CLOSE
New York State Government

by -
0 405

By Daniel Dunaief

The federal government took them away and has, for now, returned them.

Amid a national crackdown on international students throughout the country, the federal government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program removed the visas of 11 international students at Stony Brook University on April 10, without providing any public information about the reasons for the decisions or the process that would follow.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Early this week, the downtstate flagship university announced that the student visas, which are necessary for work and, in some cases, to remain in the United States, were reinstated.

“We are delighted to share that all 11 Stony Brook students whose immigration status was terminated by the federal government several weeks ago had had their status reinstated,” Provost Carl Lejuez, Vice Provost for Graduate Educate Celia Marshik and Senior Associate Provost for Global Affairs Lindsi Walker announced in an email to faculty, staff and students.

The 11 Stony Brook students were among the 1,500 students nationwide whose visa status was terminated. Most of those students have also had their visas restored, although the government indicated that it was creating a new system to review and terminate student visas.

At the University of North Texas, 28 international students had their visas restored on Tuesday, while Rutgers students also had their visas restored this week.

Judges in numerous juridsictions had temporarily restored student record amid lawsuits challenging the decision by Immigration and Customs Enforcement about the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Program (SEVIS) withdrawals.

District Judge Ana Reyes in the District of Columbia on Tuesday called the withdrawals “arbitrary and capricious” and suggested that the terminations “showed a lack of concern for human individuals,” according to ABC News.

In their joint email, Stony Brook officials expressed appreciation for the community support for these students.

“Stony Brook is deeply enriched by the perspectives and contributions of our global community, and we are proud to learn, teach and conduct research alongside exceptional international students and scholars,” the officials wrote in their email.

The reversal comes as litigation against the federal government mounts, with student arguing that the revocations were unconstitutional.

After Stony Brook University announced the visas had originally been removed, students gathered to express their support for the students affected and to urge the university to help defend against deportation and the loss of any work study efforts.

Stony Brook officials indicated that students had continued with their academic pursuits amid the shifting visa process.

“We are not aware of students missing classes as a result of their status being revoked,” Lejuez explained in a written message, “and now, with this restoration, they are able to simply continue in their studies without further distractions.”

Political support

Local politicians from both parties welcomed the administration’s decision to allow these students to continue with their educational programs.

“I am pleased that the visas of the international students at Stony Brook were restored,” County Executive Ed Romaine (R) explained in a written message. “Educating international students in the U.S. helps those around the world better understand our country and apprecaite the many good things and freedoms we enjoy.”

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

Democratic State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, whose district includes Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Port Jeffferson Station, Mount Sinai and Coram, appreciated the support of the university and of the office of Sen. Charles Schumer (D).

As soon as she learned that these student visas were revoked, Kassay connected with Stony Brook University’s Associate Vice President for Government Relations Carl Mills and with Schumer’s office.

Once the students had legal representation, Schumer’s office was able to ensure that the appeals process proceeded fairly, Kassay said.

At the time, and as a part of her ongoing responsibility to the district, Kassay urged anyone with concerns to reach out to her office to “make sure you are getting the calls back” from any of the various entities involved in the process, she said.

Kassay suggested that her staff works to make sure constituents are getting service from all levels of government.

Kassay recognized that this visa issue could return for international students in the area.

“We stand at the ready to help navigate whatever might come about with issues resulting from federal executive orders or policies,” Kassay added.

To be sure, Kassay suggested that students on visas don’t have the freedom to break laws or to violate the terms of their time in the country.

“If individuals are found to have a criminal background, or to have cause for removal from our country and that is proven by due process, then so be it,” she said. “We all deserve due process. Now is the time to make that clear.”

Kassay suggested that she felt sympathetic to students who didn’t face any public charges and whose futures had suddenly become uncertain.

“My heart goes out to the individuals and their families,” Kassay said.

by -
0 696
Governor Kathy Hochul joined State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald for a press conference on measles on March 19. Photo courtesy of Gov. Hochul's Office
All New Yorkers urged to ensure they are current with all recommended immunizations, especially Measles-Mumps-Rubella

Governor Kathy Hochul on March 19 launched a new web portal to support access to vaccines and public health information in the wake of measles cases in New York State: ny.gov/measles

The Governor joined State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald in a press conference to update New Yorkers on the cases and encouraged everyone to ensure they are current on all recommended immunizations.

