Assemblyman Tom McKevitt will be holding a meeting to teach seniors about the logistics of the Medicare drug plan. The supplemental prescription drug coverage is confusing to many, and McKevitt is teaming up with Medicare representatives to help inform the public about how the system works.

"Prescription drug coverage is vital to the health and well-being of many seniors," McKevitt said. "Unfortunately, many people do not understand how Medicare Part D works. That is why I want to keep the public informed and ensure that they get the most out of this program."

The seminar will be held at American Legion Post 144 on Willis Avenue in Williston Park. McKevitt, along with Medicare Today representatives, will be available from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 21.

In order to help fill out forms, participants should bring their Medicare ID number, effective date of their part A or B coverage, ZIP code and current drug coverage plan.

"We will be available to help seniors fill out their forms so that they can get their information in before the May 15 deadline," McKevitt said. "This is a great opportunity and I want everyone to take advantage of it. I understand why it has been perceived as a confusing program, and that is why I want to help end the confusion."

This year's state budget will include a $1.1 billion increase in funding for education, a record amount. Assemblyman Tom McKevitt has worked to assure that schools in Nassau get their fair share of funding for a successful school year. Schools in Nassau County will receive over $681 million, $62 million more than last year.

• $94.6 million in aid will go to public libraries and $59.7 million will be provided to prevent a $500 SUNY tuition increase. Additional money is also slated for teacher training programs and children's education and learning programs.

"Providing our teachers with continuing education will allow them to stay current with today's technology," McKevitt said. "This will in turn, give them the opportunity to teach our children for tomorrow's challenges, to prepare them for a world that is constantly changing and moving forward."

• $37 million will go to Teacher Resource and Computer Training Centers, which provide additional training and assistance to teachers and $6 million will be given to the Teacher Mentor Intern program.

• $2.6 billion is set for the Expanding Our Children's Education & Learning (EXCEL) capital program. "I am glad to say that we were able to achieve both of our fundamental goals," McKevitt added. "Increased funding for schools and lower property tax bills."

Schools will also receive $805 million to fund a new STAR rebate program to provide additional property tax relief. "We will bring a larger share of education funding to downstate," McKevitt said. "It seems that our schools often get the short end of the stick, however, this year I assure you that they will receive the aid they need so that we can provide our children with the best education possible."