Failure to re-apply before December 31 will result in property-tax increase

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) is urging homeowners to register for their Basic STAR property-tax exemption before the December 31 deadline. Due to recent changes by the state Department of Tax and Finance to combat fraud, homeowners must re-apply for their STAR exemption in order to continue receiving this rebate on their property taxes.

“With property taxes increasing every year, homeowners need to take advantage of the STAR program,” said Montesano. “STAR saves our taxpayers several hundreds of dollars annually, so I cannot urge everyone strongly enough: do not hesitate and please register for their STAR exemption today.”

To re-register, homeowners will need the personalized STAR Code that was mailed out in September by the state Department of Taxation and Finance Department.

For more information call 518-457-2036 or go to www.tax.ny.gov.

(Queens, NY)  NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., who serves on the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Committee, urges all New Yorkers to recognize the bravery, dedication and sacrifice provided by all men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In the heart of his own district, the senator recently obtained a large American flag from a Glendale flag dealer and will preside at a flag-raising ceremony on the Pathmark/MediSys Clocktower Building flagpole on Friday, November 8, at Noon. The location is on Atlantic Avenue just west of Woodhaven Boulevard in Ozone Park. In addition, last Sunday, November 3, the senator proudly marched with local veterans groups in the Fourth Annual Queens Veterans Day Parade along Metropolitan Avenue.

(L-R): Congresswoman Grace Meng; Assemblyman Mike Miller; Warrant Officer & Grand Marshal Daniel P. Wisotsky (US Marine Corps); Tuskeegee Airman & Grand Marshal Julius Freeman; Senator Joe Addabbo and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.

“Our veterans and active duty military personnel have made incredible sacrifices to safeguard the rights and freedoms we enjoy,” Senator Addabbo said. “Since the founding of the United States we have relied on brave service members to willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our lives, property and rights at home and abroad. I urge all New Yorkers to recognize and thank these heroic men and women on Veterans Day, and all days throughout the year.”

New York’s one million veterans are eligible for a number of benefits and programs, including property tax exemptions, tuition education assistance, job training, employment placement assistance and counseling. This year, the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee also led the effort to have the state issue special veteran ID drivers’ licenses.

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I, and became a national holiday in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 changed the name to Veterans Day and designated the holiday as a celebration of “all American veterans of all wars.” It is the only national holiday that is required by public law to be observed on its specific and historically significant date regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.

For more information on benefits available to veterans, visit the State Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at  http://veterans.ny.gov/, or call 518-474-7606 or 212-564-8414.

To learn more about Veterans Day, and local community celebrations please visit, http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

For more information, call Senator Addabbo’s offices at 718-738-1111 (Howard Beach), 718-497-1630 (Middle Village) or 718-318-0702 (Rockaway).

Glendale Flag Dealer Boosts Our Veterans on November 11 — A Long Tradition!

At this 94^th anniversary of the holiday, during a time of growing support for the men and women of our armed forces, online flag dealer FlagsExpo.com, with a flag store in Queens, NY, announced that it will again give away free USA flags. The company also supplied the large flag that will fly over the Pathmark/MediSys Clock Tower Building on Atlantic Avenue in Ozone Park. The flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 8, at Noon.

FlagsExpo.com has been giving away free American flags for a long time, and on this Veterans Day, the tradition continues.  The flags can be claimed on November 11, 2013,  (one to a customer, walk-ins only) from 9 AM – 5 PM, at 6524 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, NY, while supplies last.  The free American flags being distributed by FlagsExpo.com are 4” x 6’’ on the staff and are made in the USA.

“Our flags fly in government agencies, churches, community organizations, schools and colleges. Our customers are from all over the USA and we are proud that our flags are flying on military bases in Afghanistan and Iraq,” adds flag company president Fred Vaynman, whose business operates in the heart of Senator Addabbo’s 15th Senate District in Glendale.

About Delta Signs & Flags Co.
Delta Flags Co. has been in business since 1979, has a flag store in Queens, New York, and a FlagsExpo.com Web site offering USA, military, religious, state, world, pet flags, flagpoles & flag accessories. For more information, contact FlagsExpo.com or Delta Signs & Flags Company, 6524 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385, 718-418-3705, deltaflags@yahoo.com or signs718@yahoo.com.

