expenses and benefits like fitness programs. (Pizzitola has said that these don’t amount to improvements, noting that once retirees meet their deductible with Senior Care they don’t have out-of-pocket expenses.)

The city has also characterized the switch as an essential savings initiative. “It would save $600 million annually, especially critical at a time when we are already facing significant fiscal and economic challenges,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “This decision only creates confusion and uncertainty among our retirees.”

The state Supreme Court ruling received bipartisan praise from New York City Council members on Friday, including Democrat Tiffany Cabán and Republicans Inna Vernikov and Ari Kagan.

Retirees vote, after all.

https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2023/08/new-york-city-retirees-score-major-victory-medicare-advantage-fight/389352/

City & State: New York City retirees score major victory in Medicare Advantage fight

A judge blocked a planned switch of their health benefits after months of acrimony.

With handmade signs and buttons, a group of municipal retirees gathered on Broadway outside of City Hall Park on Thursday to show support for keeping their existing health care plans. The city is attempting to switch insurance plans for municipal retirees, potentially saving the city hundreds of millions of dollars – while angering many former employees. Retirees are fighting the move in court, and now they want the City Council to take action as well.

“The city should be ashamed of themselves,” New York City Council Member Charles Barron said at the rally. Barron has introduced a bill in the City Council that would essentially preserve an option for retirees to keep current plans. “You got money for the (Police Benevolent Association). You got money for DC37’s leadership. You got money for the (United Federation of Teachers). Then you need to have money for the retirees.”

City workers and their dependents are eligible for free health insurance after they retire. Previously, the retirees would enroll in traditional Medicare and would get Senior Care, a supplemental plan from EmblemHealth. The money that covers the premiums and various other benefits come from the Joint Health Insurance Premium Stabilization Fund, which is jointly controlled by the city and the leaders of municipal unions.

The money in this fund is shrinking, and in 2018 former Mayor Bill de Blasio and the union leaders came up with a plan to cut spending on health care, as City & State previously reported. To do this, retirees will no longer get traditional Medicare plus Senior Care. Instead, they’ll get Medicare Advantage from Aetna, which will have lower premiums for the city to pay, saving the city an estimated $600 million. However, Medicare Advantage could also come with smaller networks to choose doctors from and higher out-of-pocket costs for the retirees. On top of that, there’s evidence to suggest that Medicare Advantage plans often deny plan holders care. As a result, retirees have been protesting the changes to their insurance, recently securing a legal victory when a Manhattan Supreme Court judge temporarily blocked the switch.

The City Council bill to intervene and maintain the status quo for retirees is gaining bipartisan support. It currently has 14 sponsors, including Black radical socialists, DSA members and outer borough conservatives.

But Barron’s bill faces long odds. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said he will move ahead with the planned switch, and he has the support of the DC 37 municipal employees union leadership. “The city’s Medicare Advantage plan, which was negotiated in close partnership with the Municipal Labor Committee, improves upon retirees’ current plans, including offering a lower deductible, a cap on out-of-pocket expenses, and new benefits, like transportation, fitness programs, and wellness incentives,” mayoral spokesperson Jonah Allon said in a statement. “Further delay in implementing it will only cause greater uncertainty for our retirees and have a detrimental impact on our city’s budget.”

City Hall has also said that the bill would interfere with the collective bargaining process and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has expressed similar concerns, Politico reported. DC 37 leader Henry Garrido is strongly opposed, and has floated pulling the union’s support of lawmakers who back it.

Barron himself won’t be able to advocate for the legislation much longer: He was recently defeated in a primary election and is set to leave office at the end of the year.

Barron introduced his bill on June 22. It would require the city to provide retirees at least one Medicare supplemental insurance plan with benefits equal to or better than the plan they currently have, rather than being automatically switched to Medicare Advantage.

“Money is not the problem,” Barron said. “Mayor Adams is the problem.”

Republican Council Member Ari Kagan, a co-sponsor on Barron’s bill, also spoke at the rally.

“We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of people who make our city better, safer, cleaner for decades,” Kagan said.

New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees President Marianne Pizzitola, who led the rally, said that retirees won’t stop fighting the new health care program until it’s changed into something that they actually want to use.

