“It’s unfortunate that Nassau Democrat legislators continue to be part of the problem rather than cooperate in advancing solutions.  Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams and his Democrat legislators are once again telling half the story about Nassau’s finances.  Rather than tell residents the truth about their tax and spend ways, they have continually used misinformation to hide from their record and have officially lost all credibility.  The time for honesty is now.   The Office of Legislative Budget Review clearly states that the $310 million Democrat deficit has been reduced by 80%, to $60 million, and acknowledges that the County is taking the steps necessary to close the remaining deficit.

Nassau County Executive Mangano has spent two years cleaning up Democrat deficits, repealing taxes and cutting millions in wasteful spending added to government by Democrat legislators.  County Executive Mangano has reduced the workforce by 20% and demanded concessions to protect taxpayers.  No politician has done more to protect our residents’ wallets.

The message is clear.  County Executive Mangano will not give in and allow the Democrat legislators to once again raise property taxes by 42%.  County Executive Mangano will not allow Democrat legislators to once again approve a Fast Food Tax and Home Energy Tax.  The Democrats just don’t get it.  Our residents are taxed enough and will soon be taxed out of Nassau County if the Democrats have their way.

The Democrats must stop playing politics, put the people first and act responsibly.”

Here are the facts:

·         Ed Mangano cut the workforce by 20%, or by 1,776 positions.

·         Ed Mangano has cut approximately 100 patronage positions added to government by Democrat legislators.

·         Ed Mangano implemented two public-private partnerships to save taxpayers over $40 million annually, including one with our bus system and another which brought inmate healthcare services to the County jail.

·         Ed Mangano cut $200 million in wasteful spending and consolidated over 10 departments.

·         Ed Mangano is the first County Executive to forever end borrowing for tax refunds.

·         Ed Mangano repealed the Home Energy Tax and stopped a Fast Food Tax dead in its tracks.

·         Ed Mangano eliminated a 16.5% property tax hike planned by the Democrats and has held the line on property taxes every year since taking office.

The CEO of America Elect, Kahlil Byrd, release the following statement:

Over the past two years, Americans Elect has focused on achieving three clear goals:

· Gaining nationwide ballot access for a third presidential ticket to compete in the 2012 race;
· Holding the first ever nonpartisan secure national online primary at AmericansElect.org; and
· Fielding a credible, balanced, unaffiliated ticket for the 2012 presidential race.

Through the efforts of thousands of staffers, volunteers, and leadership, Americans Elect has achieved every stated operational goal. Despite these efforts, as of today, no candidate has reached the national support threshold required to enter the “Americans Elect Online Convention” this June. (Read a detailed summary of the AE process here and the full rules here.)

Because of this, under the rules that AE delegates ratified, the primary process would end today. There is, however, an almost universal desire among delegates, leadership and millions of Americans who have supported AE to see a credible candidate emerge from this process.

Every step of the way, AE has conferred with its community before making major decisions. We will do the same this week before determining next steps for the immediate future. AE will announce the results of these conversations on Thursday, May 17.

As always, we thank everyone who has participated in this effort and will honor the work, efforts and trust so many people have placed in Americans Elect.

MLB.com is reporting that the New York Mets will be host of the 2013 All-Star Game, giving Mr. Met much to cheer about.

Traditionally, it has a major economic impact on its host city. This year’s events are estimated to draw about $60 million into Kansas City, and the 2008 events in New York generated $148.4 million, according to MLB.

In addition, the 2011 All-Star Game, played in Phoenix, drew 34.9 million television viewers and ranked as FOX’s most-watched prime-time telecast of the summer. The game consistently ranks as the highest-rated All-Star event in sports by a large margin.

For those and other reasons, Selig noted that there is always “intense competition” from teams to land All-Star Games.

CONTINUE READING

I have to commend [Suffolk] Legislator Tom Cilmi for running the meeting as it was billed to be; an opportunity for county employees to offer suggestions. However, some of my colleagues in attendance could not yet again resist the urge to stoke partisan fires for political gain.

