Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. announced recently that the New York State Senate and Assembly each approved a four-part legislative initiative designed to facilitate Nassau County's fiscal recovery.

"Nassau County's representatives in the State Legislature possess a long record of partnering across party lines in service of our shared constituency," Fuschillo said. "Together, we have diligently sought to address the county's ongoing fiscal situation and ensure the continuation of vital services for residents. As such, these measures will empower the county to take such actions deemed necessary to restore its fiscal health, while including crucial protections for taxpayers."

Fuschillo said the State Senate and Assembly passed the following legislation:

1. S.7518-A/A.1163-A: Reforms the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency and establishes the requisite accountability by placing the Agency directly within the County Executive's control. Between 2002 and 2005, this will save Nassau County approximately $7.5 million.

2. S.7532-A/A.11634-A: Exempts eligible senior citizens from the County government's proposed 2003 real property tax increase. The exemption's eligibility requirements will mirror those established for New York State's Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) program.

3. S.7698-A/A.11748-A: Dramatically alters the tax assessment and certiorari process that, in large part, is responsible for the County's existing debt. As a result, the County will have the ability to effectively address its backlogged certiorari responsibilities and outmoded assessment system. Specifically, the County will have one year to review grievances and achieve settlements before triggering its refund obligations. Between 2002 and 2005, this will save Nassau County approximately $39 million.

4. S.7636-A/A.11699-A: Expands the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority's (NIFA) bonding authority, as granted through its enacting legislation. At present, NIFA may issue up to $415 million in State-supported bonds to repay the County's outstanding tax certiorari debt. This legislation provides NIFA with an additional $790 million in bonding authority, thereby covering the balance of Nassau County's $1.2 billion in tax refund obligations. The enactment of this legislation will enable Nassau County to retire this outstanding tax certiorari debt in 2016 - or eight years prior to the original 2024 date - saving Nassau County taxpayers nearly $300 million in interest payments.

According to Fuschillo, Nassau County has received $50 million in State assistance through the $105 million in NIFA/aid package championed by the Nassau State Legislative Delegation in 2000. Further, the State will provide Nassau County with $20 million this year and $15 million in each of the next two fiscal years. The tax certiorari/assessment review legislation will enable the County to receive the remaining $5 million in State funding specifically earmarked to advance such reforms.

In addition, the Delegation has secured $29 million in additional State funding for Long lsland Bus since 2000. These resources have ensured the continuation of uninterrupted service for the system's more than 100,000 daily riders and offset corresponding aid reductions from the County.

Fuschillo said that earlier this year the Delegation fought to establish an early retirement incentive program to assist the County's workforce reduction efforts. Through this State law, the County is projected to save $42.9 million (through 2005), thereby avoiding hundreds of potential layoffs. This legislation will also enable the County to mitigate all immediate costs associated with the early retirement program through the issuance of NIFA-supported bonds.

Through this year's State Budget the County will also receive $3.3 million (from 2002-05) in additional aid from the newly created Statewide 911 program and roughly $2.65 million in State revenue sharing. The Budget also allocates almost $54 million in Consolidated Local Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding to Nassau County.

"By working together, Nassau County's Senate and Assembly Delegation provide a model for the success that can be achieved through bipartisan cooperation, an unwavering commitment to those we represent and an understanding that people and policy are more important than politics," Fuschillo said. "Following the conclusion of the Legislative Session, we will continue analyzing the County Executive's Sewer and Storm Water Authority proposal as a Delegation, and will work to develop a comprehensive solution that addresses the County's needs."

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. recently announced a new state law regulating the care of animals by pet dealers that will raise the standards of care for animals living in pet stores. Previous law required that an animal show signs of neglect before action could be taken.

The new law provides another avenue to make complaints if animals are being kept in unacceptable conditions. The new minimum requirements for pet stores housing an animal stipulate that the cage's surface cannot retain fluid or odor and the cage must be of sufficient size to allow the animal to make postural adjustments, such as lying down, standing up, or sitting with legs outstretched. Cages must also have adequate ventilation and the air-temperature must be moderate and compatible with the well-being of the animal. Cages must allow for elimination of wastes in such a way that the animal does not come in contact with it. Animals in the care of a pet store should be given fresh water as well as fed at least twice in a 24-hour period. Dealers are also now required to provide veterinary care without delay when it is necessary.

"For most people, a pet is another member of their family," said Fuschillo. By requiring better care of animals, we raise our community standards of decency."

The law will be enforced by the Division of Animal Industry of the Agriculture and Markets Department. To report a complaint, call the department's office at 1-(518) 485-7728 or 1-(518) 457-3502.