“You’re not going to bribe us with a perk, a ride to a doctor that doesn’t take this plan,” Pizzitola said. “We simply want our health care.”

https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2023/07/we-simply-want-our-health-care-retirees-rally-city-hall-medicare-advantage-bill/388514/

City & State: ‘We simply want our health care.’ Retirees rally at City Hall for Medicare Advantage bill

Fresh off a recent legal victory, retirees are pushing the City Council to buck the mayor and union leaders.

amNewYork: Op-ed | Mayor needs to reverse decision that shifts retiree health coverage for municipal employees to a Medicare Advantage plan

New York City was built on the shoulders of hardworking individuals who dedicated their lives to making this city great. Among them are our municipal retirees. Their years of service earned them a promised Medicare plan to meet healthcare needs in their golden years.

Politico: Momentum builds against Medicare Advantage

Retired municipal workers are ramping up pressure on city lawmakers to back legislation that would allow them to choose their health insurance instead of switching to a Medicare Advantage plan the Adams administration hopes to implement this fall.

CBS News: Retired New York City workers speak out against plans to change Medicare benefits

Retired New York City workers continue to fight to hold on to their Medicare benefits.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today in response to a New York City Judge's decision to temporarily block the City’s initiative to change the health care plans available to NYC retirees while the case is pending in court:

“AARP New York applauds Judge Frank’s decision as a victory for New York City retirees. We are encouraged by the ruling to halt the City’s flawed attempt at diminishing care for retirees as the court considers the Mayor’s ill-advised effort – which would risk retirees’ long-term health and retirement security.

“We strongly agree with Judge Frank that because this matter will impact health care for an aging and vulnerable population – most of them on fixed incomes - any lapse in care for City retirees could have deleterious consequences.

“The City should stand by the commitments it made to its retired workers for their service over their long careers. The Mayor’s plan would increase City retirees’ health care expenses, reduce their choices, make it more difficult for them to continue visiting their existing doctors, and provide them with far too little information about many other essential plan specifics.

“New York City retirees deserve to enjoy their retirement years with the peace of mind that their healthcare needs will be met without unnecessary barriers or discrimination. AARP New York is hopeful that as the case moves forward in court, the justice system will hold the City accountable to its promises to the retired public servants who dedicated their lives to caring for New Yorkers.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

https://local.aarp.org/news/aarp-ny-applauds-court-ruling-blocking-cuts-to-nyc-retirees-health-benefits-days-before-crucial-deadline-ny-2023-07-07.html

AARP NY Applauds Court Ruling Blocking Cuts to NYC Retirees’ Health Benefits Days Before Crucial Deadline

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today in response to a New York City Judge's decision to temporarily block the City’s initiative to change the health care plans available to NYC retirees while the case is pending in court:

Gothamist: Judge blocks Medicare Advantage switch for 250K NYC retirees

A Manhattan judge is pressing pause on a controversial plan to push New York City government retirees onto a new privatized version of Medicare this fall – a major victory for critics of the switch.

NY1 News: NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees president and lawyer discuss insurance change

Mayor Eric Adams and his administration are moving ahead with a plan to change health care insurance for many retired city employees.

Long Island News 12: Nassau County adding new liaison office, service bus for seniors

Some help is now on its way for Nassau County seniors, officials announced.

Statement from Comptroller Brad Lander on New York Supreme Court Ruling on Medicare Advantage

New York, NY — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement in response to the New York Supreme Court ruling on shifting retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan:

Throughout his career, Denny Salas has been a stockbroker, a legislative researcher on Capitol Hill, a political consultant to members of Congress, a government affairs and political action committee manager for small-business manufacturing, a grant writer and development officer at a charter school, and a political candidate for local office. He serves on the NYPD’s 7th Precinct Community Council, as policy director for lower Manhattan’s United Democratic Organization, and as a county committee member and judicial delegate for the Manhattan Democratic Party.

Recent accomplishments: Since Salas joined Gotham, he has helped deliver substantive victories. In Long Island, with AARP New York, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone issued executive orders installing age-friendly liaisons across relevant agencies to serve the 50-plus population. With the New York City municipal retirees, he helped lead the effort of having City Comptroller Brad Lander reject the mayor’s contract forcing municipal retirees into a Medicare Advantage plan, in addition to having City Council Member Charles Barron and Assembly Member Ken Zebrowski introduce legislation to protect the earned Medicare benefits of retirees.

https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2023/07/whos-who-government-relations/388641/

City & State: Denny Salas named to City & State's Inaugural "Who's Who" in Government List

Since Salas joined Gotham, he has helped deliver substantive victories for our clients.

Comptroller Lander Declines to Register Medicare Advantage Contract Pending Litigation

New York, NY – The Comptroller’s Office declined to register the City’s contract with Aetna to transfer City retirees to a Medicare Advantage program for their health care coverage. A pending lawsuit, brought on behalf of retirees, questions the City’s authority to enter into such an agreement.