Accomplishments

As Chair of the Environmental Committee Legislator Jaffee has held informational hearings to assess the critical water situation in Rockland County and sponsored legislation to implement a comprehensive assessment of Rockland County’s water supply to be conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In addition, she authored a local law requiring Well Water Testing in residential housing, which will protect the health of children and families in our county. This year Legislator Jaffee will continue to focus on our water supply and air quality. In May, 2005, Ellen Jaffee announced the establishment of the Rockland County Citizens’ Advisory Board for Air Quality. The Advisory Board will be responsible for making recommendations to the Environmental Committee on issues of air quality, including potential legislation and policy improvements. Legislator Jaffee will persist in calling for closure of Indian Point.

As Co-Chairs of the Committee on Women’s Issues, Ellen Jaffee and Harriet Cornell established the Breast Cancer Task Force to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection. In May 2003, Legislators Jaffee and Cornell co- chaired a successful Women’s Cardiac Symposium at Rockland Community College, The Heart of the Matter, Women and Heart Disease, with the goal of educating women about heart disease, give a sense of hope that women can reduce their risk, and empower them to do so.

As Vice-Chair and Member of the Budget and Finance Committee, Legislator Jaffee has worked to control spending, keeping Rockland’s taxes low and stable, while balancing the needs of the community. Ellen Jaffee led the fight to assure that tobacco settlement funds were used for health programs, such as tobacco cessation and prevention programs, and BEAT ( Breast Education and Treatment). She has lobbied to ensure that all women, regardless of socio- economic status, have access to comprehensive health care and assisted the Cancer Society in bringing free or low cost mammograms to women.

As Vice chair of the Multi Services Committee, Legislator Jaffee and Harriet Cornell collaborated in developing a 20-point action plan to fill the gaps in services to children, youth, and families at risk, which was based on testimony from over 50 agencies and individuals. One such initiative was the Quality Child Care Campaign, with the goal of enhancing child care programs in the county.

In addition, Legislator Jaffee has:

• Secured Shuttle bus for residents of Pondview, Bon Aire, & senior residences.
• Created Pride of Rockland Award, honoring volunteers serving our community.
• Held hearings and developed initiatives to improve child support enforcement.
• Sponsored legislation which provides Domestic Partner health benefits for County government employees.
• Sponsored local law to ban sale of mercury fever thermometers, etc., in Rockland County. Encouraged the Solid Waste Authority to establish a program, which provides free digital thermometers in exchange for mercury thermometers, assuring safe disposal of mercury.
• Coordinating the effort to complete the Mahwah-Ramapo River Flood Remediation project, to relieve flooding conditions in area.
• Secured county funding to initiate construction of walkway to library for Gitlow residents.
• Joined community in vocal opposition to Airmont Stop ‘n Shop development.
• Co-Sponsored legislation opposing Tappan Zee Bridge and Thruway corridor widening and expansion.
• Sponsored legislation to provide funding for the Challenger Center, a valuable learning tool for students, and an asset to Rockland.
• Sponsored legislation which encouraged more volunteers to participate in the Adopt- a-Road program to help clean-up litter on county roads.
• Improved delivery and accessibility of county services to people who are deaf or hearing impaired, at county facilities.
• Sponsored legislation that enabled RCC to expand cooperative education internship program with local business.
• Held hearings and authored legislation opposing power plants or a quarry in Torne Valley.
• Called on County to hire environmental consultant to participate in siting process in opposition of power plants.