From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: April 23, 2010

Calls for Conference Committees to Resolve Budget Differences, Stop Political Games

“I, and many of my colleagues, have become frustrated by the lack of action on finalizing a budget. That is why we called upon Senate and Assembly leaders to immediately convene conference committees in order to hammer out our remaining differences and get a responsible plan approved.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson

Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Calculator Launched

Senator Craig M. Johnson announces the launch of an online calculator that will show how much your family could save under the “Circuit Breaker” tax credit program that recently passed the Senate.

He additionally urges the Assembly to take action on this critically important legislation.

Legionnaires Log: April 16, 2010

Days of Remembrance

April 11 was Holocaust Remembrance Day, part of a week-long remembrance established by the U.S. Congress to never forget the victims of the Nazi Holocaust which the Nazis called “The Final Solution” to exterminate all European Jews and other unacceptable groups. During and before World War II, over six million Jews were murdered in Nazi death camps such as Treblinka and Auschwitz. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. is asking Americans to honor veterans who defeated the Nazis and liberated the death camps. On Sunday, April 25 the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County in Glen Cove is having a Walk To Remember the Children of the Holocaust. Their website is www.Holocaust-Nassau.org.

Legionnaires Log: April 9, 2010

Third Division Caucus

Hicksville Post Commander Charles Rockwood, John Mauro PC and Greg Bennett attended the 3rd Division Caucus of the Nassau County American Legion held on Wednesday, March 31 at the Williston Post #144. All the 3rd Division Post delegates gathered before 3rd Division Commander James Barton to nominate 3rd Division officer for next Legion year and to pass resolutions for this year’s County Convention. The 3rd Division is often referred to as the “ Mighty 3rd,” with its 20 Posts and over 2,300 Legionnaires. It was a proud moment when Past County Commander Arlene Howard, of our Post, was nominated to be the 10th District Sergeant at Arms. The 10th District is made up of all Legion Posts in Nassau County, Suffolk County and Queens County. County Commander Ned Yost and his staff and Past County Commanders attended the caucus.

Letter: Is the Internet Safe for Children?

I was very sad to read about the recent suicide of a teenage girl due to Internet bullying. I wonder how can people be so cruel? Unfortunately, there are many cruel people in the world who get their kicks by hurting others. Or, they may have mental illness.

Letter: Supports Increasing Cigarette Tax

Last week I traveled with the American Heart Association to Albany to let our representatives know what they can do to help in the fight against heart disease, the No. 1 killer of New Yorkers. I survived my heart attack but many won’t.

Legionnaires Log: April 2, 2010

Commemorating National Medal of Honor Day

March 25, 2010

Greg Bennett of Charles Wagner Post 421 attended the National Medal of Honor Day Program held at the Long Island National Cemtery in Farmingdale, New York on March 25, 2010. The ceremony was hosted by the Long Island National Cemetery Memorial Organization. The program chairman was Moe Fletcher, a Gold Star Parent.

Letter: Mangano’s State of the County Speech

During County Executive Ed Mangano’s State of the County speech this week, he outlined a long list of goals - fixing assessment, cutting waste, creating jobs, rebuilding our parks and even exploring the possibility of a tunnel to Connecticut. All I care about is, how is he going to lower our taxes!

Letter: Include Your Pets in Disaster Plans

Many LI residents were taken by surprise by last weekend’s storm and had no plan for their pets when they evacuated. This is a wakeup call given the predictions for a more active than normal Hurricane Season. Now is the time to make family evacuation plans including your pet.

From Long Island Wins: March 19, 2010

Immigration Reform Will Create a
Level Playing Field for All Workers

This past Friday morning, three immigrant worker advocates left the parking lot of the Hempstead Home Depot and started walking toward Queens.

When they reached Queens, they continued walking to Brooklyn. From Brooklyn, to Staten Island. On foot. And they didn’t stop there.