While they have been busy offering false hopes to employees slated to be laid off, the County’s fiscal crises is nowhere near being over. While everyone knows that the actions we take must first be debated, we are long past the point of having the luxury of endlessly postulating unrealistic ideas. We must continue taking aggressive —and even unpopular—actions if we hope to avert a total fiscal meltdown.

In the press release promoting last night’s forum my counterpart Minority Leader John Kennedy stated “as Republicans we believe in smaller government comprised of core missions.” Yet when the time came to cast the extremely difficult vote to shrink County government by laying-off employees, not Mr. Kennedy—nor a single member of the Republican Caucus—cast their ballot in favor of reducing the size, scope and cost of government.

If my colleagues in the Minority Caucus really want to preserve these jobs then they need to find an immediate influx of cash in the neighborhood of $11 million in the next 45 days. And that’s just to cover the salaries of these employees for the rest of the THIS year. The stark reality is that the County can barely make payroll right now.

I have both constituents and friends on the lay-off list. I don’t expect any of the employees facing termination to care about the larger, direr concerns we are trying to address in rectifying the County’s fiscal crises. But I do expect my colleagues in the minority to be truthful partners in dealing with this situation.

The disturbing reality is this…the Republicans know full well there is just no way to find that money. As insensitive as it may seem, we need to move on and focus on the even bigger problems that still are ahead of us. But instead of being honest with these workers, they are exploiting them for partisan political gain. What we Democrats did by voting for these lay-offs might well have been harsh, but at least it was honest.

Many suggestions were offered at last night’s forum, but the theme— by far—was a call to raise the general fund property tax and sales tax. First, increasing both of these taxes will not make a single difference in funding the 315 positions, because the revenue just will not be realized in time. Besides, increasing the sales tax is the purview of State Government. And Albany has already indicated that won’t happen this election cycle. So that leaves us with raising property taxes.

During this process my Republican colleagues have been chastising the Majority Caucus for taking heartless votes to address the budget deficit. I challenge them then to heed the call of the 200 or so employees in attendance last night and do this; make a public commitment to their constituents that they are willing raise their general fund property taxes just to save county jobs.

Of course they won’t.

Instead, it seems so far as if Republican lawmakers are content with pandering and forcing us to quibble over proposals that sound popular and painless, but are totally unrealistic and way too time consuming to remedy the magnitude of the immediate monetary problems Suffolk County faces. Worse still, all this postulating wastes what precious time we do have to get this crises under control. And the longer we wait, the worse it gets. That is what the people of Suffolk need to understand.

When the time came to make tough decisions to correct the course of County finances, it was Democrats who took responsibility. And that really is the definition of leadership, a willingness to put yourself out there and make the tough decisions. It’s definitely not easy—it’s certainly not popular— but it is necessary. And it’s what the Majority Caucus has been doing, taking action.

