Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) is calling upon all residents to help erect a national memorial honoring World War II veterans. According to Fuschillo, the World War II Memorial, which is being funded through public and private contributions, would be located on 7.4 acres of the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. A Registry of Remembrances, listing the names of all New Yorkers and Americans who participated in the war effort, will be permanently displayed as part of the monument and display.

"The goal is to raise $1 for every veteran who served in World War II nationwide," he said. "To honor the 1.7 million World War II veterans from the State of New York, my Senate colleagues and I have pledged $850,000 towards the effort."

"The men and women who served our country during World War II risked their lives to ensure our safety and liberty," he added. "Many made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home to their families and loved ones. We owe all who served their country, either at home during the war effort or overseas, a tremendous debt of gratitude for their dedication and courage. A national monument recognizing those who volunteered and helped us achieve victory is a fitting and proper tribute to their heroic efforts and sacrifices."

"Please contact my office at 546-4100 for a brochure with architectural drawings of the monument and information about how you can support this fitting memorial," Fuschillo said.

Senator Fuschillo also announced that he is cosponsoring legislation that aims to serve as a way to guarantee that the New York State Banking Department cannot lift the current fee ceiling of $15 that New York State chartered banks can charge for returned checks.

Fuschillo, who serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection, stated, "I am adamant in my decision to see that consumers are protected. Previously, when I first heard of the Banking Department's proposal, I had publicly called on Acting Superintendent of Banks Elizabeth McCaul to cease efforts to have the fee cap lifted. This was done in light of the seemingly obvious harmful consequences it will have on the average consumer. Statistics that have only recently come to light predict that banks only pay from .50 up to $1.50 to process a returned check. With that in mind it seems that $15 is enough of a charge."

He concluded, "I had previously held out hope that the Banking Department would act in accordance with my initial request. When they did not, I felt that my obligation to the consumers of New York State required me to propose legislation to correct this injustice."