Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced recently that the New York State Senate passed legislation that makes New York's military personnel called to duty and their families eligible for a broad array of new benefits and protections.

"We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to New York's military servicemen and women who, when duty calls, put their lives on held and leave their families and jobs to protect the freedom we enjoy," said Fuschillo. "I am honored to sponsor this historic package of benefits for these dedicated men and women and their families. This initiative will help ease their burden during difficult times, as well as provide peace of mind. It's a fitting and long overdue 'thank you' for the sacrifices they make."

Included in the Senate package are bills that would help families stay in touch with loved ones by enabling them to use the video teleconferencing facilities at New York National Guard Armories to communicate with military personnel overseas, as well as providing assistance for mailing packages and lower cost telephone rates for military personnel; provide financial support through supplemental pay for state employees on active duty to make up any difference between military pay and their regular job salary; establish a college scholarship program for children, spouses and dependents of New York military personnel killed during the war on terror or against Iraq; and provide other important financial assistance and protections against discrimination.

There are almost 4,000 National Guard troops from New York on State and Federal active duty in New York, in other parts of the U.S. and overseas. Since September 11, 2002, more than 14,000 members of the New York National Guard's 17,000 troops have been called to active duty. The bill was sent to the Assembly.

Senator Fuschillo, Jr. announced recently that legislation he sponsored that would allow Nassau County to regulate the registration of taxicab and limousine companies passed the New York State Senate and Assembly. Currently, only villages, towns and cities have the authority to regulate taxi and limousine companies and as a result of a New York City campaign to regulate illegal cabs, there has been an increase in the number of illegal taxi services in Nassau County.

The Nassau Taxi Owners Association estimates that there are at least half as many licensed companies operating as there are licensed companies countywide. Larry Blessinger, president of the Nassau Taxi Owners Association, recently told the New York Times that unlicensed taxi companies often lack insurance and are operated by drivers who do not necessarily have safe driving records. In addition, the unregistered companies are able to charge lower fare prices due to a low overhead, afforded to them by not paying taxes, thus placing compliant companies at a disadvantage.

"When a person utilizes a taxi service, they are entrusting the driver of the vehicle with their well-being," said Fuschillo, chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee. "If the service is a fraudulent business and is unregistered with the county, then that trust is compromised, and the consumer is at risk."

According to Fuschillo, when signed into law, this legislation will create a uniform county registration allowing riders to easily identify legitimate taxis, providing enhance consumer and safety protections.

"This legislation will enhance the safety of the riding public by helping to ensure that only legitimate, licensed companies transport consumers to their desired destinations," said Roger Bogsted, Nassau County's commissioner of Consumer Affairs.