Over the last couple of days, I have written a series of diaries detailing several votes where State Senator Elizabeth "Betty" Little (R - Warren County) has consistently aligned with numerous corporate interests that have donated to her campaigns over the public health and safety of the thousands of North Country constituents she represents. This diary will provide a concise recap of my last several diaries.
Betty Little was one of seven State Senators which voted to kill legislation which would've banned the importation of toxic fracking fluid waste from surrounding states and required full disclosure of the chemical contents in the fluids that were being disposed of (S.5123-A, S.425). Little has received over $50,000 in campaign donations from pro-fracking interests, including Exxon Mobil's political action committee. (View Diary)
Betty Little was one of only two State Senators which opposed the Safe Patient Handling Act (S.7735-A) that passed almost unanimously (58-2) during the 2012 session. The legislation mandated that hospitals must enact comprehensive training programs for medical professionals to ensure the better handling and maneuvering of patients under their care. Little has received thousands in campaign donations from trade groups representing hospitals and medical clinics, which likely would not want to incur the additonal expenses of implementing more rigorous training. (View Diary)
Betty Little was the only member of the State Senate's 10-member Environmental Conservation Committee that voted to kill legislation banning the use of BPA on receipts and transaction papers (S.4709-A). Little has received thousands in campaign donations from interests that would oppose such a ban, including the American Chemistry Council, which has spent millions lobbying to defeat measures in state legislatures placing bans and/or restrictions on BPA useage. (View Diary)
Other votes where Betty Little voted against public health and safety:
Betty Little was one of only two State Senators to kill bipartisan legislation aimed at better educating customers and employees of restaurants and public eating establishments on the dangers of food allergens to food allergic individuals. (S.1068)
Betty Little was the only State Senator to kill bipartisan legislation requiring notification to be given to fire departments with jurisdiction over residential structures where the building is to be constructed using truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction. (S.6675-C)
Betty Little was the lone State Senator to vote against bipartisan legislation providing a tax credit to home owners who repair cock loft fire hazards in their homes. (S.5944-B)
Betty Little was one of only four State Senators who voted against bipartisan legislation requiring stricter regulation of party busses with passengers under 21 years of age. (S.7028-B)
Betty Little was the lone State Senator to vote against bipartisan legislation requiring driver's license renewal applicants to prove they have acceptable vision to operate a motor vehicle. (S.4140)
Betty Little was one of only two State Senators who voted against bipartisan legislation establishing safety standards for operating moveable soccer goals. (A.5308-C)
Betty Little was the only State Senator that voted to kill bipartisan legislation requiring a reduction in the mercury content of mercury-added lamps. (S.6514)
Betty Little was one of only six State Senators who voted against bipartisan legislation requiring the manufacturers of thermostats to collect mercury thermostats that were removed or replaced during the installation of a new thermostat. (A.8084)
Betty Little was one of ten State Senators who voted against bipartisan legislation allowing local municipalities to enact stricter regulation of pet dealers. (A.740-A)
Betty Little was one of only four State Senators who voted against bipartisan legislation prohibiting smoking at public playgrounds. (A.4025)
Betty Little was the only State Senator to vote against bipartisan legislation prohibiting smoking on the grounds of hospitals and health care facilities. (A.1115-A)
Betty Little was one of thirteen State Senators to vote against bipartisan legislation requiring all operators of mechanically propelled vessels to obtain a boating safety certificate. (S.1639-A)
Betty Little was one of only four State Senators to vote against bipartisan legislation requiring that child health care facilities post a copy of their most recent inspection report. (S.5414-A)
Betty Little voted against legislation requiring all individuals under 18 years of age to wear a helmet when riding a horse. (S.2007)
Betty Little was the only State Senator that voted to kill bipartisan legislation eventually requiring all heating oil sold within New York State to contain bioheating fuel. (S.1184)
Betty Little was the only State Senator that voted to kill bipartisan legislation prohibiting the use of chemical flame retardants on residential upholstered furniture. (S.4780)