There have been four total cases of measles in New York State so far this year, three in New York City and one in Suffolk County. None of the cases this year are related to each other or connected to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. The risk of measles to New Yorkers from these outbreaks is low.

“Measles doesn’t belong in the 21st century, and it certainly doesn’t belong in the State of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “As measles outbreaks occur at home and around the globe, it’s critical that New Yorkers take the necessary steps to get vaccinated, get educated and stave off the spread of this preventable disease — the safety of our communities depends on it.”

The New York State Department of Health and local health departments work together to monitor cases and alert the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they’re up to date on important, lifesaving immunizations.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The single way to prevent measles is to be immunized, and this is an irrefutable fact. Measles is much more than just a rash. In the current outbreak in the United States, one in five people are being admitted to a hospital. I urge all New Yorkers to ensure they are current on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunizations and immediately get vaccinated if they are not.”

Based on immunization registry data, the current statewide vaccination rate for babies up to two years old, excluding New York City, is 81.4 percent. This is the percent of children who have received at least one dose of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines. However, actual vaccination coverage among school-age children is higher, typically around 90 percent.

Individuals should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to be protected. Those who aren’t sure about their immunization status should call their local health department or health care provider. Those who were born before 1957 have likely already been exposed to the virus and are immune. Those born between 1957 and 1971 should check with a doctor to ensure they’ve been properly immunized as vaccines administered during that time may not have been reliable.

Those who travel abroad should make sure they are vaccinated for measles. Babies as young as 6 months can get an MMR if they are traveling abroad. The babies should get their MMRs on schedule and need a total of three MMRs.

The State Health Department is monitoring the situation very carefully, along with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Local health departments in each county are prepared to investigate cases and distribute vaccines or other protective measures as needed.

“As measles outbreaks occur at home and around the globe, it’s critical that New Yorkers take the necessary steps to get vaccinated, get educated and stave off the spread of this preventable disease — the safety of our communities depends on it.”

Misinformation around vaccines has in recent years contributed to a rise in vaccine hesitancy, declining vaccination rates and a black market for fraudulent vaccination records. The Department takes an active role in combating vaccination fraud. This includes work by the Department’s Bureau of Investigations identifying, investigating, and seeking impactful enforcement actions against those who falsify vaccine records, as evidenced by several recent cases announced by the Department.

Combating vaccine fraud is a collective effort that includes various stakeholders responsible for community health and safety. The Department works with schools to help them fulfill their responsibility of reviewing vaccination records for fraud. Additionally, the Department partners with the New York State Education Department, local health departments and school-nurse professional organizations around this critical effort. Moreover, the Department’s Bureau of Investigations, in particular, works to educate, engage and support police and prosecutors statewide regarding vaccination fraud, which under New York law is a felony-level criminal offense.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight other infections like pneumonia.

Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, brain swelling and death. Long-term serious complications can also include  subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a brain disease resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage.

People who are infected with measles often get “measles immune amnesia,” which causes their immune system to lose memory to fight other infections like pneumonia. In places like Africa, where measles is more common, this is the largest driver of mortality.

Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low birth weight infants.

Measles is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Complications may include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization and death.

The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine 21 days after exposure and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms for measles can include the following:

7-14 days, and up to 21 days after a measles infection

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes

3-5 days after symptoms begin, a rash occurs

  • The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
  • Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
  • The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
  • When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears.

Health care providers should report suspected measles cases to their local health department.

Visit the State Health Department’s dedicated measles website for information about the measles, immunization data and information for providers.

The State Health Department has also launched a new Global Health Update Report webpage to keep New Yorkers informed of ongoing and emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The report is updated every Friday.

Visit the CDC website for information about the measles vaccine.

by -
0 518
1 of 4
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office

On February 28, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed A3923 into law, marking a legislative milestone for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, as this is her first sponsored bill to be officially enacted. This law reflects the needs and duties of local governments across New York State, ensuring transparent governance while providing flexibility for smaller municipalities, according to a press release.

What A3923 Does:

A3923 amends the 2024 legislation A2852A, which required all local governments to establish and maintain official .gov websites to enhance public access to government officials and information. While still promoting consistency and transparency, the new law adjusts the requirement to accommodate the unique needs of smaller municipalities by:

  • Exempting municipalities with fewer than 1,500 residents from the .gov website requirement, allowing them to comply with transparency rules to the extent practicable. This includes Assembly District 4’s Villages of Belle Terre, Old Field, and Poquott.

