Gotham Government Relations Working Pro-Bono to Pass Bill

March 15, 2010; New York, NY – Gotham Government Relations is pleased to announce its participation in working to pass a new bill ending Autism insurance discrimination. Bill Number S7000, sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin, the Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, will amend the insurance law and the public health law. The bill will also expand health insurance coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Gotham Government Relations wholeheartedly supports this new legislation and is lending its full support, pro-bono, to get it passed in both houses and signed by the Governor this session.

“Gotham is honored to work with the bi-partisan coalition of legislators in ending the autism insurance discrimination that has lasted way too long in New York State,” Gotham co-founder Brad Gerstman says. “Too many families struggle day to day with medical bills associated with the treatment of autism. Our goal is to work tirelessly with the legislators, autism groups, and families to have this outstanding bill enacted into law before the end of the 2010 legislative session.”

According to the CDC, Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined and the disorder costs the nation over $35 billion per year. Bill S7000 will require private health insurance companies to provide families the coverage needed for the proper treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The bill has no age caps or dollar caps on these benefits and covers many integral procedures necessary to the treatment of autism.

About Gotham Government Relations

New York’s fastest-growing government relations firm, Gotham Government Relations, provides lobbying, advocacy and consulting to its clients. Gotham offers its clients forward-thinking strategies that tap into political trends and opportunities. The work of its partners has resulted in shaping public policy on a number of key matters, including business advocacy and strategy; land use; special education; and charitable causes. For more information, log onto www.gothamgr.com or call us at 516.880.8170.

New York City, New York-
In an historic gathering of statewide professional tobacconists, a group of over two dozen retail tobacconists gathered at the Grand Havana Room in New York City to launch the New York Tobacconist Association (NYTA).

With the onslaught of anti-tobacco ordinances and legislation, the coalition of traditional competitors are coming together to combat further intrusion into their businesses, to oppose measures that can impact the product choices of their patrons, to address the cost of both doing business in New York, and the cost of goods to their customers.

As noted by Ron Melendi, General Manager of De La Concha tobacconists of New York City, “It is time for our voices to be heard. For too long, we have let our representatives pass laws that adversely affect our businesses, and the ability of our customers to enjoy a perfectly legal array of products. It’s time to say enough is enough.” Melendi was named the founding chairman of the NYTA.

At the heart of it all is Gotham Government Relations, the firm hired by NYTA to lobby these local and state issues.

“Our goal is to educate our legislators on these issues and to advocate that they are currently eroding the rights of New York State residents,” said Brad Gerstman, partner at Gotham Government Relations. “Our clients are small business owners who make a tremendous contribution to New York culture and the economy; and thus, in turn, pay significant taxes to the state and local governments”. “We must stop the policies of hurting our local businesses, who serve adult customers and have made a choice to smoke in cigar bars and smoke shops”; said David Schwartz, partner at Gotham. “Certain members of the legislature want to control every choice that New Yorkers make and its time our Government stop intruding on personal freedoms”, said Schwartz.

The New York effort is also being assisted by Cigar Rights of America (CRA) as a national consumer-based organization for cigar enthusiasts. CRA Executive Director Glynn Loope was present at the organizational meeting, stating “Each of these shops represent thousands of customers. Now, they are voters for the cause. We will educate them about how their representatives vote, about the legislation they introduce, and work to halt this Prohibition Era style of policies flowing from New York City to Albany.”

With the recently adopted flavored tobacco ban central to the group’s concern, there will be a comprehensive agenda of issues to be addressed. In addition to the flavored tobacco issue, the group will address fees and taxation, regulatory matters, and any further indoor or outdoor smoking restrictions.

The New York Tobacconist Association elected a charter board of directors, adopted by-laws, and initiated an “open door” policy that any premium licensed tobacconist in New York can join the group. A plan is currently underway for statewide recruitment for consumer members joining Cigar Rights of America, and retail tobacconists joining the NYTA.

About Cigar Rights of America

Cigar Rights of America (CRA) was founded on the principle of fighting for the freedom to enjoy premium cigars. A consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works with local, state and federal governments to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts, CRA works with its constituency of members including manufacturers, retailers and cigar enthusiasts to focus on opposing restrictive smoking bans and increased taxation of cigars. www.CigarRights.org

About Gotham Government Relations

New York’s fastest-growing government relations firm, Gotham Government Relations, provides lobbying, advocacy and consulting to its clients. Gotham offers its clients forward-thinking strategies that tap into political trends and opportunities. The work of its partners has resulted in shaping public policy on a number of key matters, including business advocacy and strategy; land use; special education; and charitable causes. For more information, log onto www.gothamgr.com or call us at 516-880-8170.