Tourism initiative will offer live music, discounts and free shuttle service over Veterans Day weekend

(Mattituck, NY) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, the East End Tourism Alliance, and local officials joined to announce a “hop-on and hop-off” tourism transportation initiative that will allow visitors to take advantage of a wide range of regional activities and offers between Riverhead and Orient Point on the North Fork this Veterans Day weekend.

(Supervisor Scott Russell, Mayor David Nice, Janine Nebons-VP East End Tourism Alliance and General Manager of Tanger Outlets Riverhead, Bryan DeLuca-President East End Alliance Tourism Alliance and Executive Director of the Long Island Aquarium/Hyatt Place East End. County Executive Bellone, Rowena Sahulee-Director of Tourism Marketing, Licensing and PR of Empire State Development Corp, Steve Bate, Secretary of East End Tourism Alliance and Executive Director of Long Island Wine Council)

Following on the heels of the successful Columbus Day Weekend on the South Fork, which also offered free shuttle service, the East End Tourism Alliance will coordinate service on the North Fork during Veterans Day Weekend as part of a $335,000 Empire State development grant. The lineup includes special tastings, events, discounts and live music at the wineries. Special weekend discount offers will also be provided by hotels, bed & breakfasts inns, restaurants, hamlet shops and attractions, and there also will be great educational activities.

A free shuttle from Riverhead to Orient Point will be made available to visitors in partnership with the Hampton Jitney. There will be a Riverhead loop, for stops between Riverhead and Love Lane in Mattituck, as well as a Greenport loop, for stops between Mattituck and Greenport. The shuttles will circulate every 35-45 minutes with passenger access from the Long Island Rail Road station in Mattituck and Cross Sound Ferry terminal in Orient Point.

The event is also supported with expanded Long Island Rail Road service, which has agreed to extend its weekend service to Greenport beyond Columbus Day until the week after Thanksgiving.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone added, “I would like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Empire State Development team and the East End Tourism Alliance for bringing this project to reality on the East End. The free shuttle this weekend gives tourists from both near and far the opportunity to visit our vineyards, farm stands, restaurants, shops and lodgings in a safe, convenient manner. It opens up our beautiful North Fork to an entirely new set of consumers who can help fuel our continued economic growth.”

In 2012, tourism was a $2.72 billion industry in Suffolk County and an estimated 38,447 jobs are generated from the tourism industry. After New York City, Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk) is the second largest region for tourism spending in New York State.

Bryan DeLuca, President of the East End Tourism Alliance and Executive Director of the Hyatt East End and Long Island Aquarium stated, “this effort has been a true collaboration between Empire State Development, The Long Island Wine Council, the North Fork Promotion Council, Hampton Jitney, the North Fork Trolley, the Cross Sound Ferry, the Long Island Rail Road and Suffolk County. This event gives us a truly unique opportunity to show the rest of the world the wonders of the East End.”

“The East End Tourism Alliance is an I Love NY success story,” said Gavin Landry, Executive Director of the Division of Tourism. “Governor Cuomo’s Long Island Regional Economic Development Council identifies boosting tourism as a key strategy for economic growth. As a result, the Alliance was awarded an Empire State Development Market NY grant, which they are now utilizing to drive tourism and spur economic activity throughout the region. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and the announcement of the Taste North Fork Campaign.”

“While a lot of people know of Long Island as a great summertime destination, there are many wonderful wineries, restaurants, cultural attractions and more available to visitors here year-round,” said Kristen Matejka, Director of Marketing at the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Taste North Fork program invites visitors to come out and enjoy the bounty of experiences on our North Fork including tastings, tours, and events. We hope people will be so enchanted by this special off-season program and activities that they’ll decide to take advantage of the special accommodations discounts also available and will stay the weekend.”

Steve Bate, Executive Director of the Long Island Wine Council, said, “This is something we’ve always wanted to try. If successful, the shuttle could eventually become a permanent feature with major benefits for our environment while opening up our region to one of the world’s largest population centers with among the lowest car ownership.

The North Fork has been named one of the top ten wine destinations in the world by Wine Spectator magazine. Over 1.3 million people visit vineyards in Suffolk County annually and there are 51 vineyards open to the public, 40 on the North Fork.

The East End Tourism Alliance (EETA) was formed in 2008 as a non-profit membership corporation under the laws of New York. Its purpose is the promotion of the East End region as a travel destination for visitors, meetings, weddings, seasonal vacations, also day trip and overnight stays.