  • Providing alternative compliance options for municipalities with more than 1,500 residents, allowing them to meet the website requirement by hosting their information under an overlapping municipality’s official .gov domain.

  • Clarifying website content requirements for municipalities with more than 1,500 residents that maintain .gov websites, ensuring that these .gov municipal websites include the essential information that municipalities are already required to provide to residents, such as:

    • Hours of operation and contact details

    • Names of elected officials

    • Public notices, including election dates, public hearings, and board meetings

    • Agendas and meeting minutes as required by the Open Meetings Law

    • Local codes, laws, and resolutions

    • Fiscal transparency reports, including annual budgets, independent audits, and financial plans

  • Extending the deadline for compliance from 180 days to one year.

“This legislation takes into account the needs of smaller local governments, while providing greater government transparency and cybersecurity across New York State. It ensures that while transparency remains a cornerstone of good governance, smaller municipalities have the necessary flexibility to comply with the state regulation passed last year,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.

“With the prevalence of online scams, I am always looking for ways to increase cyber security. Only governmental entities can create a .gov website, so residents can more confidently navigate and interact with government websites, where they might be providing sensitive information,” she said.

“By ensuring that local governments have flexible options for securely sharing important public information rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we are empowering municipalities to serve their residents in the way that suits their needs and abilities,” she added.

Assemblywoman Kassay’s office was advised that the Village of Port Jefferson is currently in process of migrating from a .com to a .gov website. The discussion about this migration began during Kassay’s tenure serving as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee.

“As Assemblywoman Kassay’s first bill to be signed into law, A3923 represents an important step forward in her legislative efforts to represent the needs of local governments, support fair and balanced policies, and uphold the values of transparency and security for our residents,” read the release.

by -
0 865
METRO photo
Jennifer Cona

With New York’s 2025-2026 state budget in the works, Cona Elder Law is calling on community members to take action in support of older adults by joining its letter-writing campaign to urge Governor Hochul and state legislators to fully fund Medicaid and increase reimbursement rates for nursing homes by 20% on Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cona Elder Law, 225 Broadhollow Road, Suite 200, Melville.

This event is open to the public. Register here: https://shorturl.at/AzGBc

Medicaid funds the care of most long-term nursing home residents in New York. However, nursing homes are currently reimbursed at only 50% of the actual cost of care, leading to staffing shortages, safety concerns, facility closures, overcrowding, and inadequate care for elderly and vulnerable residents. With a $1.6 billion funding gap, nursing homes across the state are struggling to provide the quality care that our loved ones deserve.

“Advocacy makes a difference. Elected officials rely on constituent feedback when making budget decisions,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner, Cona Elder Law. “Direct outreach is the most effective way to influence policy and protect our aging population.”

Cona Elder Law is a leading elder law firm dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of older adults. The firm advocates for seniors and their families through legal services, policy initiatives, and community engagement.

by -
0 671
Smithtown High School East seniors Sophia Trivigno and Gabe Finger traveled to Albany on Feb. 11 to advocate for passing the Students for Solar Act (S1986). The students met with Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Smithtown High School East seniors Gabe Finger and Sophia Trivigno. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown High School East seniors, Gabe Finger and Sophia Trivigno, traveled to Albany on Feb. 11 and joined the Long Island Lobby Coalition to speak one-on-one with members of the New York State Senate, Assembly and governor’s staff to advocate for passing the Students for Solar Act (S1986). They highlighted the success of Smithtown High School West’s solar array for its environmental benefits and for the cost savings that go directly back into the schools.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassey (D-Port Jefferson), a Smithtown High School East alumna, praised the student’s involvement. “What a joy to speak with two students from my very own high school on Long Island Advocacy Day,” Kassey said. “Along with fellow community members, Gabe and Sophia traveled to New York’s capital to let us policymakers know the kind of future they want — a sustainable one! Their visit and voices reinforce my commitment to passing laws that not only address the near future but also build towards meeting long-term goals as we work towards both environmental and fiscal sustainability for every New Yorker.”

The students were met with applause and admiration for their passion to make a difference. “It is imperative these students are given the opportunity and voice to advocate for their future,” says Melissa Parrott, executive director, Renewable Energy Long Island. “Gabe and Sophia expressed themselves with such confidence and commitment, it was impressive.”

by -
0 840
Inside the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Yaphank. File photo by Kevin Redding

By Nancy Marr

New York is home to one of the largest prison populations in the nation. Nine thousand New Yorkers are currently serving life sentences, with 10,000 who have sentences of ten or more years in prison, according to a report issued by The Sentencing Project. Despite overwhelming evidence that incarceration is one of the least effective strategies to improve public safety, New York taxpayers spend three billion dollars a year incarcerating people. 

