(Long Islalnd, NY) Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R,C,I – Sayville) is proud to announce that he has moved to a new district office to better serve his constituents. The new district office is located at 859 Montauk Highway, Suite 1, Bayport, New York 11705. The district office phone number has also changed; to reach the office please call (631) 589-0348.

“It is important that a district office is centrally located so that everyone can easily stop in for help,” said Assemblyman Garbarino. “This office is more accessible to the public and offers multiple amenities that will make it easier for me to continue to work on behalf of the people of the 7th Assembly District.”

The office was previously utilized by Assemblyman Al Graf, who was instrumental in the effort to relocate and improve Assemblyman Garbarino’s office. “I would like to thank my colleague and friend, Assemblyman Al Graf, for helping us relocate to such a great location. Assemblyman Graf has done great work here and we look forward to continue the legacy of hard work and community involvement to which this office has become accustomed.”

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R,C,I –Sayville) would like to invite residents to participate in an upcoming blood drive on Tuesday, July 2 at the Blue Point Fire Department located at 205 Blue Point Ave in Blue Point, NY from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

“Participating in a blood drive is an easy way for each of us to help save lives and serve our community,” said Garbarino.

The blood drive, hosted by Long Island Blood Services, will also be handing out a pair of New York Mets tickets to each person who donates blood.

“Long Island Blood Services does incredible work for our community by hosting events such as this blood drive,” said Garbarino. “I would love for everyone to join me in donating blood on Tuesday, July 2.”

For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino at (631) 589-0348 or stop in at his new district office located at 859 Montauk Highway, Suite 1, Bayport NY 11705.

Assemblyman Garbarino represents the 7th Assembly District on Long Island.

For more information please contact Assemblyman Garbarino at (631) 589-0348 or you can find him on Facebook

(Hempstead, NY) Due to an ever-worsening weather forecast of flooding, thunderstorms and high winds, local non-profit EAC Network has postponed their annual “Golf For Good” outing originally scheduled for today, June 13th, at North Shore Country Club.

“We were kidding that 13 was an unlucky number, but this dangerous weather is no joke,” said Beth Seidman, Senior Director of Development and Community Relations. “North Shore Country Club has been very helpful in moving “Golf For Good” to Thursday, August 15th. We are looking on the bright side; maybe with the additional time to register, we will have even more supporters.”

Proceeds will benefit EAC Network’s 70 programs helping people in need throughout Long Island and the New York metro area. EAC Network is very proud to be honoring Mario J. Doyle, C.O.O. of Doyle Security Services and Richard M. Kessel, EAC Board member and expert in New York energy issues. Register online at www.golf4good.karma411.com or call (516) 539-0150 for details.

About EAC Network
EAC Network’s 70 programs protect children, create opportunities for seniors, promote healthy families and communities, empower people through employment and education, and provide alternatives for people with substance abuse and mental health needs. EAC Network effectively served more than 57,400 people last year.

ADDED 2:11 PM:

Due to inclement weather, EAC Network will hold their annual “Golf For Good” outing (originally scheduled in June) at North Shore Country Club on August 15, 2013, with a 1PM shotgun and evening dinner program beginning at 6PM. 

Changes to Renewable Energy Initiative Keeps Pace With NY Sun Requirements

(Long Island, NY) In support of efforts to meet the goals set forth by Governor Cuomo in the NY-Sun initiative and other renewable energy programs, the Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved reallocating $32 million in funds from the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) along with increasing net metering limits to accommodate the anticipated increase in demand as more solar projects are installed.

Under the NY-Sun initiative, launched by Governor Cuomo last year, the state adopted the goal of quadrupling in 2013, the amount of photovoltaic capacity installed during 2011. To advance this goal, Governor Cuomo proposed expanding the NY-Sun initiative to provide long-term funding of $150 million annually over the next 10 years ensuring the growth of the solar industry across the state.