Attorney General’s Bill Will Provide Valuable Property Tax Exemptions To Active-Duty Military Service Members Who Own Homes In New York; Schneiderman: Soldiers And Their Families Make Tremendous Sacrifices On Behalf Of All Americans. New York State Can Support These Brave Men And Women By Easing The Burdens Of Home Ownership

(NEW YORK) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today proposed new legislation to ease the burdens of home ownership on members of the armed services and their families. Attorney General Schneiderman’s TRAMS Act (“Tax Relief for Active Military Service”) would allow New Yorkers who serve on active duty in the military, or their spouses, to apply for a tax exemption on 10 percent of the assessed value of their homes. This exemption from local and county property taxes would be capped at $10,000 in home value in most parts of the state. Active-duty service members who serve in combat zones could receive an additional 10 percent exemption, capped at $8,000 in home value. The exemption would apply to members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves.

“Soldiers and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all Americans,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Just as they fight for us, New York State can support these brave men and women by easing the burdens of home ownership.”

Under Attorney General Schneiderman’s TRAMS Act, service members or their spouses could apply to their local tax assessment officials and could prove eligibility using a copy of the service member’s current deployment orders. The state would reimburse counties and localities for revenues lost by granting the exemption, at an estimated cost to the state of approximately $2 million per year. The value of the exemption would vary across the state, as it is based on the value of individual homes, and different localities charge different property tax rates. For most service members, it would amount to several hundred dollars each year. Over a lifetime of home ownership, it could be worth much more.

New York is home to just under 25,000 active-duty members of the military. These brave men and women offer to serve their country, often at great sacrifice to themselves and their families. Yet the rates of home ownership among New Yorkers who serve in the armed forces are alarmingly low. While approximately 54 percent of New Yorkers own their homes, only 32 percent of military service members do. Home ownership can confer benefits upon the homeowner and his or her family, offering tax and financial benefits and facilitating long-term wealth creation. Home ownership can also help the surrounding community, including by improving health and school performance for children, increasing civic engagement and volunteerism, and reducing crime.

Attorney General Schneiderman’s bill utilizes as a model the real property tax exemption afforded to veterans under Section 458-a of New York’s Real Property Tax Law. That exemption follows a similar structure but offers slightly more generous benefits to veterans who have “finished” their service. Active-duty military members who take advantage of the newly offered tax exemption under the TRAMS Act could “graduate” to the more generous veterans’ exemption already offered by Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law upon completion of their service.

New York State Senator Lee Zeldin said, “I thank the Attorney General for his work on this legislation. As a Major in The U.S. Army Reserves and a veteran myself, I understand firsthand the sacrifices our servicemen and women make to protect our nation and uphold our Constitution. Anything to help ease the burden on our military members, and their families especially, speaks volumes to the value we place on their service and the genuine appreciation we have for that sacrifice.”

New York State Senator Daniel Squadron said, “Our service members give so much for our state and our country. It’s time to ensure we’re giving them and their families the tools to make a life here at home. Together with our push to make sure all veterans have access to property tax relief, extending the benefits to active duty members will be an important step toward the support our service members deserve. Thank you to Attorney General Schneiderman for your leadership.”

New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat said, “It is heartbreaking and unacceptable that families who have committed to serving our country are struggle financially. Military families are under incredible strain, and the TRAMS Act will offer them critical assistance to help pay the bills and provide for their children. I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for leading the charge to correct this injustice and ensure New York’s heroes are given the support they need and deserve. Working together, I am optimistic we can get this urgent legislation passed into law next session.”

New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said, “I applaud the Attorney General for this proposal that would greatly benefit our service men and women and help them achieve the dream of homeownership. As Chair of the State Assembly Veteran Affairs Committee, I will work to see that we move swiftly to pass this bill in our Chamber.”

New York State Assemblyman Michael Cusick said, “At this time in our Country with so many New York men and women serving in active duty protecting our freedoms, the availability of property tax exemption can offer some assistance to make their lives, or the lives of their families, a little better. It is the least we can do to say thank you to our military and their families for the sacrifices they make for our freedom.”

New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, “We are eternally grateful for everything that our veterans have done for us and, as a result, have made it possible for local municipalities to extend them a property tax exemption. But what about our servicemen and women who are still on active duty? Don’t they deserve the same consideration? I certainly think so. This bill would extend that same help to those on active duty and make their situations just a bit easier.”

