(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R, C – East Patchogue) today welcomed the news that Governor Cuomo has approved his co-sponsored legislation to provide better service and electricity rates for Long Island residents. The new law will require the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to undergo thorough and regular audits and adhere to standards that will maximize efficiencies.
 
“As a co-sponsor of this bill, I commend Governor Cuomo for signing it into law,” said Murray. “For too long our residents have faced mounting costs and unanswered complaints. Thanks to the new law’s regular audits and oversight, we can provide Long Island customers with affordable energy and timely responses to their concerns while reining in wasteful spending at LIPA.”
 
The LIPA Oversight Bill was drafted by Assemblyman Bob Sweeney (D – Lindenhurst) and state Senator Ken LaValle (R, C, I – Port Jefferson) in response to numerous complaints by Long Island residents of poor service and wasteful spending on the part of the utility. By calling for independent oversight and the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection to investigate any customer complaint, LIPA will now be held to a more rigorous standard than any other utility company in the state.

(Long Island, NY) New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, chair of the State Senate’s Higher Education Committee, said today that the State’s Community Colleges need to better identify which students are better suited for a vocational rather than an academic track which would save students’ money and time and ensure their continued enrollment and eventual graduation.

“Our community colleges need to provide greater access to vocational training,” Senator LaValle said, “which in turn would prevent students who are currently in remedial courses and failing, the opportunity to pursue a course of study more suited to them.”

“SUNY spends more than $70 million a year to offer remedial courses in areas students should have mastered in high school,” LaValle said, “We spend more on remediation than SUNY’s eight agriculture and technology schools receive in state funding each year. And students don’t get academic credit for remedial course work, which can lengthen the time it takes for them to earn a degree and start a career. “

“Students, “ LaValle said, “should be able to succeed and enter a vocation that enables them to graduate debt free, be successful and earn a living wage.”

(Albany, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R, C – East Patchogue) today announced that legislation he co-sponsored to combat prescription drug fraud and abuse was passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly. The bill (A.3806) now goes to the State Senate Health Committee for a vote.

On Sunday, June 19, 2011 four people were murdered in Medford by a man specifically interested in stealing prescription pain killers from a pharmacy to feed his and his wife’s addiction. Since then, Assemblyman Murray has been working tirelessly with colleagues, organizations in the community and leaders in the industry to find ways to combat drug abuse.

“This legislation will provide tools to health-care providers involved in a patient’s health-care decisions,” said Murray. “Providers will have the information to make the right prescription-drug choices for the patient in their care. It also will give pharmacists the ability to combat prescription fraud.”

Murray co-sponsored this legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island), which will allow pharmacists access to the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program data. This will help pharmacists determine a prescription’s authenticity, whether it was already filled by another pharmacy or physician and whether the patient has engaged in “doctor shopping.”

“It is time to curtail, and eventually eradicate, the scourge of prescription-drug abuse on Staten Island and the state of New York,” said Cusick. “Too many lives have been shattered, even lost, due to drug abuse.”

“Today was a huge win for Long Island as well as the rest of our state,” said Murray. “What happened last June will never be forgotten. It’s important that we find ways to prevent this sort of tragedy from recurring. I will continue to advocate for more stringent laws and find ways to provide information and deliver help to those in trouble.”

Assemblyman Murray added that he is hopeful that another bill he is co-sponsoring, A.3807, will be brought to the floor for a vote. This legislation would require the State Department of Health to create an electronic prescription monitoring program and requires pharmacists to submit certain information to such program every time a controlled substance is prescribed or dispensed. By doing this, pharmacists would be able to instantly see real-time updates as to when controlled substance prescriptions were dispensed, further cracking down on prescription fraud and drug abuse.

• Bring valid photo or signature identification;
• Weigh at least 110 pounds;
• Be at least 16 years old (Those under 18 years of age need consent, and individuals 76 years of age and older need a doctor’s note);
• Eat well and be hydrated prior to your appointment; and
• Be tattoo-free for the past 12 months (unless the tattoo was applied in New Jersey).