“The State has seen an unprecedented amount of solar power that is being installed both by homeowners and businesses under Governor Cuomo’s critically important NY-Sun initiative,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “The changes we approved today will help ensure that the phenomenal growth continues unabated.”

On April 5, 2013, NYSERDA filed a petition to shift $32 million in funds in the RPS competitive photovoltaic program under the NY-Sun initiative between certain regions to meet current market demand.

In another decision today, the Commission decided to increase each utility’s system-wide net metering limitations for photovoltaic projects, as well as farm anaerobic digestion, small hydro, micro combined heat and power, and fuel cells to three percent of the system peak load from the current one percent. The increase will make available sufficient net metering to accommodate the statewide solar photovoltaic installation goals of the NY-Sun initiative and the anticipated demand for net metering related to the other eligible technologies.

The change would apply to net metered projects in service territories of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation. Central Hudson’s limit was increased to three percent in October of last year.

Since the Governor launched NY Sun in 2012, a total of 242 MW of solar photovoltaics have been installed or is under development, more than was installed in the entire prior decade.

Net metering is used by the electric utilities to measure and charge for the net electricity supplied by the utility and provided to it by a customer-generator, according to statutory requirements. Under net metering, the owner of an eligible renewable energy facility receives retail credit for at least a portion of the electricity they generate.

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 03-E-0188, 12-E-0485, 12-E-0486, 12-E-0487, 12-E-0488, 12-E-0489 and 12-E-0490 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.” Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty with understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

Customers Will Also Share in Company Profits

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today adopted the terms of a joint proposal signed by National Grid NY, Department of Public Service staff, and Queens Gas Consumers that freezes base delivery rates for 2013 and 2014, increases funding for low-income ratepayers, strengthens customer service performance measures and modifies, among other things, the company’s earnings sharing, revenue requirements and capital expenditures.

“The joint proposal terms we are adopting today will foster continued rate stability and promote the affordability of rates, while providing the company with the resources and motivation it needs to maintain and enhance the safety and adequacy of its gas service,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “National Grid NY customers will significantly benefit from today’s decision.”

The company’s current rates were set as part of a five-year rate plan that was adopted in 2007. As part of that plan, National Grid NY, also known as KEDNY, had an allowed return on equity (ROE) of 9.8 percent, with sharing of earnings above 10.5 percent. However, upon review, it was determined that the utility had exceeded its allowed return in 2008-2011 with ROEs ranging from 10.48 percent to 14.10 percent. It had also exceeded its earnings-sharing target in 2008, 2010, and 2011; and, after sharing with ratepayers, retained actual earnings of 11.85 percent in 2010 and 2011.

The proceeding was initiated out of a growing concern about the company’s high earnings, which is now addressed by a joint proposal that provides significant public interest benefits. National Grid NY serves more than 980,000 natural gas customers in Brooklyn, part of Queens, and Staten Island.

In addition to freezing base delivery rates, other key features of the joint proposal include: lowering the allowed ROE to 9.4 percent, down from 9.8 percent; requiring excess earnings above 9.4 percent be shared 80 percent ratepayer/20 percent shareholder, with the ratepayers’ share applied to Site Investigation and Remediation (SIR) deferral balances; enhancing National Grid NY’s gas safety and customer service metrics; and increasing funding for the low-income program from $7.4 million to $10.4 million.

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 12-G-0544 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.” Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus Award Presented to South Nassau, Again

(Oceanside, NY) -The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has awarded South Nassau Communities Hospital with a Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This is the second consecutive year that the award has been given to South Nassau, which recently earned The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

South Nassau Communities Hospital located in Oceanside, NY

To earn the award, South Nassau achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals, and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care. These measures include appropriate and timely use of medications, such as antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, cholesterol-reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

“To fulfill our mission to meet the patients’ and communities’ needs for quality, patient-centered healthcare services, South Nassau must always be focused on performance improvement and raising our standards,” said Linda Efferen, M.D., chief medical officer.

