Gov. Kathy Hochul now has until Christmas Eve to decide on the highly contentious Grieving Families Act, a bill to expand the state’s wrongful death statute. The bill was sent Thursday to Hochul’s desk, igniting last-minute public pressure campaigns by both advocates and opponents of the measure. The legislation would allow the families of victims to seek compensation for the emotional impact of wrongful death cases, updating a statute that dates back to 1847. Hochul vetoed two prior versions of the legislation, citing concerns about increased insurance costs. Hochul indicated on Friday, to reporters, that while she is reviewing the legislation some of her concerns persist. "There is a concern about the impacts that have not been properly studied, they have not achieved that," Hochul said. "But it's still being looked at as we speak." The Democratic governor said the law would increase insurance premiums, mirroring her previous concerns. Bill sponsors state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Helene Weinstein narrowed the legislation’s scope in response to Hochul’s stated concerns, and the bill again passed with bipartisan support in both chambers earlier this year. “I am hopeful that the governor sees the wisdom in coming to the table and recognizes the urgent need to update the outdated and discriminatory wrongful death law,” Holyman-Sigal said in a statement. But its opponents, which include hospitals and physicians, say the latest version still risks sending their medical malpractice premiums skyrocketing. “This bill is not in New Yorkers’ best interests,” Bea Grause, president of the Healthcare Association of New York State, said in a statement Thursday. “High malpractice costs, health care workforce shortages and patient access limitations already challenge New York state. Allowing for unlimited wrongful death damages would make it more difficult to recruit and retain providers, make it harder for New Yorkers to access care and exacerbate existing health inequities, all while increasing costs.” IN OTHER NEWS: — The state Office of Mental Health on Friday announced the launch of “Be Well,” a statewide public awareness campaign centered on mental wellness. The $1.9 million, state-funded campaign includes a new website with links to self-care resources and information on the impact of stress and trauma on the body. “Managing stress and anxiety is every bit as important and transformative to mental health as eating right and exercising can be for our physical health,” OMH Commissioner Ann Sullivan said in a statement. “The Be Well campaign will help New Yorkers recognize the critical role that mental well-being plays in their lives, why it is important to reduce stress and address trauma, and the strategies they can employ to accomplish this goal.” ON THE AGENDA: — Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Review Panel meets. — Thursday at 3 p.m. NYC Health + Hospitals’ board of directors meets. MAKING ROUNDS: — David Lubarsky has been named the next president and CEO of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, effective Feb. 17. Lubarsky currently serves as vice chancellor of human health sciences and CEO of UC Davis Health. He will succeed Michael D. Israel, who announced retirement plans earlier this year. GOT TIPS? Send story ideas and feedback to Maya Kaufman at mkaufman@politico.com and Katelyn Cordero at kcordero@politico.com.
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