To sign up please contact your assemblyman’s office:
Assemblyman Dan Losquadro at 631-727-0204 or losquadrod@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Dean Murray at 631-207-0073 or murrayd@assembly.state.ny.us

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Steve Saland (R-I-C, Poughkeepsie) and Senator Martin Golden (R-C, Brooklyn), for the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994. The legislation mirrors the databank expansion plan proposed by Governor Cuomo in his Executive Budget to require people convicted of all felonies, as well as all misdemeanors in the penal law to submit DNA samples.

Under the existing law, people convicted of about half the crimes that are committed are required to submit DNA samples, including every penal law felony and just 36 misdemeanor crimes in the penal law. The legislation would expand that list to include all felonies in state law and every penal law misdemeanor.  It is projected that the expansion would add about 46,000 individual DNA samples a year to the databank.

“Currently, not all misdemeanors and felonies require a DNA sample to be collected.  The expansion is particularly critical when studies show that persons who commit serious crimes have also often committed other crimes including lower-level misdemeanors,” stated Senator Saland. “Enactment of this legislation will provide a powerful tool to bring closure to unsolved crimes and prevent further crimes from taking place.”

Senator Golden stated, “I am proud to sponsor this legislation which will significantly improve New York State’s crime fighting abilities. Through the collection of DNA samples of all persons convicted of felony offenses, and certain misdemeanors, we will help to prevent and solve crimes. This legislation adds a critical measure of security and safety for all New Yorkers and I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to pass this bill.”

“As a crime fighting tool, DNA is the 21st Century equivalent of a fingerprint,” Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said. “Senate Republicans fought to create the databank 18 years ago and we have successfully worked to expand it because it is the most powerful law enforcement tool to catch and prosecute criminals and protect victims. The Senate is partnering with the Governor to expand the databank and we have strong support from the law enforcement community and victims advocacy groups, and I hope the Assembly will join us in passing this measure to improve the safety of our citizens and communities.”

“As a former State Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County I can say without hesitation that the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations has proven to be the most effective tool at law enforcements’ disposal for identifying, arresting, and prosecuting criminals since the advent of finger printing,” Senator Patrick Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) said.

The DNA databank expansion bill (S.5560A) proposal is supported by law enforcement organizations across the state, including the New York State Sheriffs Association, District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New York State Troopers PBA, Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims, Joyful Heart Foundation, the Safe Horizon victim assistance organization and many other law enforcement groups throughout the state.

Susan Xenarios, Co-Chair of the Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims, said:  “We thank Sen. Saland for his efforts to expand the State’s DNA databank and protect New Yorkers from the horrors of violence and abuse. As victim service providers in NYC and the surrounding counties, we see the traumatic effect that crime has on families and communities. Expanding the DNA databank will prevent countless acts of violence and abuse from ever taking place. We urge the full legislature to pass this measure into law without delay.”

Maile M. Zambuto, Chief Executive Officer of the Joyful Heart Foundation, a crime victims assistance organization, said: “Since the legislature last expanded the Databank in 2006, there have been 953 DNA matches in sexual assault cases. Each of those matches can represent an opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes, give survivors the justice they deserve and spare  thousands of New Yorkers the trauma and pain of sexual violence. We hope that the full legislature will join together to make a difference for survivors and the safety of our communities.”

Since its inception, DNA stored in the databank has been used to identify perpetrators in about 10,000 crimes, including 900 murders and 3,500 sexual assaults. Since 2006, when the DNA databank was expanded to include 36 misdemeanors, law enforcement agencies have used the information to convict 1,460 criminals.

Senate Republicans pushed for establishment of the DNA databank in 1994. Since then they have enacted half a dozen laws to expand and improve the databank, most recently in 2006, with a law sponsored by Senator Skelos to include all DNA from those convicted of all felonies and 17 misdemeanor offenses.

The state’s DNA databank has transformed criminal investigations and prosecutions to make them more accurate and effective, as well as helped to exonerate the innocent. However, DNA is only collected in approximately 46 percent of crimes because current law does not include the collection of DNA from all those convicted of crimes, such as some misdemeanors. This has reduced law enforcement’s ability to resolve investigations as quickly and enabled some criminals to remain free to commit more crimes, sometimes with devastating consequences.