In addition to the Get with the Guideline-Stroke award, South Nassau is a recipient of the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll, for improving stroke care. To qualify for the honor roll, a minimum of 50 percent of the hospital’s eligible ischemic stroke patients must have received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital (known as ‘door-to-needle’ time).

A thrombolytic, or clot-busting agent, tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the urgent treatment of ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first few hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reverse the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability. Unfortunately, tPA therapy is not an option for patients who are having a hemorrhagic stroke (which is when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts) or have one or more of the following conditions: bleeding ulcer, blood clotting problems, brain cancer, extremely high blood pressure, prior bleeding problems.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every three minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. All of the major symptoms of stroke appear suddenly and without warning and they are often not painful. The most common symptoms of stroke can be remembered by the acronym FAST:

• F = Face: Is one side of the face drooping down?
• A= Arm: Can the person raise both arms, or is one arm weak?
• S = Speech: Is speech slurred or confusing?
• T = Time: Time is critical!! Call 9-1-1 immediately!

Other less common symptoms of stroke are sudden trouble seeing, sudden dizziness, and generalized weakness. If you or someone you are with is experiencing some or any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

South Nassau’s Emergency Services Department is designated a regional Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health. Including highly skilled, board-certified physicians with expertise in treating stroke, the department provides:

• Rapid assessment of patients with stroke symptoms
• On-site new generation CT scanner that minimizes radiation exposure
• Prompt treatment using advanced therapies and procedures
• Comprehensive neurological and neurosurgical care throughout hospitalization
• Nurses with special training in stroke care
• Stroke support group
• Community education

As southern Nassau’s only Trauma Level II Center, the department has over 35 large independent treatment bays and specialty areas including Pediatrics and Behavioral Health as well as its own dedicated Digital Radiology suite for rapid access for testing and results.

South Nassau Communities Hospital is one of the region’s largest hospitals, with 435 beds, more than 1000 physicians and 3,000 employees. Located in Oceanside, NY, the hospital is an acute-care, not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-art care in cardiac, oncologic, orthopedic, bariatric, pain management, mental health and emergency services. In addition to its extensive outpatient specialty centers, South Nassau provides emergency and elective angioplasty and is the only hospital on Long Island with the Novalis Tx™ and Gamma Knife® Perfexion radiosurgery technologies. South Nassau is a designated Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health and Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons and is recognized as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

For more information, visit www.southnassau.org.

Approximately 600 residents attend County’s 2nd Annual Event commemorating Portuguese Community

(Long Island, NY) On June 10th, the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola was once again turned into an authentic Portuguese “Aldeia” or village, complete with traditional food, music and youthful folklore dancing. Over a dozen local Portuguese organizations took part in the annual event hosted by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Comptroller George Maragos, complete with uniformed Navy veterans, Mineola Fire Fighters, students from Escola Julio Dinis singing the Portuguese national anthem and Rebecca Bastos of Mineola High School signing the Star Spangled Banner.

Students of Mineola’s Portuguese school Escola Julio Dinis, led by co-presidents Elsa Coelho and Cina Palumbo and surrounded by parents and Senator Jack Martins, Ambassador Brito, Comptroller George Maragos and Mineola Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira.

Portuguese-American student Rebecca Bastos of Mineola High School sings the Star Spangled Banner surrounded by members of the Retired Portuguese Navy Association acting as color guard.

Exchanging of gifts with dignitaries during private ceremony before celebration. (l-r) Consul-General of New Jersey and future Portuguese Ambassador to Poland Dra. Maria Paiva, Nassau County Portugal Day Celebration Chairman Gabriel Marques, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Member of Portuguese Parliament Maria Joao Avila, Ambassador of Portugal to the US Dr. Nuno Brito and County Comptroller George Maragos.

A scene from Portugal Day Celebration 2013 in the Legislative Chambers of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building.

