Tags Posts tagged with "New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay"

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

The two-part boating safety course is at the Setauket Fire Department station on Nicolls Road, on April 14-15. File photo

By Sofia Levorchick

This year, New York State put Brianna’s Law into effect, requiring all boaters to possess and carry a New York State-approved boating safety certificate regardless of age. 

Named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Island girl who was killed in a 2005 boating accident, this law acts as a precautionary measure to teach all boaters safety rules to prevent reckless and dangerous behavior on the water.

Previously, only operators born after Jan. 1, 1978, needed the certificate. Now, all boaters, regardless of age and experience on the water, must obtain the safety certificate.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, NY4) sent out an invitation for a course taking place on Saturday, May 31 at the Setauket Fire Department  at 190 Main Street in Setauket. See more information below.

“With our many miles of coastline, my office understands our constituents’ close relationship with our waterways,” Kassay said. “We are grateful to the Setauket Fire Department for offering their facilities for this event, furthering our shared goal of greater public safety.”

Brennen Siele, the senior harbormaster on the North Shore for the Town of Brookhaven, thinks this course requirement is necessary for safe waters. He pointed out that boaters’ most common and preventable mistake is lacking the safety equipment they should have on board. 

“When we come and check them, it’s a surprise to them that they need certain things,” Siele said. “So just from a safety standpoint, it seems important that these people take these classes, even if they’ve been on the water for years.”

Safety certification courses were offered before the law was implemented, and some boaters have already taken them. 

Chris Zenaty, a Stony Brook boater, took a safety course over 25 years ago when he first started boating. He retook the course last year with his son after his original certification expired. He thinks that this new law is essential for ensuring safety on the water.

 “It makes people more aware of their surroundings,” Zenaty said. “Before, you could go out and buy a 50-foot boat with having no experience in boating and cause significant damage to life and property without having any boating training.”

According to both Siele and Kassay, local boaters have generally been reacting positively to the law.

“From conversations around our marinas and neighborhoods, it seems that local boaters are largely on board with this new regulation,” Kassay said. “It teaches newer boaters the maritime rules of the road, which will help to avoid conflicts and collisions.”

However, Siele noted that the surge in demand could make it difficult for boaters to get the safety certificate in time. 

“I think for the first year, it’ll probably be challenging, because a huge influx of people are trying to take these classes right before the boating season,” Siele said. “A lot of these classes are filling up, and people are having a hard time getting into them.”

Because of the demand, there might be an initial grace period for compliance. Harbor Patrol plans to be somewhat lenient initially, as long as boaters can show patrol officers proof that they are registered to take a class and are otherwise in compliance with safety regulations. 

“Boaters need to take the safety on the water a little bit more seriously than they have in the past,” Siele said. “They don’t take into account how many things that can go wrong or the safety equipment that’s necessary when things do go wrong.”

Despite the initial challenges in course availability, officials and long-serving boaters agree that the new law marks a crucial step toward fostering safer waters for all. 

“Even our saltiest sailors and experienced fisherfolk understand that their time on the water is made safer by every motorized vessel operator taking this course,” Kassay said.

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New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay is inviting boat, jet ski, and motorized vessel operators to take the required New York State Safe Boating Certification Course at the Setauket Fire Department, 190 Main St., Setauket on Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This 8-hour course covers the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. It reviews nautical “rules of the road”, required safety equipment, special boating activities, and more. Students who complete the course will obtain a NY Safe Boating Certificate. Must be at least 10 years old to participate.
Cost: $85 + $10 permanent card fee
Course materials provided on-site
Can’t make that date? Find more classes across the state: www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/252

Pictured from left, Three Village Historical Society Executive Director Mari Irizarry, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages Co-Executive Director Joshua Ruff

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, her staff members, Long Island Museum staff and board members, and fellow government representatives gathered with members of the community at The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook on Thursday, May 15, for a special “Meet Your Elected Officialsevent.

This event was coordinated by Assemblywoman Kassay’s office and the Long Island Museum, and was held in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition, Building the Ballot Box: Long Island’s Democratic History, which is part of the Agora New York Voices and Votes project. The exhibit, which explores the history of American democracy, was on display at the museum through May 18

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay.

