(Huntington, NY) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone will sign the Tobacco 21 law while Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. (D-Centerport) and Tobacco 21 supporters bear witness to this historic event! The resolution approved last month by the Suffolk County Legislature raises the legal age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 years old in Suffolk County.

“Suffolk County is the first county in the nation to pass this important legislation,” said Legislator Spencer, sponsor of the resolution. “This is a measure that most agree will not only save lives but contain health care costs as well.”

WHO:

• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
• Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory
• Suffolk Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D., Chair of the Health Committee
• Suffolk Legislator Kara Hahn
• Suffolk County Commissioner of Health, James Tomarken, M.D.
• Suffolk County Board of Health Member Pat Bishop-Kelly
• Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs
• Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages
• Nassau County Legislator Seila Bynoe
• Huntington Town Councilwoman Susan Berland
• Huntington Town Councilman Mark Cuthbertson
• Michael Seilback, American Lung Association
• Susan Kennedy, Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island
• Kathleen Valerio, MS, MCHES – Health Educator at SUNY Stony Brook
• SUNY Stony Brook Students who participated in SBU Kicks Butts Program
• U.S. Congressman Steve Israel (invited)
• Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone (invited)

And Other Interested Parties

WHAT: Signing of Tobacco 21 Bill

WHEN: Monday, April 14, 2014 @ 12:30PM

WHERE: Tri CYA, 809 New York Avenue (in the Big H Shopping Center, behind Famous Footwear) Huntington, NY 11743

(Albany, NY) Today, Environment New York was joined at West Capitol Park on the Swan Street Steps by New York State Senator Betty Little, and Vice President of New York Solar Energy Industries Alliance (NYSEIA) David Sandbank, to release a new report; Shining Cities: At the Forefront of America’s Solar Energy Revolution, ranking New York City in the top 20 of major cities for the amount of solar installed. The report provides a first-of-its-kind comparative look at the growth of solar in major America cities.

“Solar power is booming across the country and cities are at the forefront,” said Heather Leibowitz. “As one of the top 20 major cities, New York City is a case in point.”

With the cost of solar coming down, growing awareness of the benefits of solar power is emerging as a mainstream energy solution with widespread benefits for our health, our economy and the environment.

“Investing in solar is a sure bet for a brighter future,” said Senator Betty Little. “Every step we can take to move away from a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and toward renewables like solar puts us on a more sustainable path. This report shows New York is doing well, but has the capacity to do much more. Innovation and technological advances are making solar more efficient and a better return on investment. We need to continue pushing ahead.”

The report highlighted the benefits of solar energy including:

• Solar energy avoids pollution—Pollution-free energy from the sun reduces air pollution that contributes to urban smog and global warming. It also helps save the massive amount of water that’s normally consumed during the cooling of a fossil fuel burning power plant.
• Solar energy protects consumers— Since solar has no fuel costs, it can protect us from the rising cost of fossil fuels.
• Solar energy helps the economy— New York State has 5,000 solar jobs, growing by 52% since last year.

The top 20 solar cities in this report have more solar power within their city limits than was installed in the entire U.S. just six years ago.

“New York City is home to a wealth of industries and it is crucial that it continues to lead the way to nurture and build the solar industry,” said David Sandbank, Vice President of NYSEIA. “With the support of our state and local government officials and the creation of the NY Sun-Initiative, we are well on our way to achieving this goal. It is very important that we continue our momentum and create more solar jobs while reducing our carbon footprint and dependence on traditional electrical power.”

Assemblymember Frank Skartados agreed, though he could not attend the press conference. “Global warming, air pollution and the diminishing resources of fossil fuel are some pretty good reasons why our most populated areas, our Shining Cities, must invest in renewable energy sources,” said the Assemblymember. “I commend the good work Environment New York is doing to focus attention on this critical matter by bringing information forward to the public and help lead the way towards a more sustainable solar powered New York.”

Forward-thinking local leaders have helped make this happen by adopting policies that encourage investment in solar PV installations:

• City leaders can set ambitious and achievable goals and citizens and businesses can work with local governments to meet them. Cities can lead by example by putting solar on public buildings such as Rockefeller Center.
• Cities can adopt policies to advance solar power in their communities, including tax incentives, low interest loan programs and solar friendly zoning and building codes. Cities can also run “Solarize” programs that use bulk purchasing and educational campaigns to help neighbors “go solar” together; like the NY Sun-Initiative.
• City leaders can work with state government to ensure that they have strong programs to expand solar, including renewable energy standards, solar carve-outs or feed-in tariffs, net metering and community solar programs.
• City leaders can also demand a strong partnership with the Federal government to ensure that federal incentives such as tax credits are continued. And, that federal programs, such as the Solar America Cities and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant programs continue to provide support and technical assistance to cities seeking to expand solar.