The night’s feature was the keynote speech by Ambassador of Portugal to the United States, Dr. Nuno Brito, who visited the Mineola Portuguese Center and Village Hall earlier in the day. Dr. Brito was accompanied by Consul-General of New Jersey Dra. Maria Paiva (named Portugal’s new Ambassador to Poland) and Member of Parliament Maria Joao Avila. Honorary event chairman Senator Jack Martins presented the Ambassador with a Legislative Resolution from Albany passed earlier in the week, which declared June 10th as Portugal Day in New York State. Speakers also included Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves who married into the Portuguese culture, Deputy Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Dina Di Giorgio, Village of Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss and all the members of the village board.

During the intermission, the folklore group Ranchos Juventude & Sonhos de Portugal of the Mineola Portuguese Center, led by President Tony da Silva, filled the Legislative Chambers with colorful outfits and traditional music. The night’s second-half proceeded with the honoring of 20 local business persons and community leaders by the Presidents of all the local organizations, headlined by Village of Mineola Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira (Man of the Year) and philanthropist Rosa Leal (Woman of the Year).

Chairman and organizer of the event, Gabriel Marques (who was also honored as 2013 Youngman of the Year) said the event could not have unfolded any better and that residents “applauded” the work of the County Executive and Comptroller to help recognize the Portuguese community in Nassau.

At the closing of the celebration, the Dome of the County’s Executive and Legislative building was lit in Portugal’s nation colors of green and red in recognition of the contributions of the Portuguese community in Nassau which has existed since the 1890’s, as long as the County itself.

(Lido Beach, NY) – Non-profit agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities, AHRC and affiliates, Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) and Citizens, celebrated the solar energy partnership with EmPower Solar and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) at an event in Lido Beach on Sunday. More than 125 people attended the occasion highlighting the economic and environmental benefits realized by the three non-profit organizations through this public/private partnership.

AHRC, BCCS, and Citizens, contracted together with EmPower Solar in 2010 to help save on energy costs throughout 49 community residences– the largest non-profit installation on Long Island. The project, which received rebates from LIPA that reduced the upfront capital costs, is also expected to save the organizations several millions and is especially critical as New York State continues to reduce funding.

“By investing in solar energy, the impact of government cuts can be better absorbed as a result of lower utility costs. Additionally, these savings allow for more available funds to continue our high quality programs for people with developmental disabilities,” said Michael Mascari, AHRC Executive Director.

Together, the organizations conducted a full-scope energy audit to learn which locations were best suited for solar panels. Recommendations were made, such as upgrading the electrical system, replacing entire roofs or shingles, and removing trees that would maximize the panels’ effectiveness.

“We’re really honored to be AHRC’s solar provider, and our entire team feels a great sense of pride in working on this project,” said David Schieren, CEO of EmPower Solar. “Our responsibility is to deliver as many years of clean, renewable energy, make sure the systems are working properly, monitor, service, and report. We take this responsibility very seriously. Solar delivers very significant cost savings. It delivers real benefits for the environment; it reduces air pollution, it reduces water pollution, ground pollution. But our vision is that renewable energy leads to a more prosperous, healthy, and civil world.”

The cost of purchasing the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems was significantly reduced with financial incentives and technical assistance provided by LIPA’s Solar Entrepreneur Program.

“Without LIPA, simply put, there would be no solar power; that’s the bottom line,” said Schieren. “The commitment from LIPA is greater than ten years now, and we wouldn’t be here without them. There are obvious things they do which is provide direct financial incentives, and this project received direct financial incentives pretty significantly. You have a utility company, which is a very complex business, and yet they’re supporting solar energy, which is almost counter to their business model, if you think about it. But they are determined and committed.”

“LIPA is pleased to work with both AHRC and EmPower Solar in one of the biggest investments in solar and renewable energy in the state of New York,” said LIPA VP of Environmental Affairs, Michael J. Deering. “This project exemplifies how private-public partnerships can provide for substantial cost savings and greater efficiencies, foster clean energy jobs, build community relationships, cut energy use and reduce our carbon footprint; while at the same time ensuring that vital programs and services are provided, especially to people in need.”