Amityville
Pass, 686-317

Babylon
Pass, 904-340

Bay Shore
Pass, 1,788-703

Bellmore
Pass, 766 – 347

Bellmore-Merrick
Pass, 3,974-2,030

Bethpage
Pass, 1,053-453

Brentwood
Pass, 1,038-690

Bridgehampton
Pass, 109-54

Carle Place
Pass, 713-363

Center Moriches
Fail, 1,145-719

Central Islip
Pass, 871-649

Comsewogue
Fail, 1,514-1,063

Connetquot
Pass 2,438-1,041

Copiague
Pass, 1,023-436

Deer Park
Pass, 1,346-502

East Hampton
Pass, 454-109

East Islip
Pass, 3072-2545

East Meadow
Pass, 2,033-790

East Moriches
Pass, 382-161

East Rockaway
Pass, 719- 427

Eastport-South Manor
Pass, 1,015-587

Elmont
Fail, 1,226-937

Elwood
Pass, 1,267-490

Farmingdale
Pass, 1,787-896

Fire Island
Pass, 71-6

Fishers Island
Pass, 57-24

Franklin Square
Pass, 978-522

Freeport
Pass, 1,634-639

Garden City
Pass, 1,820-1,044

Glen Cove
Pass, 930-455

Greenport
Pass, 280-124

Hampton Bays
Pass, 945-393

Hauppauge
Pass, 1,367-675

Hempstead
Pass, 572-291

Herricks
Pass, 1,661- 949

Huntington
Pass, 2005-803

Island Park
Pass, 648-363

Island Trees
Pass, 689-278

Islip
Pass, 1,635-860

Jericho
Pass, 933-282

Kings Park
Pass, 1,840-885

Levittown
Pass, 2,545- 1,386

Lindenhurst
Pass, 1,836-1,289

Locust Valley
Pass, 1,652-1,098

Long Beach
Pass, 1841-936

Longwood
Pass, 2,252 – 1,252

Malverne
Pass, 741-489

Manhasset
Pass, 1,235-539

Massapequa
Pass, 3,208-1,814

Merrick
Pass, 1144-517

Middle Country
Pass, 3,368 – 2,169

Miller Place
Pass, 1,220 – 538

Mineola
Pass, 1,249-559

Montauk
Pass, 214-68

Mount Sinai
Fail, 1,263-1,147

New Suffolk
Pass, 78-29

North Bellmore
Pass, 1,442-831

Northport-East Northport
Pass, 2,826-1,461

Oyster Bay-East Norwich
Pass, 1,158-680

Oysterponds
Pass, 192- 253

Plainedge
Pass, 1,376-904

Plainview-Old Bethpage
Pass, 1,736-878

Port Jefferson
Pass, 787-342

Quogue
Pass, 86-15

Remsenburg-Speonk
Pass, 369-226

Riverhead
Pass, 1,703 – 1,061

Rockville Centre
Pass, 1,940-888

Rocky Point
Pass, 1434-876

Roslyn
Pass, 892-420

Sachem
Pass, 5,031-3,323

Sag Harbor
Pass, 672-267

Sagaponack
Pass, 25-1

Sayville
Pass, 1,842-684

Seaford
Pass, 1,766-1,262

Sewanhaka
Pass, 4,178-2,919

Smithtown
Pass, 3,587-1,618

South Country
Pass, 2,093-1,068

Southampton
Pass, 566-260

Southold
Pass, 534-289

Springs
Pass, 434-139

Tuckahoe
Fail, 228-275

Uniondale
Pass, 459-242

Valley Stream 24
Pass, 506-255

Valley Stream 30
Pass, 351-228

Valley Stream Central
Pass, 1,921 –1,194

Wainscott
Pass, 40-2

Wantagh
Pass, 1,900-709

West Babylon
Pass, 1,507-742

West Hempstead
Pass, 1027- 650

Westbury
Pass, 1,263-789

Westhampton Beach
Pass, 521-300

William Floyd
Pass, 1,758-1,458

Wyandanch
Pass, 167-79

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Jack M. Martins to repeal a processing fee for customers to refund unused Long Island Railroad tickets received wide bi-partisan support as it passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday by a 60-0 vote.

Currently, a customer who purchases a LIRR ticket and doesn’t use it has to pay a $10 processing fee just to receive a refund. In many cases, the refund costs more than the ticket itself. In addition, the current policy gives customers only 14 days to use a ticket or 30 days to seek a refund. Senator Martins’ bill (S.3778D) eliminates the $10 processing fee to return an unused ticket and gives customers a full six months after the purchase date to either use the ticket or receive a full refund.

“This legislation sends a clear message that the Long Island Railroad has to be more customer friendly. To charge a customer a processing fee that, in many cases, costs more than the ticket is appalling and defies common sense,” said Senator Martins. “If the ticket is purchased and not used, the customer should be entitled to a refund, period.”