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with local elected officials, including Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, while reflecting on the significant role Long Island played in the development of American democracy. Assemblywoman Kassay formally invited local legislative representatives— from the town, county, state, and federal government positions to participate or send staff to table at this event

“My staff and I are grateful for the Long Island Museum’s collaboration in coordinating such a meaningful event. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate our shared history,said Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. This exhibition not only highlights the rich democratic heritage of Long Island but also encourages active civic participation. It was truly a pleasure to engage with the community, offer them resources, and discuss how we can continue to work together for a better future.” 

It was wonderful to be able to join Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay to greet members of the public at the Long Island Museum against the backdrop of their extraordinary exhibition Building the Ballot Box: Long Island’s Democratic History,said Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright. “It was a privilege to welcome our contemporary voters in the presence of paintings by William Sidney Mount that depict citizens practicing democracy in our community more than 150 years ago.” 

“The Museum has been proud to host the Voices and Votes and Building the Ballot Box exhibitions and we so appreciate Assemblywoman Kassay and her office for planning this great forum for conversation with the community, which offered people a relaxed chance to enjoy the project in its final days,” shared Joshua Ruff, The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages Co-Executive Director 

The Building the Ballot Box exhibition is a traveling project that explores the history of voting rights and the democratic process, with stops at 12 museums throughout New York State through 2026. The exhibit highlights the critical role of voting and civic engagement in shaping American society

For more information, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094

 

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (far right) celebrates Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Honorees including Angeline Judex who is pictured here second from right with her colleagues from the Long Island Explorium.
 On Saturday, May 3rd, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay hosted the 2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the New Village Recreation Center in Centereach. The event brought together Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, and more than 100 community members, friends, families, and local leaders to honor the leadership and community impact of the exemplary women who live in Assembly District 4.

“The room was filled with warmth, wisdom, and gratitude as we reflected on the power of leadership, service, and compassion. From heartfelt stories to new connections, this event reminded us of the importance of recognizing the women who quietly and boldly make a difference every day,” said Assemblywoman Kassay. “Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this day and every day brighter.”

Residents, businesses and other members of the community were invited to nominate women residing in Assembly District 4 to be considered for the 2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Award in the categories of Business, Community Volunteer, Education, Government, Healthcare, Law Enforcement/First Responder, Non-Profit, Science, and Veteran. Over the course of 2 months, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s office received over 30 nominations. Of those 30, one honoree was selected from each category:

2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Honorees:

Melissa Negrin-Wiener – Business

Dr. Yanping Yu – Community Volunteer

Gretchen Oldrin Mones – Education

Hon. Valerie M. Cartright – Government

Erika Detto – Healthcare

Kerry Schneider – Law Enforcement / First Responder

Dana Callender – Non-Profit

Angeline Judex – Science

Melanie Corinne – Veteran

Nominees Recognized for Their Contributions:

Business:

Maryann Deriso

McKayla De La Pena

Maria Nardiello

Julie Vitrano

Betty Diaz

Community Volunteer:

Shoshana Hershkowitz

Alice Rose Damico

Lisa Perry

Patricia Schindler

Education:

Kristen Hoffman

Ellen Boehm

Government:

Lillian Clayman

Vivian Viloria-Fisher

Healthcare:

Dr. Michele Kaider-Alstodt

Dr. Lynda Loudon Sheppard

Law Enforcement / First Responder:

Elicia Murphy

Non-Profit:

Sarah Abruzzi

Amy Tuttle

Makai Ballo

Shaorui Li

Lisa Jaeger

During the event, the honorees and nominees were invited to say a few words and were presented with proclamations and certificates to thank them for their contributions to the community. This event marks the first Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Awards, which will be hosted annually by the office of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Beginning January 2026, members of the community are invited and encouraged to submit nominees for next year’s awards.

For more information about this and any other program or concern, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094.

From left, members of VFW Post 4927 - Post Quartermaster Cameron Clawson, Mike Costarelli, and Paulie LaRocco with Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

On Sunday, May 4, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay co-hosted a community blood drive with local VFW Post 4927 in Port Jefferson Station and the New York Blood Center. Throughout the day, donors came from across the district to donate blood, visit the VFW, and enjoy some of the homemade treats that were personally baked by Assemblywoman Kassay and her team, and take home a box of Girl Scout cookies that were provided by the New York Blood Center.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay said, “Hats off to everyone who showed up and participated in Sunday’s Blood Drive—you are all life-savers! Every donation made has the potential to help save the life of someone experiencing surgery, chronic illness, or life-threatening conditions. Each single unit can save up to three lives, meaning the donations at our drive will potentially impact 81 people. Community efforts like this remind us of the power we have to support one another—and that even one donation can make a world of difference. And every event is made sweeter with homemade cupcakes and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies– all baked with love! Many thanks to our partners at VFW Post 4927 for hosting the drive and tapping their members, and the New York Blood Center for sending an incredible team of professionals.”

