From the Desk of Legislator Edward Mangano: July 31, 2009

Proposes ‘Green’ Energy Fund

Nassau County Legislator Ed Mangano announced legislation proposing a $25 million Sustainable Energy Loan Fund for Nassau residents.  This “Green Energy” Fund will encourage local homeowners and businesses to make energy-efficient improvements or add renewable energy sources to their homes by providing loans for energy-efficient building improvements.  

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: July 24, 2009

Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Victims

From Workplace Discrimination Becomes Law

Important legislation sponsored by Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), that would protect victims of domestic violence and stalking from workplace discrimination was recently signed into law by the governor.

Letter: Questioning NASA’s Spending, Plans

On the day America celebrated the 40th anniversary of Apollo XI, a laid-off computer technician of my wife’s acquaintance who had been working as a sales clerk in a department store moved to Hong Kong. More about him later.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: July 17, 2009

Moving Forward

“The stalemate in the New York State Senate has ended. With the gridlock over, more than 130 important bills that affected localities across this state and allowed them to hold the line on property taxes have been passed.

“This included legislation that was critical to Nassau’s fiscal health, and the extension of the Power for Jobs program, which is responsible for more than 240,000 jobs across New York State.

Town of Oyster Bay Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series

Dave Mason, Tony Orlando and John Waite are just some of the performers Oyster Bay Town residents will be able to enjoy during the second week of the 2009 Music Under the Stars concert series, according to Supervisor John Venditto.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson

The Senate Stalemate

It is my hope that by the time that you read this, the stalemate that has gripped the Senate will be over.

Over the last few weeks, the residents of the State of New York have unfortunately seen government at its worst. On June 8, the Senate Republicans, with their new leader, Pedro Espada of the Bronx, derailed the end of the legislative session with a poorly thought out coup attempt.

Letter: Yatauro Calls for Leadership in State Senate

(This letter is dated June 27.)

Unemployment is still rising. Businesses continue to fail. Municipal governments require assistance to avoid further slashing of vital social programs. Nassau County needs help from Albany to avoid layoffs and the closing of many of our offices, parks and facilities.

Letter: Pet Safe: It’s Time for a Plan

“The biggest potential hurricane disaster on the Atlantic Coast is in the New York City, northern New Jersey, western Long Island metropolitan area,” writes Bryan Norcross in his book the Hurricane Almanac where he says it is the very lack of preparedness in these areas that increases their vulnerability to disaster.

It is time to prepare, and to help Nassau County residents get ready for the unexpected Pet Safe Coalition would like to have families with pets send us their family’s disaster plans and the family may win a prize. Once a month the family with the best thought-out plan and resources will win a prize in the Pet Safe Coalition’s “Pet Safe Families” competition. Families with pets are invited to write or call the Pet Safe Coalition to share their plans to keep their pets safe in emergencies. This can include plans to evacuate from the home or plans to have a trusted person take care of the animals in the family’s absence.

Letter: A Special ‘Thank You’ To All Volunteers

The Hicksville Boys & Girls Club would like to thank the 128 volunteers who came out and supported the Club by volunteering to man our concession stand on the 7th Fairway at the 2009 US Open.

Venditto: Remember Korean War Veterans on 59th Anniversary

An inscription on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. reads: “Our Nation honors her sons and daughters, who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto asks residents to take a few moments on June 25, which is Korean War Veterans Day in New York State, to reflect and to honor the veterans who served their country during that conflict and show them we are grateful to live in a country that is free because of their service, courage and sacrifice.