New York State Assemblyman Philip Ramos said, “The sacrifices endure by our man and women of our Military while Serving our Country is priceless. This is why I am excited to Support and Sponsor the Attorney General initiative with ‘Tax Relief for Active Military Service.’ This new relief will provide an additional ease of mind to our members while protecting our freedoms and serving our nation.”

New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. said, “As someone who has fought hard for veterans, I just as strongly believe that those who are actively serving our country in the military should be afforded similar property tax exemptions. On the East End of Long Island, where the cost of owning a home is so high, this initiative will provide some much needed relief for active military and their families. I applaud and thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his Tax Relief for Active Military Service Act.”

Paul Rieckhoff, founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said, “Those who have shouldered the burden of our nation’s most recent wars should be able to access all eligible benefits, including home ownership assistance. IAVA is proud to be working with our local members in New York, the Attorney General’s office, state legislators, and local tax offices to ensure that veterans and active duty service members are getting the right information and are taking advantage of all of the benefits to which they have earned.”

Attorney General Schneiderman’s commitment to ensuring that New York is a welcoming home to veterans and service men and women has been longstanding. Last month, upon learning that some veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were being wrongly denied a valuable property tax exemption to which they are entitled, Attorney General Schneiderman wrote a letter to local tax officials across the state clarifying the law and instructing them to apply the exemptions correctly and uniformly. As a member of the New York State Senate, Attorney General Schneiderman sponsored legislation to ensure that veterans received these same tax exemptions, and he also sought to extend them to active-duty members of the military.

(Long Island, NY) “Is photography your passion or hobby, or do you think you have an eye for what is the ‘People’s Choice’?” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “If so, I’m inviting all residents of my Senate District to participate in my ‘People’s Choice’ photo contest, celebrating Nassau County and its unique character.”

Hannon invites all Sixth Senatorial District residents to visit Facebook.com/Kemp.Hannon or www.kemphannon.com for contest entry forms, rules and releases. There is no fee to enter and there will be one First, Second and Third place winner. Selected photos will appear on Facebook.com/Kemp.Hannon in 2014.

For additional information, please call 516-739-1700.

Winning photos will be displayed on Facebook.com/Kemp.Hannon in early 2014. Photos must be submitted through the Facebook photo contest app. You must be a resident of the Sixth Senate district. All photos submitted must be taken in Nassau County within the last year.

“Photography is definitely a passion of mine,” said Hannon. “I’m looking forward to seeing the wonderful photos from my neighbors throughout the district, and having the best ones voted upon by the people.”

The deadline for submissions for this contest is December 31, 2013.

Expands Trusts & Estates Practice and Long Island Office

(NEW YORK, NY) Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP, a leading law and government relations firm, is pleased to announce that Sandra N. Busell has joined the firm as a partner in its Trusts & Estates Group. Ms. Busell will continue her Elder Law and Trusts & Estates practice, which focuses in the areas of Trusts, including Supplemental Needs Trusts, Estates (including contested Estates), Medicaid planning, Elder Care, Guardianships (both contested and not), and Real Estate. Associates Maria F. Galante and Dustin J. Cohen will also be joining Ms. Busell in Davidoff Hutcher & Citron’s Garden City, Long Island office.

Sandra N. Busell, Certified Public Accountant, and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Davidoff Hutcher & Citron’s Trusts & Estates Group has extensive experience in advising high-net-worth individuals on issues including a variety of trust and estate planning options, tax issues, wealth transfers, asset valuation issues, family business planning, estate accounting and planning for retirement. The Firm also assists its clients in arranging for charitable giving through estate planning, including the organization and administration of charitable foundations and trusts.

“Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our firm’s Trusts & Estates Group,” said Jeffrey Citron, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron’s Co-Managing Partner. “Sandra’s experience in working to resolve complex Elder Care and Trusts & Estates issues matches the needs of our expanding group.”