Assemblymember Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy, also commented on the report, although she could not be present in Albany. “I was pleased to learn that New York City ranks 8th and Buffalo ranks 34th in the nation for installed solar capacity,” said the Assemblywoman. “I hope to see these rankings increase even further by continuing successful state programs, such as NY-Sun, and new initiatives, such as shared renewable energy programs. As the report recommends, all levels of government must implement policies to encourage renewable energy throughout New York.”

“The sky’s the limit on solar energy. New York City is a shining example of solar leadership,” concluded Leibowitz. “But, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the potential to capture this pollution-free energy source. By committing to bold goals and expanding on the good policies we’ve adopted, we can take solar to the next level.”

(Massapequa, NY) On Sunday, April 13th at 6pm, BabysittingBarter.com will bring their unique online babysitting platform to life with the help of local community and civic leaders as hundreds of babysitters from across the state will converge at Massapequa Bowl & Lounge, 4235 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758 (516) 541-8000 for FREE BOWLING, live entertainment, food and drink, giveaways and special deals from homegrown merchants, special celebrity appearances and for the opportunity to connect with thousands of local parents.

Signup for FREE now at www.babysittingbarter.com or come down and register in person on the night of the event.

Founder and CEO, Brian Mannix said “What is better than this? Free bowling and entertainment with friends and a babysitting website that guarantees that you will make more money on www.BabysittingBarter.com than on any other site due to our Barter Bonus, where you are rewarded every time you use the site in Gold Points that can be redeemed for extra Cash, Coupons or Gift Cards”.

BabysittingBarter.com creates a unique collaborative community for parents, sitters and businesses and features a unique Date Night Event Marketplace for entertainment venues where sitters can create and make themselves available for local events, so that parents can book a special events along with a babysitter with just one click. Babysitters now have the ability to design a date for parents across the island.

Brian continued “Free Bowling at Massapequa Bowl, Babysitters connecting with parents in need and the extra Barter Bonus? What could be better?”.

For more information on Babysitting Barter, please visit www.babysittingbarter.com

(Albany, NY) Following Governor Cuomo’s speech on the 2014-15 state budget in Monroe County, Billy Easton the Executive Director of the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement:

“Governor Cuomo is taking a victory lap on the state budget, but when it comes to school aid he is claiming credit for a victory for which he provided zero leadership. The Governor should give credit where credit is due; it was the hard work of parents, students, teachers and the State Assembly leadership that allowed for a $1.1 billion increase. The legislature added $500 million to the Governor’s lousy proposed budget, and every other year he has consistently underfunded our schools. Let’s be clear, the ‘5% increase’ in funding that Governor Cuomo is touting was won despite his opposition, and not because of his efforts,” said Billy Easton.

About AQE
The Alliance for Quality Education is a coalition mobilizing communities across the state to keep New York true to its promise of ensuring a high quality public education to all students regardless of zip code, income or race. Combining its legislative and policy expertise with grassroots organizing, AQE advances proven-to-work strategies that lead to student success and echo a powerful public demand for a high quality education.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police today arrested a man for driving while intoxicated after he crashed his car with his daughter in his vehicle in Brentwood this afternoon.

Jose Umanzor was driving a 2001 Honda Civic in a parking lot, located at 801 Crooked Hill Road, when he attempted to make a U-turn and backed into an unoccupied, parked vehicle. Umanzor, and his 4-year-old daughter who was in the vehicle at the time of the crash, were not injured.

Suffolk County Police today arrested Jose Umanzor, 34, of Brentwood, for driving while intoxicated after he crashed his car with his daughter in his vehicle in Brentwood this afternoon. Photo Credit: Chris Tozzi.

Third Squad detectives charged Umanzor, 34, of 23 Grouse St., Brentwood, with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated With a Child 15 Years Old or Younger (Leandra’s Law) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The child was released to a family member.

Umanzor is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on April 10.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Robbery Squad detectives are investigating a bank Robbery that occurred on April 7, 2014 at 2:17 pm in Mineola.

According to detectives, a male black subject entered TD Bank, 540 Jericho Turnpike, produced a demand note to a teller and made several verbal demands for cash. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the subject fled the bank in an unknown direction. During the Robbery there were 6 employees and 3 customers present, none of whom were injured.

