Cuomo approves marijuana for PTSD
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Saturday to add post-traumatic stress disorder to the list of ailments that can legally be treated with medical marijuana.
The PTSD bill was part of a package of legislation that Cuomo signed to mark Veterans Day.
“Our veterans risked their lives in order to defend the ideals and principles that this nation was founded upon and it is our duty to do everything we can to support them when they return home,” Cuomo said.
The Democratic governor said 19,000 New Yorkers with PTSD could be helped by medical marijuana.
He said the potential beneficiaries include veterans as well as police officers and survivors of domestic violence, crime and accidents.
New York’s medical marijuana law allows patients with illnesses including cancer, AIDS and Parkinson’s disease to use consume non-smokable forms of the drug.
Other measures Cuomo signed Saturday include a bill to provide more days off for combat veterans employed by the state and a bill waiving the civil service examination fee for veterans who were honorably discharged.
Cuomo also announced a new program that will allow veterans to order service branch-specific license plates showing they served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marines.
Eliminate fee for military records
BUFFALO (AP) — A New York congressman wants to eliminate the fee veterans sometimes have to pay in order to obtain their own military records.
Rep. Brian Higgins, a Democrat from Buffalo, has introduced legislation in the House that would do away with the government’s fee for access to veterans’ records.
While no fee is charged if a request for a record pertains to obtaining benefits, a veteran or the next-of-kin can be hit with a charge of up to $70 per copy for other requests.
Members of Congress often are asked by constituents to assist in receiving veterans’ military files for the purpose of determining eligibility for benefits or for service medals. Higgins has handled many such requests over the years for veterans of World War II and Korea and their families.
Senate to discuss opioid epidemic
ALBANY (AP) — The New York state Senate is planning another meeting to hear from local law enforcement, mental health experts and the loved ones of those lost to heroin and opioids.
Tuesday’s meeting in Newburgh in the Hudson Valley will be hosted by Republican Sens. George Amedore, Fred Akshar and William Larkin.
A Republican Senate task force has held similar hearings throughout the state to gather insight into how local communities are addressing the scourge of drug abuse and addiction.
Lawmakers included more than $200 million in this year’s state budget for efforts to prevent and fight addiction.
Monument to honor black veterans
BUFFALO (AP) — A new monument planned for Buffalo’s waterfront will honor African-American military veterans.
State and local officials say the monument will recognize the contributions of African-Americans who have served in all branches of the military during both times of war and peace.
It will be located at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, where several other memorials already stand.
Planners hope to dedicate it on Veterans Day 2018.
Enjoy a ‘breakfast at Tiffany’s’ in N.Y.
NEW YORK (AP) — Having breakfast at Tiffany’s isn’t just a big screen fantasy anymore.
The New York-based Tiffany & Co. jewelry chain has opened a restaurant at its flagship Fifth Avenue location in Manhattan, and the menu does include breakfast. The store is the setting for Audrey Hepburn’s classic 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe opened its doors Friday. The $29 breakfast selections include avocado toast and a buttermilk waffle. Lunch meals are available for $39, tea and finger sandwiches are $49.
The cafe’s chairs and dishes feature the company’s signature blue.