This event marks the first blood drive event that will be hosted annually through Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s office with the VFW Post 4927.

For more information about the blood drive or future events, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094.

It’s a National Celebration of the birth of America – and it kicked off right here in the Three Villages. On May 2, the Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a special celebration titled “250 Years STRONG” at the Setauket Neighborhood House.

While many might not know- across the country events are being planned to mark America’s Semiquincentennial.  It was 250 years ago that the “Shot Heard Around the World” rang out during the battle of Lexington and Concord – considered to be the first military engagement of the Revolutionary War.  On Long Island, the Strong family played a pivotal role during the Revolution through their actions in the Culper or Setauket Spy Ring.

The Culper Spy Ring is credited by George Washington as being a major factor in turning the tide of the American Revolution by providing valuable intelligence to at great risk to themselves.

The Anna Smith Strong Chapter was named for a courageous member of the celebrated Culper Spy Ring, and hosted an event commemorating her role and honoring the American spirit.

Participants enjoyed an evening of history, community and celebration in a picturesque setting – the Setauket Neighborhood House. Keynote speaker and local historian Margo Arceri spoke of the remarkable life of Kate Wheeler Strong. There were raffles, awards and patriotic provisions provided by chief sponsor, David Prestia of Bagel Express. Costumes were optional but fun!  People came in Revolutionary War dress to make things more festive.  Sponsor Michael Rosengard of North Island Photography & Films created an art installation (that included Anna Smith Strong’s clothesline and more) and was the official event photographer. 

Recognized at the event for their historic preservation and education contributions were:  Margo Arceri, local historian/Tri-Spy Tours/Three Village Historical Society; Beverly C. Tyler, author/historian/Three Village Historical Society; and Gloria Rocchio, President of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. 

The Anna Smith Strong Chapter received Proclamations from NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich.

There was an entire ‘regiment’ of sponsors that helped guarantee the success of the event: Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Krista’s Design Studio, Margo Arceri, Scott Heaney Mill Creek Agency, Inc., Legislator Steve Englebright, The Setauket Neighborhood House, Guy Nicosia/ CEO Strategic Planning, Beth Shatles, Joe Ventimiglia Fine Art, P Mones and Herb Mones, Island Federal Credit Union, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Colleen Keneflick, Dr Nora Galambos, RADIANCE by the Harbor, and the Reboli Center for Art and History.  In addition, dozens of local businesses donated raffle prizes.  

Several of the community’s leading organizations showcased their activities, literature and programs in the Lakeside Room including the New York Marine Rescue, Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Three Village Community Trust, Three Village Garden Club, Reboli Center and the Rocky Point Historical Society who all shared information and more. 

Interest was ‘revolutionary’ – and the event quickly sold out. Money raised will go towards education, historic preservation and patriotic/veteran’s endeavors.  Check the DAR’s website for further information on the event or to see what will be happening during the upcoming year: https://annasmithstrongnsdar.org

Friends of the Greenway Chairman Charlie McAteer (left) and cleanup day volunteer David Wang (right) sort through debris from the trail. Photo by Caroline O’Callaghan

By Caroline O’Callaghan

On the morning of April 19, the Three Village Community Trust Friends of the Greenway gathered for its first monthly cleanup of the season, at the entrance of the New York State Department of Transportation parking lot in Port Jefferson Station.

Friends of the Greenway steward and cleanup day volunteer Susan Colatosti collects litter. Photo by Caroline O’Callaghan

Volunteers contributed their thoughts on how to best protect the environment of the almost 3-mile-long trail. Charlie McAteer, chairman of Friends of the Greenway, explained how waste management is dispersed among various municipalities throughout the trail. “When you talk about garbage cans, that’s a town garbage can, and that is collected by the town during the weekly garbage pickup,” McAteer said, pointing to a garbage can on a corner at the start of the trail.

“This is a NYSDOT garbage can, and they’ll come pick it up accordingly,” McAteer continued to explain, now pointing to the DOT’s garbage can be situated in the parking lot. 