The Center for Community Alternatives (CCA), founded in 1981 by Marsha Weissman and directed since 2015 by David Condliffe, is part of a statewide network of direct services, advocacy and organizing groups and directly impacted people and their families, founded with the belief that solutions to poverty, addiction and violence rest in communities, not incarceration. In addition to working with prisoners and their families to provide court support and advocacy, sentencing mitigation and re-entry advocacy, it supports the creation of rehabilitative programs that support re-entry of incarcerated people into their communities. It has worked with New York State legislators to write bills that advocate for reform of drug laws expanding earned time, allowing a second look at a prisoner’s sentence, and an end to mandatory minimum sentencing.

Three pieces of legislation that have been introduced and are in committee would support prisoners’  reintegration and re-entry: The Earned Time Act, introduced by Jeremy Cooney (S.774) and Anna Kelles (A.1128), and now in the Corrections Committee, would expand eligibility for merit time earned for participating in vocational, educational, and rehabilitative  programs. 

New York is behind other states where people can gain earned time allowances, and where earned time programming and job-training has resulted in a notable reduction in recidivism. The Act would expand the access to educational programs for persons who are eligible, offered by many colleges as online and in- person classes to students.  (During the 1990’s New York State slashed programs for incarcerated people by eliminating financial aid for them, and decimating college programs held in prison.) By incentivizing good behavior and program participation, the Earned Time Act would provide correctional offices with tools to help reduce conflict within the prison. 

The Second Look Act, submitted by Julia Salazar (S.321) and Latrice Walker (A.531), now in the Codes Committee, would allow incarcerated persons to petition for re-sentencing if they have already served a certain amount of time, permitting a new judge to revisit and possibly reduce sentences for prisoners after they have served ten years, or over half of their sentences (if their sentence is more than a decade). 

The law would create a presumption that resentencing will be granted if the person is over 55 years old or was under 25 years old at the time the crime occurred. There are over 8,000 people in New York prisons today over the age of 50 and  44% of New Yorkers in state prisons who struggle with chronic health conditions. Those who are serving lengthy sentences have no opportunity  to demonstrate to a judge that they have changed after years in prison, or that, given changed laws and norms, the sentence is no longer appropriate. 

Decades-long prison terms have become the norm in New York. Every year, 1,000 people are sentenced to ten or more years in prison, and 5,000 people have been there for fifteen years or longer. 

The Marvin Mayfield Act, sponsored by Zellnor Myrie (S.6471A) and Gregory Meeks (A.2036), now in the Codes Committee, would eliminate the mandatory minimum sentences for prisons, jail, and probation. They began in the 1970’s for drug offenders with the Rockefeller Drug Laws but were  expanded to cover non-drug-related cases; they contribute to the pleas whereby prisoners forfeit their rights  to a trial. The law would allow judges to consider the individual factors and mitigating circumstances in a case before sentencing. 

The CCA is looking for support for these initiatives to come out of committee by June to be considered by the Governor for this year’s budget.  For more information,  visit CommunitiesNotCagesNY.org or CommunityAlternatives.org. 

Nancy Marr is Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

by -
0 1243
A slide displaying some proposed improvements (right). Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

The Smithtown Town Board held the last public hearing Jan. 23 on the Kings Park Downtown Revitalization Plan before the window for public comments closes and it can be voted on for approval by the town board. 

The plan includes pedestrian-focused amenities and infrastructure, updated parking and wider sidewalks. It has been developed over the course of nine years. In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) awarded Kings Park and Smithtown a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. Further, updated and expanded sewer systems were necessary to make the plan possible. 

“Communities like St. James, Commack and Smithtown can’t afford to stand still,” Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) said. “I have no problem with below ground parking…we are not going to turn Smithtown into Queens,” he said, responding to the common worry among critics that the increased floor maximum and below-ground parking represent a step toward further urbanization.

Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) addresses the Smithtown Town Board. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

The maximum height of 3 floors and 40 feet in the core downtown district, an increase, and the permittance of apartment buildings in the area were causes for criticism among some, including Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga). 

“I am not against building…I do not want overdevelopment of the town,” Trotta said. “When I think of underground parking, I think of Queens. We are setting a precedent.” 