Members of the Senate Republican Conference are launching a petition drive to gather public support for enactment of the DNA databank expansion bill.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation he sponsored to raise penalties for criminals who use “booster bags” and other anti-security devices to steal merchandise from store shelves.

“Billions of dollars in merchandise are being stolen from store shelves each year by professional shoplifters using booster bags.  This is not a victimless crime; law abiding consumers end up paying for these thefts through higher prices. Current penalties are inadequate in deterring professional shoplifters from using booster bags to plunder store shelves. That needs to change, and that’s exactly what this legislation would do,” said Senator Fuschillo.

“Booster bags” are crafted to hide stolen merchandise from security devices, theft sensors, and similar units installed by retailers to guard against the theft of merchandise. The bags, which can be as rudimentary as a simple shopping bag lined with aluminum foil, are designed to block or override a store’s security system, allowing the shoplifter to exit the store with hundreds or thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise undetected. Items such as clothing, over-the-counter drugs, pain relievers, and health and beauty aids are the biggest targets and are often resold or fenced by the criminals.

Under Senator Fuschillo’s legislation (S527), criminals who use a booster bag or other anti-security device to steal merchandise would be guilty of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony which is punishable by up to four years in jail. Shoplifters who use booster bags to steal face only misdemeanor charges under current law, unless the value of the stolen goods is more than $1,000.

In addition, the proposed law would raise the penalty for criminally possessing a booster bag or other anti-security device from up to three months in jail to up to one year in jail, in addition to any other applicable charges. The legislation was also approved by the Senate in
2011, but the Assembly failed to act on it.

The legislation is “strongly supported” by the Retail Council of New York State. In a memo of support, the Council stated that organized retail crime is the most serious security issue facing merchants of all sizes, costing them $30 billion each year which is passed on directly to customers. The Council further stated “thieves caught using booster bags must receive a penalty reflective of the serious nature of the crime and the broad impact it has on consumers throughout New York State” and that Senator Fuschillo’s legislation “takes a significant step forward in that regard.”

The legislation has again been sent to the Assembly for consideration.

(Islandia, NY) After receiving an overwhelming response to last year’s piloted Heroes Welcome Program for First Responders, The Arbors Assisted Living Communities, which has locations in Westbury, Bohemia, Islandia and Hauppauge, is ringing in the New Year by rolling out its signature program beyond its Islandia location to make it available at all five of its communities.
 
Developed to show appreciation for Long Island’s large first responder population and their families, Heroes Welcome Program for First Responders offers current or former police, firefighters and EMS/EMT workers and their immediate families a discount of up to 10 percent off The Arbors’ monthly rental rate for assisted living at any of the Arbors’ Long Island communities, located in Bohemia, Hauppauge, Islandia and Westbury.
 
“The Arbors Assisted Living Communities’ Heroes Welcome Program for First Responders was originated to help offset the rising healthcare costs for the many brave men and women who dedicate their lives to serve and protect,” said Christine Herting, Regional Director of The Arbors. “Since having launched this program one year ago, we have seen a tremendous response and demand, which is why we decided to make this program even more convenient and accessible. In this tough economic climate, many first responders and their families go without the option of assisted living due to the common misconception that they can’t afford it. Since these first responders are out there caring for us, we wanted to show our appreciation for them by making our high quality senior care and assisted living a more obtainable and affordable option for them and their loved ones.”
 
The Arbors Assisted Living Communities’ Heroes Welcome Program for First Responders is inspired by the success of its Heroes Welcome Program for Veterans that debuted in 2008. To learn if you or a loved one qualifies for this special program, please contact The Arbors’ health care professionals at 1-800-249-4959, or visit www.thearborsassistedliving.com. 
 
The Arbors is one of Long Island’s leading assisted living communities with newly renovated locations in Islandia, Westbury, Hauppauge and Bohemia. Each resident’s life at The Arbors is enriched through a distinctive approach of compassionate and comprehensive care, coupled with a fulfilling recreation program, individualized attention, fun social activities and extraordinary cuisine. The Arbors prides itself in providing the best quality of care at an affordable price. For more information about The Arbors, visit www.thearborsassistedliving.com. For more information regarding Heroes Welcome Program for First Responders, contact The Arbors at Islandia at 1-800-249-4959.