Assemblyman Steve Labriola announced he is calling for an expansion of the newly created New York state "Amber Alert" program to include email and phone alerts to residents to help rescue abducted children, as well as provide early warning of disasters and terrorist attacks.

According to Labriola, "Amber Alert" broadcast information about missing children on radio and television stations throughout the state. Resources of several different New York state agencies - including the Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority and Division of the Lottery - post relevant information on highway signs, at toll booths, on message boards and through law enforcement officials.

"It is my hope that by expanding all areas of communications we will be able to find a missing child more quickly. With all the recent child abductions, we have learned one very important thing - time is critical to the safe return of a child. We need to inform the public to better protect our family," said the legislator.

Labriola noted in the coming weeks, Assembly Republicans plan to introduce legislation that will put in place a statewide system of mass communication to New York state residents in the event of a major catastrophe. This legislation would require the state to implement the telephone and email alert system as quickly as possible.