Ms. Busell represents clients in a wide variety of matters including Elder law, Medicaid, Real Estate, Corporate law, Wills, Probate, Business law, Tax law and Contractual transactions. She is often appointed by the Supreme Courts in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties as a Guardian, Supplemental Needs Trustee as well as a Court Evaluator for Persons alleged to be in need of a Guardian. She represents clients in all guardianship legal matters dealing with elderly and special needs children. She advises on contested estates between siblings including representing the non-executor beneficiaries to ensure timely administration and distribution of the estate. Ms. Busell advises clients in estate planning work focusing on business succession issues, where her experience as a Certified Public Accountant adds to her understanding. Her deep wealth of experience also includes counseling clients on various Real Estate issues that arise relating to elders buying, selling and transferring of property, including helping families obtain reverse mortgages by using irrevocable trusts which allows the elderly family member to stay in their home and still protect the remaining equity for themselves as well as their children. An integral part of her work is the protection of Medicaid benefits for special needs children and adults and their families. This is often done through the creation of Supplemental Needs Trusts.

Ms. Busell is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, particularly, the U.S. District Courts in the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the U.S. Tax Court. She obtained her B.B.A. from Baruch College of the City University of New York, and her J.D. from St. John’s University of Law. Ms. Busell is proud to be a member of the National Academy of Elder Care Attorneys.

Sandra N. Busell is a Certified Public Accountant, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Ms. Busell serves as a Board Member with the Long Island Chapter of the American Heart Association and is an active member of the Planned Parenthood of Nassau County Action Fund Political Committee.

Ms. Busell is a frequent lecturer on estates, trusts and elder care law issues, speaking on behalf of National Business Institute, before numerous Church and other religious senior groups, as well as schools.

Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP www.dhclegal.com, which has over 50 attorneys in offices in New York City, Albany, Washington D.C. and Garden City, Long Island provides legal and government relations services for a varied clientele that include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, prominent real estate organizations, developers, leading health and educational institutions, associations and services organizations, as well as other industries throughout the greater metropolitan area.

(Long Island, NY) New York State Senator Lee Zeldin, Candidate for U.S. Congress in New York’s First Congressional District, was endorsed today by Long Island Congressman Peter King

“Senator Lee Zeldin is a veteran, former federal prosecutor and dedicated public servant who we need fighting for Long Islanders in Congress. Lee’s character is one of integrity, action and intellect,” said Congressman King. “In Albany, Lee has proven to be in-touch with the people he represents, fighting hard for what matters most to them. While the repeal of the MTA Payroll Tax for eighty percent of the employers in our area was one of his first accomplishments, the creation of the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of his proudest.”

“Lee would be a welcome addition to D.C. and he couldn’t come at a better time,” Congressman King continued. “An independent and reasoned thinker, he’s exactly the kind of new-blood we need to get Washington back on track. I look forward to having a new neighbor on Long Island, one who has dedicated his life to protecting the freedoms and liberties upon which our nation was built.”

“Congressman King and I have worked remarkably well together during my time in office,” said Lee Zeldin. “I greatly admire his determination to keep Americans safe and free. Congressman King’s leadership with our nation’s homeland security, intelligence and foreign policy efforts, have protected New Yorkers from threats at home and abroad. I am proud to have received his endorsement and I look forward to partnering with him on behalf of the Long Island residents who rely on us to move America forward.”

To learn more about Senator Zeldin and his campaign for Congress, please visit www.zeldinforcongress.com.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently visited Manhattan Beer Distributors for a tour of the company’s new compressed natural gas fleet of trucks. The new trucks will help the company reduce its impact on the environment.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci is joined by local officials on a tour of Manhattan Beer Distributors’ new compressed natural gas powered fleet.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci is joined by local officials on a tour of Manhattan Beer Distributors’ new compressed natural gas powered fleet.

“Promoting environmentally-friendly methods of doing business is incredibly important to the long-term sustainability of our community,” said Lupinacci. “Manhattan Beer Distributors’ new trucks will not only reduce the company’s environmental impact, but also help promote investment in alternative fuel projects. I believe other businesses will be encouraged to invest in similar systems for their trucks as they see the positive impact the new fleet has on Manhattan Beer Distributors’ bottom line and the health of the community.”

Recruiting Success Leads AT&T to Double Hiring Goal to 10,000 Veterans; Veterans Prove Good Fit As Company Staffs for Network Expansion

(NEW YORK) More than 3,600 veterans have started new careers at AT&T so far this year – 25 in New Jersey alone in 2013.  And with veterans’ skills proving to be a good fit for the company’s needs, AT&T is doubling its hiring goal for veterans and their family members to 10,000 over the next five years, consistent with its commitment to equal employment opportunities.