EmPower installed solar panels at 49 community residences. The total cost of the project is $3,502,890 and with LIPA rebates of $2,096,160 the total cost to AHRC and its affiliates is $1,441,530.

“Initially the project was projected to have paid for itself with 7.5 years, however, according to current projections the savings will be realized a full year sooner,” said Mascari. “We will be able to reinvest these savings back in our programs.”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray also attended the celebration to praise the solar energy project. Calling herself a cheerleader, she said her renewable energy commitment with EmPower Solar a “great partnership,” adding, “Without LIPA, there would be no solar power. And to our friends at AHRC, we work with AHRC all the time and there’s no finer organization to take care of our children with special needs, so I want to give a shout out to AHRC for all that you do, 365 days a year.”

About AHRC Nassau
AHRC is Long Island’s premier provider of services for more than 2,200 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Nassau County. AHRC offers residential, supportive employment and pre-vocational programs, community habilitation opportunities, guardianship and family support services.

About EmPower Solar
EmPower Solar is a leading solar engineering and installation company serving residential and commercial markets in New York. Since 2003, EmPower has installed over 600 residential, commercial and non-profit solar power systems in the Tri-State Area. EmPower has consulted on many solar and alternative fuel infrastructure projects throughout the country, including solar powered hydrogen fueling systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

About LIPA’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Programs
LIPA’s nationally recognized renewable and energy efficiency programs offer our customers, a wide array of sustainable energy options which helps our customers go green and save money, while helping LIPA reduce peak load and our dependence on fossil fuels. In addition these programs continue to provide green jobs on Long Island.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2011, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State for frequency and duration of service interruptions. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at http://www.lipower.org.

Bills Provide Veterans With Business, Employment & Education Assistance

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Senate passed a package of legislation today to help New York’s military veterans achieve success in business, employment and education.

The Senate passed a bill (S2803A), sponsored by Senator Greg Ball (R-C, Pawling), that would establish a program to provide state contract preferences for small businesses owned by service disabled veterans. The bill would mirror a highly successful program for federal contracting.

Information released by the New York State Department of Labor and the U.S. Census stated that nearly 20 percent of recent veterans under the age of 30 are unemployed. It was also reported that a staggering 28 percent of Gulf War-II era veterans reported having a service-connected disability.

“Here in New York state, it’s time to recognize that there is a serious problem — our veterans are being left in the dark,” Senator Ball, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, said. “The extraordinary service and sacrifice rendered to our nation by these men and women returning home with injuries incurred in the line of duty is worthy of providing a contract preference to all service-disabled veteran businesses. With the number of returning veterans suffering with ailments like traumatic brain injury, this bill would provide a small measure of recognition and support that these heroes so fully deserve.”

This legislation will put New York State on the same level as the federal government, which through an Executive Order, issued in 2004 by President George W. Bush established a three percent set-aside of all Federal contracts for service disabled veterans.

In 2009, similar legislation passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly, but was vetoed by Governor Paterson who believed that the six-percent preference was too high. The bill passed today provides for a three-percent set-aside that does not compete with the current set-aside for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

The Senate also passed the Veterans Employment Act (S5504A), sponsored by Senator Ball, that would grant veterans the right to temporary appointments by state agencies, rather than using temporary employment service companies.

New York State continuously uses temporary employees to supplement the State workforce. Temporary workers can be used to cover an employee’s maternity leave, vacation leave vacation tile, or extended sick leave.

“This bill would establish the first step to helping veterans get into public service employment,” Senator Ball said. “These brave men and women have served and sacrificed for our country and they deserve every opportunity for meaningful employment.”

The Senate also approved a bill (S1978), sponsored by Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester), that allows for any person who is serving or has served in active duty of the United States Military to be considered a New York resident for the purpose of paying in-state tuition rates at SUNY colleges and universities.

