New York State Senators from Nassau County, joined by the MTA Police Benevolent Association, last week presented approximately 1,500 used cell phones that have been reprogrammed to dial 911 only, to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos (Rockville Centre - 9th Senate District), Senator Kemp Hannon (Garden City - 6th S.D.), Senator Carl Marcellino (Oyster Bay - 5th S.D.), Senator Michael Balboni (Mineola - 7th S.D.) and Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (Merrick - 8th S.D.) joined efforts and opened their district offices as drop-off locations for used cellular phones. During the month long campaign, MTA Police Officers loaned their support and collected more used phones at LIRR stations throughout Long Island.

Working with Bell Atlantic Mobile's "Wireless at Work" Recycling Program, the phones will only dial out 9-1-1 and will be distributed through the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and placed into the hands of domestic violence victims.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services reported that in 1996, 179,000 emergency 9-1-1 calls were made statewide with reports of domestic violence disputes and in 1997, over 9,000 Orders of Protection were known to be violated statewide. Overall, in 1997, DCJS surveys show that police reported over 100,000 reports involving domestic disputes with over 5,000 occurring in Nassau County alone. The Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates that an adult female was the victim in more than 80 percent of these offenses. Furthermore, DCJS reports show a steady increase has occurred in arrests for domestic disputes due to New York State law requiring a mandatory arrest in certain domestic disputes and also due to increased education about the issue.

"The largest population of women being stalked and terrorized in this country are those being stalked by their abusers. These 9-1-1 cell phones will provide one more important measure to take away the abuser's power over his victim. This initiative of the Nassau County State Senators, MTA Police and Bell Atlantic Mobile to supply the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence with cell phones, is another example of the community's response to domestic violence," said Susan Hirschstein, director of Residential Services, Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Senator Fuschillo said, "I would like to thank LMN Publications and the MTA Police for assisting my colleagues and me to collect these cell phones; Cablevision and WALK for spreading the word about our 9-1-1 cell phone drive across Long Island, and Bell Atlantic Mobile for extending their services in reprogramming these phones to help victims of domestic violence. Many women who were once afraid to venture from their homes in fear of violence, may now have peace of mind knowing that law enforcement is just a phone call away."

Senator Skelos said, "These old cell phones have become lifesavers for women in need. I want to thank everybody who brought in an expendable cellular phone to donate it to this valuable program. This recycling program just proves the old axiom - one person's trash is another person's treasure."

Senator Hannon said, "Our cell phone drive led by Senator Fuschillo has proven very successful. I am pleased and grateful to our constituents that we were able to collect a substantial amount of phones for donation to victims of domestic violence. It eases all of our minds to know that the mobile 9-1-1 phones will allow those at risk to complete their daily routines in a more secure way."

Senator Marcellino said, "In an effort to arm victims of domestic violence and reassure their safety, I, along with my fellow Nassau County Senate colleagues, opened our district offices as drop-off locations for used cellular phones for reprogramming. Participation in the program by the people of Long Island was nothing short of astounding. With the help of donations from organizations such as the Greater New York Hospital Association, these cellular phones will be distributed to victims of domestic violence and provide immediate help."

Senator Balboni said. "For many of us, cellular phones are a great convenience in our everyday lives. But for victims of domestic violence, a cell phone could mean the difference between life and death. Through their cell phone donations, Long Islanders have once again demonstrated their compassion and commitment to those in need of protection."

Ray Gimmler, president, MTA PBA said, "I am pleased to take part in Senator Fuschillo's and the Nassau Senate delegation's potentially life-saving endeavor. I would also like to thank police officers Wyckoff, Murray, and Noens whose hard work and dedication have helped make this program a success. In addition, on behalf of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Benevolent Association, I am proud to donate $1,000 to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence."

Duncan Milloy, Bell Atlantic Mobile's executive director of marketing said, "The Wireless at Work Phone Recycling Program has been hugely successful. More than 2,000 phones have been collected so far throughout the New York metro area. When Bell Atlantic Mobile began this program in January, we hoped that community-minded individuals and groups would embrace it exactly the way the senators from Nassau County and the MTA Police have. The effort has been a win-win for everyone involved."

Senator Fuschillo last week also expressed his profound gratitude to his colleagues in both state Senate and Assembly for passing of overdue legislation that will for the first time grant a real property tax exemption to those veterans awarded an Expeditionary Medal.

The Expeditionary Medal is an award for members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, have participated in a US Military Operation, an operation in direct support of the United Nations or an operation of assistance for a friendly foreign nation in which they encountered foreign armed opposition, or were placed in a position that hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent.

Senator Fuschillo proclaimed, "I am very proud that the state Senate and Assembly have overwhelmingly voted in favor of giving our state's veterans this small token of appreciation for their dedicated service in defense of our country."

"The real property tax exemption for Expeditionary Medal recipients will allow these worthy public servants to enjoy an additional 10 percent real property tax exemption currently enjoyed by other veterans who served in times of conflict," Senator Fuschillo said.

The bill will be sent to Governor Pataki for his consideration.