Nassau County Police Robbery Squad detectives are investigating a bank Robbery that occurred on April 7, 2014 at 2:17 pm in Mineola. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The subject was described as being 5’8”- 5’10” tall with a slim build and a dark complexion. He was wearing a brown hoodie, baseball cap and sunglasses.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) Estate taxes will be reduced under the new State Budget, according to Senator Ken LaValle. The estate tax threshold will be increased in annual increments over the next 3 years to $5.25 million, equaling the current federal estate tax threshold.

Senator LaValle said, “I am pleased we were able to make this happen in this budget and moving forward. These substantial increases in the threshold will help Long Island families to pay less in taxes and preserve more family property for future generations.”

Up until the State Budget was passed this past week, the exemption threshold in New York State was $1 Million. Now, it will immediately be raised to slightly over $2 Million this year, and increased every subsequent year until it reaches the federal threshold of $5.25 Million in 2017. The State Legislators and the Governor indexed the threshold to keep pace with cost-of-living adjustment from 2019 onward. The action is estimated to affect 4000 estates and 2800 farms.

(Long Island, NY) The Third Squad reports the details of an arrest for two Burglaries that occurred on April 1, 2014 and April 2, 2014 in Westbury.

According to detectives, on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 the manager of Chi restaurant, 103 Post Avenue was closing the for the night when he heard a noise from the ladies bathroom. The victim entered the bathroom and saw a male subject climbing into the window. The victim tried to grab the subject, but the subject was able to pull away and flee the scene on foot. On April 2, 2014 at 1:00 AM the manager was notified that the same subject had broken into the restaurant and took several bottles of alcohol which was recorded on video surveillance. On Wednesday, April 9, 2014 the subject was seen walking near the restaurant. Police arrived to the scene and placed Frank Alfisi, 46, of 889 Plumtree Road, Westbury under arrest without incident.

The Nassau County Police Third Squad reports the details of an arrest for two Burglaries that occurred on April 1, 2014 and April 2, 2014 in Westbury. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The defendant is being charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree. He will be arraigned on April 10, 2014 at First District Court, Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) “If you are like most people, then your medicine cabinet contains either expired or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “Setting aside time to properly dispose of old medication is usually not high on our priority list. But holding on to expired medication of any kind is dangerous for us and our loved ones, and improperly disposing of these expired pills is dangerous for our entire community.”

Senator Hannon, in cooperation with the Nassau County Police Department, announces a “Shed The Meds” (Safe Drug Disposal) on Friday, April 25, from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Farmingdale Library (116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale). At this event, residents can safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

Residents can simply drive up and drop-off any medication that has expired or they no longer need, where it will be collected and safely disposed of by officers from the Nassau County Police Department. There is no need to even get out of the car!

“Throwing out medication improperly, such as flushing them in the toilet or pouring them down the drain, can cause pollution in local waterways and in our drinking water,” said Hannon. “Safe disposal helps protect the environment and keeps medications out of the hands of young children or others who would use them improperly.”

Those who unable to take advantage of this handy drop-off can also dispose of unwanted prescription medications any time at the New York State Police Troop Headquarters in Farmingdale (Republic Airport), as well as any of the Nassau County Police Department Precinct locations.

For additional information or any questions, please contact Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700 or E-mail him at hannon@nysenate.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Last weekend, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) joined fellow motorcycle enthusiasts for the Long Island ABATE and Full Throttle Magazine Awareness Run and Bike Blessing. The run kicked off the summer riding season for local bikers and reminded motorists to share the roads and watch for motorcycles. 

“As the summer riding season begins, it’s important to be alert for bikers as they join other motorists on the roads,” said Lupinacci. “From the most ardent riders to your weekend warriors, motorcyclists of all kinds are out sharing their passion for the open road and the freedom of being on a bike. I want to thank LI ABATE for supporting rider education and training, and I want to wish all our local riders a very safe riding season.”

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci joins Jim Barr, President of LI ABATE, and Lee Sheridan of Full Throttle Magazine for the Awareness Run and Bike Blessing. Photo Credit: NYS Assembly.

ABATE stands for American Bikers for Awareness, Training & Education. The organization monitors and interacts with legislators to enhance the image of motorcycling and provides educational and social opportunities for members as well as non-members. Long Island ABATE supports the Motorcycle Rider Education classes currently being offered throughout New York State.