Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell is encouraging all high school juniors and seniors to enter the sixth annual college scholarship essay competition sponsored by the New York State American-Irish Legislators Society.

The competition is open to all New York State high school juniors and seniors who expect to graduate by June 2005 or 2006. Awards will be made based on the submission of a 1,000-word essay entitled, "The Impact of the Irish on Politics in America." There is a first place award of $1,500 and $750 for second place. A letter of nomination from a teacher or guidance counselor must accompany all entries.

According to O'Connell, this is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the influence and effect the Irish had on politics in America, and to gain financial support to attend an accredited college in New York State.

For more information or an entry form with details about mailing in submissions, call Assemblywoman O'Connell's district office at 739-5119 or speak with guidance counselors at area high schools. All entries must be postmarked by April 15.

The Empire Zone program has helped communities thrive and businesses grow across the state, resulting in a boon to local and state economies. Since its inception 18 years ago, more than 71,000 jobs have been created. There are 72 Empire Zones in New York. More than 9,000 certified businesses, employing about 300,000 people, are benefiting from Empire Zone business and tax incentives.

Empire Zones, administered through the Empire State Development Corporation, provide business-friendly combinations of tax reductions, energy savings and other incentives to encourage businesses to locate or expand in New York and create jobs. They've helped attract many businesses to New York. But not everyone has profited from the program's benefits. Eleven counties are still without an Empire Zone, including Nassau County. This puts our communities at a severe disadvantage with surrounding counties because we're not able to offer the same job creation and economic development incentives.

In today's marketplace, we're not competing for businesses on a state level or even a national level. Rather, we're challenged on a global level. Business owners want to locate their companies where they can receive the best and most incentives. The Empire Zone program gives companies the incentives they are looking for, but our county isn't able to take advantage of the program and benefits.

My fellow legislators in Albany tell me of success stories about what this program has done for their districts. Now it's time for residents and officials of the 17th Assembly District to gain an advantage by offering prospective businesses the same great benefits they can receive in 51 other counties of the state - including Suffolk County.

I've also pledged to make certain the Empire Zone program continues. The program is to expire March 31 unless the state legislature takes action. It's important that we enact the necessary legislation to renew it. Governor George Pataki has included a five-year extension of the program in his proposed 2005-06 executive budget. The legislature needs to follow his lead and include it in a final, approved state budget.

Extending and expanding this program is essential to give New York a competitive edge on the global level, help our economy flourish and provide jobs for all New Yorkers.