Right now, a one-ticket to Manhattan on the Long Island Railroad from stations in the Seventh Senate District costs either $7.25 or $8.25 during off-peak hours depending on the station. If a customer were to purchase a ticket and not use it, the amount of the refund would be deducted from the $10 fee so that it would actually cost the customer a $2.75 to $3.75 penalty over the initial purchase price of the ticket just to return it. to return a ticket. Essentially, the MTA, with its $10 processing fee, has a non-refund policy for unused train tickets.

“Customers have had to deal fare increases and service cuts. To put in a processing fee just to return a ticket for a refund is just another slap in the face to our residents who need to use the railroad. This fee should never have been instituted. It discourages mass transportation at a time when we need mass transit to serve customers efficiently and fairly,” said Senator Martins.

The MTA Board adopted the policy concerning the $10 processing fee for refunds on December 30. Senator Martins’ bill to repeal it was also passed last year but failed to pass the Assembly. Senator Martins is hopeful the Assembly will take up the bill this year so that it lands on the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Yesterday, voters across New York State voted on their local school budgets. Following the passage of last year’s historic property-tax cap, a check on sky-high Long Island property taxes which I enthusiastically supported, there was a great deal of concern over whether our schools could successfully craft a budget that came in under the cap and what would happen to those that could not.

I am proud to say that all seven schools in my district saw their budgets pass yesterday. The Bayport-Blue Point, South Country, Longwood, William Floyd and Patchogue-Medford School Districts all presented budgets that came in under the tax cap and all five saw their residents approve. Both the Sachem and Middle Country School Districts presented budgets that came in over the cap, but the voters still saw fit to affirm them.

This is proof that the tax cap we enacted last year is working. Five school districts were able to put forth a budget that avoided a massive tax increase on residents and held the line on spending while providing a quality education to our schoolchildren. While Sachem and Middle Country were unable to put together plans that stayed under the cap, they successfully made their case to the voters for why their budgets needed to exceed that limit.

I applaud the school boards for their efforts and am proud that the schools in my district were able to stay within the cap and still manage to present budgets that will continue to provide our children with the quality education they deserve, and that the ones that could not, gave the voters legitimate reasons for exceeding it. While further mandate and tax relief is needed to continue assisting our schools in staying under the tax cap, yesterday’s votes showed that the property-tax cap is a success.

Dean Murray represents New York’s 3rd Assembly District, which includes Bellport, Blue Point, Brookhaven Hamlet, Coram, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Holtsville, Medford, Middle Island, Patchogue and parts of Mastic, Selden, Shirley and Yaphank.

Last week Congressman Steve Israel voted for a bill which sought to withhold funding from the New York Police Department (NYPD) because of their counterterrorism program.

When asked for a comment, Stephen Labate said, “Every New Yorker should be outraged by Steve Israel’s vote which seeks to punish the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep the people of New York City safe.”

Labate, a 20 year Army Officer and an Iraq War Veteran will challenge Israel, a six-term incumbent this November. “The NYPD has a very effective intelligence gathering operation which has foiled several planned terrorist attacks against the city”, noted Labate.

“To support a bill whose intent is to withhold funding from NYPD for employing standard police investigative techniques is unconscionable and just the latest example of political correctness run amuck.” The candidate went on to say, “This vote by Steve Israel is a classic example of a professional politician, sitting in judgment of those who do the hard work while he sits in Washington and never gets his own boots dirty”.

Labate went on to praise Congressman Peter King saying, “He’s 100% on target asking Steve Israel to apologize to the NYPD. It’s always easy to be critical from afar, but when it’s your job to protect the public, the last thing you need is to be rebuked from the halls of Congress”.

“There is no worse enemy to effective policing than political correctness.” Labate continued, “It’s all too fashionable for politicians to criticize law enforcement in order to appease special interest groups. The Congress should focus on the myriad of challenges that face our country today and leave the policing of New York City to its Mayor, and its citizenry.”