About 55 percent of the veterans hired by AT&T this year made their transition to the private sector as technicians. Project Velocity IP, the company’s investment plan to expand and enhance its IP broadband networks, is driving technician hiring needs.

Other veterans and their family members are finding positions across AT&T as IT professionals, retail and call center representatives, project managers, financial analysts, supply chain managers and more. And aselect corps of junior officers and college-educated noncommissioned officers are being recruited into AT&T leadership development programs.

“We’re benefitting from the skills, character and leadership experience that veterans bring to AT&T,” said Scott Smith, senior vice president, Human Resources Operations. “And we’re providing good career opportunities for them as they transition from military service.”

AT&T’s goal of hiring 10,000 veterans and their family members over the next five years doubles a goal it set in April with the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative.  AT&T also announced then that it is leading an initiative with JPMorgan Chase and the 100,000 Jobs Mission to create the veteran talent exchange, www.vtx.jobs. The exchange enables active-duty military and veteran job candidates to “opt-in” to a talent-sharing database to facilitate the sharing and referral of veteran candidates among participating 100,000 Jobs Mission member companies.

AT&T actively supports veterans and their family members:

• AT&T has a veteran career site that includes tools for veterans to match their military skills with AT&T jobs.
• AT&T launched a military spouse career site that showcases the breadth of AT&T’s portable and virtual careers across our US locations.
• AT&T’s military talent attraction manager focuses on military recruitment.
• The company has a Careers for Veterans program where AT&T Veterans provide job search advice to veterans transitioning from military service.
• The AT&T Veterans employee resource group has more than 7,000 members. The group is in its 30^th year and mobilizes AT&T veterans as recruitment ambassadors and for community outreach and volunteerism opportunities.
• AT&T has been a pioneer and leader in the inclusion of disabled-veteran-owned business enterprises in the corporate supply chain through a program called Operation Hand Salute.
• AT&T also works with multiple organizations such as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Military Spouse Employment Partnership, Military Child Education Coalition, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and state veterans’ agencies and commissions.
• AT&T was named one of 2012’s Best Military Talent Programs by Electronic Recruiting Exchange, the premier recruiting industry association.
• AT&T was recognized by the Direct Employers Association for our veteran recruiting programs.
• The Military Times EDGE Best for Vets  ranked AT&T No. 12 for 2013.
• GI Jobs Magazine has recognized AT&T on their Top 100 Military Friendly Employer List for nine years running.

(ALBANY) In an effort to promote and preserve our democratic process, Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R-C-I, Shirley) called today for passage of his legislation (S.1688) to ensure that the names of deceased voters are removed from the voter rolls upon their death.

Currently, Election Law requires that the name of a voter must be removed from the registration roll upon death. The process requires that the New York City Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health transmit a list of deceased persons to the New York State Board of Elections. The Board then distributes the names to the relevant local Boards for removal. However, this list is not compiled in real time nor does it list the names of individuals who have died outside of New York State.

According to a study done by the Pew Center in 2012, more than 1.8 million dead people are registered to vote throughout the country. Highlighting the local nature of this issue, in October of this year, Newsday performed a computer analysis which showed roughly 6,100 deceased persons are still registered to vote in Nassau County and 2,490 are registered to vote in Suffolk.

“Our nation was founded upon the principles of democracy,” said Senator Zeldin. “As such, we have a duty to protect the integrity of the democratic process. This is not an issue to politicize. It is about ensuring the accuracy of our records in order to preserve the functionality of our democratic system.”

Senator Zeldin first introduced the legislation in June of 2012 and it was reintroduced during the 2013 Legislative Session where it progressed through the Elections Committee.

While the intent remains the same, an amended version of the legislation will be introduced during the upcoming session which will further clarify and simplify the process. The legislation will require the State Board of Elections to annually review the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and notify the relevant local Board of any and all deceased voters on the registration roll.

Further, this bill protects any voter who may be erroneously removed from the registration roll by allowing them to vote via an affidavit ballot in the same manner that an inactive voter would be permitted to vote.

“In a process where every vote counts, it is vital that we ensure the validity of each and every vote and crack down on any opportunity to commit fraud while protecting those who have been erroneously removed,” concluded Senator Zeldin. “It has been made clear that this is a very real issue and I thank the local news outlets for shining light on it. I sincerely hope that we will see it passed in the upcoming Legislative Session.”