Brad Gerstman, High-Powered Lobbyist, Outraged over Hofstra University’s Decision to Dismantle its Football Program. Hofstra Alumni and Gotham Government Relations Partner Seeks Clarification and Reconsideration

Roslyn, NY; December 4, 2009

Hofstra Alumnus and Gotham Government Relations Partner, Brad Gerstman, is speaking out today on the discontinuation of Hofstra University’s Football Program. Gerstman was a member of Hofstra’s Football team from 1986-1989, during which time the team reached the playoffs all four years. Brad is currently one of the founding partners of New York’s fastest-growing government relations firm. He was disappointed to hear the news of Hofstra’s decision to terminate the football program.

“I am deeply upset about this decision,“ Gerstman says. “As an alumnus, former football player and a member of this community, I will personally seek clarification and details on why this occurred. I hope that the University will reconsider this irresponsible decision that ultimately will impact the region in a very profound way, from Long Island high school football players to current Hofstra football players and fans, and many others.”

Hofstra’s President was quoted as saying the cost of the University’s Football Program far exceeds any possible return. Gerstman, however, would like the school to reconsider and take into account how damaging the loss of a football program will be to the reputation of the institution, especially considering that a number of Hofstra alumni have gone on to become professional football players and coaches. Without a football team, Hofstra would join the dubious rank of being one of the nation’s first elite universities without a football team.

“The University is part of the fabric of Long Island and I believe this is damaging to Long Island and the reputation of the school,” Gerstman says. “More importantly, Hofstra isn’t simply a small private business operating in a vacuum. They receive grants from our government and decisions made by the administration can and do impact the region. As such, it’s curious to me that as caretakers of an institution which has had football since it’s inception in the 1930’s, they can make such a radical change in a secretive way, without any notice to anyone, input from outside stakeholders, or public debate.”

Gerstman will seek immediate clarification and reconsideration from University officials on this decision. Gerstman is asking that elected officials, former Hofstra football players and other members of the community step up to seek further explanation.

Gotham Government Relations offers its clients forward-thinking strategies that tap into political trends and opportunities. The work of its partners has resulted in shaping public policy on a number of key matters, including business advocacy and strategy; land use; special education; and charitable causes. For more information, log onto www.gothamgr.com or call us at 516-880-8170.

Brad Gerstman is a leading Long Island attorney, lobbyist and company president. His diverse background and extensive experience in law, business, government, education, and the not-for-profit community puts him in a unique position to represent and advocate for a broad range of clients and causes.

A member of the New York State Bar since 1994, Brad has a successful track record as a defense lawyer, prosecutor and general corporate counsel. His distinguished career as an attorney began by serving the people of New York as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx. In this role, Brad investigated cases involving corporate fraud and corruption, as well as violent crime and narcotics. From the DA’s office, he went on to run a law firm that focused on criminal defense and general litigation, where he handled numerous high-profile cases that included protecting children from lead-based paint and advocating for the rights of senior citizens. Currently, Brad is a partner in Gerstman Schwartz, LLP and Gotham Government Relations, based in Garden City. In addition, Brad is a member of the Education Law Association and the Nassau County Bar Association’s Education Law Committee.

Political Analyst to Offer Insight & Commentary on Major New York Races

New York, NY: November 3, 2009 –

Brad Gerstman, Partner at Gotham Government Relations, will appear on Regional News Network’s Election Night coverage on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Gerstman will be the only guest on set with veteran news anchors Richard French and Andrew Whitman. Starting at 7pm, Gerstman will offer expert political analysis on the outcome of the major local races including the New Jersey Gubernatorial Race, New York City’s Mayoral Race and the Nassau County Executive Race.

“Election night is almost as exciting for me as when the Giants play in the Superbowl,” Gerstman says. “I’m thrilled to be sharing my insights with New Yorkers on all of these major races on RNN.”

Check your local listings for the Regional News Network. Political coverage begins at 7pm, November 3rd, 2009.

New York’s fastest-growing government relations firm, Gotham Government Relations, provides lobbying, advocacy and consulting to its clients. Gotham offers its clients forward-thinking strategies that tap into political trends and opportunities. The work of its partners has resulted in shaping public policy on a number of key matters, including business advocacy and strategy; land use; special education and charitable causes.