Currently, after serving in active duty, soldiers who choose to come to New York State to study at State University of New York (SUNY) colleges are charged out-of-state tuition. This often results in higher tuition bills because the federal GI bill does not fully cover the cost of out-of-state SUNY tuition.

“The men and women who provide honorable service to our country should be able to attend college here in New York without worrying about extra cost they would pay because they are not yet a resident,” Senator Robach said. “We should be encouraging our service men and women to come to New York, study at our colleges and universities and start their future in New York State.”

The Senate passed legislation (S3572), sponsored by Senator James Seward (R-C-I, Oneonta), that would exempt veterans organizations from paying taxes on heating fuel.

Currently, religious and charitable organizations are exempt from paying tax on non-highway diesel motor fuel used for heating purposes. However, veteran’s organizations are required to pay tax up-front and apply for a refund.

“For veteran organizations, which are primarily run by volunteers, this is a burdensome process and often leads to months of waiting to receive their refunds,” Senator Seward said. “This bill would provide veterans groups with the same exemption that is given to religious and charitable organizations.”

Earlier this year, the Senate successfully fought to expand the PFC Joseph Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Veterans Counseling Program. The Dwyer Program provides peer-to-peer counseling between veterans who personally understand the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

In addition, the Senate proposed and established in the state budget a new tax credit to any business that hires a veteran returning home from military service.

“Renee’s Law” Expands Information Available to Those Involved in the Placement of Violent Youth

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Senate today passed a measure to protect the staff and occupants in group homes and other youth residential facilities. “Renee’s Law” (S2625), sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R-I-C, Olean), increases the criminal history and other information available to those involved in residential placements for violent youth offenders so that a thorough evaluation of the youth’s rehabilitation and the risk they pose to the community can be performed.

The measure was named for Renee Greco, a 24-year-old youth care worker who was killed at a group home for troubled youths in Lockport, Niagara County.

“Again, the Senate has passed this bill to avoid another senseless tragedy like Renee Greco’s death,” said Senator Young. “We need a comprehensive approach to reforming the juvenile justice system to ensure the safety of both staff members and residents. No one should be unknowingly placed in a dangerous situation like Renee was. By providing background information on residents and proper training, staff members can better protect themselves and other residents. This is common-sense legislation that should be enacted to save the lives of innocent victims, and I urge the Assembly to pass it.”

Ms. Greco was the sole staff member watching six teenage boys in the facility licensed by the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). In 2009, Ms. Greco was brutally beaten to death after two teenage residents put a blanket over her head while she was playing cards with other residents in the home. Ms. Greco was not informed of either assailant’s prior violent crimes or actions within facilities.

Currently, staff in OCFS-operated or certified programs do not receive background information on the youths in their care. Further, voluntary agencies lack adequate training and staff to receive youths that are dangerous. These practices, though based on hopes of rehabilitating misguided youth, have contributed to a high recidivism rate, increased violence towards staff, and an unknown number of tragedies within the communities where juveniles have been irresponsibly placed.

Renee’s Law takes a comprehensive approach to help address the potential risks faced by employees and youth residents by ensuring a thorough evaluation of a youth’s rehabilitation and the risk they pose to the community. It requires that staff caring for youths within residential programs operated or certified by OCFS have access to the files and records of the youth in their care. The records would also be available to the legal community, including the judge, presentment agency, district attorney, and defense counsel should the youth commit another crime while in a facility. Upon placement or movement to a lower level of custody, the local law enforcement agency would also receive a youth’s records.

The bill also directs OCFS to establish requirements for training that must be provided to staff responsible for the care and custody of youths placed in or committed to an OCFS program. Topics would include staff abuse prevention and identification; the use of physical intervention; techniques of group and individual child management; gang awareness; absent without leave procedures; conflict resolution; and the laws, rules, and regulations governing the protection of staff from abuse.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.