State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said, “What this board has done is commendable…Kings Park is in dire straits for development, for the right development.” 

The majority of residents and business owners who spoke were in support of the “long overdue” plan. Kevin Smith, a member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, had a store front in Kings Park. “I was living my dream. It was the American dream. I had a shop front on Main Street and I had to close down,” he said. 

Smith reminisced on his own youth spent in Kings Park and how to have fun he would often visit other towns such as Patchogue or Babylon. He hoped that the return of a bustling downtown would keep the younger generation in Kings Park.

Some speakers, including Trotta, used their time before the board to protest the proposed 50-unit apartment building at the corner of Meadow Road and Indian Head Road. The adoption of the Kings Park revitalization plan would change the zoning of the area to transit-oriented development.  

Mike Rosato of Kings Park said, “Building height should be limited to no more than 2.5 stories to preserve the historical and suburban character of the community…this project along with others, if allowed to proceed, significantly alters the character of Kings Park, overwhelms local infrastructure, and negatively impacts our residential quality of life.” 

Another speaker said, “I think you guys should go forward with this project. It will give these young people an opportunity to afford a home.” 

For more information, visit the Smithtown website: www.smithtownny.gov.

by -
0 566
1 of 8
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Rebecca Kassay is sworn into office by NYS Attorney General Letitia James. Photo by Juliane Mosher
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright presents Rebecca Kassay with a flower bouquet. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright speaks at the inauguration ceremony. Photo by Julianne Mosher
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Julianne Mosher
New York State Attorney General Letitia James at inauguration ceremony for Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich spoke at the inauguration ceremony. Photo by Julianne Mosher
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay with Lillie Crowder. Photo by Julianne Mosher

By Julianne Mosher

The seats of Theatre Three in Port Jefferson were completely filled on Sunday, Jan. 26 to witness the swearing in and inauguration of Rebecca Kassay to the New York State Assembly for District 4.

A local business owner and former deputy mayor of the Village of Port Jefferson, Kassay beat incumbent Ed Flood (R) last year in a tight race for the seat. District 4 covers several communities including Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Mount Sinai and Coram. 

The event featured guest speakers including Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) and Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket). Administration of Oath of Office was provided by New York State Attorney General Letitia James and a special poem was read by civil rights activist and community organizer Lillie Crowder.

During her final remarks, Kassay thanked her supporters and all of the public servants before her. 

“I know that I carry on work that has been done so long before I was born and I’m working for the people who’ve not yet been born,” she told the crowd. “I’m working for the people who will never hear my name, but hopefully will feel the impact that I had along with these incredible leaders in our community and be better off from it.”

by -
0 512
Assemblyman Steve Stern with veterans. Photo courtesy Assemblyman Stern’s office

New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington) announced he has been appointed the new chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs by Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie.

“I am so proud to be the next chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Stern. “It has been my privilege for my entire career to work closely with and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. I look forward to meeting with our veterans from across New York State to deliver meaningful legislation for our local heroes and their families.”

“As former chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am thrilled to congratulate my former colleague and neighbor, Assemblyman Steve Stern, on his appointment as the new chair. Assemblyman Stern is a dedicated leader who has long championed the needs of our nation’s heroes, and I have no doubt he will continue to fight for the care and support our veterans rightfully deserve,” said Kimberly Jean-Pierre, former Assemblymember for the 11th Assembly District and former chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

In the Suffolk County Legislature, where he served for 12 years, Stern was chairman of the Veterans Committee. During his tenure, he introduced and passed the landmark legislation “Housing Our Homeless Heroes,” ensuring that veterans and their families always have a place to call home.

He also authored the “Protect Our Fallen Heroes Act,” which protects military funerals from reprehensible and disrespectful protests while families are grieving the loss of their loved ones and ensures respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

“My work with Assemblyman Stern goes back to his time at the county, where he championed many programs that positively affected the lives of our veterans, including the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Since its inception in 2012, the Dwyer Project’s impact on the community has resulted in reductions in hospitalizations, sustained families, secured gainful employment, prevented homelessness, promoted daily wellness, and absolutely saved lives,” said Marcelle Leis, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency. “With Stern’s appointment as chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the New York State Assembly, his leadership will continue to forge new programs for veterans throughout the state.”

