As part of his ongoing effort to encourage constituent involvement in the state's governmental process, Assemblyman Marc Herbst will hold a "Talk of the Town" session at the Green Point Savings Bank, 3721 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown on Oct. 19 from noon - 1 p.m. The session will provide an opportunity for local residents to meet with Herbst and his staff members to discuss issues of local and government concern and also provide informative government brochures. As is his custom, Herbst said these meetings will be informal and that there is no issue of concern to local residents too trivial to discuss. "I encourage anyone with even a passing interest in the workings of their government to take advantage of this opportunity to air their views and discuss their concerns."

Herbst added that his constituents can always contact him at his office at 183 Broadway, Room 310, in Hicksville, or by phone at 938-3168.

"I work hard to be accessible to local constituents," said Herbst, "and these informal meetings are the best way I know of to increase my availability to them."

"The children of New York State are our most precious resources, and it is important that we make sure that they have quality health care," said Assemblywoman Kate Murray. "That is why I am happy to announce that the state child health insurance program has expanded to include more children and services."

Since 1990, New York State has offered a health insurance plan called Child Health Plus to help low-to-middle income families afford health insurance coverage for their children. To date, according to information provided by the governor's office, over 200,000 children statewide have been enrolled in this outstanding program, explained Murray.

The Child Health Plus program serves families with children under the age of 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid. Services covered include: well-child care, physicals, immunizations, treatment of illness and injury, X-rays and lab tests, outpatient surgery, emergency care, prescription drugs, inpatient hospital care, short-term therapeutic services and outpatient treatment for alcoholism, substance abuse and mental health.

"This is an outstanding program that will now be able to help more children and provide more services to our state's children," said Murray.

Due to an agreement between the legislature and Gov. George Pataki, this program has been expanded. Starting Jan. 1, 1999 dental, vision, speech and hearing services, as well as durable medical equipment such as hearing devices, wheelchairs and leg braces will be covered by Child Health Plus.

"Over the last three years, the amount of state funds have tripled and enrollment doubled. Together with federal funding, we are working to increase coverage to 400,000 children, leaving no child without insurance."

Child Health Plus ensures that parents are able to take care of their children, even during difficult financial times. This improved plan was enacted with the goal of ultimately providing health insurance coverage for all of our state's children. By providing quality health insurance for our children, we are helping provide them with a better quality of life.

Families interested in the Child Health Plus insurance plan, can call the program's toll-free number (1-800-698-4543) for further information.