Blair Horner of NYPIRG will discuss NYS Policy Issues at the Albany Roundtable on Wednesday, February 12

ALBANY, NY –  Blair Horner, a regular commentator on New York State government, will bring more than four decades of experience in public policy to the Albany Roundtable on Wednesday, February 12. The luncheon will be held at the National Register-listed University Club, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street in Albany, and is open to the public.

Horner is the executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). He began working at NYPIRG in the 1970s and has spent most of his career there, aside from stints at the New York State Attorney General’s office and the American Cancer Society.

In his most recent Capitol Perspective column on the NYPIRG website, Horner reviews the U.S. Surgeon General’s first report on the dangers of smoking in 1964, and how action in New York State took decades to catch up due to the Big Tobacco lobby. He notes that this lobbying powerhouse is back, on the side of flavored e-cigarettes.

At the upcoming luncheon, Horner will talk about the state’s 2020 legislative session, including health topics, education spending, environmental issues, and the prospects for political reform.

This luncheon is sponsored by Northern Rivers Family of Services, which was formed in 2012 to respond to declining resources and increasing demand for services. Northern Rivers is the parent organization to Parsons Child & Family Center (founded in 1829) and Northeast Parent & Child Society (founded in 1888). Their quality of care, depth of programs, combined size and passion for the mission make them a leader in delivering mental health counseling, special education, residential and foster care, and the community-based services that keep families safely together in their homes. Their workforce of more than 1,400 provides services for 16,000 children, adults, and families in 36 counties throughout New York state.

The cost for the luncheon is $20, which may be paid at the door. The Roundtable also offers its guests the option of paying in advance with a credit card at www.albanyroundtable.com. The University Club will serve a hot and cold buffet from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., with the program commencing at 12:30. Reservations for the February 12 luncheon are required by Monday, February 10 and may be made online, by calling 518-992-5360 or by sending an e-mail to albanyroundtable@gmail.com.