Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced that he introduced legislation that would assist members of burial societies in being interred when no society officer can be located. The legislation passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly and has been delivered to Governor Pataki for his review.

Úquot;Senator Fuschillo has provided a great service for people who in their time of loss sometimes face horrendous difficulties in arranging the burial of a loved one. This bill would alleviate many of the difficulties families face at a time when they are coping with the pain of losing a loved one,Úquot; said Rabbi Charles Klein of the Merrick Jewish Centre.

Burial societies were first established approximately 150 years ago to provide cemetery plots and burial benefits for their members. However, cemeteries can only perform a burial on society grounds if a society officer gave written consent. Over time, many of these societies have become nonexistent and the officers have either moved from the area or passed away without providing adequate arrangements for the remaining members to use the plots that have been reserved for them. The result is that when a society member passes away, the family must go through the painful ordeal of trying to locate an officer to authorize the burial and in many instances one cannot be found. In such cases, the cemetery and the family are both faced with a dilemma over whether the burial can take place.

Fuschillo's legislation would permit cemeteries to perform burials when a grave has been reserved for an individual, but no society member can be reached to authorize the burial. In addition, it shields the cemetery and the funeral director from any claims or litigation connected with permitting the burial.

Úquot;Losing a loved one is a very painful experience and should not have to be compounded by worrying about whether the person's burial arrangements can be carried out in an appropriate time period,Úquot; said Fuschillo. Úquot;This legislation will spare family members from the painful ordeal of having their loved one's burial denied because no society officer can be found.Úquot;

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. recently voted for legislation, which was passed by the New York State Senate, that would provide $1.3 billion in property tax rebates for homeowners in New York State.

Úquot;High property taxes are forcing many individuals to leave Long Island because they can't afford to live here and that is unacceptable,Úquot; said Fuschillo. Úquot;This legislation will help reduce some of that financial burden by providing much-needed tax relief. I am proud to support this legislation and I remain committed to continue providing tax relief for the residents of Long Island. I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to pass this important legislation.Úquot;

The plan would send rebates of nearly $1 billion in school property tax relief checks directly to homeowners across the state when phased in over five years, in addition to the current STAR exemption. The remaining funds would be used to provide tax relief in New York City. The savings would offset the effects of inflation on the original STAR program and would be phased in at an accelerated rate for seniors.

The legislation also simplifies the flow of funds more directly to taxpayers. Following the original implementation of the STAR program, many local school districts increased spending and masked that spending's impact on taxpayers' bills with the STAR savings. By providing this relief directly to homeowners in the form of rebate checks, rather than through school districts, homeowners will immediately and clearly realize the savings in the form of a check in hand.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.