(Smithtown, NY)…Suffolk County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick and the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence invite parents and other interested members of the community to learn how to recognize and maybe prevent a drug overdose at a workshop on Wednesday, May 23, from 6:30pm – 8:30 pm. It will be held at the William Rogers Legislature Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge and conducted by Dr. Thomas Jan, a private physician, certified in pain management and addiction medicine. Persons 18 years or older will receive a free lifesaving Narcan kit and instructions on how to reverse the deadly effects of an overdose from heroin or opiates. Seating is limited, so please reserve by contacting susan.eckert@suffolkcountyny.gov or by calling 854-3900.

According to Jeffrey Reynolds, PhD., Executive Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, “Overdoses are preventable and with 231 such fatalities in Suffolk County last year, we need to better arm residents with the information, training and tools necessary to save lives. We thank Legislator Nowick for organizing this important event and remain committed to eliminating overdose so that everyone struggling with addiction has a shot at recovery.”

“Spring is an exciting time for teenagers,” said County Executive Mangano. “It is the season for proms and graduations, the school year is ending, and summer vacation is just around the corner. However, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury and death among teenagers and the risk for motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16 to 19 year olds than any other age group.”

Every year, nearly 5,000 teenagers die in automobile accidents. That statistic equates to 14 teenagers dying every day. Another 300,000 are injured in car crashes annually. In Nassau County, 3,650 automobile accidents in 2011 involved teenage drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 years of age. Approximately 1,850 teenage drivers were injured last year and 4 teenage drivers killed in Nassau. To that end, the County brought along an actual crash car that visually demonstrates the reality of bad decisions.

County Executive Mangano added, “It is nearly impossible to turn on the evening news and not hear about a tragic car crash that involves fatalities and serious injuries. In many instances, these horrific stories involve some of our youngest residents who pass away long before they get the opportunity to reach their full potential. I worry about the safety and well-being of our young drivers who are very impressionable. That is why Nassau County is doing everything it can to raise awareness about this issue so that no parent ever has to receive tragic news. Parents should expect the unexpected when it comes to their teens’ driving behaviors. This is a crucial time for education, awareness and smart decision making and I ask everyone to help spread the word in promoting road safety for all drivers.”

“Do not text or talk on the cell phone while driving, turn down your radio, stay within the speed limit, always wear your seat belt, do not exceed capacity of your car, remember to signal, and follow the traffic law when changing lanes. These are all things you can do to cut down on the probability of being involved in an accident,” said Commission Dale. “In addition, each year thousands of teens are killed or injured in traffic crashes as a result of underage drinking despite the fact that it is illegal for teens to drive after drinking any alcohol. Underage drinking is illegal and can have disastrous consequences.”

Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) is co-sponsoring legislation (A.8527) to save school districts money through the use of alternative energy technologies. With schools facing fiscal constraints due to New York’s uncertain economy, the savings gained through utilizing alternative energy such as solar power or wind turbines could prove vital in providing the funding districts need to maintain programs and staffing that may otherwise be unaffordable.

“With our schools looking to maximize their funding each year, utilizing alternative energy would prove extremely beneficial,” said Montesano. “By identifying and implementing cost saving measures, our schools can use their funding for the crucial programs and staffing essential to providing our children with the quality education they need and deserve.”

Currently, school energy bills range from almost one million dollars annually to tens of millions in larger districts and several hundred million annually in New York City. By utilizing alternative sources, schools can significantly lower their energy bills and actually create new jobs in the process. By retrofitting school buildings for green energy technology, roughly 40,000 temporary and 3,500 permanent jobs would be created in communities across the state.

“In addition to saving our schools considerable amounts of money, a switch to alternative energy would create thousands of jobs at a time when New York is still in the midst of its economic recovery,” said Montesano. “Implementing and maintaining these technologies would create many new jobs in the state at a time when they are most needed. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to take action and create this commission immediately to save our schools money and get New Yorkers back to work.”

“A parkthat provides accessibility for all is finally here,” said AssemblymanWeisenberg. “This playground offers a wide variety of inclusive playopportunities and challenges for children and their families. As a parent of a childwith special needs, I am particularly sensitive to accessibility issues in recreationalareas. I’m so thrilled that this area exists for children of all abilities andtheir families.”

