Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District - Merrick) announced today that he will be welcoming Lt. Governor Mary O. Donohue to Merrick Avenue Middle School on Wednesday, May 26, 1999 to host a public hearing on her School Violence Task Force.

"In light of recent events suddenly and tragically occurring in our nation's classrooms, Lt. Governor Donohue has been hosting hearings throughout the state to hear and help develop aggressive new ways to rid schools of violence and ensure every New York child a safe environment in which to learn," said Senator Fuschillo, who is a member of the Senate Education Committee.

"I look forward to working to find real solutions to this very serious problem," said Lt. Governor Donohue, a mother of two children and a former public school teacher. "Our most important goal is to develop a series of recommendations that will address school violence and make sure our schools are safe havens for learning and growth. Our children deserve nothing less."

According to Senator Fuschillo, Lt. Governor Donohue's task force is comprised of highly qualified individuals from throughout the state who have experience as parents, teachers, students, administrators, community leaders and law enforcement officials. The panel is holding hearings across the state over the next several months before making its recommendations to Governor Pataki.

Senator Fuschillo said the hearings will begin at 3:30. For further information, please call his office at (516) 546-4100.