Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced his success in procuring a $10,000 grant for Progressive School of Long Island that will be utilized for new office equipment and the creation and maintenance of their website to serve educational needs of the students and promote community service.

Progressive School, a private school located in Merrick, is best known for its individualized program based on the students' level and its small teacher to student ratio. "This unique educational method provides an environment where students thrive and love to go to school," said Eric Jacobson, director. "We are grateful to Senator Fuschillo for his continued support of Progressive School. His funding helps us to create the best learning environment for our students."

"Progressive School has a successful record that helps its students reach their fullest potential," said Fuschillo. "I am please to have won this grant in continuing the students' abilities and its successes."

Senator Fuschillo announced recently his success in securing a $15,000 grant for the Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS). According to Fuschillo, this money will be used to meet an increased demand for programs of child abuse prevention and child safety.

"In the aftermath of Sept. 11, the number of requests for all of the programs that CAPS provides has increased. The funding from the grant won by Senator Fuschillo will help to ensure that children on Long Island will be kept out of harm's way," said Alane Fagin, executive director of CAPS. "We are immensely appreciative of Senator Fuschillo's efforts and his compassion for the children of our community."

"Children who are abused and mistreated have a very powerful ally in CAPS," said Fuschillo. "CAPS will do everything in their control to ensure child safety on Long Island."

Senator Fuschillo announced his success in obtaining a $2,500 grant for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). According to the Senator, this money will help fund a conference for the education of parents whose children are afflicted by ADHD.

CHADD is a nationally recognized not-for-profit organization, which was created over a decade ago in order to enrich and assist the lives of people affected by Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by providing information and opportunities to meet with representatives of the community and professional resources.

According to CHADD, ADHD is present in three to five percent of school aged children and generally characterized by distractibility and inattention. It may include mood swings, short tempers and defiance. Treatment includes education, skills training, redemption and symptom maintenance.

"The annual conference held by CHADD is an essential part of the services that they provide in educating parents of children affected by ADHD," said Fuschillo. "This conference is a valuable resource so parents can provide extra care and needed services for their children."

Senator Fuschillo announced recently that the New York State Senate gave final legislative passage to a bill that would crack down on predatory lending, a major consumer protection priority for senior citizens in New York State.

"This legislation would protect consumers in the sub-prime lending market and prevent unscrupulous lenders from preying on seniors," Fuschillo said. "It will put an end to unscrupulous lenders who take advantage of senior citizens by using deceptive and high pressure marketing tactics, or charging exorbitantly high interest rates and fees, which can lead many unsuspecting homeowners into foreclosure."

This legislation would close loopholes in state laws by prohibiting practices frequently used by predatory lenders. It would also:

* Provide additional disclosures to consumers;

* Provide for an affirmative defense in the case of foreclosure;

* Require all high cost-home loans to have a legend on the top of the mortgage indicating that it is a high cost-home loan;

* Provide enforcement powers to the Attorney General and the state banking superintendent;

* Allow for a private right of action against the lender or mortgage broker within six years of the origination of the loan and require those who violate the law to be liable to the borrower for actual damages and statutory damages;

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

In addition, the Senate passed a Chapter Amendment (S.7840) to address concerns raised regarding the potential impact of predatory lending legislation on the banking industry to ensure that legitimate lenders may continue to offer sub-prime loans to consumers.