The playground opened earlier this month at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. AssemblymanWeisenberg was joined by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, LATCPPresident David Weingarten and paralyzed former Rutgersfootball player Eric LaGrand.

Assemblyman Weisenberg secured a$250,000 state grant to assist with construction of the playground. The fundsattained by Assemblyman Weisenberg were part of a partnership between New York State, Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead,all of which contributed funding toward the building of the playground.

The new playground features adaptedstructures, swings, ramps and an overall accessible environment.

“Without accessible play, childrenare denied the physical and cognitive benefits that play provides,” saidAssemblyman Weisenberg. “Finally, our community has this wonderful playgroundwhere everyone, no matter their limitations, can play, learn, and thrive.”

For more information about theplayground, visit its website (www.latcp.org).

“This bill will ensure a rape or sexual assault victim is provided with appropriate medical follow-up, and will make PEP treatment more accessible, decrease the likelihood that victims will become infected with the virus, and ultimately save the state millions of dollars in treatment costs by preventing potential HIV/AIDS cases,”

Sen. Hannon

said Hannon.

The bill was passed unanimously (62-0) by the Senate on May 15, 2012, and had previously passed the Assembly.

The bill now awaits the Governor’s action.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that ticks contract from biting an
infected animal, usually mice or deer. The tick can then pass the disease
along to a human when biting skin. Ticks are usually found on the tips of
grass blades or brush, and they use that cover to crawl on to you when you pass by. Lyme disease is a very real threat on Eastern Long Island and New York State at large where 2,385 cases were confirmed last year.[1]

To minimize your risk of being bitten, you should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in wooded or grassy areas to limit your skin exposure. These clothes should be light in color so the black ticks are easier to spot and remove. Ticks are tiny, so look closely for them after coming inside. Ticks tend to latch on to the backs of your knees, behind your ears, your scalp and your back, so make sure you pay particular attention to those areas.[1]

You should also be aware that deer ticks often attach themselves to pets to find their way into homes. After walks, owners should give their pets a thorough once over to make sure no ticks are present. It is also recommended that owners check with their veterinarian about products to reduce tick exposure.[1]

An infected deer tick must feed for an entire blood meal to infect the host, which can take up to 48 hours.[2] If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers or a specialized tick-removal tool and pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin, without jerking or twisting the body.[3] Disinfect the bite area and wash your hands. If a tick has already embedded itself in the skin, it needs to be taken care of immediately.

There are many symptoms of Lyme disease and they tend to vary from patient
to patient. Generally, the first symptom is a slowly expanding rash
extending from the bite site in the shape of a “bull’s eye.” Other symptoms
of Lyme disease can include chills, fever, fatigue, headache, a stiff neck,
jaw discomfort and pain or stiffness in muscles and joints. Symptoms can be
treated with antibiotics and the earlier the treatment begins, the easier it
is to prevent long-term effects, which can affect the heart or central
nervous system. Contact your doctor at the first sign of Lyme disease.[3]

Current law does not stipulate that Lyme disease and other tick borne
related pathogens be covered under individual and group health insurance
policies. Proper long term care is essential. Consequently, Assemblyman
Thiele has introduced legislation (A.7696-A) which would require health
insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and
other tick borne related pathogens.

By taking the proper precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. For further information, visit the New York State Department of Health website (www.health.ny.gov), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website (www.hhs.gov) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov).

The ceremony will take place at the Police Memorial located on the front lawn of Police Headquarters, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola.

In addition to floral tributes that will be placed at the memorial honoring deceased members, Police Officer Charles D. Cole, Jr., will be added to the Honor Roll in the memorial garden for members who have made the Supreme Sacrifice. Police Officer Cole’s death has most recently been designated as Line of Duty through New York State. Police Pipe Band and Color Guard will participate along with other dignitaries.

Media is invited to attend.