Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th District-Merrick) announced this week that he is seeking a $5,000 New York State Senate grant for The Massapequa Senior Citizens Club.

"The senior citizens of Massapequa, many of whom have lived in the community for several years and raised their families here, gather together as a club to share in their friendship and enjoy activities together," said Fuschillo. "This grant will help pay for operational costs including bus transportation for club trips, lunches, and supplies for activities such as arts, crafts and games."

"Senior citizen organizations make possible a place where seniors can share their time and maintain their independence and I am pleased to have the opportunity to seek this grant on their behalf." Senator Fuschillo concluded.

Senator Fuschillo also announced that he is seeking a $5,000 New York State Senate Grant for the Women's Sports Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for girls and women in sports and fitness through education, advocacy, recognition and grants.

According to Fuschillo, the Foundation has been located in central Nassau County on Long Island, New York, where it promotes the collaboration and participation of the community in stressing fitness and health for women. "The Women's Sports Foundation is committed to providing enhanced sports and fitness opportunities which enable women to develop their athletic potential. It not only affords women these opportunities and advocates their increased participation, but it honors those young women who strive to excel in athletics with recognition and grants," he said.

"All of us at the Foundation are appreciative of Senator Fuschillo's commitment to providing increased and enhanced sports and fitness opportunities for girls," said Executive Director Donna Lopiano. "We are excited about the possibility of being awarded the grant to financially support girls' sports programs in Nassau County, and are pleased to have Senator Fuschillo so committed to our cause."

Senator Fuschillo also announced that the Higher Education Conference Committee has agreed to fully restore $102.5 million in funding to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for the coming 1999-2000 academic year.

"As a member of the Higher Education Budget Conference Committee and the Senate Standing Education Committee, I understand the importance of education and have fought to make certain New York has an educational system that is second-to-none," Senator Fuschillo said. "Our agreement to restore TAP will ensure that New York State will be able to continue to provide a world class education that is accessible to anyone who wants it."

The Tuition Assistance Program makes funds available to eligible state residents attending school at any college in New York State. The agreement reached by the joint Senate-Assembly Budget Conference Committee will be part of an overall budget agreement which the Legislature hopes to pass as early as next week.

"This agreement will help give students and parents peace-of-mind to enjoy their summer vacations and enable them to plan their financial budget effectively for the coming school year with the knowledge that TAP funding will be available to those who need it," said Fuschillo. "The TAP program is an important initiative and helping families afford college has always been my priority."