Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., has announced today that more than 7,000 students throughout his district have climbed aboard his annual Summertime Reading Railroad. Senator Fuschillo's reading program encourages students to read at least three books during the summer months other than those required for school.

According to Fuschillo, children who come aboard the Reading Railroad will receive a "Summertime Reading Railroad Travel Diary" to keep track of the books they read and describe their experience. When completed, students can send their Travel Diary to Fuschillo and they will be awarded a special New York State Senate certificate commending them on a job well done.

"As parents of two young children, my wife and I encourage our children to not only be physically active during the summer months through outdoor activities but, to also take the time to expand their knowledge and imaginations through reading," Fuschillo said. "Reading is a great habit for children to start and I want to help encourage them in ways that they will discover its rewards."

Participation in the program will not only improve a child's reading skills, but also help develop a positive attitude toward books. Fuschillo has presented his program to all elementary schools within the 8th Senate District. To receive a Summertime Reading Railroad packet, please call Senator Fuschillo at 546-4100.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. has announced that he supported a 'Road Rage' education bill which passed the senate and will provide preventative road rage education about the dangers of overreacting behind the wheel.

"With the exception of drunk driving road rage is the most serious traffic safety problem in New York State," Fuschillo said. "Education is a proactive method to teach people that road rage can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly."

According to Fuschillo, this bill would require that pre-licensing and defensive driving courses include a section on road rage awareness and explain the causes of rage and the increased penalties for accidents where road rage was a contributing factor. In addition, the bill would require at least one road rage question be included on driving tests.

Fuschillo cited a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) which found that reported road rage incidents have increased 51 percent since 1990 in which 37 percent of offenders used firearms, 28 percent used other weapons and 35 percent used their vehicles. The AAA study also concluded that an average of at least 1,500 people are injured or killed in the United States each year as a result of aggressive driving.

"Despite the fact that there is limited awareness about the seriousness of this issue throughout the state, the only way to combat this problem is through greater education on the consequences and hazards of driving under the influence of road rage, Fuschillo said.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr has announced that the New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation that he sponsored at the request of Nassau County Legislator Ed Ward which will allow for Cedar Creek Park to obtain an additional 19 acres of park land previously under the domain of the New York State Department of Transportation.

"Legislator Ward and I saw the opportunity to secure valuable Nassau County park land to further protect the environment and give residents more natural space to enjoy with their families and children," Fuschillo said. "The overwhelming support from my Senate colleagues throughout the State supports our vision to protect our environment here on Long Island."

According to Fuschillo, this bill will authorize the DOT to transfer 19 acres of land within Cedar Creek Park to the Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation thereby allowing the additional park land to be enjoyed by all residents.

"Years ago, this land was originally set aside to eventually connect the Wantagh State Parkway and the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway," Fuschillo said. "It will no doubt be better utilized and cherished by the residents of Nassau County preserved in its natural beauty."