Assemblyman Marc Herbst announced recently that there will be a public hearing on Monday, March 18 at 10 a.m. at the Suffolk County Legislature Auditorium to discuss the proposed Senate and Assembly district lines.

The Suffolk County Legislature Auditorium is located at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway in Smithtown. Proposed maps can be viewed at www.latfor.state.ny.us.

"I encourage all residents to attend this critical hearing," said Herbst. "It is important that we hear public comment because testimony being presented will impact final decisions on how citizens and communities will be represented at the state level of government for the next 10 years."

According to Herbst, those wishing to testify must:

* Provide 10 written copies of their testimony to the task force at the hearing;

* Limit oral testimony to five minutes; and,

* Contact the task force by March 17, indicating an interest in testifying at the hearing by calling 1-(212) 618-1100.

Anyone who cannot attend the hearing, but would like to go on record can submit testimony to: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, Suite 2100, 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.

For additional information, contact Assemblyman Herbst's office at 938-3168.