“The veterans of New York State received a gift today with the appointment of Assemblyman Steve Stern as chairman of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Thomas Ronayne, former director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency. “Assemblyman Stern brings two decades of selfless commitment and service to the veterans’ community, characterized by understanding, compassion, and a true grasp of the issues and concerns that affect us. An honest and intelligent chairman who will give his all to ensure we are well served by the state government.”

After being elected to the Assembly in 2018, Stern continued to deliver for veterans. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve access to critical information, ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve, as well as legislation creating a task force to study and improve veterans’ employment opportunities. He has also passed legislation to protect veteran homebuyers from fraud through loan counseling and assistance, and to expand opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises.

“Steve Stern has effectively advocated for veterans and their families since he began serving as our legislator for the 16th District in Suffolk County. I am very glad to see that he has risen to the position of chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs in the New York State Assembly. He has years of experience and a deep knowledge of veterans’ issues to make a real difference. New York State veterans of all conflicts can be assured that he will continue to fight for them,” said Bob Santo, past commander of the American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244.

“Assemblyman Stern has been helping me serve our homeless veterans since 2007; he has gone with me to the VA in Northport, and he has helped me serve dinners to our homeless veterans on Thanksgiving and throughout the year at St. Anthony of Padua. He is very dedicated to our veterans,” said Dr. Ray Mascolo, D.D.S., who provides free dental care to veterans on Long Island.

Stern continues to be at the forefront of initiatives to improve services and care for veterans. He introduced legislation to create a study of women veterans’ healthcare issues to improve veterans’ healthcare in New York, and a bill to ensure that a veteran’s disability benefits would not jeopardize their eligibility for public housing.

“As chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will remain committed to ensuring that our veterans across New York State always receive the recognition, support, and services they deserve,” said Stern.

by -
0 934
Horseshoe crab. Stock photo
Gov. Hochul says regulation authority should stay with DEC

By Mallie Jane Kim 

New York’s horseshoe crabs remain available to use as bait, after Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) vetoed a bill that would have prohibited the practice. Long Island environmental groups that had advocated for increased protections were not happy with the move.

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY.) Photo Courtesy of www.governor.ny.gov

“I’m angry and disappointed,” said George Hoffman, cofounder of the Setauket Harbor Task Force, which monitors water quality in area harbors and was one of about 60 organizations that signed on to a September letter urging Hochul to sign the bill.

“It will be hard to build enthusiasm among the environmental community for this governor,” Hoffman said.

Hochul’s Dec. 13 veto argued the species is already regulated by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), and said the bill could have “unintended consequences” on managing species like whelk and eel, which are harvested using horseshoe crabs as bait. 

“While this bill is well intentioned,” she wrote in a letter to the state assembly, “the management of marine species is better left to the experts at DEC.”

She also expressed concern the bill could be detrimental to the commercial fishing industry and the biomedical field, which uses horseshoe crab blood in the development of vaccines.

Members of the commercial fishing industry were grateful for the reprieve. 

“We’re thrilled that legislation didn’t take the place of science,” said Bonnie Brady, executive director of Montauk-based Long Island Commercial Fishing Association.  

Brady questions the sufficiency of methodology and equipment used to count New York’s crab population for the ASMFC’s report, which rated the state’s stock of horseshoe crabs as “poor.” She laid out her concerns in a letter to Hochul earlier this month, arguing the species is already highly regulated and not overharvested. 

“Fishermen’s lives and livelihoods depend on this,” Brady said. “Fishermen deserve the best science available — we aren’t doing anything that’s even close to on par with what other states are doing.”

Brady added that fishermen do not want to see the species depleted, and they will work within the regulations they are given.

Before its veto, the bill drew attention from legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, who urged Hochul to sign the bill to protect the ancient species, calling on their “shared sense of responsibility for the natural world.”

For her part, Hochul said she is directing DEC to evaluate whether additional measures could help protect the species, and she pointed to the agency’s current efforts to address concerns about overharvesting, including harvest prohibitions during the May and June spawning season. The agency also limits the annual horseshoe crab harvest in New York waters to 150,000, which is half the quota allowed by the ASMFC.

Environmental groups are not taking her assurance as consolation. 

“Governor Hochul didn’t just drop the ball; she dropped the axe,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, in a statement. “It’s unacceptable to allow the continued antiquated practice of chopping up horseshoe crabs so they can be used as bait by fishermen.”

Esposito said her organization will keep advocating for stronger regulations to ensure long-term protection of the species.

123...14Next Page 1 of 14
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©