The majority of the cross streets at the Greenway Trail have town garbage cans on each corner, which helps to reduce the mounting litter that gets accumulated during the off-season. However, some volunteers have resorted to handling the issue on their own, according to Greenway Trail steward of 20 years Susan Colatosti. 

“Whether it’s Earth Day or not, I’m out here. I walk it almost every day, and pick up litter as I go,” Colatosti said. When asked if plans to get more garbage cans for the trail were in the works, Colatosti stated that it was unlikely. “It’s already a job to get the town carter to pick them up on a regular basis. I’m sure they don’t want the responsibility of picking up more cans. Occasionally, I monitor it and I check if they haven’t been emptied, and I reach out to them [the town] to come and empty the overflowing garbage. I don’t think more cans are going to happen, but at least we have cans at most of the crossings, which is a big help.” 

Photo by Caroline O’Callaghan

In recent years, the trail has been extended to the North Shore Rail Trail in Wading River, which has prompted more organizations and town officials to get involved in its upkeep. Rotary Club of Port Jefferson Rotarian Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, NY4) came out to the cleanup to volunteer with her dog, Utah.

Kassay revealed a potential project to support cleanup efforts further, “I’ve been talking about an inter-rotary effort to perhaps put more dog bag stations throughout the Greenway — all the way from East Setauket well-beyond Port Jefferson, out East in the ‘new leg’ [Wading River] of the Greenway. It’s great to be a part of a group that’s just keeping this beautiful safe place for people to recreate and keep improving upon it.” 

Many of the volunteers who came out to the event were residents who expressed concern for the wildlife in which the trail houses, such as Friends of the Greenway Aaron Hoffman. “There’s tons of deer and birds. They have a beautiful life here,” said Hoffman, adding that the accessibility of the trail has allowed him to experience and stay connected to Port Jefferson Station. “Hopefully we can keep the Greenway around for years because not only do the animals need it, but we need it for our peace and serenity.”

For more information visit the Community Trust website: www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org.

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.

Sal Filosa and Jenny Bloom cut the ribbon for the new Teen Center at 205 Main Street on March 14. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

It’s been 10 years in the making but it was all worth it when the doors to the new Port Jefferson Free Library Teen Center swung open after a ribbon cutting event on March 14. A large crowd, including Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, attended the celebration which continued into the evening and at an Open House on March 15. 

According to a press release, the library purchased the 1812 Bayles house at 205 East Main Street 10 years ago with plans of turning the former “Scented Cottage” store into a Teen Center which had been operating out of a rental space across the street from the library.

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich present certificates to staff of the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

A designated “Safe Space,” the new Teen Center features “multiple small rooms offering teens the ability to browse the library’s book, video and game collections, get homework and college application help, play board and video games, access craft supplies or participate in the busy schedule of program offerings,” according to the release. The Center, which is geared for teens in grades 6-12, also features a 3-D printer, homework stations and laptop computers. 

Working with BBS Architecture and Belfor Property Restoration, the library preserved much of the building’s charm, including 5 fireplaces, a beehive oven, the front “Dutch Door,” and the original pine floors. A covered front porch was added after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a previously existing Greek Revival-style porch. Amendments include a wheelchair lift and wider doorways.

“The reputation of this institution transcends the boundaries of the village. This is a draw for kids not just in this community but all the surrounding communities. I want to thank you for putting this together and for doing it in such a sensitive way that it maintains the streetscape and the look and feel of the village; it is such a great enhancement,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

“I am so grateful to this library board, to the leadership here and to the community for having the foresight to obtain this historic building, maintain it and renovate so that it can continue to be part of the beating heart of our library system and be a safe, wonderful and fun place for the teens,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.

“… So proud to walk through these doors for the first time and see what’s inside. I want to use it! There’s a nook and cranny for everything. I’m so glad that my nieces and my nephews and their friends will be able to use it as they come through middle school into the high school … It’s an incredible facility and what a great resource for them,” said Mayor Sheprow, who went on to thank Head of Teen Services Sal Filosa and Library Director Jenny Bloom for bringing the Teen Center to fruition.

“Growing from our one-room rental space to multiple rooms with a covered porch offers a variety of spaces for teens to relax, do homework, play games, or create art. We hope they consider the Teen Center to be their new ‘home away from home,” said Filosa.

“The restoration of the Bayles House and development of the new Teen Center has been the dream of a decade of Board Trustees, Staff, and community members, and the Library is very proud to welcome the community to the grand opening, and for teens for generations to come,” added Bloom.

The Teen Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.

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.

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.”